Bistro 4293 — Restaurant in Oakland

I phoned to place a take out order. A man answered the phone “Hello?” I asked if this was Bistro 4239 and he said “Yes.” I asked if they were accepting take out orders. He said “Yes.”

Has this person ever worked at a business? Let alone a restaurant? I thought I had reached a personal phone line. He must have been in an office bc the background was dead-no dining room, bar, kitchen or patron noise. I thought maybe it was a scam #; if he asked for my CC info I was prepared to hang up.

He perfunctorily took my order and asked if I was in the vicinity. ????? I said I was 10 minutes away. He excused himself (to talk to chef maybe?) and came back to say my order would be ready in 15-20 minutes.

I arrived in a timely manner and went to the bar to pay and collect my food. Two servers and a bartender ignored me, and then a lovely woman exuding hospitality came to my rescue. She promptly brought out my food, accepted payment, and smiled the entire time. She was the best part of my experience.

I got home excited to taste the fire kissed octopus only to find chef forgot to let the fire kiss the octopus. The inner meat was delicious-it appeared to be sous vide. The outer meat, however, was mucilaginous and slimy-yuck. It would have been perfect if it had hit the grill. The chef did manage to fire kiss the half lemon garnish, and the other accompaniments were quite tasty. The portion was...

I really want to like this place. I live nearby, I liked Doppo, its predecessor, and love Mediterranean food.

But everything about this restaurant is amateurish. They took far too long to open, never a good sign. The decor is frankly bizarre. The name wrong - it tells you nothing. Call it Baku, since it is Azeri food. The staff is comically untrained. I’ve had two dinners with spilled water, missed orders, and clumsy delivery. Everyone is polite and motivated, but inexperienced.

In two visits, I or my dinner companions have tried about half of the dishes. Highest marks to the simplest ones: hummus appetizer and the sea bass. Weirdly, the lamb has been mediocre for a region that usually does it well. My kabob, for example, was unspiced ground lamb, not skewers of whole meat. The few veggie dishes are truly uninspired. And it’s pricey: $50 per head without wine or dessert.

REVISED REVIEW I have been back twice, since writing this. A much better experience both times. The eggplant salad was quite good, although it was deep-fried, which I had not anticipated. The veggie cauliflower dish was also much better the second time. And the service had some nice touches. From two stars to three. I am hoping for four. Still think that Baku would be a...

An unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience! First Azerbaijani meals in the bay from the professionals

Bistro 4293 is a true gem in the heart of Oakland. From the moment you step in, you’re welcomed by a cozy, elegant atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a special evening. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and every detail felt intentional and heartfelt.

The food? Absolutely phenomenal. Every dish we tried was beautifully plated and packed with flavor. The lamb chops were cooked to perfection, and the Fire-Kissed Octopus was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. The appetizers—especially the hummus trio and eggplant rolls—were fresh, vibrant, and full of character.

But what truly elevates this restaurant is Chef Teymur. His passion for Mediterranean cuisine shines through in every dish. You can tell there’s real care and creativity behind the menu—each plate is like a piece of culinary art. It’s rare to find a chef who can balance tradition and innovation so seamlessly. If you get the chance to meet him, do it—his warmth and vision make the experience even more special.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates top-quality food, thoughtful presentation, and genuine hospitality. Can’t wait...