Duende

For a taste of Spain in Oakland, Duende is the name that rolls of most residents' tongues. The neighborhood restaurant in Oakland's Uptown district boasts a spacious interior, one wall lined with bottles of wine while the other sports a brightly colored, geometric design. But you'll likely be paying more attention to the food than the ambience. A hearty tapas menu includes classic items like crispy patatas bravas, pressed melons with air-cured beef and padrones fritatas, while larger dishes feature paella, fideua and skirt steak. Pair your meal with one of Duende's cocktails or Spanish wines, including 15 sherries by the glass.