02.20.08
Fine dining: Flora
I know Flora has been open for several months now, but I wanted to wait until I had eaten there before writing it up.
The restaurant is breathtaking. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so lovely or sophisticated inside, and I remember thinking that the existence of such a pretty place is definitely a good sign for the neighborhood.
The drink list is creative. A few of the bar’s signature concoctions have flowers floating in them and the selection of liquors is extensive. I had a Cajun cocktail which, with it’s combination of whiskey and absinthe, had me relaxed in a few mere sips. It was so good that I had one on my second visit, too.
The food was also very good, although my visits produced different results. The first time I dined, I ordered the vegetable pot pie, which was flaky and savory - fantastic feel-good food. My friend had the fish and chips, which was gorgeous! When I returned two weeks later, I ordered the fish and chips which, while very tasty, wasn’t plated as nicely and wasn’t as warm when it arrived at the table. My dinner companion for that meal ordered the burger and seemed pretty pleased.
For dessert, I tried the winter squash bread pudding, which was delightful. It was all I could do not to lick the caramel sauce off the plate. Also, my sweet tooth required that I try the homemade marshmallow (which comes on the hot chocolate) and it was heaven. If you can talk them into giving you one, do it.
Overall, my food was great, but it did seem a little more haphazard the second time around. Service was attentive throughout, and the coat check is a nice touch. I highly recommend Flora - it’s some of the best of what Oakland has to offer.
flora
1900 telegraph ave
510.286.0100