Ali Baba is one of the best places for lunch in Oakland. The have a ton of vegetarian options, of which the spinach and lentil soup, the falafel sandwich, and the spinach pie are some of the best in the country. The spinach and lentil soup is a particular standout.
Our department at Pitt regularly takes faculty candidates here for lunch. It's a really good option for this because the menu satisfies many dietary needs (including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten free), the restaurants is a good middle-ground between casual and formal, and the prices are low enough that a big group doesn't eat up too many departmental funds.
Great lunch spot, good prices, and fantastic food.