Levende East - The Basics:
Levende East -- sister to Levende Lounge in San Francisco and sharing the same Executive Chef (Arren Caccamo) -- is a welcome addition to the East Bay restaurant scene.
Opened in June of 2007, Levende East, with its comfortable but elegant ambiance brings more life to the growing historic district of old town Oakland.
The location is simple for parking (with much street parking available) and an easy walk from 12th Street BART Station.
Levende East - The Space:
Levende East -- old town Oakland's newest hot spot (June 2007) -- has a sleek, spacious interior with brick walls, stuffed booths, and leather chairs, all in dark earthen hues.
The atmosphere leans toward clubby but casual, with daylight streaming through large front windows during lunch hours. Evening ambiance is subdued, with spot lighting and the crystal-and-wire-entwined chandeliers that ask to be noticed and studied.
Levende East - The Menu:
Entrees like the filet mignon or lobster tail will set you back an expected $27 to $29. But both the dinner and lunch menus have small plates and lighter fare like sandwiches and appetizers -- to be shared or built into in a meal as small-plate samplers.
Sample Menu Items (2007):
- Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio - $11
- Rocquefort Stuffed Dates - $9
- Coconut Miso Soup - $8
- Main Lobster & Shrimp Cake - $12
- Tamago Sauteed Halibut - 22
- Filet Mignon - $27
Levende East - The Drinks:
The bar at Levende East beckons to you -- or should I say, beckons to me for a cocktail and respite. I'm a sucker for low lights and sense of urban sanctuary, and that's what Levende offers up.
The Drinks: Large selection of new and old world wines, by the bottle and by the glass - 100% blue agave and reserve tequilas - full and varied liquor selections, speciality mixed drinks.
2007 - Prices, items and events are subject to change. Always check with venue directly for current information.
Levende East - The Scene:
As with any restaurant or lounge, the scene at Levende East varies according to time. True to East Bay demographics, the crowd is diverse -- a mix of casual, theater and business.
Lunch is decidedly suited, owing to the proximity of Levende to the Federal Building and other businesses of central Oakland prominence. But it is, after all, Oakland, which lends itself to laid back, even in the face of upscale.
September 2007 - Items and prices subject to change
Address & Telephone:
827 Washington (at 9th)
Oakland, CA
Telephone: (510) 835-5585
Levende East Website
Transit & Parking:
Levende East is just a few blocks from the 12th Street BART Station. There's also a good chance of finding street parking in old town Oakland.
AC Transit operates buses that run along Broadway and that stop near Washington and 9th.