Shakewell

"Executive Chef Jen Biesty and General Manager Tim Nugent have created an incredible restaurant in the heart of Oakland. Shakewell's menu focuses on Mediterranean flavors with unique twists, like the chili chocolate braised short rib and the Serrano ham with persimmons and honey hazelnuts. Attention is clearly paid to the service as it is reliably warm and friendly." - Huge

"Chefs Jen Biesty and Tim Nugent of Mediterranean spot Shakewell crowdfunded it into being on the strength of their stints at Scala’s and Zuni, further amplified by Biesty’s multiple appearances on reality TV. Seven years on, it’s an effortlessly successful endeavor—from the humblest marinated olives to the most elaborate Moroccan-spiced paella. If COVID forced restaurants to be maximally creative, Shakewell responded admirably with to-go sangria and cocktails like a Fairlane made with habanero-infused tequila. Spanish tapas are the original small-plate experience, and now that sharing bites has come back, it’s extra-comforting to see papas bravas on the same menu with wraps and other casual dishes from the opposite side of the Mediterranean." - peter astrid kane

"Shakewell, Grand Lake Lake Merritt by Huge. Executive Chef Jen Biesty and General Manager Tim Nugent have created an incredible restaurant in the heart of Oakland. Shakewell's menu focuses on Mediterranean flavors with unique twists, like the chili chocolate braised short rib and the Serrano ham with persimmons and honey hazelnuts. Attention is clearly paid to the service as it is reliably warm and friendly."

"Chefs Jen Biesty and Tim Nugent of Mediterranean spot Shakewell crowdfunded it into being on the strength of their stints at Scala’s and Zuni, further amplified by Biesty’s multiple appearances on reality TV. Seven years on, it’s an effortlessly successful endeavor - from the humblest marinated olives to the most elaborate Moroccan-spiced paella. If COVID forced restaurants to be maximally creative, Shakewell responded admirably with to-go sangria and cocktails like a Fairlane made with habanero-infused tequila. Spanish tapas are the original small-plate experience, and now that sharing bites has come back, it’s extra-comforting to see papas bravas on the same menu with wraps and other casual dishes from the opposite side of the Mediterranean." - Peter-Astrid Kane

"At this cheerful Spanish restaurant, the fried chicken can be enjoyed two ways: with fenugreek yogurt, chili sauce, za’atar and fried Thai basil, or accompanied by churros with buttermilk syrup as an anytime-brunch item. Both versions are on the restaurant’s current to-go menu, which is available Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Call in or order takeout or delivery online via Caviar." - Luke Tsai, Ellen Fort