The Cook and Her Farmer

The Cook and Her Farmer is a neighborhood oyster bar, cafe, and natural wine bar located at 510 9th Street inside Swan’s Market in Old Oakland, California. Founded in 2014 by Chef Romney Steele—author of the award-winning cookbook My Nepenthe and granddaughter of the founders of Big Sur’s iconic Nepenthe restaurant—alongside her partner, oyster farmer Steven Day, the restaurant blends coastal Northern California sensibilities with soulful Southern cooking. Travelers and East Bay locals visit for freshly shucked Tomales Bay and Humboldt Bay oysters, seasonal market-driven plates, and a curated list of biodynamic and natural California wines served in a historic, brick-walled market hall.

What to Expect at The Cook and Her Farmer

Occupying a corner stall within the restored 1917 Swan’s Market building on 9th Street between Washington and Clay streets, The Cook and Her Farmer operates with a relaxed, counter-to-table rhythm. Guests can claim a stool along the wood-topped oyster bar to watch shuckers prepare daily bivalve selections on crushed ice or settle into the intimate interior dining tables and outdoor sidewalk patio along 9th Street. The culinary approach pairs sustainably harvested Northern California seafood with organic produce sourced directly from the Friday Old Oakland Farmers’ Market right outside the front door.

The menu centers on raw and broiled oysters, seasonal Po’Boys, hearty coastal chowders, and bright, vegetable-forward salads. Signature plates include the Crispy Fried Oyster Po’Boy dressed with house-made remoulade and pickled cabbage on a toasted Acme Bread torpedo roll, blackened rockfish tacos, and steaming bowls of clam and cod chowder. The beverage program spotlights small-production California natural wines, crisp pet-nats, dry ciders, and local craft beers on tap, all chosen to complement briny shellfish and Southern-inflected coastal fare. Vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free diners will find clearly adaptable options, including grain bowls, market greens, and corn tortilla substitutions.

• Raw and Broiled Northern California Oysters: Daily selections of cold-water Pacific and Kumamoto oysters sourced from Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and Humboldt Bay, served raw on the half shell with house mignonette or broiled with garlic herb butter.
• Crispy Fried Oyster and Shrimp Po’Boys: Served on crusty local Acme Bread rolls with shredded lettuce, house remoulade, and tangy pickled red cabbage alongside a small green salad or kettle chips.
• Confit Tuna Melt and Market Sandwiches: Elevated midday staples featuring line-caught albacore tuna confit with melted cheddar on grilled levain bread, plus seasonal vegetable paninis.
• Natural Wine and Craft Cider Program: A rotating list of low-intervention California whites, skin-contact orange wines, chilled reds, and dry artisanal ciders selected specifically for pairing with shellfish.
• Historic Swan’s Market Setting: Access to both the dedicated counter and patio seating of the restaurant and the lively architectural surroundings of Oakland’s premier historic food hall.

The Cook and Her Farmer at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

The Cook and Her Farmer operates primarily on a walk-in basis, making weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM the calmest window to grab a seat at the oyster bar without a wait. Friday mornings and early afternoons are particularly lively, as the restaurant opens at 10:00 AM to coincide with the Old Oakland Farmers’ Market, which stretches directly along 9th Street from Broadway to Clay Street. Getting there via public transit is straightforward: exit at the 12th St. / Oakland City Center BART Station and walk three blocks southwest via Broadway and 9th Street. Drivers can use metered street parking along Washington and Clay streets or park in the covered Washington Street Garage immediately across the street at 470 9th Street.

Both the street-level entrance on 9th Street and the interior corridors of Swan’s Market are step-free and wheelchair accessible, with accessible single-stall restrooms maintained inside the market hall. After dining, spend time exploring the preserved 1870s and 1880s Victorian commercial architecture lining Washington Street in Old Oakland, browse contemporary exhibitions at the Oakland Museum of California (a 15-minute walk east near Lake Merritt), or stroll six blocks south along Broadway to the waterfront boardwalks and ferry terminal at Jack London Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours and best times to visit The Cook and Her Farmer?

The Cook and Her Farmer is open Monday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; the restaurant is closed on Sundays. For a lively market atmosphere, visit on Friday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM during the Old Oakland Farmers’ Market, or stop by Tuesday through Thursday late afternoon for a relaxed oyster and wine hour.

How much does a meal cost and are reservations required?

Dining falls into the moderate $$ price tier, with Po’Boys, sandwiches, chowders, and salads typically ranging from $16 to $26, and fresh oysters priced by the half-dozen or dozen. Reservations are not required, as seating at the counter, indoor tables, and sidewalk patio is handled on a walk-in basis, and online ordering for pickup is available via thecookandherfarmer.com.

How much time should I budget for dining here?

Plan to spend 45 to 60 minutes for a casual lunch of a Po’Boy, chowder, or salad, or 60 to 90 minutes if lingering over a dozen freshly shucked oysters and a bottle of natural California wine. Combining your meal with a walk through Swan’s Market and the surrounding Old Oakland Victorian district easily fills two hours.

Is The Cook and Her Farmer wheelchair accessible and family friendly?

Yes, the restaurant features a flat, step-free entrance from 9th Street as well as level access from inside Swan’s Market, along with ADA-compliant market restrooms. The casual dress code, outdoor sidewalk tables, and comforting menu options like grilled cheese and fish tacos make it welcoming for families with children as well as couples and solo diners.

When planning your Oakland travel guide or comparing verified cafe and wine bar in Oakland, pair this stop with standout local spots including Pomet, Museum of Children's Art, Foster Youth Museum Blog, and The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment – (The MADE) (nearby).