Kingston roots, Oakland heart
Sweet Fingers is Chef Clive's love letter to Jamaica, brought to life at 1707 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland's Uptown district. Every plate carries the spirit his grandmother put into hers: made fresh, made with care.
Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant and Bar | Our Story
Aunt Lu's kitchen
Chef Clive grew up in Jamaica at the knee of his grandmother Lucy — known to everyone as "Aunt Lu" or "Sugar." Sitting in her kitchen, eating meals made fresh with love, shaped everything he would cook.
From Kingston to the kitchen
At 18, Chef Clive left Jamaica for New York, attended culinary school, and graduated top of his class. He spent the next decade with Marriott Hotels, rising to Supervising Chef.
Building Sweet Fingers
In spring 2003, Chef Clive chose to support a local Jamaican restaurant in Sacramento over a head chef role elsewhere — driven by his passion for authentic cuisine. It was there he met his fiancée, and together they built the vision.
A seat at our table
Today, Sweet Fingers fills a colorful corner of Uptown Oakland with jerk chicken, oxtail, a full bar, and live music. Pull up a chair — you're always welcome in Chef Clive's kitchen.
