D
O N A T O M A S
5004 Telegraph Ave
Oakland
510.450.0522
From the moment Dona Tomas opened nearly two years ago, both dining rooms
have been filled to capacity. Outside of Javier’s in Dallas, TX, Oakland’s
Dona Tomas serves the best Mexico City cooking West of Texas. It is not Tex
Mex and the two should not be confused. They are worlds apart with only a
few of the same items on their menus. I found this place by accident in its
first month of operation. It is easy to miss since the signage is minimal,
but at the corner of 51st and Telegraph is some of the best meals you will
have night in and out.
The menu changes every couple of months, but one item on the main course will
thankfully never leave. Just say carnitas on your first visit and you will
end up with a memorable meal. The carnitas are tender (melts in your mouth)
Niman Ranch pork rubbed with Mexican oregano and slow roasted forever with
grilled scallions and fresh lime juice served with warm tortillas and refried
white beans. The chili rellenos are not egg battered or fried, but pan roasted
and baked. The chili rellenos’ stuffing changes with the menu, but can
come with butternut squash and menonita cheese served with tomatillo sauce
and rice. Many a night you will find a whole grilled fish marinated in achiote
and topped with pickled red onions served with refried black beans.
Back to the starters and this is where sharing is fun. Of course, they do
have both wonderful homemade guacamole and homemade chips. Other starters
to share are the quesadillas with wild mushrooms, epazote and Bellweather
Farms ricotta cheese folded into house made tortillas and topped with salsa
roja. Chorizo Verde Fundido is house made Mexican sausage flavored with Mexican
herbs, chiles and spices broiled with queso Oaxaca and served with pico de
gallo and tortillas. A recent ceviche was lime-cured salmon with tomato, cilantro,
red onion and serranos in a chile de arbol and lime salsa.
Who can not be tempted by some of the best margaritas ever served in the Bay
Area! Try the Margarita de la Reyna, which is hand-shaken El Tesoro Tequila,
Cointreau and fresh lime juice served up on the rocks.
Bon Appetit!
