Hayward Restaurant Gains Fine Dining Recognition

HAYWARD, CA — Alejandro Gamarra started life in Argentina, but has called Hayward home for the past 28 years.

During that time he's gone from running a taco truck, to a mini-restaurant dynasty that includes multiple Metro Taqueros in both Hayward and San Leandro, The Mexican, and now Casa Del Toro.

Gamarra's fine dining restaurant goes far beyond tacos, burritos, rice and beans. He uses his background to make upscale dishes like ceviche and paella with halibut or $56 dry-aged ribeyes.

“We’re trying to bring something to Hayward that is unique, another standard,” Gamarra to the Bay Area News Group. “This city has given me the opportunity to have a great life. It’s a natural progression for me to do this.”

Gamarra believes that Hayward's downtown is "ready to explode" with more residents and a demand for world-class dining.

The restauranteur gathered his team from around the East Bay. Executive chef Serafin Cruz came from Oakland’s Lake Chalet and now focuses on seasonal Latin American flavors. The beverage program is run by Sam Jimenez who previously worked for Emeryville’s Prizefighter and Oakland’s Chop Bar. The bar stocks 38 types of mezcal, 46 tequilas, Mexican whiskey and a rare agave spirit from Peru. The wine list includes selections from Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Spain, along with California wines including from Livermore, as Gamarra stays true to the East Bay.

The 140-seat Casa Del Toro is at 1034 B St., where Playt used to be.

Read more on The Bay Area News Group.