A Visit to Old Oakland’s Landmark G. B. Ratto & Co.
Walking through the tall doors of Ratto’s, you may journey back to the time years ago when you first discovered this hidden gem in its beautiful Victorian storefront in Old Oakland. Giovanni Battista Ratto opened his shop in 1897 as one of the first groceries offering Mediterranean spices, bulk rice, beans and pasta, Italian Olive Oils and more. Besides serving the Bay Area, people would travel from the valley for two hours just to come here and buy the ingredients they needed to prepare their family recipes in the small towns where they lived. G.B. was Elena Durante’s great grandfather. Her grandfather and father, both named Martin Durante, carried on the tradition until Elena took over the business in 2001.
“We are now an authentic West Coast Deli,” says Elena. “In addition to making great deli and hot-pressed sandwiches, we also stock a wide selection of gourmet groceries, wines and bulk spice. Back in the day we 
were one of the few specialty grocery stores here and helped people continue their culinary traditions.” G.B. Ratto & Co. still offers a vast selection of fresh dried herbs and spices with a large selection of special pastas, Ratto’s vinegar, Olive Oils, a scrumptious chile paste, lovely cheeses and meats, fresh lunch salads and of course, a curated selection of wines.
It has that hint of Old World Market with influences from France, Italy and Spain. There’s also Orange and Rose Flower Water, Pomegranate Molasses, Dolmas and some Turkish products, a great tahini and Lemon Infused Olive Oil from Italy. “Another thing people love about us is that we have a great selection of chocolate bars – good for that afternoon snack,” adds Elena.
Ratto’s is nestled between Caffé 817, known for their legendary coffee and homemade fare, and District, known for their whiskey, wines and house made charcuterie. “We serve the working population down here,” continues Elena. “Ratto’s serves hearty, delicious sandwiches with fresh ingredients on the coveted acme rolls and baguettes.” Each week they have a weekly special sandwich, signature
Salmon and dill with cucumber
sandwiches and a huge list of ingredients so that you can create your own. For the week of Mon., Feb. 20th to Sat., Feb. 25th, their sandwich special features imported jamon serrano and manchego from Spain with thyme-scented chèvre cream spread, marinated artichoke hearts and peppery arugula, lightly pressed on an Acme ciabatta roll.
“Fridays are a great day to visit Ratto’s,” adds Elena. “There’s gorgeous local produce in the Friday Farmers Market outside our doors. You can buy basil and tomatoes and come inside to buy the olive oil and pasta.”
G.B.Ratto & Co. is located at 821 Washington St. “This building is so so special – so beautiful. Look at the height of the ceiling. It’s a Victorian with incredibly high ceilings and a 1936 Terrazzo floor on Victorian Row in Oakland.”
Elena’s husband Michael is a Jazz pianist and plays on Saturdays from 1-3pm and sometimes as a trio. Join the community and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. And, by the way, Ratto’s turns 120 in 2017!
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30a – 4:30p and Sat. 10a-4p
Phone: 510-832-6503
Special ingredient – fig! -Italian herbed ham with black olive & fig tapenade, chevre with fresh thyme, marinated sweet onions & arugula on Acme baguette
Good Place for Books chronicles their best sellers with detailed book descriptions. 
Owner Kathleen Caldwell also suggests her favorite books online. And this month she is promoting The Most Dangerous Place on Earth by Lindsey Lee Johnson.
So, joyful it is – at Jack London Square’s annual tree lighting festivities! Share in an enchanting evening on the Oakland waterfront with holiday music performed by Oakland’s talented young people. You will be surrounded by Santa’s grazing reindeer, youth choral groups, an ornament workshop, an Instrument Petting Zoo, holiday treats, a visit from Santa Claus (and photos), artisans and a warm wonderful community spirit.
Steel Rail Public House says they are going Off the Rails with a gastronomic experience you will not want to miss next Fri. evening, Nov. 11, from 5-9pm on Water St. next to Scott’s in Jack London Square. They are showcasing the talents of two local culinary artisans 
is that steel rail workers helped shape the local community and they continue to celebrate the spirit of this local community of Oakland. Steel Rail honors Oakland’s storied past and celebrates the people here in Jack London Square by providing a warm and casual setting. “We created Steel Rail as a welcome place for the entire community to eat drink share and unwind,” according to the founders.
