Dona Tomas - Oakland

We have been delighted to dine at Dona Tomas since they first opened, and there is no other Mexican restaurant that I have encountered that is as delicious and enjoyable. Today, we had brunch and the carnitas tacos practically melted in our mouths. It was a delightful dining experience! To me, the true art of Mexican cuisine lies in the blending of seasonings and the creation of flavors that complement each other perfectly. Dona Tomas is truly a master of this art, and one of the reasons why I don't attempt to cook Mexican food at home – I simply can't recreate the flavors with the same authenticity. I highly recommend trying their dishes for yourself.

I was under the impression that the tacos at this restaurant were vegan, only to discover that they actually contain milk. The menu indicated that items with a "w" were vegan, but it seems that some of these items include cheese and cow's milk. It's concerning that they don't seem to understand that milk is not vegan and could be dangerous for those with allergies. Unfortunately, I had dined here frequently before realizing this misidentification. The staff were also uninformed about what vegan meant and were quite rude when questioned about it. They seemed to place blame on the customers rather than admitting fault. I will not be returning due to the poor treatment we received. The labeling on the menu indicating "w" for vegan and "wt" for vegetarian was not accurate or important to them.

This place is pretty cool with many restaurants both outdoors and indoors. I had a veggie bowl and made sure it had no milk or eggs since I am vegan. The server confirmed there were no milk or eggs in my dish. I also ordered a coffee-horchata made with coconut milk. When my food arrived, I noticed something strange on it, but I scraped it off and still ate my meal. After finishing, I asked the staff if the dish was vegan and they said no, even though I had been clear about my dietary restrictions. The server admitted that it was a mistake by the kitchen and they should have sent it back for a redo. Despite the mishap, the food was still good and I would consider coming back again.

The Molé is amazing. Some of the best Chile Rellenos I've ever had, and I have had a lot in my lifetime. The Ceviché is to die for!

Really tasty but a bit spendy for small portions. Love the atmosphere!!! Great outdoor space too.