Hungry for Korean but also want Mexican? You’re in luck if you’re strolling Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, as a new eatery blending both cuisines is now in business.
Takorea soft-opened late this summer and is having its grand opening Oct. 25 at 3858 Piedmont Ave., in a compact-but-cute location vacated by Fuji Summer. On that grand-opening day it will offer tacos for as low as $1, according to a sign out front, which proudly proclaims: “Two cultures, one flavor – fusion done right!”
The Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant Takorea opened in fall 2026 on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. (John Metcalfe/Bay Area News Group)
Inside, there are a few tables and then a Chipotle-like serving bar where staffers customize meals. Ordering is done via touch screen. Though Los Angeles arguably put Korean-Mexican fusion on the map more than a decade ago, with Kogi Korean BBQ, the cross-pollination is not as big in the Bay Area. There is local chain Saucy Asian and Aria Korean Street Food in San Francisco; a similar-sounding but unaffiliated restaurant, Tacorea, closed in Lower Nob Hill years ago.
At Takorea, there are tacos and burritos with fillings like asada, al pastor, chorizo, pollo and tofu ($11 for three tacos, $12-$15 for burritos). There are nachos, chips and guac, build-your-own bowls and esquite (street corn) in a cup. There are Korean bites like japchae (glass noodles), fried-seaweed rolls and chicken-or-kimchi fried dumplings.
Treading the middle ground is a bulgogi taco with gochujang slaw and green onion, or a shrimp-tempura taco with pico de gallo and creamy sauce ($8). Bowls and plates incorporate proteins like bulgogi and galbi (short ribs), and are served with rice, japchae and kimchi, with the option to top with Mexican beans ($17-$22). There are also chicken wings, in flavors like mango habanero and honey garlic.
To drink, right now diners can sip glass-bottle Mexican Coke or have a cup of the daily agua fresca. The eatery is waiting on a license to sell wine and beer.
Details: Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 3858 Piedmont Ave., Oakland; 510-338-3143.
