Cholita Linda (Oakland)
Born from origins of determination and grit, Cholita Linda is one of the East Bay’s finest restaurants, and consistently rated as such. Originally started as a food stall in Jack London Square, the team behind this restaurant has come a long way from its humble beginnings. While three locations currently exist, this review will focus on the original location on Oakland’s storied Telegraph Ave.
Positioned in the trendy Temescal area of Oakland, Cholita Linda is one of the stars of the street’s busy restaurant scene. Serving authentic Peruvian dishes, Cholita Linda aims to serve food that is reminiscent of home-cooked, traditional meals that bring both comfort and nourishment. And to this end, Cholita Linda absolutely delivers.
Most nights are busy with lines out the door, especially on the weekends. The interior decor is unique as well, being modeled after a colorful Peruvian neighborhood. With faux doors and balconies on the walls, diners are made to feel like they are dining in a real neighborhood street, helping to strengthen the overall atmosphere of the experience.
While usually busy, the staff does an excellent job of managing orders from start to finish. And although the restaurant has many standout dishes, here are a few of our favorites:
We’ll start with the baja fish tacos (below), which is the establishment’s original dish that catapulted it to fame years ago. Arriving in a set of four, the tacos are garnished with salsa roja, cabbage slaw, and baja crema on top of a filet of lightly fried white fish. While some tacos might be on the smaller end, these are not. These tacos are large, and even two of them could make a person full if they are not super hungry, which can also make it a great dish to share in a group.
The fish is crunchy and tastes delicious without being too oily or over-breaded. The tortilla and garnishes complement the dish excellently, making it a great meal when paired with an ice cold Pacifico beer or soda. This is a solid choice by itself and one cannot go wrong choosing this.
The pollo de cholita (above) is a plate dish that comes with white rice, a cup of beans, organic salad, and a serving of the restaurant’s signature boneless and free-range chicken. This is a great option for those wanting a more balanced dish. The chicken is seasoned with the restaurant’s proprietary spice blend and is tenderly crisped on the surface during cooking. The salad and sweet potatoes are also standouts as they help to bring an array of flavors and textures to the overall dish.
Another great selection is the chicharron pollo plate (above). This is similar to the pollo de cholita and comes with the same sides. The difference, however, is that the chicken is prepared differently and also comes with a side of salsa criolla (the pink onions pictured above). Compared to the pollo de cholita, the chicharron pollo’s chicken pieces are in smaller, bite-size portions and have a crispier fried exterior as a result.
The Cubano sandwich (above) is a classic Cuban-style sandwich with pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, house aioli, and pickles, all on a toasted, French-style loaf. The sandwich is rich, savory, and easy on the palate. Similar to the other dishes, it is large and can even be shared by two people if desired. This is also a great all-around choice if you are not familiar with the other items on the menu.
The reputation of Cholita Linda is hard-earned by the founders, and their hard work continues to serve the community and tell their story in their own unique way. As one of the best restaurants in the Temescal area, Cholita Linda is a spot that you won’t want to miss during your time here.
