Photo of Philomena, one of the best restaurants in Oakland

Philomena

4.6/5.0 (691 reviews)

Nestled in the heart of Oakland, Philomena is a pizza lover's paradise, combining classic flavors with a modern twist. With a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu, it's the perfect spot for families and friends alike.

Our Expert's Take

Philomena, an unassuming gem in Oakland, surprises diners with its exceptional pizza that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of Chicago. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and authentic recipes creates a flavorful experience, highlighting a diverse range of toppings that cater to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

The inviting ambiance, complete with friendly service, makes it a perfect spot for casual gatherings or special occasions. Whether you're enjoying a classic margherita or experimenting with unique seasonal offerings, Philomena promises a satisfying meal that will leave you eager to return.

At a Glance

Pros

  • Authentic Chicago-style pizza with a variety of toppings.
  • Warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families or friends.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to enhance your dining experience.

Cons

  • Can get busy during peak hours, leading to longer wait times.
  • Limited parking options in the area.

What Diners Are Saying

Rating: 5/5

"We’ve lived in the neighborhood for over a year and I can’t believe we hadn’t visited here sooner! Before moving to Oakland, the wife, cats, and I lived in Chicago - where there is all sorts of good pizza, not just deep dish. Anyway, Philomena is up to par and has delicious pies, as well as beer and kombucha on tap. For this visit, we got the Miss Piggy with gluten free crust, which was great! We also had the kombucha (mint guava) which is delicious, and their wings which I would recommend. The chicken isn’t over fried or battered - just good chicken with good sauce. Looking forward to coming back!"
- Ryan Dorrill

Rating: 5/5

"So my friend and I stumbled into this little neighborhood pizza spot, and honestly? I’m still thinking about that mushroom pizza. Like… how dare it be that good? Perfectly crispy crust, melty, earthy, cheesy goodness — basically a spiritual experience in pizza form. But the real MVP? Our waiter. This woman was a dream. She let us taste-test a bunch of drinks (because clearly we’re indecisive and she just got it) and helped us land on the perfect choices. We also ended up bonding over our pets because of course we did — she was so sweet, funny, and just one of those people who makes you feel like you’ve known them forever. Between the pizza, the vibe, and the A+ human interaction, this spot is officially my go-to. Already scheming about who I can drag here next. Highly recommend — don’t sleep on it."
- Melanie Abrantes

Rating: 3/5

"This salad(picture) was $16 AND the pizza was also $16. Not sure how a very plain garden salad makes sense to cost that much. PLEASE I implore you Philomena, please lower the salad to a price that makes sense. I didn't want to say anything while there because the girl working was very nice and was busy but if you all have huddles at the end of the night, I would like to ask if you can re-discuss the pricing of your garden salad, especially since mine was only greens with a few onions and tomatoes and shouldn't cost the same as a whole pizza. That being said the Vegan Garden pizza is good and very garlicky with a nice garlicky crispy crust! The salad is a salad. :)"
- Whitney O

Rating: 4/5

"I would say the pizzas are better than the burgers. The burger seemed a little dry (I went home and added some fig jam which helped a lot). The mushroom pizza was pretty good though. Only two tables with the outside seating but it's nice the option to sit outside is there. Inside seemed pretty cool in terms of style. Service was quick but the food took a little while to come out. Went on a Saturday afternoon and finding parking was no problem!"
- Emma Anthony

Rating: 5/5

"Lovely people 🥰 | Delicious & Fresh Pizza 🍕 | Legit Kombucha 🍹 It was our first time here and being treated so warmly by everyone at Philomena was so comforting!! We got Mushroom pizza, topped with calabrian peppers + Harborside pizza, both were finger lickin’ gooood! They also have Trivia nights with Taylor Swift on Tuesdays - we scored poorly but it was so much fun!"
- Ashish Manik

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking available?

Parking can be limited in the area, so we recommend arriving early or using public transportation.

What is the dress code?

Philomena has a casual dress code, so feel free to come as you are!

What is the best dish to try?

The classic margherita pizza is a must-try, but don't miss out on their seasonal specials for unique flavors!