Such an amazing experience. We were greeted and treated with great hospitality. The food was so flavorful with big portions. My son you barely eats, ate all of his chicken tenders. Parking is a little hard to find. We had to do a little walk to the restaurant. Place filled up pretty quickly, I made reservations right when they opened up. Ambiance would be a great place for a business meeting to a date night. I would highly recommend chef smelly's. I will be back to try more things on the menu

I've been supporting Chef Smelly's pop-up for years, and this recent meal restored my faith in why it's one of Oakland's best spots for bold Creole flavors. Toddler-approved, too! The Food * Crack 'n Cheese (Mac & Cheese) - So dang good, rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. * Broiled Oysters with Crab - YUM! Loaded with flavor and a definite highlight. * Prawns - Always on point. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. * Snapper & Trifecta Garlic Noodles - Decent. Not my top pick, but still solid. Things to Know * Delivery was surprisingly warm when it arrived, which is a win! * Ordering ahead is a must--food can take 45 minutes to an hour to be ready. * The inside is super congested--not much seating, so be prepared if you're picking up. Despite the wait, the food is worth it! If you're craving rich, flavorful Creole dishes, Chef Smelly's should be on your list.

I've had this place saved in my list of restaurants I wanted to try in Oakland for a while now, and recently I finally got to go! We got the oxtails with Mac n cheese and candied yams and the loaded fries with shrimp. I personally really liked the food! The oxtails were extremely flavorful, as were the Mac n cheese and candied yams. It was however on the pricey side for sure, as this dish was about $40 and since it was a special that wasn't on the menu, I was a bit caught off guard by that. With that said it was still an overall good meal.

I'm glad Chef Smelly's finally got a brick and mortar set up. Always great service, knows all the customers. Food is always great from steaks to seafood to garlic noodles. You also got love personable welcome and smiles from the owners and family as if you are one theirs

Run don't walk to eat at this place. Small place with great ambience. Staff was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Food was exceptional. Prices are a bit high but the portions are large. We had two full meals left over after eating. Fries had a ton of crab, lobster and shrimp, a meal in itself. Both the crab fettuccini and crab and garlic noodles were delicious. Already want to go back!

This is an amazing restaurant I have to say. The food is always good, service is great. It is always consistent. A little pricey, but I believe the portions are good for what you pay for. The oxtails and the steak are always tasty. The crab is good.

I been hearing about this chef for a few years now. I decided to order for delivery since I didn't want to drive to the restaurant. So I ordered the three-way combo of fried snapper, fried prawns and garlicky green beans,and mac and cheese. I paid extra for a side order of garlic noodles which was the best part of my meal. The prawns were huge and delicious and the snapper was good. The downside was that I didn't receive my green beans and nothing really wowed me. I will return to try the po-boys in the future.

I first came here for my birthday and was impressed with everyone and everything about this establishment. I was so comfortable and met with such kindness, care and feel good feeling. Today 1/25/25, I am ordering for delivery as I am unable to walk (disability) any distance. I am getting the 16oz bone-in Ribeye Steak (medium rare, please) and I will let you all know just how well it goes. I truly love this place and everything about it!!!!! Thank you, Chef Smelly's. Same day and Chef Smelly's delivered an awesome Medium Rare Steak and all the rest was so perfect. This was a wonderful surprise. One thing I do know, is that delivery will not become a habit as eating at this establishment is where is totally at!!! I thank you greatly for delivering a fantastic meal. Know we so feel the TLC in this food!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!