814 Franklin St, Oakland CA 94607
(510) 444-4983
Parking: street parking
Last Visited: September 4, 2004
Food: 2 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
Best Taste is located in Oakland Chinatown. The window displays the roasted duck and other dishes offered. Upon entering the place, you’ll see the counter to your immediate right with the roast pig hanging on the far side of the counter. Tables adorn the left side of the wall and more tables are spread throughout the back of the restaurant. It’s not a big place, but the tables are spaciously set apart. The dark red/burgundy linoleum floor is kept clean.
The operation is definitely family owned. I visited on a Saturday and found the kids running in and out of the restaurant. The husband and wife team work the counter while the parents help wrap dumplings and handle the large party orders. During my visit, I noticed three party trays of fried chicken which looked quite appetizing.
- Wonton noodles in soup – Six wontons are served with noodles and iceberg lettuce in broth. The wontons weren’t the best I’ve tried, nor were they the worst. The ingredients were fresh, but not stunning in flavor. $3.25
- Three bbq combination over rice – Choice of three bbq meats are served over rice with a small helping of cooked vegetables. We selected bbq pork, roast duck, and roast pig. The duck flavor was okay, but the color wasn’t as dark as typically found. The roast pig skin wasn’t crispy, and the meat wasn’t juicy. The bbq pork was probably the worst of the three since the meat was also dry. The duck and roast pork were fair and fall in the two star range, while the bbq pork was about one star. $5.95
Overall, I didn’t find the restaurant to live up to its name. The price is extremely reasonable, but the food quality is fair and didn’t meet expectations. It’s a decent value and good to fill up on if you know what you’re getting into. Perhaps their party trays would be a better thing to try – they certainly looked appetizing.
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