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Buon Appetito
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
917 A St(between Hesperian Blvd & Main St)
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 247-0120
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 3 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
336 reviews for Buon Appetito
Review Highlights
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"Their bread and dipping sauce is so delicious." In 22 reviews -
"I had the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare." In 11 reviews -
"The butternut squash ravioli was wonderful." In 17 reviews
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335 reviews in English
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Review from Mindy B.
Hayward, CA
5/14/2012
After coming here a few times I decided that I must write a review for this place! Starter salad: "Buon Appetito" - awesome, must try!!
Soup: Creamy Broccoli (stole a few spoonfuls from my mama)
And entree: The best ravioli (mushroom/ ricotta cheese stuffed, with a creamy balsamic vinegar and leek sauce) of my life! Sweet and savory in all the right ways and not too heavy, actually lighter than I thought.
Followed by a tiramisu so good it made me wanna slap my mama, who was actually with me so I didn't wanna get slapped back LOL!
Our Waiter was excellent. Attentive and fast. Thanks to Ronald your the bomb!
My mom and I talked his ear off which he didn't seem to mind. :)
He took time to get to know us which we appreciated as locals.
Great environment, you can come on special occasions or just in your jeans to stuff yourself and loosen your belt.
Looking forward to trying more delicious food in the very near future!! XO BUON APPETITO! -
Review from Lori L.
5/10/2012
I really want to like this place. Tried it a few years ago and had a horrible experience. I vowed to never try it again. After seeing the place expand and all the great reviews on yelp, the husband and I decided to give this place another shot for our date night.
The food is not the worst, but I've had better. Love their bread and garlic dip. I had the Pesto Shrimp Fettuccine and Mr. Husband had a different fettuccine dish as well. We both felt like the sauce was on the lighter side and for the quality and quantity you get, it was way overpriced.
I agree with some of the yelpers that their food is under seasoned. It was very underwhelming. When I eat pasta, I want my punch of garlicky goodness!
The service was ok. They made an effort to be friendly but it wasn't very warm or sincere. Our waters were refilled without being asked and they even refilled our bread, which was maybe the only redeeming factor of the whole experience. At the end, two of the servers both asked us at different times if we wanted dessert or coffee. No big deal, but it felt like they were eager to get more $$ out of us. -
Review from E. C.
Oakland, CA
4/30/2012
Hayward has the potential (and all the free public parking) to be a good hub for restaurants. I always wondered why there were so many empty storefronts downtown. It is not like there is a shortage of residents that don't want to go out for dinner. Frankly, I get tired of driving all the way out to Oakland or south to Union City and Milpitas to have a decent meal. By default, if I want a quick dinner and don't feel like a long drive, Buon Appetito is one of the few choices we have for places to eat. The other place is Buffalo Bill's. (Yes, I know there's other restaurants but none worth getting dressed for). Given by their crowd some times, you can tell that area residents are dying for a nice place to eat a meal. For now, we will work with our limited selection until Hayward becomes more restaurant and retail friendly. (Are you listening city council?)
Buon Appetito is decent. It's a fall-back restaurant when you don't want to drive too far after a long day at work. The quick expansion is nice and justified given that during peak hours, it gets busy. We've learned; however, like any other restaurant, it depends on who is working the floor and the kitchen. This really does make or break the dining experience. Of the 10 times we've eaten here, 2 of the visits were less than stellar and almost downright poor. If you eat at a place enough times, you know who is the rockstar server and who is their weak link.
The last couple of times, we were seated in the older gentlemen's section and he has been nothing but professional, attentive, but not too pushy. He sometimes dubs as the bartender. There's a younger server (also dubs a bartender or he just feels he can go in there whenever he wants) with a strong build who I would try to avoid. If you're not a people-person, don't work in the service industry. Simple as that.
Food is not consistent and I attribute that to new kitchen staff. If the owner is there, the food is good. If it's not crowded, the food is good. Take your time to make sure the food is good!
That said, week nights are probably the best time to try the place out (especially on Tuesday). Sunday is the worst to go and we theorize that it's because they have their "B-team" staff working.
Their salads are above average and my favorite menu item is the Conchiglie el Pollo. I've tried their Bolognese a few times and it's way too acidic. Good thing for free bread. -
Review from Karen T.
San Lorenzo, CA
5/23/2012
The food here was fine -- the 3 stars are for the service. When my husband and I walked in we stood there, unacknowledged, for several minutes. It was long enough for us to wonder whether we had entered through the wrong door, maybe a side door that customers didn't normally use. Our waitress, the one who finally seated us, was competent but not friendly.
We'll try it one more time, but if the service isn't better we won't go back. -
Review from Casey S.
4/27/2012
If this is real Italian, then I'm the freakin' pope.
Buon Appetito is a small cut above the Olive Gardens of the world, but that's like saying Burger King is better than McDonald's. The pastas I've gotten here have always been bland, and the sauces just don't have enough body.
I will say their bread/sauce combos are good, but hey, the breadsticks at the Olive Garden are good too. -
Review from Michelle W.
Union City, CA
When I first dined at Buon Appetito, it was a place I often raved about to friends for their excellent bread, affordable prices, and delicious entrees. Returning quite a few times since then, everything about this place just seems to be going in the wrong direction for me. (Except for the bread and tomato based sauce. That has remained a constant.)
The pesto shrimp fettuccine has become a staple item that I can't step away from. It's a very well portioned dish that is enough to be 2 dinners for me. In my last visit, I had set aside half of it on my plate to take home. When our server came around and asked if I wanted to box it up, I gave him a nod followed by "yes, please". Completely caught up in conversations with friends, it wasn't until we got up to leave that I realized my to-go box was nowhere in sight. I asked the server and he said it's been dumped.
Oh no he didn't.
Fortunately, he was very apologetic and asked the kitchen to cook up a half portion for me to take home. I was happy with the quick fix, until I had taken it home for a late night snack and fell ill later in the evening. Not a happy camper.
I also wasn't fond that our server automatically accepted our entire tab as his total tip. We were expecting change since we had some pay with card and some cash, so when he only came back to our table with charge slips, we had to question where the rest of the money went. Total awkward moment, but he did not deserve the 20% tip he thought we were giving. I understand it was probably an honest mistake, but I've never run into such an uneasy experience before.
I'll still continue dining here and will forgive them for the bad batch of shrimp I may have gotten, but I've grown to be more cautious with their service.Listed in: Hometown Favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/4/2009
Downtown Hayward at it's finest! Another run-down-looking building on A St. & Mission, prepare to be… Read more »
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Review from Jamille G.
Brentwood, CA
4/23/2012
Buon Appetito is such a nice charm to find in an Olive Garden type of city. My family and I have been going here for several years now for special occasions, to late after church dinners, and random celebrations. Over those years I've seen Buon Appetito expand from a small one room restaurant to annexing two or maybe three other properties along side it.
Buon Appetito present themselves with a warm intimated feel that's perfect for fine dining but still welcoming enough for a casual dinner with friends. Food-wise I have no complaints, their food is well presented, cooked and seasoned perfectly, however I haven't really anything out of the ordinary but they really have their basics down. .
If you're ever around A Street and Mission then you definitely have to try this place and this whole you'll be pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant like this in the east bay let alone in Hayward. -
Review from Cathy W.
Castro Valley, CA
5/22/2012
Came here for a rehearsal dinner and the food was great so came back for lunch and another time for dinner. The fried calamari was so good! It is now on our regular list of places to eat
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Review from Ashley B.
Union City, CA
Great little Italian place, they recently expanded their venue and there is plenty of seating. The atmosphere is really sweet, seems very Italian. The service is lovely, they are helpful and work together as a team well. It is very intimate, great for a date or a small family dinner. The food is not to die for but the service and ambiance make up for some of it. Overall, I have went back for more visits and enjoy this restaurant.
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Review from Ashlee J.
3/15/2012
This is our favorite Italian restaurant in the CV/Hayward area.
The dip they serve with the bread is addictive! Be warned cause it's TOO easy to fill up on & not be hungry for dinner. I had the insalata enstiva which is their roasted beet salad over bitter greens w/ a light, sweet dressing. It was an interesting combination of bitter & sweet at the same time. I liked it. My husband had insalata Misti & said it was delicious as well.
For my entree I had the chicken Marsala that was served with veggies over mashed potatoes. It was divine! I literally lapped up the sauce. My husband had the cod special. It was fresh & cooked perfectly with a fresh pi co DE Gallo (sort of) topping. It also came with mashed potatoes & veggies. My husband did not leave one bite or lick left on his place.
As I previously stated this is our favorite Italian restaurant in the area. Go here & try it! -
Review from plot t.
CA
3/5/2012
Suggested menu changes:
"Osso Bucco" = "boring lamb shank in red sauce, no marrow access". "Fettucini Carbonara" = "a bit of pasta with unflavored white sauce"
Add to footer: "We reserve the right to: hold any and all of your dishes until a skin forms over the sauce/polenta; use wilting and browning garnishes; have waitstaff who do not speak enough english to communicate well with guests; overcharge."
It was, um, edible. Mostly.Listed in: Hayward and CV Italian
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Review from April S.
Hayward, CA
4/25/2012 2 photos
I'm in love with this little Italian restaurant. It's close to home, the decor is pretty and the food is delicious. As soon as your seated they bring you bread and this amazing dipping sauce. I'd say this place more of a romantic date type of place but it can still pass as a night out with the girls. PS: they have probably the best creme brûlée I ever had. TRY IT!
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Review from Paula O.
Fremont, CA
This place was gooood. In celebrating my girlfriend's birthday, she picked this place and I wasn't sure what to expect. The place just looked okay from the outside. You walk in, and it's great. The ambience is nice and the feel is cozy.
They start off with bread in this tangy orangy sauce. It's pretty good.
I had the filet mignon and it was cooked perfectly. Went excellent with my wine :)
I left feeling full and happy! You should go and try this place too. Food and service is excellentr earning them 4 stars. Take your Boo next there for that special occassion. -
Review from Sandy S.
San Bruno, CA
5/4/2012
Bravo!!
I found this restaurant upon recommendation of other Yelpers. I was not disappointed. Yes, the bread and the dip before the meal was delicious. We have to ask for more. The meal was absolutely delicious. Went back 3 times and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. -
Review from Tom O.
Castro Valley, CA
3/3/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Well I love this place, ............but the last few times here, I have had some quility issues. I am happy to report the old Buon Appetito was here for me tonight . We ate at the bar so I wont hammer the service, he busting ass making drinks. With that said we had a wonderful top sirloin with perfect roasted potato's. I have to knock the vegs there were near cold.
Buon Appetito is the best Italian in a 20 mile radius bar freakin none. I hope the last few stumbles are behind us and i can give the 5 stars I so want to give. -
Review from Tuff G.
Castro Valley, CA
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a wonderful gem in Hayward.
We have actually dined here many times in the past. They keep expanding the restaurant which is awesome, and now they have a little patio area that will be great when the weather warms up. And there is a long bar which seems to fill up quickly.
Highlights here would the be Buon Appetito salad, and the petto di Pollo alla modonese. The modonese is a chicken breast stuffed with fontina cheese and sage, then wrapped in prosciutto, sauteed and topped with a balsamic reduction. Very tasty indeed!
The surrounding area can be sketchy, but that should not deter you from getting to Buon Appetito and having a nice evening and meal. -
Review from Alecia R.
Campbell, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
How did this place get 4 stars????
The service at this establishment is definitely lacking.. Our server paid no attention to us whatsoever.. we had to ask to place our drinks.. he only took the order of one person and ran off.. when my friend asked if she could also get a drink he pretty much shouted at her loud enough for everyone in the room to hear..
Finally when we got a decent waitress she took our drink order and food order.. then another waiter came to the table to take our order.. Hello is it really that hard to figure out who is serving which table????
Once we got our food it was complete garbage.. i ordered the sea food risotto.. omg it was completely overcooked mush.. no only that but the food was barely warm.. with frozen shrimps.. GROSS!!
My bf had the vodka penne and it was covered with mushy onions and was ridiculously hot!
He didn't like it much either.. the rest of the party wasn't too impressed with the food as well
The only good thing they have going for themselves is the free breed with the garlic tomato sauce.. which by the way is available at trader joes.. and probably tastes better too. -
Review from Viking N.
Union City, CA
4/21/2012
Their bread and dipping sauce is addicting.
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Review from Raul P.
Orange, CA
1/16/2012
Stopped in for dinner with my boss and coworkers. This restaurant was highly recommended to us.
Location: Very clean, organized, and you can easily recognize the attention to detail.
Every place setting was prepped and ready for patrons.
Food: I had 2 glasses of chianti which is always a fantastic choice. The cup of minestrone was the perfect size, temp, and taste (especially on another cold night). My entre was the chicken Marsala... Absolutely incredible.
Service: Was great, our server was very attentive to always ask if anything was needed. Bus boy was also in spot in making sure out waters were never empty, dishes were cleared.
Price: not sure since the boss man picked up the tab. -
Review from Elise A.
Fremont, CA
1/29/2012
It's the only thing about my recent visit to Hayward that I liked. I stumbled across this wonderful little Italian restaurant when I was attempting to look at a potential new car for my family. The almost-perpetual construction in and around Hayward had reduced my nerves to jelly. Even still, the weird one-way-streets and inner-city construction made this wonderful place not-so-easy to find. But I can't rightfully complain about the restaurant itself - it's not their fault that the city's roads are so bad!
I got here just as they were opening up. Immediately, my nerves were soothed by the quiet classical music playing, the wonderful aroma of fresh bread baking and the almost surprisingly lovely atmosphere... I guess it seemed surprising only because the surrounding streets and shops have a sort of careworn appearance - but this place is like some nifty little italian cafe that was lifted out of a novel.
I had only a light lunch. Everything was great though, from the bread and the sauce that they bring out to sample on, to my salad, soup and the appetizer I had. I wish that I had brought a bigger appetite or that I was planning on being in the area again for dinner any time soon. Certainly if I brave the traffic again and am anywhere near this place, I would want to stop by. -
Review from Mandy G.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
I've always wanted to try this place out and I came here just yesterday for the first time while I was walking around the streets with my roommates. The food is wonderful and the place looks amazing! The outside doesn't look all that nice and fancy but the inside speaks for itself!
We started off with some bread and dipping sauce which was pretty good. Our waiter was friendly and always checked up on us. The atmosphere is great and the place is so clean. I ordered some seafood-type pasta (forgot name cause it was in Italian but it started with a 'C'!) and it tasted wonderful! I can't wait to come back here next time. The price for the food is moderate and it's definitely worth a try. :) -
Review from Herbert R.
Fremont, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friends and I came in here for a friends bday dinner. Had a reservation, came in and sat down.
Never knew this place existed in Hayward. Parking lot is not too bad (it is right across from Luckys supermarket and you can walk right across). They do have a private parking lot though it seems like they are currently under construction.
I had ordered the risotto con scampi (dinner special). The wait time for the food was descent since they do provide you with complimentary bread with some orange sauce (buttery and garlic flavor), which was awesome by the way. Rissoto came out perfect. Enough shrimps and scallops in it, not too saucy or dry, perfect to my liking.
All in all, service was great! Your water would never be empty since the waiters are very attentive and pricings on the menu are reasonable. I would highly recommend and I will for sure come back! -
Review from Angela M.
1/4/2012
All I can say is wow. I came here for a romantic date night with my boyfriend and walked away seriously impressed.
The bread with the tomato dipping sauce was very delicious and a great start to the meal. The sauce wasn't too overpowering or garlicky, and the bread was so soft and dense. The minestrone came next and was fresh and hot, filled with a ton of vegetables and had a really great broth. For my entree I got the spaghetti bolognese and appreciated not only the generous amount of pasta, but more importantly how flavorful the bolognese was. Just the right spice and flavors. For dessert we shared the chocolate fondant, which was one of the most mouth-watering, delicious desserts I've ever had. The cake was beyond moist, with chocolate oozing out the moment you cut into it. I could've had two for myself.
A funny little aspect of the place is that there is a cup of crayons on every table for you to draw on the placemats while waiting for you food. Definitely different, but charmingly unique, especially for such a nice place - it was almost a sign that they don't take themselves too seriously. I loved the ambiance and the intimate feel. I hope to come back here soon. A great first impression. -
Review from Jenna G.
Santa Clara, CA
4/16/2012
Awesome cocktail list. Interior is cute. Great for groups or dates. Pesto pasta was delicious. Calamare steak was a little greasy. Great service. They didn't rush us.
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Review from Paulette N.
San Leandro, CA
4/8/2012
So thrilled to find this fab spot. The food was remarkable and well priced. $80 out the door for the two of us. Specials rocked, antipasto, eggplant parm, pork loin, plus two glasses of sangioves and an "Italian-ita" for my honey. We were so stuffed we actually passed up house made tirmisu. Wish I would have taken it home with us. Highly recommend. Service was great and food quick!!!
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Review from Benjamin L.
Oakland, CA
12/5/2011
I don't know if it is me or just the food but Italian food in Hayward is no BUENO. I mean who the heck is going to eat Italian food in Hayward. Well this recent week i came here for a Christmas party and lets just say the food is bland. I had to use chili peppers and Parmesan cheese to increase the flavor of my pasta.
Maybe it was because we were in a large group maybe because we had so many different orders. Or maybe it is Italian food in Hayward and not north beach.
I'll probably won't venture south for food anytime soon unless something catches peoples eyes. But for something like Italian? I'm move west to SF to get my fix. -
Review from L'Arseiline E.
Hayward, CA
12/2/2011
I came here with my family and friends for my cousin's birthday in May. As a resident of Hayward, I've passed by this place a million times, not thinking much of it. On the outside it looks like any other restaurant not very impressive, but inside it is mind-blowing! it's so much bigger than it looks from the outside and the decor and the ambience is on point. the tables are lined with paper that we all drew on because they gave us crayons. an excellent way to pass time
now...the food: the presentation is beautiful, but most importantly the food taste just as beautiful! I had the salmon. I could have ate at least 3...maybe 8 plates of this dish. at the end of dinner my tummy was happy and that's all that mattered. -
Review from Bianca D.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dinner with my parents for the last night I was in town called for Italian. Came here like 7 years ago a couple times time the restaurant has made some major changes. I remember it being a third of the size, bar was a nice addition.
Bread and garlic dip was a nice start. Ordered the seafood linguine with lobster sauce. Very good. Tons of good seafood would have been even better with more pasta but the bread was a good substitute once the linguine ran out. Sauce was pretty flavorful but I bit more brothy than I usually like but good all the same. Place is better than olive garden or rigatoni's so I'm sure I'll see more of this place in the future. -
Review from Jay T.
San Leandro, CA
1/18/2012
Great place to have your first dates. Everytime I come here, ordering the Butternut Squash Raviolli is a must!
Its very clean, fancy, and the price is fair. Food is ok, I may have to try out more dishes. -
Review from Danny E.
Hayward, CA
2/17/2012
How do I begin... My family have been coming to this place since it opened it's doors. This was a time before there was a patio and heat lamps, before the huge wine self, before the tv's and the other dining area. We fell in love with this place at first site! The food is amazing and the service was top notch. I've recommended many patron's throughout the years. For local business meetings, other family and friends, and so on... Hell, I've tipped the staff heavily just because they were my favorite restaurant in all of Hayward.
Since those wonderful days, my family and I moved out of the East Bay for about five years. However, my wife, who also adored them, would travel all the way back to Boun Appetito just to have lunch or dinner with friends there. Okay, so now, a couple of weeks ago, my family and I came to Hayward on January 27th, to meet some longtime friends for dinner. Our friends said, We've already had dinner but we'll meet you for wine and dessert." I recommended going to Boun and they were really excited, since they rarely went out.
When we arrived at Boun around 8:45 pm, the hostess (a Filipino woman) asked if we had reservations, and I said,"No," immediately she seemed irritated and asked "How many?" I said, " us, plus three more" making six total. She said in an aggravated tone "20 to 25 minutes." I told her "thanks" and we sat down. After about five minutes, the hostess walked up to her podium, so I advised her that our friends will be coming a little late and they will only be having wine and dessert. She, in her irritated voice said, "well, it will be twenty minutes more." I asked, "Why so long?" and she immediately referenced back that I did not have a reservation.
I asked her, "since when did you require a reservation?" The hostess grabbed a blond haired male waiter, whom I've seen before and asked him, "how long have we been doing reservations?" He paused, looked around, and said cautiously, "we've always had reservations." Boy, was I starting to get steamed, because, A) I did not come there to argue with someone who appeared to want to argue and, B) she seamed as if she wanted no more customers that night and there was obviously a real problem with us showing up at 8:45 at night. We ended up walking out disgusted.
It has now been a few weeks since this has happened and I am still fuming over it. I don't know if you can relate, but we feel betrayed. NOW... I can honestly say, I HATE them! I'm SO pissed! If you don't want to go through what we just went through, please DO NOT EAT HERE if you dislike major attitude! I'm sure you'll find a much better place.
Thanks for your time,
The Ebarvia's -
Review from Michelle B.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2012
The unfortunate thing is this would have been four stars. We genuinely liked the place, so much so that we decided to celebrate my father in laws 65th birthday. Unfortunately the service was so horrendous that day that I really don't think we will ever be coming back. Basic things like refilling our glass for water... There would be a busser filling water at the next table then he would walk way leaving our large table with empty glasses sitting there.... We has to wait an excruciatingly long time for entrees to which the server forgot an item we ordered. The service was so delayed I decided to order my cocktails direct from the bartender. I also has to constantly go to the hostess to ask for water or to make an order cause our server was so not there... And the apology that we got was that the kitchen line was short staffed.
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Review from Maria R.
Hayward, CA
3/4/2012
Came here with one of my girlfriends and loved the cozy, calm atmosphere. Ordered the chicken fettuccine. I have to be honest, it didn't have taste. It was so bland, hoping it was creamier but was disappointed. But I will come back and try other dishes because their bread and dip was amazing! We had to ask for seconds coz it was that magical! :)
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Review from Ashley H.
Hayward, CA
10/17/2011
This place is PERFECT for date night.
My hubby and I went here because I was craving Italian, and this was a 7-minute walk from our place. We walked inside and saw that it wasn't at all crowded (around 6pm on a Sunday) and were shown to a table immediately.
They brought out water and bread with this garlic spread - yum! I couldn't stop eating it. Our waiter was really nice and took our orders.
So on to the food:
I started off with a cup of minestrone soup - so healthy and love the chunks of veggies. = very good appetizer if you don't want salad. This didn't fill me up, but I loved the flavors - not too heavy, just right so you can have room to eat other things.
Hubby ordered the red snapper with veggies and mashed potatoes - which must have been delicious, he had no complaints.
I had the fettuccine alla friuliana. It had a very cheesy and hearty taste - the italian sausage was tender (maybe a tiny bit too salty) and the onions were huge and kinda were chewy that I placed them to the side. I think it would great if there were some peppers or mushrooms also in the dish, but nevertheless it was tasty. By then I got full and had to bag it up.
Dessert - the cream brulee! yum yum YUM! perfect ending to a great meal.
So the bill came, and with all the food we ordered (plus three drinks), it only came to $60. Wow! That's a steal! I love it! I'll DEFINITELY will be back, come lunch or dinner, to try other things!!
P.S. writing on the tablecloth = FUN -
Review from Christina D.
Fremont, CA
Not sure why the heck it took me so long to finally give this place a try, but the day has finally come!
Five cheers for soft bread, tasty and fresh food, the outdoor seating area which is PERFECT for a cute date, and reasonable prices.
The eggplant starter was pretty delish because the tomato sauce it came with did not taste like it was heated canned tomatoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the fruitti di mare as well, as the seafood was cooked perfectly. it was not overdone and I was happy to see that they were not skimpy on their seafood to noodle ratio.
I am def coming back here and will be coming back with an empty stomach, FOR SURE! :) -
Review from Drew P.
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
For Hayward you really do not have many choices for going out to dinner.
I usually have good meals here, I did try there catering the other day and to be honest it was not that great.
Both salads were over dressed, the pasta was FILLED with butter, pretty much drowning in butter!
The other times I had table service the food is good, a little pricey but good. -
Review from Tam F.
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had been here once before a few years back and remembered it fondly, so when the lovely Linda M. suggested we meet here for dinner I immediately said yes!
I arrived a few minutes before she did and perused both the specials menu and the regular menu. Upon Linda's arrival and discussing menu options, she gave me the wonderful suggestion of asking the waitress between the two options I had. I ended up with a cup of butternut squash soup (mine is better and less watery) and the special seafood risotto with fresh tomatoes, shrimp, salmon, snapper and bits and bobs of other things. I will tell you the risotto was marvelous and I ate every single bite. Linda ordered the beef stew (also a special) that came with polenta and not only did she give me a bite of the stew and polenta (it was delicious), she also allowed me to eat the summer squash that came with her dish (she is not a squash person).
The only downside to our meal was dessert. My memory from my first visit was that their ricotta cheesecake was delicious. The cheesecake we were given was plated beautifully, but after the first (and only) bite of the cake itself, I almost spit it out as it tasted and had the consistency of wax-kind of like the desserts you would find on a tray of fake desserts.
I will come back here. I just will know not to get dessert. Thanks Linda for another wonderful night getting to know you better and I look forward to the next time too! -
Review from Susana R.
Castro Valley, CA
10/28/2011
We had dinner here on Wednesday night, 10/26, and had a very pleasant experience (3 adults and 1 child). When we arrived we were asked if we had a reservation (which we were very surprised) but the hostess said she would try and get us in. Luckily, we got a table and were seated promptly. (There were plenty of tables available but there were a few large parties so the reservation comment was weird).
They give you bread with a spread which was not that great. I read the reviews prior to coming here and a few people raved about the bread & spread. I personally did not like it and asked for butter instead which I never got!! Other than this downfall everything else was great.
I had a Caesar salad to start with and this was DELICIOUS!!
All the main dishes that we ordered were very very good! We ended the night with tiramisu which was also very yummy!
Overall, they have great food for Hayward and the service is average! We will definitely be returning and my 3.5 year old son loved it which is HUGE!
Note: NO child menu is offered so my son had to share with me which ended up being okay since he's only 3.5. It's not a cheap restaurant though so this could get expensive quick if you have a few kids. -
Review from Kevin P.
Castro Valley, CA
11/9/2011 7 photos
Party of 4 to celebrate a bday and the food/desserts were excellent.
The scottadito di agnello I ordered was tender and flavourful.
Lpj's turtei di zucca with brown butter sage sauce was very savory.
Gnocchi and veal were excellent also.
Desserts are also a must!
The only thing that I didn't like that night was the merlot. It was bitter. -
Review from Perry N.
Oakland, CA
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Buon Appetito, where to begin, the food? the atmosphere?
Buon Appetito is one of the best Italian restaurants I've been to..ever. All of the dishes are amazing! From the crunchy fried calamari to the delectable desserts the meal is fantastic from start to finish.
One important thing about the menu is that they have a list of special entrees that they change weekly, thus giving you a pleasant and tasty surprise everytime you go there. From rissotos to lamb its all on the menu.
Now when ending your meal, they have a fantastic dessert selection, which ranges from canoli to a delectable riccota cheescake. Paired with an after dinner coffee....AWESOME!
5-Stars! -
Review from Aaron J.
Hayward, CA
8/29/2011
This place has done three expansions since I've first gone here. And before when it was a smaller place the quality was a whole lot better. I was always really happy to have a good Italian dining place here in Hayward for fine dining in Hayward is kind of scarce.
But my recent experience was not all that great. And for being a Sunday evening around 630-7pm the place was not full at all, maybe less than 25 percent of it potential capacity. Not a good sign. Anyway, it seemed to take a good deal of time to get our main courses out and when they came out I was not too impressed. I ordered the Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo and shared my dish with my girlfriend and she shared hers with me. My past looked like it was abused... The noodles were broken like someone cut them up for me before serving and the sauce looked separated like it was sitting for awhile (oily / buttery / inconsistent). My gf's dish was okay, nothing to rave about. And for a party of six I think that was the overall review. I did not hear anyone say how they loved there dish.
I think this is a good example of a great place to eat that over expanded. I feel it is better to have a smaller restaurant that is always packed / has a line out the door than to have a huge empty building. I think now the overhead is way too high and it's hurting the quality of what allowed them to have the money to expand... Great, quality, fresh, Italian food.
I hope this was just a rare off night for Buon Appetito for I will give them another try in a few months. But for now if I want consistently great Italian food I will make the trek out to SF to Ristorante Milano.
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