It’s pronounced “mw-ah” like a kiss, and boy is that fitting.
I’m the kind of person who can never settle on anything when it comes to “favorites”. What’s my favorite movie of all time, what’s my favorite color, what type of music do I listen to, I don’t know! It changes every day.
Until I found Mua, that is. This is hands down the best restaurant in Oakland. Yes, I am drawing a line in the sand, I am making a bold claim, and gosh darn it I’m going to support it. Well what makes it so great, you ask? Let me just tell you:
1. Location: Webster & Broadway
Mua is pretty easy to miss amidst the car dealership directly to it’s left and the massive stone church across the street. After a quick walk up Broadway from the 19th St. Bart station, you’ll find yourself suddenly faced with a wall of lush foliage surrounding an enormous black iron roll-up gate. Crane your neck a bit and you’ll see “MUA” painted in faded white above a small entry-way. You have arrived…
2. Ambiance: Underground Chic
As you past through the archway of flowering vines you’re met with a simple outdoor space. Wooden picnic tables, umbrellas to shade you from the perfect Oakland sunshine, and tasteful cobblestones line the walkway.
Then Bam! you’re in a hip labyrinth of delicious you’ll never want to escape. As you enter you’ll pass by what looks like a dressed up boiler room, specifically for private parties, while to the right you’ll see black iron stairs leading you to the rafters. Were you to follow these stairs, you’d snake along a runway of sorts overlooking the dining area below. After weaving by the open dance floor (yes, still in the rafters) you’ll walk through a candlelit aisle of two-person tables before fist bumping the DJ who is playing an amazing medley of 90’s R&B and hip hop with a dash of Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman esque tunes. Uh, yeah, it works.
As you descend into the open dining area you’ll pass by Mua’s signature artwork consisting of scrawled figures and phrases spray painted onto large expanses of cardboard (the hipness, it hurts).
Next you’ll glide into the bar area, fully equipped with small TV’s playing local sports games, wooden bar stools, drink specials, and a selection of pub grub.
There is literally something for everyone, and you can’t tell me otherwise.
3. Waitstaff: Charming Hotties
You know what’s better than a cool restaurant with good food? When you’re waiter doesn’t have a complex, and seems genuinely interested in your well being. These people are tip-able.
You know what’s even better than that? When they’re super attractive. Not only will you have the best service of you life, but the eye-candy is outstanding.
4. The food: Nom
Can you say southern comfort food paired with asian cuisine? Oh. My. God. I’m talking collard greens and bacon brussels sprouts. I’m talking blackened catfish and chili lime chicken wings. I’m talking grits and garlics prawns. HALLELUJAH CAN I GET A SIDE OF CHEESE-LESS MAC-N-CHEESE.
The food is very good here.
5. The drinks: Yes
Everything from a craft beer, to an original cocktail, to a reasonably priced glass of delicious port to wash down your bread pudding. This is a local happy hour spot for a reason.
6. Madame Mua: Bow Down
The best part of Mua has to be Madame. As you approach the hostess area you’ll be greeted by a petit woman sporting a tasteful kimono, round glasses, and a really rad bob haircut.
Madame is probably older than my mother and hipper than I could ever hope to be. When she isn’t making you feel unbelievably welcome, you will find her perusing the various areas of the venue, politely acknowledging each server and making sure they’re carrying their trays properly, re-aligning artwork that may be slightly askew, and gazing with pride at each perfect dish that leaves the kitchen and enters your belly.
We love it too Madame, we love it too.
Oakland Whispers 