Top Hatters Kitchen and Bar — Restaurant in San Leandro

We are a family of three including a 13-yr-old. We popped in having only heard of Top Hatters and driven by it so many times. No reservation, just a walk in and we were sat in minutes, even had a choice between inside and out. Got lucky. We sat outside.

It's a concept menu that's not very kid friendly--but we managed. I don't mind QR ordering, though I've only seen this ordering method at comedy clubs.

The menu is very imaginative, and descriptive, though it's tough to know if it will be enough food to satiate. The raw oysters were medium sized with an overwhelming taste of citrus--not extraordinary. Our small plate was tender meat bites wrapped in Viet herbs with a dipping sauce (see photo). These were a great way to get the palate jump started. The Kohlrabi Salad offers fresh flavor and crunch as well.

Our main dish was a medium-sized Rockfish (see photo). The presentation is impressive, and the flavor pulls through from skin to bone. We were impressed how meaty and hardy the fish was, made for great fish wraps using the herbs and lettuce. Of all the sauces, the tamarind paired best with everything.

Our 13-yr-old loved the short rib, especially the ramen that it comes with. We got lucky, but the short rib is likely the only thing I'd say is kid-friendly.

The front of the menu explains in great detail why they choose to use a QR code for ordering. One of the reasons stated it makes for fewer ordering mistakes. However, we were given the wrong side to our fish and I was left scrambling to my phone to double check. They fixed it, but it was strange I was the one who had to check the order.

Service was very friendly and we were checked on by multiple people. The food and drink were well made, flavorful, and satisfying. However, as others have mentioned, it is tough to justify the price point when there are other options nearby that offer...

There’s a little bit of magic tucked into downtown San Leandro and it goes by the charming name Top Hatters. Every visit feels like slipping into a favorite story: relaxed, welcoming, and just a touch whimsical. The moment you walk in you’re greeted by warm lighting, upbeat chatter, and a friendly tone—it’s the kind of place where you immediately sink into your seat and let the day slow down.

The food is comfort with a wink. Plates arrive looking cheerful and smelling even better—crispy edges, bright herbs, and sauces that invite more bread. Whether you’re there for a leisurely brunch or an easy weeknight dinner, the menu balances familiar favorites with little creative twists that keep things interesting. Portions are generous in the best way: satisfying without feeling heavy. The desserts are the kind you’ll happily split and then secretly hope there’s enough left for a second helping.

Service here feels personal, never rushed. The staff seems genuinely glad you showed up—attentive, friendly, and ready with a recommendation if you’re wavering. Drinks are mixed with care, from morning coffee that actually wakes you up to cocktails that pair perfectly with a relaxed conversation. If the weather’s good, snag an outdoor seating.

Top Hatters is the kind of neighborhood gem that turns a usual meal into an event. It’s where you bring friends who are new to town, or come alone with a book and stay long after your plate is cleared. For me, it’s always a treat coming here—and I’m already looking forward to the next visit. If you want cozy vibes, good food, and no fuss, this...

I was looking forward to try out this hidden local gem located in San Leandro. Parking can be challenging since it's mostly street parking and it's next to the freeway exits/entrance, so be careful. Tons of angry drivers out there. I made reservations for a Friday at 1230pm for outdoor seating. We got seated indoors since there was no shade available outside. Ordering and looking at menu is done via QR code on the phone, super efficient. I opted for the vermicelli bowl with tofu and we share tissue bread as appetizer. I also got one of the cocktails with whiskey. Total came out to at least $40 for myself (yikes, quite pricey).

My vermicelli bowl was OK, a bit small for a very hungry eater but it filled me up. The tofu was spongey in texture and lacked taste. The sauce was OK, would prefer the more traditional Vietnamese nuoc cham sauce. The noodles came in some red dressing already? Tasted like sweet chili sauce... would have preferred plain noodles and just dress it with the sauce. The tissue paper was good, came with tamarind sauce, but it was really thin and was almost like eating air. I find these Asian fusion dishes really not worth paying extra relative to traditional dishes. The flavors were lacking, but perhaps I didn't have the best dish they offer. Despite the foods, great ambiance and location to enjoy quality...