B
Burdell
Southern-inspired fine dining in Oakland, where every dish tells a story of curated flavors and heartfelt hospitality.
4.2(5 reviews)
american-traditional
$$$
Southern-inspired fine dining in Oakland, where every dish tells a story of curated flavors and heartfelt hospitality.
Burdell is an upscale American restaurant in Oakland, CA, offering a seasonal menu that blends Southern comfort with fine dining elegance. Known for its intentional and curated dishes like pickle brine fried chicken, oxtail fries, and duck entrees, the restaurant provides a warm, sophisticated ambiance perfect for both everyday brunch and special occasions. With a focus on quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, Burdell delivers a memorable dining experience complemented by a nice wine list and house-made kombucha.
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Upscale Southern-inspired dishes like fried chicken, duck, and oxtail fries, crafted with curated flavors for special occasions.
A more casual yet refined brunch experience featuring favorites like cornbread and salads, ideal for everyday dining.
Shareable plates and family menus designed for groups, offering a communal and flavorful meal experience.
A curated wine list and house-made kombucha to complement the seasonal dishes and enhance your dining experience.
Host birthdays or celebrations in a sophisticated setting with attentive service and customizable menu options.
First time at Burdell and overall the food was good but the overall didn't wow me... perhaps since I had set a high expectation considering the accolades given to Burdell. The salad, and the oxtail fries, were tasty! They were on point and I liked these. No problem with them at all. The mustard green side was on the saltier side but I manage by eating it with more of the mixed rice and beans which was delicious with a nice spice to it. The main entree, the pickle brine fried chicken was ok. The chicken was crispy and juicy but 1) not all pieces were marinated well as two pieces we had lacked flavor so it wasn't just how the chicken was, but inconsistency in marination, and 2) some pieces were overcooked leading a thick dry outer layer before you get into the nice juicy meat inside. Pieces that were marinated well were phenomenal along with the house made hot sauce, but due to inconsistencies, the overall was underwhelming. Service could have been better - primarily because when our water cups were empty, I expected them to fill it or ask to fill it but they came by twice but never asked or did so, until I asked for the water cups to be refilled. The ambiance of the place was on the upscale feeling though definitely did very well in keeping the southern feel to it with the dining wares used, and the decor. Maybe I'll give it another try during their non pre-fixe menu and see if the experience is better.
Went with a party of 4. Tried almost everything on the menu. Brussel sprouts Ceasar was well balanced. Hush puppies with caviar was a pleasant surprise. Fried chicken cooked perfectly. Finished off with the apple in castiron skilet. Portiond were good sizes.
Made a reservation for a Wednesday night and it was packed! The place was a bit loud, which made it hard to hear and have a conversation. We got a table seat and could hear the different conversations on either side of us. Food wise, we order the family menu that had the duck as the main entré. My favorite of the menu were the cornbread and the duck; everything else was a tad too salty or messy (like the boiled peanuts with the shell on). For a party of 2, they served three slices of the duck. Everything came in portions of 2 except the duck. Two people finished all the food and no leftover. The food was pretty pricey and they added 20% gratuity charge. The restaurant definitely has a fine dining price tag, but lacking in the fine dining experience and taste.
This review feels a bit different from my last one. You know, this restaurant popped up in one of my absolute favorite brunch spots, Aunt Mary’s, which sadly closed down during the pandemic. So, when it opened, I was super hopeful, especially since the previous owner mentioned they’d found a restaurant to take their place. Sadly, I tried it back in late March 2025, and I wasn’t a fan. The flavors just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I brought my wife here to celebrate her birthday, and we had crab, salad, cornbread, and boiled peanuts. Considering the price, I was really hoping for something more. I’ll definitely give it another shot sometime and keep my fingers crossed that it’ll be better next time! The service here was incredible though!
Burdell is a special restaurant. The food is so intentional and curated, and you can really feel the love of the dishes from the chef. I’ve been for dinner and brunch and can say that both vibes are nice. I would personally attend for brunch for more everyday occasions, and dinner for special occasions. Nice wine list for dinner. Definitely try the kombucha! Their menu is seasonal so you should check out the menu before coming, but honestly everything we’ve had has been delicious. I highly recommend giving this place a try!
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