Michelin Guide Recommendations For Alameda

ALAMEDA, CA — Alameda does not have any restaurants that have earned Michelin stars, but there are two eateries in Alameda that are recommended by the Michelin Guide.

The two restaurants offer dramatically different cuisines and price points..

Spinning Bones

The Michelin Guide labels Spinning Bones as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, meaning that it offers good quality and a good value.

The Michelin Guide write-up highlights everything from the restaurant's decor to the food, from starters to desserts, "On the quaint island of Alameda comes this causal concept from restaurateurs, Mike Yakura and Danny Sterling. The entrance is in keeping with its industrial interior design, complete with a counter and kitchen in full view, exposed ductwork, and an indigo-blue ceiling.

"Billing itself as a Californian rotisserie, the menu is also strewn with Hawaiian and Japanese accents—behold such unorthodox sides as a Napa slaw, with pickled red kraut, carrot, and creamy sesame dressing. Top-notch meats take center stage, with starters (corn fritters with strawberry jam, anyone?) to boot. Marinated in koji and fermented rice, these umami-packed cuts are then grilled to rosy perfection. Desserts, like butter mochi cake with whipped cream, boast a light-as-feather texture."

The Spinning Bones website includes menus and links to make a reservation.

Utzutzu

The Michelin Guide also recommends Utzutzu for fans of Japanese cuisine and sushi. "It may take a little digging to find this place, since there are no signs and you must ascend a steep flight of stairs, but once inside, you'll discover an ambitious Japanese restaurant where the kitchen deserves as much praise as the eight-seat sushi counter.

"The okimari menu begins with a clean and simple dish of ohitashi, or blanched romesco in a dashi broth, then continues with nanbanzuke, a lightly fried and intensely flavorful fish. Skillful sashimi and a selection of sushi follow, including horse mackerel brushed with sweet soy and a dot of yuzu, seared Japanese whitefish, okra topped with bonito flakes and fried Japanese eggplant, which takes a humble ingredient and steals the show. Black sesame ice cream rounds out the meal."

Utzutzu is at 1428 Park St. in Alameda. The phone number is 510-263-8122 You may make reservations online.

Also See:

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• Alameda Restaurants Named Best Of The East Bay
• 6 Alameda Co. Eateries Win 'Restaurants Care Resilience Fund' Grants