Bellanico
4238 Park Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 336 1180
www.bellanico.net

Would I go again? Yes. If I'm meeting someone from Oakland.

Ambiance: Local Cal-Italian eatery. Is Cal-Italian a phrase? This isn't your aunt in Illinois' Italian food. This is seasonal Italian food made from local, sustainable organic products. We like to know what farm lambie came from here in California.

Crowd: Glenview/Oakland locals.

Best: Charming service, charming waitress. And truly seasonal Italian food such as the ricotta stuffed and fried squash blossoms. So Spring-y! As was the Brocolli Rabe Zuppa which was a thick soup that was so green and healthy I practically glowed with vigor after I ate it. The pork belly and grilled romaine salad is to die for. Literally, you may fall into cardiac arrest as you tuck into it but it's well worth the risk. I'd recommend having that as a main course, not as a starter as suggested.

Worst: The lemon tart dessert looked suspiciously as if if the tart shell was found in the back of the freezer. Still, I didn't have any room for dessert after such yummy prior courses so I only had a bite of it.

Labels: Glenview, oakland, restaurants