Top Oakland soul food spot makes Food & Wine’s best list!

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Screen grab from Burdell’s website. 

Food & Wine magazine has sung the praises of Chef Geoffrey Davis’ culinary masterpiece, recognizing Burdell not only as the **2024 Restaurant of the Year** but also now as a leading destination for those who appreciate soul food artistry. Nestled in the vibrant **Temescal neighborhood** of Oakland, this restaurant beautifully intertwines **nostalgia and creativity** with its vintage decor and retro dishware.

Launched in 2022, Burdell began its journey with pop-up events that embraced seasonal produce and the flavors Chef Davis fondly remembers from his grandmother’s kitchen. The name itself pays homage to his maternal grandmother, a tribute reflected in every dish and detail of the dining experience.

An Exclusive Interview with Chef Geoffrey Davis

We had the pleasure of reaching out to Chef Davis to celebrate his remarkable achievement and to gain deeper insights into what makes Burdell unique. His responses were enlightening, revealing a passion for food that is rich in culture and personal history.

What inspired your food? What is your signature dish?

“The food is the soul food I grew up eating at my grandmother’s tables. Soul food is a rich and diverse cuisine, and we aim to pay homage to the history of Black food while merging it with modern sensibilities and refined techniques. That being said, we don’t have a signature dish. We source our ingredients from multiple farmers’ markets every week, crafting our menu based on what is in season.”

What does it mean to you to help put Oakland on the map as a food destination?

“Oakland has always been a hub of forward thinking, change, and progress for people of color. We want to continue that legacy with our food. This city deserves recognition for its diversity, beauty, and vibrant community that passionately supports its local restaurants and bars.”

How did you develop the decor, and how involved are you in that process?

“The space is inspired by my grandmother’s homes. I designed the decor and color scheme based on the memories from those cherished gatherings.”

And why the retro soul music?

“The music plays in the background like it did during those family gatherings. As a hip-hop enthusiast, I love uncovering the soul samples from my favorite tracks, making the atmosphere as rich as the food we serve.”

Experience the Magic of Burdell

Curious to taste the magic for yourself? Visit Burdell in the heart of the Temescal neighborhood. The address is **4640 Telegraph Avenue**, Oakland. Operating hours are **Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.**, with **Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.** Join us for a sumptuous **Sunday dinner from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.** and experience the legacy of soul food through the eyes of a passionate chef who is redefining a classic cuisine.

Andre Torrez is a digital content producer for KTVU. You can reach him at andre.torrez@fox.com or call 510-874-0579.