Duende

468 19th St, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
+1 510-893-0174
$$$
(583 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

If you're on the hunt for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Duende in Oakland, CA. This charming restaurant effortlessly blends vibrant Spanish culture with a modern twist, making it a must-visit for culinary adventurers and comfort food lovers alike.

Duende specializes in authentic Spanish cuisine, featuring an enticing array of pintxos and tapas that tantalize the taste buds and celebrate the true essence of Spanish dining. The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming, with a cozy layout that invites intimate gatherings as well as lively celebrations. Whether you choose to dine downstairs amidst the bustling energy or ascend to the quieter upstairs area, the ambiance sets the stage for an extraordinary meal.

When it comes to popular dishes, Duende doesn’t hold back. Start your culinary journey with the Patatas Bravas—crispy potatoes served with a spicy aioli that perfectly balances heat and flavor. For something refreshing, you can’t miss the Ensalada De Col, renowned for its delightful combination of savoy cabbage, mahón cheese, and anchovy-stuffed green olives, all enhanced by a sprinkle of pistachios. And for those craving a hearty sandwich, the Torta De Pollo Frito is a standout, featuring spicy fried chicken nestled between housemade focaccia and accompanied by flavorful jardinièra and piquillo aioli.

The dessert menu is equally enticing. Treat yourself to Chocolate Fleur De Sel Cookies or indulge in the rich Chocolate Pot de Cream that has left many guests raving about its decadent allure. As one reviewer described, the desserts are “to die for,” ensuring that you end your meal on a sweet note.

Don’t just take my word for it—Duende regularly garners accolades from patrons for its delightful dishes and engaging atmosphere. Customer 'Randall Cook' praises the restaurant’s “delicious food” and “great service,” highlighting the unique experience of Flamenco night, where the music seamlessly complements the culinary journey. Others echo similar sentiments, with reviews noting the quality of the dishes and the effort put into producing authentic flavors that rival those found in Spain itself.

In conclusion, Duende offers much more than just food; it provides a rich cultural experience that captivates the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, the combination of exquisite flavors, artistic presentations, and heartfelt service makes Duende a cherished gem in Oakland's vibrant dining scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover tapas that not only satisfy but also inspire with every bite.

583 Reviews
Randall Cook

24 Sep 2025

Delicious food and great service in a very cool environment. My wife and I went for their Flamenco night. The staff was super helpful and friendly. The food was delicious and satisfying and a bit exotic relative to what we usually eat, which made the meal very special. The highlight was the Flamenco performance. It was an outstanding group, with a very talented guitarist, a singer with a perfect Flamenco voice, and two incredibly skilled and evocative dancers. It's so great that we can get a taste of this without traveling to Spain. We're looking forward to our next visit.

Renée J

13 Sep 2025

We were most recently here for Oakland restaurant week which featured a tasting menu that was overall pretty delicious. Their salad and squid ink paella were great, but the patatas bravas were a bit disappointing — way too crunchy. The chocolate pudding was perfection. We sat upstairs and i was surprised at the difference in ambience from downstairs, where the tables are a bit more spaced out and it’s not as dark. We were close enough to hear every word of the tables on either side of us. Romantic lighting, but not spacing! The last few times we’ve been here were just for tapas & cocktails or cava, and I enjoyed the more casual experience downstairs than the full meal. Parking is limited in the neighborhood but it’s central to busses & BART, and not too far from the lake. Plenty of pescatarian and a few vegetarian options.

Eliza Chu

08 Sep 2025

You must get the cold salad. I plan to get it every time I'm there. The crispy potatoes are good too. The green sauce on the veggies paella is too salty. I would get it next time with the green sauce on the side.

Sandra Jamme

08 Sep 2025

Had an amazing time at the Orchestra Nostalgico Dinner event. The staff, food, and entertainment was absolutely perfect. The flavors in the beautifully presented dishes were enticing. The Sangria was a nice touch. Can't wait to go back!

Jon Schwindt

05 Aug 2025

Really enjoyed the format and flavors. The space is nice and the staff are helpful if they know you have a show- they asked proactively. The pricing hurt a little but overall would come back! Bonus for a tapas place with a good amount of veg friendly choices!

Haydar Celik

01 Aug 2025

Great food. I got the medium lamb and beef burger, amazing taste and quality. Simple but sooooo delicious. Calamari was also a favorite. Olive tapenade and calamari combination was so flavorful. Octopus salad was too acidic for me. I added salt and olive oil and it became amazing. Lastly, chocolate pot de cream was to die for. Everything was so good. Drinks are amazing. Bar tender was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Atmosphere was good for anything.

Little Wing

26 Jul 2025

Fantastic place for Spanish food - very authentic, flavorful, and cozy environment. The Patatas bravas and Paellas here tasted better than the ones I had in Spain Try the Brussels sprouts and Pasta stuffed with butternut squash and cauliflower too. You will not be disappointed For dessert: try the Chocolate Pave cake! They have tasty cocktails too

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