Seemor
Top Hatters Kitchen and BarA-Worth Trying
855 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577
· Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (531 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Vietnamese-Californian fusion with excellent flavors and cocktails, tempered by QR-code ordering and occasional service delays; worth it for the food if you are comfortable with semi-self-service.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Top Hatters Kitchen and Bar delivers exceptional food quality through inventive Vietnamese-Californian cooking with standout oysters, savory donuts, and herb-driven plates that earn consistent praise. Thoughtful design and a loyal following strengthen its standing, but QR-based ordering limits personal service engagement and occasional pacing delays prevent grade A territory. Solid execution across dimensions makes it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and eclectic with plants, big windows, and a relaxed neighborhood energy. Servers are friendly, though the QR-based ordering means less hand-holding. One diner noted their meal felt like a cozy celebration: "We were treated so well and every plate looked beautiful." The cooking leans Vietnamese-Californian, a produce-first fusion where nuoc cham and lemongrass meet modern techniques. Oysters, savory doughnuts, oxtail with grits, and halibut tartare win lots of praise, while occasional comments flag a dry fish or a small portion. Cocktails are thoughtful and pair well with the bright, herb-driven flavors. For families, there are approachable options like the banh mi and rice bowls, plus grilled chicken or simple sides. That said, flavors skew adventurous and portions run modest, so picky eaters may need guidance. Patio seating works for strollers, but expect QR menus and limited customization.
At a Glance
- Inventive Vietnamese-Californian plates with excellent flavor execution
- Strong cocktail program and attractive plating
- QR-code ordering reduces personal service and can slow pacing
- Portions trend small; value depends on sharing plates
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Vietnamese-Californian fusion
- Strong cocktail program
- Seasonal farm produce
What People Love
- Vibrant, creative flavors that feel fresh
- Beautiful plating and seasonal produce
- Well-made cocktails that complement dishes
- Charming interior and patio vibe
Points of Concern
- QR-ordering leads to less engagement and occasional delays
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($39+ dinner mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Portions can feel small; order multiple plates to feel satisfied
- Review patterns show no major manipulation but some stylized prose suggests enthusiastic voices rather than templates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$48-$68 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair oysters with a citrus-forward cocktail
- At lunch, choose banh mi with lemongrass chicken for broad appeal
- For seafood fans, start with halibut tartare then share rockfish
Perfect For
- Date night with inventive small plates
- Food-focused brunch with cocktails
- Celebrating milestones without formal white tablecloths
- Locals hosting out-of-town friends
Location Insights
Area: Residential-edges meet small downtown strip; relaxed local scene with growing dining interest.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; occasional mentions to be mindful near freeway access.
Nearby: Near MacArthur Blvd and freeway ramps; mix of shops, homes, and casual businesses; patio fronts street.
MacArthur Boulevard CorridorThe MacArthur Boulevard area in San Leandro features a blend of casual dining spots, local bars, and small businesses. The dining scene is approachable and community-oriented, catering mostly to residents and workers in the area, with a focus on comfort food and relaxed atmospheres.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:45–14:30, 16:45–20:30
Wednesday11:45–14:30, 16:45–20:30
Thursday11:45–14:30, 16:45–20:30
Friday11:45–14:30, 16:45–20:30
Saturday11:45–14:30, 16:45–20:30
Sunday11:45–14:30, 16:45–20:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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