This article is part of our Restaurant series, featuring remarkable independent restaurants that embody Healthy Anywhere standards and sensibility.
Mediterranean Cuisine, Rooted in Heart and Heritage
Nestled in Oakland’s Piedmont neighborhood, Pomella is a modern Cal-Israeli restaurant and an intentional expression of Love.
Love for the food of Levantine, Maghrebi, North African, Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern traditions. Love for peak-season organic ingredients grown with care. Love for hospitality that welcomes all, whether you’re picking up a quick bite or lingering over a meal with friends.
At the heart of it all is Mica Talmor, a chef whose deep-rooted culinary memories, high sourcing standards, and modern techniques bring something truly special to the Bay Area.
Recently, Healthy Anywhere Founder & Chief Enthusiast Leigh Balkom sat down with Mica at Pomella for an in-depth conversation about her journey, the challenges—and surprising simplicity—of running a kitchen with such high standards, and what drives her commitment to ingredient integrity.
Watch the full interview with Mica Talmor
“Everything here is made from scratch, and we soak everything and we change water and all that kind of stuff. I look at the old ways of doing things. You know, I introduce efficiency and modern equipment, but I do like the idea of how things were done..”
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From Farm Roots to Restaurant Vision: Mica’s Path to Pomella
“ I've done a lot of agriculture myself, and I think it's very hard work. I also think there's no guarantees, because so many things affect agriculture. So the idea that people would be working so hard to feed us.. and then we spray them with chemicals is shocking to me.”
Mica’s connection to food started before she ever set foot in a professional kitchen. Raised in Israel in a farming family, her childhood was shaped by time spent on her grandmother’s dairy farm and other farms—milking cows, gathering eggs, harvesting grapes and mangoes, and working the land.
That hands-on experience instilled a deep respect for the people behind our food, a respect that carries through in her work today.
At Pomella, Mica remains deeply connected to the farming community. Whether it’s sourcing from trusted Bay Area organic farms or stepping in to rescue excess produce from farmers in crisis (as she did with an urgent pomegranate harvest last year!), her role goes beyond running a kitchen—it’s about supporting and sustaining a better food system.
Mica’s appreciation of sustainable food systems and empathy for the producers and workers informs her strict standards for sourcing.
100% Organic, Thoughtfully Sourced
From day one, Mica made a bold commitment to a higher standard—Pomella would be 100% organic.
While this might seem like an extreme standard in an industry where restaurants often cut corners, Mica sees it differently: It actually simplifies sourcing. By deciding from the outset that every single ingredient—from spices to grains, meats to vegetables—must be organic, she removes any ambiguity.
Here’s what ingredient integrity looks like at Pomella:
100% Organic Produce – Every item in Pomella’s kitchen meets the highest organic standards. Wild Salmon, Organic Chicken & Grass-Fed Lamb – No factory-farmed proteins—only the cleanest, most responsibly sourced options. Bay Area Farm Partnerships – Working with trusted local farmers ensures peak-season produce and direct support for sustainable agriculture. House-Made Everything – From pickles to pastries, dips to dressings, everything (except the tahini) is made in-house, ensuring zero preservatives or additives ever make it onto your plate.
“ That's a decision you have to make (only) once... (sourcing ALL organic) I set up the system to not allow me to back away from this decision, no matter what the financial situation is.”
Watch the interview to learn more...Breaking the Stigma Around ‘Healthy’ Food
One surprising challenge that Mica has had to overcome? The lingering misconception that ‘healthy’ food is boring.
“We’ve noticed that some people hesitate to come in because they assume their kids won’t like the food,” Mica explains. “They picture ‘healthy’ as bland, or as something forced on them as children—granola and steamed broccoli.”
That perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
At Pomella, the food is vibrant, full of spice and texture, deeply satisfying and delicious—and yes, also good for you.
“ I don’t eat this food because it’s healthy. I eat it because it’s delicious.”
To meet customers where they are, Mica recently added a kids’ menu.
Watch the interview to learn how she “had to eat a frog” on this one… 
The takeaway? Healthy food isn’t something to endure—it’s something to celebrate.
Photos courtesy of Pomella Oakland
Weather, Supply Chains & The Hidden Challenges of Running a Conscious Kitchen
Beyond the daily logistics of running a restaurant, Pomella faces challenges that most diners never see—many of which are direct consequences of climate change and global supply chain disruptions.
Climate Impact on Crops – Fluctuating weather patterns have devastated certain crops, like tomatoes and stone fruit. One season can be abundant; the next, a total loss.
Import Challenges – Shipping delays and import regulations and tariffs have made sourcing essential ingredients like tahini from Israel and Lebanon an ongoing struggle.
Rising Costs & Limited Availability – Organic produce, sustainable meats, and eco-friendly packaging can dramatically skyrocket in price—yet Pomella remains committed to its values.
Despite these hurdles, Mica refuses to compromise. She built systems that hold her to the highest standards, ensuring that even in difficult times, the integrity of Pomella’s menu never wavers.
“ We are responsible for the food we serve and the impact it has—not just on our customers, but on the land, the farmers, the animals, and the environment.”
Beyond the Plate: A Commitment to Ethical Dining
Pomella excels at nourishing body, mind, and soul — and the community.
With seasonal food that tells a story of heritage with modern techniques and high-quality California ingredients.
Every bite supports better farming practices—with organic ingredients and ethical sourcing.
Diners are nourished—with food that fuels, restores, and satisfies.
For those who haven’t yet experienced Pomella’s vibrant, seasonal, deeply satisfying cuisine, there’s no better time to visit.
Pomella Oakland
3770 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA
Dine In | Takeout | Catering Available
Discover the flavors, meet the community, and taste the difference that ingredient integrity makes.
Watch our full interview with Mica Talmor.
Discover More Eateries Like Pomella in the Healthy Anywhere App
Love what Mica’s building at Pomella? She’s not alone. Across the country, independent chefs and restaurateurs are raising the bar—serving vibrant, nourishing food with deep integrity and soul.
The Healthy Anywhere App helps you discover places like Pomella:
Organic kitchens (with 100% Organic designation for those like Pomella)
Chef-owned, independent restaurants
Meals made from scratch, with high standards and bold flavor
Whether you’re traveling or looking for hidden gems in your own backyard, we’ll help you find food that’s as delicious, thoughtful, and inspired as Pomella.
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