If you’re looking to savor the best of Taunton’s food scene, look no further than the Oakland neighborhood. Quietly tucked away from the main bustle, this residential area is blossoming with local dining gems—from cozy cafés and classic bakeries to inventive food trucks and family-owned restaurants. Whether you’re craving Portuguese staples, sweet treats, or a steaming bowl of pho, Oakland serves up bites worth crossing town for. Here’s your enthusiastic guide to eating like a local in the Oakland neighborhood.
Where Great Food Clusters: Exploring Oakland’s Main Eats
Food adventurers know that in Oakland, some of the best flavors concentrate along Somerset Avenue (Route 138), Winthrop Street, and the leafy residential side streets connecting them. These corridors offer an impressive mix of beloved culinary institutions and exciting new finds.
Restaurants You Can't-Miss: Flavors from Around the Globe
- Tia Maria’s Portuguese Restaurant (Somerset Ave at Washington St)
- This family-run favorite is a destination for anyone who loves hearty Portuguese cooking. Step inside on a chilly night and order the Bacalhau à Brás (salted cod with potatoes and egg) paired with a glass of vinho verde. Their grilled chouriço, tender steaks, and feijoada (bean stew) draw loyal customers from all over Taunton. Prices are moderate, but portions are generous—perfect for sharing.
- Kushi Sushi & Grill (intersection of Somerset Ave & Winthrop St)
- Oakland’s sushi scene gets lit up at this stylish spot, popular for both its fresh-fish selection and inventive rolls like the “Taunton Dragon Roll.” Don’t sleep on the teriyaki plates and bento boxes if you’re in the mood for more than sushi. With a vibe both welcoming and trendy, it’s great for date night or casual dinners. Expect moderate pricing and lunch specials that entice local office workers.
- Pho House Oakland (Somerset Ave near Liberty St)
- For a soul-soothing bowl of pho, this is Oakland’s answer. Their brisket and tendon pho is legendary among locals for its aromatic, simmered-all-day broth. The spring rolls are fresh and addictive, the service attentive and warm. Prices are reasonable, with most bowls under $15.
Quick Bites and Comfort Fare: Diners & Delis
- Oakland Diner (corner of Winthrop St and Oakland Ave)
- A true neighborhood stalwart, Oakland Diner dishes up all-day breakfast, burgers, and classic “blue plate” specials. Settle into a retro booth and try their golden-crisp home fries with a bottomless mug of coffee. This spot feels like a step back in time—affordable, friendly, and always bustling with regulars. Don’t miss their homemade pies, especially the coconut cream.
- Paul’s Gourmet Subs (across from the Oakland Elementary School)
- Hungry for a sub that won’t leave you unsatisfied? Paul’s is a lunch staple in the Oakland community, making enormous Italian cold cut subs, hot steak bombs, and meatball sandwiches that put chain shops to shame. The locally baked bread alone makes the trip worthwhile, and most subs are under $10.
Sweet Tooth Paradise: Bakeries & Treats
- Sweet Blooms Bakery (just off Somerset Ave)
- Early morning in Oakland is incomplete without a stop at Sweet Blooms. This quaint bakery is beloved for pillowy Portuguese sweet bread, pastel de nata (custard tarts), buttery croissants, and seasonal muffins. If you’re in luck, snagging a loaf of their homemade cinnamon bread is a must—locals say it disappears fast! The prices are surprisingly modest for made-from-scratch quality.
- Dulce Café & Gelato (Winthrop St)
- Oakland’s newest dessert sensation, Dulce, is where you go to indulge in small-batch gelato, crepes, and strong espresso drinks. Their blueberry cheesecake gelato and hand-rolled cannoli hit the spot. It’s also a great meeting spot with cozy seating and kids’ flavors on the menu.
Hidden Gems: Locals’ Best-Kept Secrets
- Taunton Taco Truck (often parked at the corner of Somerset Ave & Worcester St)
- Foodies in the know track the daily whereabouts of this vibrant blue taco truck. Run by a local family, it serves some of the freshest carne asada tacos, birria quesadillas, and grilled Mexican street corn in Taunton. Cash only, and lines can form fast—but it’s worth every minute. Arrive early to try their weekend-only special: breakfast burritos with house-made salsa.
- Sunset Market & Deli (hidden on a residential block near Oak St)
- Tucked between homes, Sunset is technically a corner store but pulls double-duty as a low-key deli. Here, you’ll find legendary spicy turkey clubs, deli salads, and homemade soups. Their house-made lemonade and Portuguese rolls are a mid-afternoon treat. Prices are wallet-friendly, and the vibe is old-school welcoming.
Local Flavor: Food Traditions & Annual Events
Oakland’s food culture shines brightest during seasonal events like the Oakland Neighborhood Block Party (each June on Oakland Ave), where local food trucks and restaurants set up stands with street eats, Portuguese BBQ, and sweet pastries. Look for pop-ups by Sweet Blooms and Taunton Taco Truck sharing special menu items you often won’t find other times of the year.
Affordable Bites & Upscale Options
Part of Oakland’s charm is its range of prices:
- Grab & go lunches (Paul’s Gourmet Subs, Sunset Market) will run you $5–$12.
- Sit-down diners and bakeries (Oakland Diner, Sweet Blooms) mostly $7–$16.
- International cuisine (Tia Maria’s, Kushi Sushi, Pho House) offer entrees from $12–$28, with lunch specials making things even more accessible.
- Coffee & dessert stops (Dulce Café) are perfect for affordable treats under $7.
Why Oakland’s Food Scene Rocks
What sets Oakland apart is the unmistakable sense of community and authenticity at every eatery. Owners know their regulars, recipes are often passed down through generations, and menus reflect the area’s Portuguese, Italian, and Southeast Asian roots. Whether you’re a new resident or a longtime neighbor, exploring Oakland’s food scene feels like discovering a friend’s favorite secret spot each time.
Next time you find yourself in Taunton, make Oakland your culinary destination for the day—because here, every meal tells a story.