Doukkala, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
Doukkala opened in Oakland in April. Pictured here: the couscous with lamb, oxtail and duck ($28). Photo: Emilie Raguso

Come along with Nosh as we explore the East Bay food scene in photographs. This week we focus on Doukkala in Oakland.

Owner Jamal Zahid has reimagined his Temescal restaurant space — which formerly was called Tanjia — under the leadership of a new chef who has recreated the menu to feature “Moroccan-inspired California cuisine.” Executive Chef Eric Lanvert has “deep roots” in the Bay Area, having worked at or owned a number of San Francisco restaurants, including Rue Saint Jacques and Cote Sud. Local, farm-fresh organic ingredients are the rule, and most dishes can be ordered as half- or full-sized portions. Chorizo-stuffed squid, mussels in saffron broth and day boat scallops were among the highlights during a pair of recent visits.

Doukkala is located at 4905 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5-10:30 p.m. The restaurant opened in April, and Nosh was invited for a complimentary meal for two to try it out. See the May 2014 menu here (subject to change). The wine list appears here. (Photographs by Emilie Raguso.)

Doukkala, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
The Moroccan mint lemonade is a perfect way to cool down on a summer day ($5). For those wanting more of a kick, the restaurant makes two kinds of sangria in house ($7 a glass and $18 per carafe). Beer, hard cider and wine are also available.
Owner Jamal Zahid named his restaurant after a region in Morocco known for its agricultural fertility and coastal fishing towns.
Owner Jamal Zahid named his restaurant after a region in Morocco known for agricultural fertility and its coastal fishing towns.
Roasted baby beets with mâche lettuce and quail eggs ($6/12).
Roasted baby beets with mâche lettuce and quail eggs ($6/12). Ask for the chef’s special Moroccan salt blend to take it up a notch.
Roasted baby beets with mâche lettuce and quail eggs ($6/12). Ask for the chef’s special Moroccan salt blend to take it up a notch.
Morroccan-style gazpacho soup ($4/8).
Morroccan-style gazpacho soup is flavorful and refreshing; don’t expect it to be chilled ($4/8).
Morroccan-style gazpacho soup is flavorful and refreshing; don’t expect it to be chilled ($4/8).
The cozy interior hasn't changed much, though low Moroccan-style seating has been replaced with more typical chairs. The tented ceiling, beautiful cushions and Middle-Eastern lighting remains.
The cozy interior hasn’t changed much, though low Moroccan-style seating has been replaced with more typical chairs. The tented ceiling, beautiful back cushions and North African-style lanterns remain.
The cozy interior hasn’t changed much, though low Moroccan-style seating has been replaced with more typical chairs. The tented ceiling, beautiful back cushions and North African-style lanterns remain.
Squid a la plancha: grilled and stuffed with chorizo, freekeh and tomatoes, served over tomato coulis ($11).
Squid a la plancha: grilled and stuffed with chorizo, freekeh and tomatoes, served over tomato coulis ($11).
Pacific Northwest dayboat scallops sautéed with Jerusalem artichoke velouté ($14 for two scallops, $27 for four).
Pacific Northwest day boat scallops sautéed with Jerusalem artichoke velouté ($14 for two scallops, $27 for four).
What meal here would be complete without Moroccan mint tea?
What meal here would be complete without Moroccan mint tea? A handful of other organic offerings from Five Mountain Teas are also available: Bergamot black, Spring jade, Camelia blossoms, Doukkala tisane and Nile Valley chamomile ($4).
What meal here would be complete without Moroccan mint tea? A handful of other organic offerings from Five Mountain Teas are also available: Bergamot black, Spring jade, Camelia blossoms, Doukkala tisane and Nile Valley chamomile ($4).
The baklava has a beautiful crunch and a wonderful nutty filling. It's served in combination with mint tea ($10.50).
The baklava has a beautiful crunch and a wonderful nutty filling. It comes with a pot of mint tea for $10.50.
Créme brulée trio: tahitian vanilla, lavender and saffron ($8).
Créme brulée trio: tahitian vanilla, lavender and saffron ($8).
Doukkala, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
In the back of the restaurant is a small, cozy bar.
Doukkala, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
An area across from the bar has been repurposed as an intimate lounge section.
Doukkala, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
Doukkala is a stylish new addition to Temescal. It replaces Tanjia, which was indeed in need of an overhaul.
Doukkala is a stylish new addition to Temescal. It replaces Tanjia, which was indeed in need of an overhaul.
Doukkala, Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
Doukkala has taken the place of Tanjia on a busy Temescal block in North Oakland.

Enjoy more highlights from Nosh on the Town. See more Oakland dining features.

Related:
Nosh on the town: Sukho Thai in Rockridge (05.13.14)
Nosh on the town: Great China in Berkeley (05.07.14)
Nosh on the town: Duende in Uptown Oakland (04.01.14)
Nosh on the town: Centouno in Jack London Square (03.12.14)
Nosh on the town: Vientian in Oakland (02.20.14)
Nosh on the town: Bourbon & Beef on College Ave. (01.09.14)

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Emilie Raguso (former senior editor, news) joined Berkeleyside in 2012 and covered politics, public safety and development until her departure in 2022. In 2017, Emilie was named Journalist of the Year...