Acquacotta

Closed as of April 1, 2010.
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A new pub-​style restaurant will be opening soon in this space.

I went to Acquacotta on a Saturday night along with three friends.
The environment looks nice, spacious, clean, yet very quiet (a Saturday night!). Their kitchen might even be cleaner than our own kitchens. :) Another note is that they offer daily menus.
My girl friend and I were craving for some calms/​mussels in white wine for appetizer, which they do not have. So we decided to go for the marinated mushrooms on the menu, but it was out of stock (keep in mind that there were only 3 tables at 8pm on a Saturday night). We then ordered the risotto balls and they were really good.
As for entrees, there are only three choices (tuna, steak or braised pork). I was craving for some seafood pasta with white sauce, which obviously they did not have. So we ordered all three entrees. All of them were very nicely cooked! They were all very tender and smooth. We could tell the chef really put in the effort.
In conclusion, this is a place that offers daily menus. So I guess food on the menu is probably the freshest they find for the day?! Which makes sense. The food is very good. The con is just there might be a little lack of choices available.

Definitely overpriced, but good thing we had the
certificate!
I mentioned to the waiter that the appetizer we just had was cold inside (saffron risotto balls). He was either confused or didn’t care, but he didn’t apologize or do anything to make it better.
The main dishes were decent – we had a beef pasta dish and a pork roast dish – both felt like home-​cooked meals, which I like. I don’t know if it should be in the $ 17-​$ 20 price point though… a bit pricey for what it was.
They really need to work on getting people in the door and making them love the place in order to stay alive… I hope for the best for them because I grew up in the area and want to see a Webster St business succeed, but am doubtful that we’ll see them there in a year if they don’t do anything to change.

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE customer service! My wife and I really wanted to like this restaurant since we live in walking distance of the place. Who doesn’t want a warm, inviting, cute Italian joint in their neighborhood? It’s a shame that Acquacotta is NONE of these things as the staff is rude and unaccommodating.
We walked in on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was extremely cold and completely EMPTY. My wife asked the woman who sat us…(she was behind the bar, reddish hair and wearing glasses) if it was cold inside and she rudely said «It’s warmer in here than usual and I’m QUITE comfortable… SOOOOOO I don’t know what to tell you» then she turned up her nose and walked away. At that point we knew Acquacotta did NOT care about our experience and we were reluctant to even stay.
The tall lanky waiter was even LESS hospitable. We began to order and asked if we could share the $ 9 bowl of soup. His exact reply, «Our soups are small and we only have large bowls so we can’t split it». How ridiculous is that??? Then he sat at the bar with the hostess making us feel completely unwelcome.
We quickly finished our OVERPRICED wine, didn’t order a thing off the menu and walked out. We will NEVER return. Who cares how great the food tastes if the staff are assholes?
On our way out we told the woman looking at the menu outside the door how poorly we were treated and she left. Then we went home and told our neighbors and friends…(22 and counting) about our HORRIBLE experience in hopes Acquacotta will quickly go out of business and be replaced by a restarrant that doesn’t ABUSE their customers.

I hope this place stays in business because it seems so out of place on fast-​food haven Webster Street.
I had the Tuscan vegetarian soup ($ 10) which was tasty. Nice and chunky, not pureed but so little broth in the huge bowl. I wondered if they ran out of broth. There was a big crostini bread served in the soup — very delicious — but there was no broth left to dunk it. What’s up with that?
Since the only vegetarian option was a creamy mushroom pasta dish I opted for one of the several veggie side dishes — roasted butternut squash. It was sweet — almost carmelized — but I liked it a lot.
Unfortunately my two friends thought their salad and mushroom pasta was just mediocre and not worth the $ 17 (entrée, not sure how much the salad was). The bill was over $ 117 and only 3 glasses of wine and no entrée for me. On a street that is often a little funky to be on after a certain hour.
Good luck Acquacotta.

YUM. The food here is exquisite and the wine list is first-​rate with fair prices. The simple Acquacotta
(Tuscan vegetable soup) is simply, soul-​warming and very authentic.

Aquacotta is still hanging in there — never seems to be very busy. We went on a Saturday night and since they do not take reservations (this is a mystery…) we tooks our chances. No problem…
My bf and I were most impressed with the fact that they have a Kerner wine on the menu. Ever since we had a Kerner at Dopo in Oakland, we are always on the hunt for this German varietal that’s a Northern Italian wine. We love it.
The other Unilocalers are right — that pot roast reigns supreme — it’s like buttah! We also had a yummy creamy mushroom pasta (paparadelle?) that went down really easily.
The panna cotta was dreamy — a great end to a really good meal.

Went here with my husband and parents. The place is nice looking inside, pretty minimalist. Simple lighting but a little too bright. Not over crowded with tables, which is nice. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Dad had the chicken, he said it was excellent. Mom had the pork and I tried some. WOW it was super good. She said the polenta that came with it was the best she ever had. My husband and I had the roast. OMG sooooo good. I hope they never take it off the menu.
The prices seemed pretty reasonable for fine-​ish dining. They even had absinthe which my husband loves so he ordered a glass of that with the sugar cubes and everything. We would go here again.

Our first time tonite. Service was fantastic. Pretty much all the food was fantastic. Jack had rigatoncini with spicy pork. I had the tagliatelle with the house ragu, like a bolognese. My pasta was superb. The sauce was «right» but had no tomato in it. So I asked for a side of the spicy pork sauce that Jack had. And I got it very quickly. Then I really enjoyed my meal.
Finished with a great grappa and a doppio!

Had dinner there last night. Nice space. Very quiet on a Saturday night around 9, only a couple of tables occupied. The bartender said that’s a slow day and it’s busier on weeknights. Nice place for a solo dinner at the bar.
The saffron arancini were nice though to my taste could have been fried a bit longer.
The acquacotta (vegetable soup) was fabulous. Seems like the vegetables must have been cooked individually and then combined with chicken broth, since the green beans were crisp and the carrots and cauliflower cooked through. Lovely light dish.
The stracotto al Chianti (braised beef) was spectacular, as good a version of this classic as I’ve had. On a cold night it would be perfect with a side of polenta. The potatoes that came with it were cute (cut to look like mushrooms) but I think a waxy variety would have worked better. Generous helping, I only finished half (and forgot to take the rest home, damn it).
By that point I was stuffed, but couldn’t resist ricotta with chestnut honey and hazelnuts. Again, a lovely light dish.
Excellent place. Full bar with a very sophisticated and eclectic selection of wine and booze. Looking forward to going back and trying the chef’s ragù, I’m sure anyone who can braise beef like that makes a great version. Would deserve five stars compared only with other Alameda restaurants.

FInally peeped this place. It’s location is so random, on Webster, the forgotten, more thuggish side of Alameda. Park St is filled with smiles, fro yo, and fun, and Webster kind of looks like the world after the Terminator’s take over.
So we walk there last Friday, only a couple of blocks from my pad, which is nice. I know that I’ll be drinking and so there is ZERO chance of po po occurence. I am immediately taken aback by how small the place is: maybe 8 –10 tables tops? There is a bar to the right, maybe I’ll come in there just to drink in the future.
We got these fried risotto balls for an appetizer, def something different I am not used to. There was mozzerella inside said risotto balls. My girlfriend is super healthy so I conquered these with delight.
My entrée was a bistecca marsala dish. Anchovy butter with spinach. I felt that the meat was good, but not amazing. As some chefs say: «It’s all in the sauce.», My girlfriends chicken dish was far superior. It was served on a bed of soft polenta that was just UNREAL. It was like polenta mashed potatoes. Mad delish yo.
For dessert we had flourless chocolate cake with some type of whipped topping. Our waiter paired it with 2 glasses of red (the most expensive on the menu) but it was worth it.
The server, as I think about it, was very good. Efficient, excellent with wine tasting when we wouldnt even request it «I insist.»
I would come back for sure. A little bummed that I read about this place winning an award in East Bay Express for best pot roast (it has a fancier name in the write up but let’s face it, thats what it is) and they didn’t have it on the menu.
Well the menu apparently changes daily so I’ll try and come here twice a month. Feel pretty spoiled to have a place like this on my side of Alameda… Cheers!

My friend Renee and I really needed a few drinks and some good food to take the edge off after a hellishly long week.
I have been wanting to check out Acquacotta, so I was pleased that Renee was on board.
The first glass of wine and the appetizers did the job! I like that they have an adventurous wine list — wines you won’t find at most other restaurants. The Chianti (by the glass) really hit the spot.
We ordered the Saffron Ricotta and Mozzarella balls and pollenta appetizers. Both excellent — I love me some pollenta!
The bartender makes her very own version of a strawberry margarita that is AWESOME! It is not sweet and it is not bitter. It really was the perfect margarita. I could definitely see myself getting in some trouble with a few of those under my belt — and I will certainly be back to get me some more of that!
For our main courses I had their version of egg noddles with the house meat sauce and Renee had the Penne pasta dish.
Mine WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD. I almost had to order another one. It was so good, I almost had sex with it.
OMG…good!
Renee liked hers but she didn’t exactly cream herself with enthusiasm as I did.
Both of us agreed that we’d be back!
Minus one star because their chairs ARE SO UNCOMFORTABLE!!! They don’t invite you to stay for awhile, that’s for sure…

Dunno if it’s the rough economy or all the hoopla surrounding Acquacotta’s opening has died down, but it was quite easy getting a table there recently.
Service was pleasant, there was a cozy/​upscale vibe to the place, and the menu and wine list were intriguing. I had a bourbon cocktail that was stiff and tasty, and all of our food was delicious.
I must ding them a star for not having many vegetarian options on the menu. The chef was able to make something for me, but it did come across as a workaround.

While our son was at the Winter Ball and our daughter was studying for finals we went out to dinner with some friends at Acquacotta. Our timing was a bit tight as I had Winter Ball participant pickup duty for my son, his cousin and their friend. So, after taking the obligatory pictures of their posse before they left for the ball we met up with our friends and dashed over to Acquacotta. Since they don’t take reservations we still figured by 7:30 we would be OK for seating. There were a few tables available when we arrived.
Lance, our waiter (I hope I have the name right) was quite helpful in our cocktail, wine, dinner and yes, dessert selections. We all ordered something different but I went for the pot roast. Someone nearby was enjoying it and it looked too good to pass up. I loves me some pot roast! Mom always made a mean pot roast and I’ve been hooked ever since.
We enjoyed some cocktails from the bar and I must say the bartender was on her game! Feeling like some citrus I had a «Autostrada del Fiore» which was very nice. Lance brought us three tastes for our wine selection and we picked a very nice Italian Langhe Nebbiolo. So, one cocktail followed by some wonderful, tender, perfectly cooked pot roast and a dessert whose name escapes me was enough for the evening. We all shared tastes and everything was very good. Definitely going back.
I’m no expert on restaurant décor but I really liked the simple décor and warm colors. It wasn’t noisy and we felt very comfortable there. Loved the bar. I’d go back just for cocktails. Acquacotta is a great addition to Alameda and Webster St. The West End is really jumping these days and the whole Island is very proud of the NCS Div III Football Champion Encinal Jets! Great kids.

After sampling the equivalent of 2 vodka cocktails, a half shot of whiskey, and some absinth at the Hanger One distillery, my stomach was hurting for something filling and yummy. I remembered something about a new wine bar in Alameda called Aqua-​something? … Dianah was like, «You mean Acquacotta?»
«Yeah, that’s it ! (I’m glad she was able to pronounce it) Let’s go eat!»
So we went. Our waiter (Lance) was awesome. He gave us a flight of 4 samples of Chardonnay. Ouuu refreshing! We started with the small prosciutto sandwich and deep fried saffron risotto balls. Damn! good ! The sandwich was nice but it could have used a couple more slices of meat, but that’s just a cured pig-​flesh addict talking.
D ordered the rigatoni & sausage and I ordered the pot roast. It was very fortuitous that we both are fine with sharing food because I was eyeing her pasta like a starving man… all the while I was chowing down on that pot roast like it was going out of style.
Finally… for dessert… panna-​cotta ! Ouuu baby… The panna-​cotta alone is worth the trip to go to this jewel of Alameda.
We deliberated and debated and slightly resisted, but in the end gluttony won out. Thank goodness, because goodie-​two-​shoes are worn by suckers! and blue suede sin shoes are for those of us that like to eat, drink, and be merry! Come to Acquacotta and sin your little asses off !

Went with a party of 4, and we ate the entire menu! And not one bite of food was left on our plates.
Love the combination of fresh seasonal flavors. My hubby doesn’t really like «Italian» but he was very happy with his meal.
I especially appreciate the bar, and the wine list. Both are a challenge for a small restaurant, and Acquacotta has made great selections.
Prior comments about the service must have scared people off because we were able to walk in on a Friday night without a wait. Go back! We deserve small neighborhood restaurants like this in the East Bay. Cross a bridge, take a tunnel. There are restaurants outside of Rockridge and the Gourmet Ghetto that deserve your business. Acquacotta is one of them.
P. S. if you go on a Friday or Saturday, you can work of your pasta at Lucky Ju Ju pinball museum and arcade. Another hidden gem in Alameda.

Mrs. Cheesemonger and I went for a return visit the other night, and has a great meal.
John has fine-​tuned the menu, added some artwork on the walls, and filled out the back bar (a great selection of Amaros — mmmm). All in all, an exellent meal at too god to be believed prices
We’ll be back…

Alameda has always reminded me of a community that is just waking up from the 1960s. The opening of Aquacotta is another wake up call that Alameda is ready to take on the 21^st century.
The restaurant is nondescript from the street and easy to miss. The atmosphere is nice and our server was beyond helpful yet not in an annoying way.
We couldn’t decide on the selection of Italian wines so our waiter brought out samples for us to try. Nice touch!
The menu is small and focused, which I appreciate, especially for a fairly new restaurant. The chicken risotto was superb.
We opted for a peach blackberry tart for dessert and it was very disappointing. Why oh why don’t more restaurants focus on their dessert menus rather than acting like it’s an afterthought?
Overall, it was a good experience and it’s nice to see Alameda wake up and join the rest of the Bay Area with upscale restaurant options.

We were able to be seated without reservations, but if more people catch on to this place, I don’t see that happening in the future.
Acquacotta is a wonderful restaurant that serves simply delicious dishes.
There were so many flavors happening with the pasta dish that my taste buds were in a tizzy. The red sauce had distinct flavors of basil and lemon zest which contrasted and complimented at the same time. Then the sausage provided the right amount of spice to round out the dish. Good stuff.
The risotto was equally tasty. I enjoyed the creaminess of the dish and how well the rice was cooked. I was hesitant in believing this dish would be filling, but I’m slowly learning not to doubt Acquacotta.
I didn’t get to the wine list since I so enamored with the Autostrada del Fiore. (I wonder if they used Hangar One Vodka since it’s so nearby.) I was also curious about their desserts yet prior plans prevented us from trying: more reason to return.
I was leaning towards giving Acquacotta four stars but have only been there once and need at least one more try and a couple more dishes. I know I can be stingy with my stars but when a place gets four (and rarely five stars), it means something.

Hurrah, Acquacotta, hurrah!
For the better half a century I thought that the city of Alameda had been crushed under some gnarly retirement régime: slow drivers, walkers, and smelly things ran feral and rampant in the streets, fending off visitors and ensuring a youth-​less community. My instincts told me to steer clear, but a friend told me to eat. Eat I did.
Acquacotta may have just breathed fresh air into this sleepy little town…
The Food:
Fantastic; all of it. The steak, the risotto balls, the pastas, the polenta. MMM!
The Drinks:
Cheap and went down easy. From the under $ 40 wine list to the Bonded Bourbon. I could easily marry the bartendress Carolyn. It would be worth a trip back just to sit at her bar.
The Service:
Well, they let us snicker about «balls» and «going down easy» without kicking us out…
And Desert:
Because it’s not food, but «Heaven» instead. (Seriously… the panna cotta? Christ almighty…)