Business Details
8 Years
experience
Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine with a Modern Twist in Oakland
Co Nam, established in 2018, is a Vietnamese restaurant rooted in tradition with a modern culinary twist. Our founders, Chef Trung Nguyen and Chef Vy Lieou, bring decades of combined experience from their travels and work in Asia and renowned kitchens like Postrio. We prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients to craft dishes that honor classic Vietnamese flavors while embracing innovation. Our Chef Bar and Chef Table experiences offer immersive pairings of cocktails and tasting menus, reflecting our passion for storytelling through food.With a commitment to community and quality, weve adapted operations during challenges like the pandemic while maintaining safety and excellence. Our team, from servers to chefs, works cohesively to ensure every guest feels welcomed and delighted by our vibrant atmosphere and flavorful creations.
Services
Dinner
Weekend Brunch
Cocktails
Chef Table Experience
Takeout/Delivery
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer immersive Chef Bar experiences with expertly paired cocktails and tapas.
- Our chefs bring decades of experience from Asia and Michelin-starred kitchens.
- Seasonal menus feature locally sourced, organic ingredients with Vietnamese roots.
- Award-winning dishes combine classical techniques with innovative, global influences.
- We maintain a warm, inviting atmosphere with attentive, family-like service.
What people say
Delightfully entertained
Perfectly paired menu
100/10
New appreciation for mixology
Warm inviting atmosphere
Services
Chef Bar Experience
Our Chef Bar Experience is a five-course cocktail tasting with tapas pairings, featuring Asian and local spirits. Guests enjoy a curated mix of classics and originals, including Japanese whiskies and mezcals, alongside seasonal Asian street foods. The experience includes storytelling and interactive mixology demonstrations.
Chef Table Tasting Menu
The Chef Table Experience offers a 5-7 course tasting menu with wine or cocktail pairings. Dishes highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and global influences, served at an open kitchen counter or communal table. The menu changes frequently to reflect culinary innovations and guest preferences.
Dinner Service
Dinner features a full menu of Vietnamese-inspired dishes, including pho, grilled meats, and noodle bowls. Available Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 3-10 PM, and Friday-Saturday until midnight. Highlights include filet mignon pho and coconut curry entrees.
Weekend Brunch
Weekend brunch runs 10 AM-3 PM with a menu blending traditional Vietnamese flavors and modern twists. Options include sugarcane shrimp rolls, pho variations, and creative cocktails. The lively atmosphere includes open-kitchen views and communal seating.
Cocktails
Our cocktail program features creative mixology with Asian spirits and local ingredients. Signature drinks include the Lychee Martini and Saigon Street Peddler mezcal cocktail. A curated wine list and non-alcoholic options like Seedlip-based mocktails are also available.
People
Trung Nguyen
Founder / Chef / Mixologist
Chef Trung Nguyen combines childhood memories of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand with modern techniques. He opened Co Nam in 2012, emphasizing comfort food with creative twists and immersive cocktail experiences.
Vy Lieou
Co-Founder / Executive Chef
Chef Vy Lieou trained at California Culinary Academy and worked with Wolfgang Puck. She co-founded Co Nam in 2012, blending traditional Vietnamese recipes with contemporary presentation and sourcing.
Mo Kobayashi
Guest Chef
Oakland native Mo Kobayashi brings French pastry expertise from La Bouitte and Alinea. She launched her pop-up 'evoke' and collaborates with Co Nam on seasonal dessert programs since 2020.
Questions
What makes Co Nam's Chef Bar experience unique?
Our Chef Bar offers five cocktail-and-tapas pairings with interactive mixology demonstrations. Each course tells a story through Asian spirits and seasonal ingredients, combining education with entertainment.
Does Co Nam accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer vegan, vegetarian, and low/no ABV options across all menus. Our chefs can adapt dishes for allergies or restrictions when notified in advance.
What are the private event options?
We host private groups up to 26 guests for Chef Bar or Chef Table experiences. Off-site events are available, featuring customized menus and mixology stations for special occasions.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, weekend brunch, and Chef Experiences via our website. Walk-ins are welcome for bar seating and takeout orders.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit cards, digital gift cards, and mobile payments. Cash is not accepted at this location.
