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Abigail Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Moroccan Restaurants Italian Moroccan, Italian [Edit]
1132 Ballena BlvdAlameda, CA 94501
(510) 523-5500
- Hours:
Tue-Fri, Sun 9:30 am - 4 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
68 reviews for Abigail Cafe
Review Highlights
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"mint tea is very unique, sweet, aromatic and calming." In 11 reviews -
"Simply the best meatball parmigiana sandwich I've ever had." In 4 reviews -
"What a hidden gem in Alameda." In 4 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from cj g.
Alameda, CA
1/22/2012
Great little place and a beautiful spot in Alameda. The owners really care about the food and customers.
Love the sandwiches (meatball parmisan and turkey especially) and the moroccan food is excellent as well. Highly recommend. -
Review from Meagan R.
2/13/2012
Came here for lunch twice a few months ago. Good sandwiches I really loved the bread, nothing earth shattering, but good.
I see they're serving dinner on Saturday nights, definitely interested in giving them another chance to rock my world, if you know what I mean.
(I mean serve me really good food, get your mind out of the gutter.) -
Review from hello j.
Bay Area, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
You just have to try out the Abigail Cafe in Alameda if you haven't already done so!!! It's a real gem in Alameda.
GREAT FOOD
GREAT PRICES
GREAT SERVICE
A WELL EARNED 5-STAR!!
We stumbled across this restaurant in Alameda. We didn't expect much and thought, well if all else fails, at least it's waterfront... and boy we're in for a pleasant surprise!!! We had such great food and great fun! We will be back for sure.
Super friendly service! Owner/ General Manager Jonathan is wonderful! He explained the Saturday dinner pre-set menu and belly dance performance to us. Now we're excited!...
- - - - - FOOD WAS GREAT!!
* Salad is very good with properly, lightly seasoned condiments (hummus, roasted bell peppers, etc.)
* Second course was the Chicken Tajine that we all enjoyed sooo much. The chicken meat is so wonderfully tender that the meat just slide right off the bone. Potatoes that were on the chicken dish absorbed all the chicken flavor and was yum!
* Third course was the Lamb Shanks over a bed of vegetable couscous. Again, the lamb shank was so tender that the meat slide right off the bone. The vege couscous was made just right: flavor, texture, and light seasoning.
I love how everything is seasoned just right and not overly salty -- which brings out the real flavors of the meat and also for health reasons. Shows that Abigal Cafe has a great chef!!
* Finally, the Moroccan Mint Tea -- a wonderfully aromatic tea, refreshing and tasty at the same time. Owner/ General Manager happily shared his recipe and taught us how to make some at home too. What a great guy!
- - - - ENTERTAINMENT / Belly dancer
Sometime between the chicken and lamb dishes, a beautiful belly dancer started her dancing. She was so wonderful, entertaining and worked her magic around ALL Tables. Dining patrons also offered some currency bills and she gladly accepted. Dancing lessons followed also as with most Moroccan belly dances...
- - - - SERVICE
* Service was wonderful. They were attentive and never over bearing. Checked tables infrequently yet paid attention and attended immediately when patrons needed attention.
- - - - OVERALL
Overall, we left the restaurant very happy. Our tummies were full and our palates were satisfied. And, food is such great value and priced so reasonably. We will definitely be back!! -
Review from Marie H.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
Super nice staff that whipped up a delicious eggplant sandwich even though they were about to close. Looked like they had a lot of tasty things for lunch on the menu. Beautiful views, fantastic place to have lunch outside on a sunny day. We stopped by after a day on Alameda Beach, highly recommend it.
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Review from Patrick L.
Alameda, CA
5/10/2012
Came across Abigail on Yelp searching for something new and different in Alameda. The location has a great view of San Francisco from their front patio. Would be great if they spruced the patio up as not much in Alameda has a water view, but the food was outstanding! Very friendly and warm family owned business and makes you feel right at home. Will be back for sure!
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Review from curma L.
Alameda, CA
5/1/2012
I recently booked two special events at Abigail's, because I was so impressed with their lunch fare. One event was a Moroccan dinner for 60 guests. . .a fundraiser for our Alameda non-profit dance group. Owners Jonathan and Fatima couldn't have been more gracious hosts. The food was absolutely delicious. I understand it was basically the same menu they service for their Saturday Night dinners. . . chicken tajine with preserved lemon, lamb shanks where the meat just melts off the bone, along with various Moroccan salads. Thanks to their flexibility and generosity, Dance10 was able to stage entertainment, sell wine (with a special license), set up a silent auction and make enough profit to pay for costumes for our performances in Europe during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The second event was a retirement dinner I organized for 30 people. This was a sit-down, Italian dinner where guests had the choice of eggplant or chicken parmigiana or lasagna. I have to say, Fatima whipped up the best lasagna I have ever eaten. The flavor , the spices of the meat were unusal and so fresh. . . not covered up with a sweet tomato sauce as I've experienced in the past.
Do yourself a favor and head to Ballena Bay for a taste of Abigail's. The view of our grand City across the Bay might lure you out there, but you'll be back for the delicioius food and the warm hospitality of the owners Jonathan and Fatima. -
Review from Fernanda Z.
Albany, CA
12/8/2011
What a beautiful view!
Really good food!
Wonderful family owned restaurant that you feel like home!
Don't think twice and come to watch a Belly Dance performance on Saturday Night and have a delicious Moroccan Dinner! YAY! -
Review from Chris Y.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Abigails' continues to put out excellent food!! I tried the Moroccan special on a Thursday which happened to be lamb shank over rice with salad and the herb potatoes on the side. The lamb was perfectly cooked, both flavorful and tender. It flaked right off the bone. I've also become hooked on the Chicken Isabella sandwiches. Perfectly cooked chicken w/ sauteed tomato and caramelized onion on a toasted roll, mmmhhmm you can't go wrong!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/18/2011
After hearing a couple of my friends from work constantly rave about Abigail Cafe, I knew I had to… Read more »
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Review from Steph N.
Santa Clara, CA
8/15/2011
Definitely a hidden gem that's tucked away but we wanted to grab some sandwiches on our way out to exploring Robert Crown Memorial Beach. It seems more of a local spot for those who live in the area. The owners, originally from Morocco are SO nice and friendly. They enjoyed chatting it up, informing us about the Moroccan people and the beauty of Morocco. It quickly shot up my list of travel destinations. I got the Chicken Parmigiana sandwich and asked to add the roasted eggplant. He got the Meatball Parmigiana sandwich and added the roasted eggplant. Though both delicious, we both agreed the Chicken was just a tad more fantabulous. The sandwiches are served warm and fresh and totally made with love. The side of herb potatoes are delicious! All sandwiches were ~$7 if I remember correctly.
The owner mentioned starting some dinner specials and events. The decor is rather eclectic and lighting a bit dingy so I think a few things will need a face lift in order to make it a lively dinner spot. They do have a cute little patio that overlooks the water/beach so the location definitely has potential. This is a definitely a must go spot for us if we're in the area again. Go out and support your local family joints! -
Review from Tony L.
San Jose, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
we ordered the Kefta & the Godfather. Both sandwich orders come with a side of seasoned, herby tender potatoes which are very flavorful. loved the Kefta, the Godfather was okay.
Highlights:
-awesome view of SF skyline & the base (from the window seats)
-the customer service/owners are extremely friendly and welcoming
-owner let us sample a piping hot fresh Moroccan eggplant dip (similar to babaganoush (sp?)), delicious!
-mint tea is very unique, sweet, aromatic and calming
i heard from a little birdy, that they will be opening up for Dinner soon!!! support this local business! -
Review from Valentyn E.
Alameda, CA
1/11/2012
This is one of my favorite places to eat. They make, hands down, the BEST turkey sandwich I have ever had. Everything they use is of the best quality, and it shows. They make the kind of food that you crave days after you eat it and have to go back for more! The space is beautifully decorated and very clean. The couple who run the cafe are some of the warmest and most genuine people I've met in the bay area. I find myself wanting to stay in the cafe even after I'm done eating, just to enjoy the great view, the ambiance and the warm conversation. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. We are so lucky to have such a great place here in alameda.
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Review from sara h.
Oakland, CA
4/15/2012
How do i begin to praise this place? from a born and raised Moroccan perspective, this place is as mom's and pop's as it gets. everything from the food, atmosphere and most importantly good Ol' Moroccan hospitality. the owners (Jonathan and his beautiful wife Fatima) are amazing, so kind, caring and attentive making you feel right at home. the food is excellent, dinner menu is yummy (way better than some over priced city snob) . i had the olive lemon chicken, so tender, flavorful, fragrant . they really nailed the balance between the tanginess of the lemon and fragrance of the spices. i'm still drooling as i write. i went again for lunch and they did not disappoint, their lunch menu was refreshingly extensive but not overwhelming . they had some traditional sandwiches. one of my favorites was the Moroccan tuna sandwich, just taking a whiff of that yummy goodness brought back so many memories of growing up in the motherland ( where my friends and i would walk around the souk for hours and the evening wouldn't be right without having some "toon and hroor" moroccan tuna sandwich). the tuna is mixed with harissa, green olives and cumin...mmmmm layed on a crunchy Semifreddi's grande baguette. YUUUUM! its so good it'll make you wanna slap your mama.
will go ask them to adopt me! because i'll be there all day everyday!
cheers! -
Review from Mitch W.
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I work here in Alameda and went there for a company team lunch. Decided to give Abigail Cafe a try after checking them here on Yelp and seeing how high rated this little gem is.
The category of this restaurant says Moroccan, but i would say that it is a mix of Moroccan and Italian, and also there is a need to specify that it is basically a sandwich place. The menu is basically composed by Moroccan flavors sandwiches and Italian sandwiches. I recommend the Moroccan kefta sandwich - delicious Moroccan meatball, very tasty and unique, yummy bread and served with a side of potatoes.
Great view even in a cloudy day, and it is just nice to drive up to the furthest part of Alameda to find this place. Easy parking.
Serves coffee and tea.
I would give 4 stars because the food is actually pretty good, but the place requires some little work.
- Although the service is really friendly and attentive, it can be a bit slow.
- If you are ordering the food at the counter, might as well have the bill charged over there. But here you pay the check after you finish your meal.
- They run out of the famous Abigail juice pretty fast, so we didn't have a chance to try it. =(Listed in: Dine about A-Town
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Review from Lily A.
Belmont, CA
1/2/2012
What an amazing surprise. We had the Marinara sandwiches (we had the chicken and the meatballs version) and they were out of this world.
I wish we could go back for their weekend feasts... -
Review from Kevin W.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a view! Is that really San Francisco out ther?
Abigal Cafe & Deli is located at the end of Ballena Blvd, and very close to crown memorial beach.
Abigal's is a mix of Moroccan and Italian food. The decor is a little odd, pictures of Nantuckett, Moroccan pottery, and Italian artwork are blended all together on the walls.
The space is large and quite open, could use a remodel and a single decor style.
I ordered the Meatball Parmagina sandwich and it was hot, fresh, and SO DELICIOUS! Warning the sandwhiches are plentiful so I had left overs for dinner!
I will be back to bring some friends.Listed in: My Stomp'n Ground
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Review from Elena T.
Alameda, CA
2/18/2012
We went for dinner at Abigail's and it was amazing! The menu is fixed at $25 per person, and includes an appetizer, entree (with a choice of either lamb or chicken) and mint tea with a tea cake at the end. Everything was perfectly portioned and cooked. Food is Moroccan home-cooking and very, very tasty.
Secondly, the ambiance was perfect. Relatively quiet with very attentive, yet not overbearing or hovering, service. Owner, Jonathan came around after service and chatted to patrons. Moreover, the dinner comes complete with belly dancing show, which was well worth the $25 dollars alone.
Definitely coming back. -
Review from Bernard C.
Alameda, CA
1/14/2012
Just got home from a wonderful Saturday evening at this gem of a Moroccan restaurant in Alameda. Talk about value for money and great hospitality. Not only was the food meticulously prepared (24 hrs of marinating) and stylishly presented, we got a superb belly dancer show! The kids were up and dancing along with a couple of brave adults too. This was not just a meal, it was an experience. We're going back with a bunch of friends.
You have to bring your own wine (no corkage fee at the moment) but for $25 fixed price we had a beautifully presented starter of humus, eggplant, sweet red pepper and potato on a bed of lettuce, followed by the best chicken I've had in years (sorry Mum) and then a shank of lamb! (which came home for tomorrow's dinner). A simple dessert of a sweet cookie and sweetened mint tea rounded off a fantastic meal. You simply have to go.
The owners (Johnathan and Fatima) are delightful (as are their kids) and made us feel so welcome that we'd love to see them get the support they deserve. Saturday night is the night to go. Reserve by Thursday so they can prepare the food. You won't regret it! -
Review from Sari O.
Alameda, CA
5/21/2011
Great Alameda find!
I ordered the Eggplant and Pepper salad, which was loaded with olives, tomatoes, eggplant and a bean puree. I was looking for something light and fresh and this certainly hit the spot. We also got the Godfather Sandwich which was loaded with several different kinds of meat (prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, mortadella and I'm sure others that I'm forgetting), cheese and I asked her to add lettuce and tomatoes as it doesn't normally come with it.
I would definitely come back here - great place to go for a quick and delicious lunch! -
Review from Trina A.
Hayward, CA
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a hidden gem in Alameda...the location was a little odd to me at first, but wow, what a beautiful view!
The owner Jonathan knew it was my first time there and he was very nice and helpful. I asked many questions flip-flopping between the moroccan veggie sammie and the eggplant parmigiana, and finally decided on the moroccon veggie sammie. It was delish! Crunchy warm bread and deliciously seasoned veggies...mmm my mouth is watering now!
While I was waiting Jonathan mentioned that they are thinking of turning it into a full on moroccan restaurant with belly dancing and music! How fun! I hope they do it.
Also, both Jonathan and his wife were very hospitable and chatted with me and let me sample their yummy desserts and sip on their mint tea...and yes, it is as delicious as everyone on yelp says it is! I cant wait to come back and try the eggplant...and to see the bellydancin! -
Review from Ian S.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2012
Chanced into this place on a bike ride around the island and loved it! Kefta sandwich with mint tea was delicious; a real treat for lunch and a good value as well. Owners were very friendly and the view of the bay was gorgeous. Will definitely be back for lunch and hope to check out a Saturday night dinner soon!
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Review from Chris W.
Moraga, CA
9/4/2011
These people are thieves. Avoid this place. I took my Moroccan wife there for a Moroccan night event, which was advertised at $30 per person. They billed my credit card $37.50 per person. The chicken was well cooked, but lacked flavor. The zalook was not good. The musicians and dancer were amateurs. These people are obviously Moroccans, but do not know much about preparing food. Worst yet, they haven't realized that dishonesty will not build a loyal customer base.
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Review from Carlo C.
Concord, CA
10/11/2011
I had Moroccan dinner at Abigail last Sat night--food was FABULOUS!!!! The owner (Jonathan) and his wife (Fatima) prepared lamb shank that was out of this world!!! Literally falling off the bone. The meat was sooooo tender it practically melted in my mouth. There was also a chicken dish that was cooked with cumin and some other great spices--YUM!!!! Jonathan's an old friend of mine--but that doesn't mean the food was any less wonderful...Also, 4 different salads (eggplant, roasted pepers) and of course: Cous Cous. They usually have a belly dancer (she didn't show, sadly) so there's plenty to watch. A great environment for children, too--as Jonathan and Fatima have 2 young wonderful girls...GO GO GO--you won't be sorry!!!
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Review from Laurie Y.
Oakland, CA
9/9/2011
This place is a hidden gem, and only blocks from my house. Why did it take me over a year to go? Who knows but I'll make up for it now that I know.
I had the kefta sandwich but without the sandwich. I am gluten-sensitive so I ordered it without the bread and was not disappointed. They gave me a wonderful plate of greens, carrots, and onions with the kefta and a side of eggplant heaven. Yum.
My friend had the chicken parm sandwich and she wolfed it down in an impressively short amount of time. She liked it I'd say.
The owner waited on us, was super friendly and accommodating without being overbearing. The couple next to us were eating the lamb chop special -- served with prunes -- and I had to stop myself from drooling and staring.
I'll be back! -
Review from Joe C.
Buena Park, CA
11/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Perfect is perfect, Abigail's is perfect. You feel the vibe when you walk in the door. You're part of Abigail's family. I asked her a question, "Do you make cous cous?" She answered that she can cook it, and she will cook it if people ask. She will simply put in on the special of the day. That's right - the owner will cook cous cous for you, all you need to do is ask. For a family run Cafe - that's perfect.
But then you add in the quality of the food. I had the meatball sandwich on the advice of my son. I'm going to put it up in my top 5 best ever sandwiches. And it gets better; I ate it at a table with an unobstructed view San Francisco Bay on a bight clear day. A gentle breeze blew the grass while squirrels played. It was perfect.
I love Morocco, I visited once ten years ago, and while living in France. I also enjoy Moroccan cuisine. In particular, I enjoyed their tea. Abigail makes perfect Moroccan tea. That's right, perfect tea.
How can you tell that Abigail's is influenced by Morocco? It could be the large Moroccan flag hanging from the wall and paired with our American
Flag. It could be the Moroccan Kefka Sandwich, or the Moroccan confections, or the perfect tea. All of it points to a proud immigrant who is proud to share her culture with us, and for that I am grateful.
Abigail Cafe& Deli is a little hard to find, but I advice that you take the time to make a visit. I know, it's only a cafe, but I guarantee a good experience. -
Review from Jean C.
Alameda, CA
2/12/2012
When you first walk in, this place doesn't look really special. But trust me, the sandwiches are top notch!!! This is my new favorite sandwich place. Plus, the owners are really sweet.
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Review from James M.
CA
2/7/2011
Great little Moroccan cafe that serves delicious traditional homemade Moroccan food as well as East Coast style sandwiches.
We had the eggplant and pepper salad, which was a soooo good, a Moroccan sampler of sorts with olives, peppers, eggplant etc.
Also the Chicken Parmigana sandwich was great, with a good crusty roll.
While out on a bike ride last Saturday we ended up here, and sat outside on the front patio. Great views of the Bay and the City.
It's off the beaten path, but definitely worth it! -
Review from Carla L.
Alameda, CA
2/17/2011
I have been going to Abigail Cafe since they opened and love the ambiance. It is a family owned place that in addition to great food, must have one of the best views in the East Bay. You can see all the way to San Francisco.
They have Mediterranean food. They offer pork products as well as halal foods. The pork products are kept in strictly separate from non halal meats.
They also have free WIFI.
On Saturday night they are open. The food is fantastic, be sure to make a reservation. Most Saturdays they have a Belly Dancer. -
Review from Janet E.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 2/3/2012
This little place is as wonderful as everyone else said! The owners are such lovely people...they'd be making a fortune if they were on Park St! You just can't be like I was and "fear" Moroccan" food. The spices they use are not 'hot' spices, but wonderful! And their 'burger', I believe it was called a Kefta sandwich, is great (and huge!) But don't expect anything fancy...simple dining. Enjoy!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2011
What a great little place! WONDERFUL food and service...it's a shame they're so out of the main… Read more »
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Review from Mirela L.
Clarksville, TN
10/14/2010
I needed soup and a sandwich because I was sick and what I found was so much more. While waiting, the owner struck up a conversation with me and as soon as he found out I was sick, he immediately offered complimentary sweets and an AMAZING carrot juice (courtesy of the owner's wife).
The food is great - there's no beating home-made food. For a small sandwich shop, they exceeded my expectations.
What is even more impressive is their excellent customer service and their caring attitude.
Definitely going back!! :) -
Review from KAI S.
Oakland, CA
7/5/2010
Mmmm... Moroccan food...
Up until trying this place on the 4th of July, I'd never had this cuisine. I loved it! We had the veggie sandwich and it was out of this world! The caramelized onions added quite a bit to the mix. Gosh it was good!
I don't know if they regularly do this but the owner gave us two cute, tiny little mint teas each (we're talking like Japanese restaurant tiny cups) at the end of our meal. It was also delicious!
Speaking of the owners: Friendly, friendly, friendly! Couldn't ask for better service/hospitality!
This place is still very new but didn't seem to have all the kinks that a lot of places need to smooth out after only being open for two or so months...
As for prices, no major complaints here. It's not dirt cheap though it's not pricey, either.
MAJOR awesome factor: THE VIEW! Being out on the little Ballena peninsula, you really get an amazing lookout point of SF, the naval ships (and USS Hornet), and sailboats in the Bay on a sunny day. If looking at the water isn't your thing, there's also a great little patio to sit in as well which still gets lots of sunlight but also has a lot of plant life so you feel like you're sitting in a garden!
The gf & I appreciated the tastefully/exotically decorated interior of the cafe, too.
I think it's needless to say we'll most definitely be back to Abigail Cafe & Deli which we're so glad to have under a mile away :D
Now *this* is a place that deserves 5 stars!
P.S. Owner told me there's a chance of them being open for dinner a night or two to start (to see what happens).. I hope they decide to for at least the weekend nights because I'm betting it'd be a success! -
Review from Tania M.
Fremont, CA
5/19/2011
Abigail is a dream!
I just got home from a fantastic meal at Abigail Cafe and Deli and am still basking in the afterglow of the delightful food and service.
My boyfriend and I both had the special, Chicken Tagine with Saffron rice and Moroccan potato salad, and let me tell you, we couldn't have made a better choice. I could have sat there are inhaled the delectable smell of lemon and spices forever and been content, but the tenderness was worth every bite. The saffron rice was no side dish, the delicate flavors harmonized in perfect sync with the chicken Tagine.
To finish we enjoyed some sweet Moroccan mint tea in an ornate tea kettle, very fitting.
The owners are incredibly friendly and hospitable. There wasn't a thing I didn't feel I could ask for and they made us feel so welcome that we know we will be coming back again.
They also told us about their plans to further develop the Moroccan feel of the restaurant and open for dinner, which I personally am very excited about.
And to top it all off, you get to enjoy a beautiful view of the bay. Not bad for about $10 per person with drinks. -
Review from Michael M.
Castro Valley, CA
2/16/2011
Not completely blown away from what I heard. It was lunch and we stuck to sandwhiches. Great bread, then the rest was pretty boring.
The people that run it are extremely nice. The view is pretty cool of SF. Overall the atmosphere was good. Maybe other things on the menu are better. -
Review from Erin B.
Alameda, CA
12/31/2011
My new favorite deli to take friends and family to. A little off the beaten path but well worth the extra effort. The caramelized onions, which are on several of the sandwiches, are to die for. The bread is perfectly crusty. Yummy little sides of potato salad to go with your huge sandwich make the perfect lunch.
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Review from robert a.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2011
This little deli is my new favorite place to take friends and family. It is so good. A bit out of the way but well worth the extra effort. The caramelized onions on several of the delicious sandwiches, are to die for. The bread is perfectly toasted and crusty. Just go.
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Review from Bradley H.
San Jose, CA
10/17/2010
I stop by here whenever i'm visiting a friend that lives in the area. I will say that the food here is so much better than whatever was served by the previous owner! The new york style sandwiches are delicious and plentiful, and i can't say that i've eaten anywhere in alameda that can compare to this place.
The location is just horrible, but hopefully people will read this and go to support this new diamond in the rough!
Happy Eating! -
Review from Mansi A.
10/2/2010
Wow! What a cute little gem tucked away along the Alameda waterfront with unobstructed views of the San Francisco Skyline and beyond. There are a few tables outside, which is the best place to sit in my option. It's along Bellenas Rd, but there isn't much traffic at all, and rather peaceful for a nice weekend lunch. A great spot to bring a date also!
The menu consists of some Moroccan food and sandwiches, and a good selection of Italian sandwiches as well. I settled on the chicken isabella sandwich, which was part of the Italian selection. It consisted of breaded chicken breast, topped with carmelized onions and tomatoes. The roll was crispy on the outside and brushed with a olive oil glaze, and nice and soft inside. It wasn't covered with any sort of sandwich spread or sauces or anything, so you really got to taste the ingredients and bread for what they were. They have a variety of drinks and coffee available, so I also ordered a latte on the side, which was good.
The prices are totally reasonable! The coffee prices were between $1.50-$2.50, which isn't bad. For $7.25 you get a HUGE sandwich split into two portions. Really only one portion is edible in one sitting. My second 1/2 is sitting in the fridge for lunch another day.
The owners are super friendly! They served us some complimentary Moroccan tea, which was delicious, and also brought out some cut watermelon with our sandwiches.
Definitely a super cute spot for lunch! I'll be introducing everyone to this place from now on. There were several sandwiches on the menu that I'm dying to try! -
Review from Karen A.
Los Gatos, CA
7/28/2010
This is the ONLY Moroccan food Restaurant in Alameda. Family owned...Exceptional views, easy access, excellent food, great quality and reasonably priced. Food is very flavorful, had the chicken parmigiana sandwich and my friend had their version of a hamburger ... both were delightful, excellent quality and healthy portions..try their pepper/eggplant spread for their sandwiches.. superb. Bread is really great.. it is not too heavy or hard, just the right amount of crispness. Their Abigail juice drink that they make with carrots, lemon and other juices is a must have! beats Odwalla hands down.... fresh and delicious
They named the restaurant and the drink after their daughter Abigail...she did not like carrots and this drink was the only way her mother could get her "eat her carrots" .. sweet story..great drink.
The owners are so friendly. They keep the place spotless and aim to please. My friend and I decided to eat our lunches at the water's edge and take in the beautiful , unobstructed sky line of San Francisco and the bay which you can see from within their restaurant... they gave us plates and a tray and set it up very nicely for us. While out there enjoying their food the owner walked across the field to us and brought out a tray with a beautiful ceramic tea pot and matching cups and personally served us fresh, hot tea in beautiful ornately designed teacups. .It was the best mint tea I have ever had..and talk about presentation!
It was romantic and they made what we thought would be an "everyday" lunch experience one that was exceptional in an fabulous way.
Go visit them today! you will not be disappointed. -
Review from guavajelly m.
Alameda, CA
6/20/2010
What a find! When we walked in, we were like, Ahhh yeah! Moroccan yumminess. What a surprise-the name doesn't reflect what's inside. I had the Morrocan vegetarian sandwich which was terrific. The hubster had the meatball sandwich and the kids had the Moroccan lentil soup. And they love kids. They just kept bringing them small bowls of samples to try--here's rice with raisins and etc, here's a juice made mostly of carrots and fruit, here' s a sesame desert, etc. And they brought us lovely mint tea to finish off our meal. It was a very sweet kind of welcome, more like "hey welcome to my restaurant which is an extension of my home" than "welcome to my restaurant, I need to make a buck." I love when cooks are proud of their service and food.
Oh and you get a sweet water view and there are also a couple of tables outside if you're jonesin' for a an outdoor option.
We will definitely be back and often.Listed in: Alameda Goodness
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Review from mara d.
Oakland, CA
7/19/2011
Yum, well worth the driving from San Leandro to have a bite to eat here. The Godfather and friendly staff make it so!
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Review from Kelley L.
Walnut, CA
12/12/2010
Very friendly service. They asked us quite a few times if we liked our food and if everything was okay.
As per other yelp reviews, the Meatball Parmigiana sandwich was very delicious. The Moroccan Kefka Sandwich was good and plentiful.
It's worth a go, and I'd go back! (: Hopefully I can try some more of the other sandwiches or dishes that everyone is raving about next time!
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