Encuentro - Oakland

We come here every month and eat is consistently excellent and every time different.

I just came to my seats in time, and the host showed me a table they hired for me. but as they gave me the opportunity to sit on the table at the window, I went with that instead so that I could enjoy the last sun rays. the meal was delightful: the products were well-swelling and allowed to show their natural aromas while improving with light spices and sauces mildly. I love the watermelon salad! I also tried a dry apple wine from a weingut in alameda called urban legendary, as I was not sure that I could find it elsewhere. for just over $60 included control and drink money (drinks extra), I think that was a really big thing. can not wait until the chance to go back and see what the cook cook cooks! updated by the previous review on 2019-08-20

Amazing food--all four of us were raving about what we ate during and after the meal. I'm the only vegetarian among us. Daikon patties, tempeh, farro veggies, all were big hits. Pot pie was the least favorite (but still very, very good, and we finished it). Salads were equally tasty. Nice decor and vibe inside. Our server was great--friendly, non-obtrusive, gave us a free mini-dessert (she overheard we were celebrating a birthday). I'm usually not happy paying restaurant prices in the Bay Area--Encuentro is an exception, with a dining experience that made going out a worthwhile pleasure.

I dragged my reluctant meat eating boyfriend here. He took one look at the menu and told me to just order since nothing sounded remotely appetizing to him. So I ordered the marinated mushrooms with pecan pate (favorite of the night), stuffed dates with goat cheese, avocado bruschetta, Shephards pie, portobello sandwich, and chocolate cake. The first thing that came out was the marinated mushrooms. This dish is ridiculous. SO MIND BLOWINGLY GOOD. That pate....I can't even. Every single bite was filled with flavor. Spread it on a piece of cardboard and I would happily eat it. Boyfriend was so shocked how delicious it was that he just kept quiet and focused on the food. The dates were nice and sweet which complimented the goat cheese. The avocado bruschetta was ok, but you can skip it, nothing exceptional. The shephards pie was hearty. The portobello sandwich WITH the pecan pate was again, amazing. The vegan chocolate cake was surprisingly light and not too dense or sweet. They were packed when we came on a Wednesday night, so we opted to sit outside. Plus, it was a bit hot and stuffy in there temperature wise. There's not much of a view (you're essentially sitting on a sidewalk haha) but it was quieter and the weather was nice! Service was helpful and very friendly. Even though we were outside, we didn't feel like we were neglected at all.

Exceptional dining experience and the food was nothing like I have had before, it was awesome! Each course was created with different fresh flavors. I definitely want to return and will recommend to everyone I know.