Asena

The food, owner, atmosphere and everything in between is fabulous here. Would highly recommend. Never been disappointed.

Tasty food. Great service. Lovely atmosphere.

Wonderful, super popular Mediterranean fine dining. They're always so gracious to guests entering. You feel like an old, valued customer. The food is seasonal and delicious. Wife enjoyed her gnocchi with gorganzola sauce and I adored my phyllo pastry triangle stuffed with chicken, apples and currants, with a coconut milk sauce. Wonderful! Great, huge, house salad and potato leek soup, as well. Call for reservation! (There's a heated outdoor patio for warmer weather.)

The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were all wonderful as well. Will definitely be going again!

This is one of my favorite places in Alameda! My nesting partner and I had our first date there and it's one of the best. It has a family feel. The staff gets to know you. They're so welcoming. This place is such an institution in Alameda and I'm so glad that it made it through the pandemic. It's reasonably priced with great vibes. Best outdoor seating and food in town.

The fish special wasn’t so good, but the mezzes were great.

We love going here not just for special occasions but for regular dinners. Everything on the menu is delectable especially the Whole Italian eggplant with lamb, Gruyere, Marsala demi-glace! I highly recommend pairing it with a Pimm’s Cup too. The owner is always so gracious and is very accommodating when most of the time we don’t have recommendations! A true Alameda gem!

The staff were gracious enough to take a reservation for four at short notice on a Friday night. The service was very hospitable and engaging, and the food was outstanding - the paella best expectations, and the salmon just melted in my mouth. I would definitely dine here again.

Great and attentive service. We got the cioppino, ravioli, oysters, and brussel sprouts. All very solid!

Delicious food and everyone that works there is wonderful. I had the ribeye. It was easily the best steak I've had in California. Several vegetarian appetizers and dishes that looked delicious. The Philo dish with spinach is yummy The cocktails are also very good.

This is our go-to neighborhood restaurant. The proprietors always go the extra mile to make sure you feel at home and have a wonderful time. There is always a wonderful house made ravioli on the menu and they make a great steak. The mussels appetizer is fantastic.

One of the best dining experiences. Staff were extremely nice and super helpful with recommendation for substitutions due to food allergies. Love this place!

This place is absolutely amazing! The staff is friendly and remembers me enough to always know my drink orders and that I want a steak! This is by far the best restaurant in alameda in my opinion. I love the staff, I love the drinks and I love the food. If you haven't been here, you have to come our you are beyond missing out!

Awesome service. Really great food. Our birthday party of 7 was great. There wasn't a bad dish in the group. And I will repeat, service was exceptional. If you want to take a party out on the town, this is the place to go.

I love, love, love this place. The owners and staff are so friendly and really make me feel at home every time I come here. And the food- wow! Always something new that I want to try and it never disappoints. Their homemade pasta is so soft and pillowy- it makes me happy just thinking about it. Great spot if you're celebrating something special or want to go somewhere nice for a date night.

Delicious food with wonderful service and an attentive owner. Thank you for the generous and unasked for comp when my clumsy braced / broken wrists spilled my Remy. The chicken with fresh pear and sherry bechamel was amazing and delicious beyond expectations, delicious to the last bite! The wonderful service for our party of 6 was perfect. You have a lovely European ambiance I look forward to visiting again. Definitely 5 stars. Oh, and by the way, bring your own wine with an easy corkage fee, but the cocktails are immaculate.

This place is so good. Great recipes and great ingredients. The food was so good that I didn’t even have time to think about taking a photo. The staff was so sweet. When I asked about allergies, they were attentive and friendly. I think I’m in love with this place.

Tried a little of everything on the menu for a 4 course meal and to introduce my hubby to different types of food. Loved the salmon and sauce, & hubby had the ribeye. The staff was friendly and attentive especially since my spouse is new to Mediterranean food. It’s cozy and reminds me of the dinners in Italy with amazing outdoor seating area.

Wonderful experience! The owner talked with me about the menu, suggested dishes, and checked in during each course. Most importantly, this might be the best tasting food I’ve ever had. Honestly just perfect. Friendly atmosphere in the restaurant as well.

I explored many Alameda eateries and photographed a few of Asena's highlights during Restaurant Week. I loved the closeness and intimate atmosphere, and these are the coolest dishes I saw. They serve very fresh Mediterranean coastal lighter fare, and there's a great backyard. It feels friendly and familiar.

My favorite restaurant in Alameda. The service is great, and the atmosphere is warm. Food is top notch. My favorites were the hanger steak and fava bean crostini, but everything we had was great.

I just had the most wonderful celebration with friends at Asena. The food was spectacular (persimmon salad and salmon ravioli), the service was stellar and the atmosphere was relaxing and lovely.

Just when I thought my Friday evening stroll through the Island of Alameda couldn't get any better, I stumbled upon Asena, a Mediterranean restaurant with their roots from Turkey! I started my culinary adventure with their house-made bread paired with a delightful balsamic and olive oil dip. The Parma prosciutto wrapped asparagus was a flavorful and indulgent appetizer, setting the tone for what was to come. For the main course, I opted for the whole Italian eggplant with lamb, Gruyere, and Marsala demi-glace, and let me tell you, it was perfection on a plate! The flavors melded together beautifully, and each bite was a symphony of taste. To top it all off, I indulged in their blood orange cheesecake with a pomegranate reduction. It was the perfect sweet ending to a fantastic meal. And let's not forget the service—extraordinary doesn't even begin to describe it! The staff was attentive, friendly, and made me feel right at home. Overall, Asena is a hidden gem in Alameda that should not be missed. 10/10, would dine again! #GRUBLYFE

An Alameda institution, we’ve been coming to Asena for over a decade, typically for special occasions. Their restaurant space is compact, but cozy and homely. There is a small ally adjacent to the main dining room for outdoor seating with lightly romantic ambiance. Their food is wonderful. Our favorite was the perfectly cooked salmon and warm freshly baked bread! Over the years, we’ve found certain dishes to be more salty than we’d prefer, but our comments were happily taken and future adjustments were always accommodated. The owner and staff is always friendly, courteous, and prompt. Give Asena a visit for a nice dinner or for that special celebration!

Always delicious, fresh food and excellent service!

Wow. I'd go back for the service alone. This place came highly recommended and it didn't disappoint. The duck ravioli and paella were out of this world. Asparagus soup and lamb filled mushroom caps were phenomenal. I'm going back.

Delicious food and great cocktails! One of the best upscale Mediterranean restaurants in the Bay Area! The staff was super courteous and nice, their service was quick too in spite of running full house. We had the Ribeye Steak 🥩 and Eggplant stuffed with minced Lamb & topped with demi-glaze - ahh! So satisfying! It was my birthday and they also gave us a complimentary Pana Cotta! It is now one of our go-to places for sure.

The staff were incredible and the food was absolutely delicious. The hummus was the best I have ever tasted. An absolute must have if you are in the area!

Haven't been here since before Covid. Can I just say how great this place is? Covid has thrown everyone for a loop but Asena has made the most of it. They've created a wonderfully beautiful and warm little courtyard. The service is as friendly as ever. The food is delicious, well portioned and fair priced. My husband and I went for an early Valentine's date. Started with the endive salad and spanikopita. My husband said it was the best spanikopita he's had. Light and not greasy at all. I had the pasta - the mushrooms were sautéed deliciously, I could've eaten a whole bowl. The Hubs got the special - Parmesan crusted sea bass. Super tasty. We didn't have room for dessert but will definitely plan better next time cause there will most certainly BE a next time.

Fabulous dinner at a family owned 15+ years. What a gem. Great food and good service. Will return

Fresh food from a talented kitchen. Mediterrean influenced menu. My salad and eggplant dishes were amazing. Moderate prices, high quality. Service was excellent.

merlyn mananquil

I was invited by my friends for a get together for Christmas. We decided to come to Asena. It was my first time. I love the ambiance, the service. You will see the owner mingling with diners. I even had a picture with him. So love this place. Come and checktl this place out.

Lucas Bertaux-Skeirik

Wonderful experience! The owner talked with me about the menu, suggested dishes, and checked in during each course. Most importantly, this might be the best tasting food I’ve ever had. Honestly just perfect. Friendly atmosphere in the restaurant as well.

Maurice Ramirez

I explored many Alameda eateries and photographed a few of Asena's highlights during Restaurant Week. I loved the closeness and intimate atmosphere, and these are the coolest dishes I saw. They serve very fresh Mediterranean coastal lighter fare, and there's a great backyard. It feels friendly and familiar.

Allison Vennerberg

My favorite restaurant in Alameda. The service is great, and the atmosphere is warm. Food is top notch. My favorites were the hanger steak and fava bean crostini, but everything we had was great.

Dianna Garrett

I just had the most wonderful celebration with friends at Asena. The food was spectacular (persimmon salad and salmon ravioli), the service was stellar and the atmosphere was relaxing and lovely.

Julie H

Always delicious, fresh food and excellent service!

Arthur

Just when I thought my Friday evening stroll through the Island of Alameda couldn't get any better, I stumbled upon Asena, a Mediterranean restaurant with their roots from Turkey! I started my culinary adventure with their house-made bread paired with a delightful balsamic and olive oil dip. The Parma prosciutto wrapped asparagus was a flavorful and indulgent appetizer, setting the tone for what was to come. For the main course, I opted for the whole Italian eggplant with lamb, Gruyere, and Marsala demi-glace, and let me tell you, it was perfection on a plate! The flavors melded together beautifully, and each bite was a symphony of taste. To top it all off, I indulged in their blood orange cheesecake with a pomegranate reduction. It was the perfect sweet ending to a fantastic meal. And let's not forget the service—extraordinary doesn't even begin to describe it! The staff was attentive, friendly, and made me feel right at home. Overall, Asena is a hidden gem in Alameda that should not be missed. 10/10, would dine again! #GRUBLYFE

Matee

An Alameda institution, we’ve been coming to Asena for over a decade, typically for special occasions. Their restaurant space is compact, but cozy and homely. There is a small ally adjacent to the main dining room for outdoor seating with lightly romantic ambiance. Their food is wonderful. Our favorite was the perfectly cooked salmon and warm freshly baked bread! Over the years, we’ve found certain dishes to be more salty than we’d prefer, but our comments were happily taken and future adjustments were always accommodated. The owner and staff is always friendly, courteous, and prompt. Give Asena a visit for a nice dinner or for that special celebration!

Brian Wigand

Wow. I'd go back for the service alone. This place came highly recommended and it didn't disappoint. The duck ravioli and paella were out of this world. Asparagus soup and lamb filled mushroom caps were phenomenal. I'm going back.

Sandra Montgomery

Fabulous dinner at a family owned 15+ years. What a gem. Great food and good service. Will return

Ashish Manik

Delicious food and great cocktails! One of the best upscale Mediterranean restaurants in the Bay Area! The staff was super courteous and nice, their service was quick too in spite of running full house. We had the Ribeye Steak 🥩 and Eggplant stuffed with minced Lamb & topped with demi-glaze - ahh! So satisfying! It was my birthday and they also gave us a complimentary Pana Cotta! It is now one of our go-to places for sure.

Liz Litchfield

The staff were incredible and the food was absolutely delicious. The hummus was the best I have ever tasted. An absolute must have if you are in the area!

Alicia Terrazas Mills

Haven't been here since before Covid. Can I just say how great this place is? Covid has thrown everyone for a loop but Asena has made the most of it. They've created a wonderfully beautiful and warm little courtyard. The service is as friendly as ever. The food is delicious, well portioned and fair priced. My husband and I went for an early Valentine's date. Started with the endive salad and spanikopita. My husband said it was the best spanikopita he's had. Light and not greasy at all. I had the pasta - the mushrooms were sautéed deliciously, I could've eaten a whole bowl. The Hubs got the special - Parmesan crusted sea bass. Super tasty. We didn't have room for dessert but will definitely plan better next time cause there will most certainly BE a next time.

cautious optimist

Fresh food from a talented kitchen. Mediterrean influenced menu. My salad and eggplant dishes were amazing. Moderate prices, high quality. Service was excellent.

I was invited by my friends for a get together for Christmas. We decided to come to Asena. It was my first time. I love the ambiance, the service. You will see the owner mingling with diners. I even had a picture with him. So love this place. Come and checktl this place out.

+6

I love this restaurant it has amazing food ! The atmosphere is nice it has nice music the Scottish Salmon was excellent the vegetables were perfect . The waiters were attentive. It is my favorite restaurant in Alameda love it you got to try it . The owner stop at the table to talk !

Exceptional all around. A more elegant menu than most restaurants in the area. The people seem to enjoy working there, so the service is friendly and accommodating in an unobtrusive way. The food quality and menu selection is excellent. If the weather is decent, try the patio! We did and it lent a casual elegance to the evening.

We had an early dinner on a weekday evening. The entrees were varied, excellently prepared, full flavored, beautiful. and delicious. I enjoyed a novel cider from Denver. The desserts were not as unique but delicious and beautiful nonetheless. The ambiance was such that we talked until quite late and were accommodated easily.

Such a great restaurant. Food is absolutely delicious and service is friendly. Good wine as well…

Katherine Schwartz

Such a great restaurant. Food is absolutely delicious and service is friendly. Good wine as well…

Karen Wade

I love this restaurant it has amazing food ! The atmosphere is nice it has nice music the Scottish Salmon was excellent the vegetables were perfect . The waiters were attentive. It is my favorite restaurant in Alameda love it you got to try it . The owner stop at the table to talk !

Linda McAlpin

Exceptional all around. A more elegant menu than most restaurants in the area. The people seem to enjoy working there, so the service is friendly and accommodating in an unobtrusive way. The food quality and menu selection is excellent. If the weather is decent, try the patio! We did and it lent a casual elegance to the evening.

Ray Buch

We had an early dinner on a weekday evening. The entrees were varied, excellently prepared, full flavored, beautiful. and delicious. I enjoyed a novel cider from Denver. The desserts were not as unique but delicious and beautiful nonetheless. The ambiance was such that we talked until quite late and were accommodated easily.

Great place for Mediterranean food. Had a great engagement party here..

Pretty decent Italian place. Had the Paella and the Tiramisu. The Tiramisu wasn’t anything to write home about if you’re a tiramisu fan. Needed that kind of soaked liquor flavor that was missing.

Longtime restaurant in Alameda. They have great food. It’s a heavy local vibe here as it’s off a few blocks from Park Street but it’s worth a trip for non-islanders. We’ve tried most things on the menu but always come back to the Signature Mushroom Ravioli with Pancetta & Gorgonzola Cream.

mitch

Pretty decent Italian place. Had the Paella and the Tiramisu. The Tiramisu wasn’t anything to write home about if you’re a tiramisu fan. Needed that kind of soaked liquor flavor that was missing.

John

Longtime restaurant in Alameda. They have great food. It’s a heavy local vibe here as it’s off a few blocks from Park Street but it’s worth a trip for non-islanders. We’ve tried most things on the menu but always come back to the Signature Mushroom Ravioli with Pancetta & Gorgonzola Cream.

I instantly enjoyed the atmosphere when we walked with out a reservation early in the evening. Wish they had some nice music on in the background and the women in our group were not blown away by the womens bathroom but the mens was pleasant. The staff was very attentive and our waiter knew the menu although not to the degree I would have expected. The stuffed mushrooms were very well prepared and I was excited for our entrees as it seemed there was a experienced executive chef in the back. Out of the four entrees we ordered two got the Pella, one got stuffed raviolis which were all very well prepared with care. I got the Petaluma stuffed chicken breast. To my disappointment my dish was breaded and fried or baked which in either case the chicken was dry, the port reduction sauce was mixed with pomegranate juice which created a dry turkey dinner memory. My entree was a total let down which I had high hopes for. I do not recommend this dish. All the entrees coming out of kitchen looked really well prepared. Our waiter did have empathy and offered a free dessert. The desserts and coffees were great and overall the the experience was good but in this one instance the Petaluma stuffed chicken breast should be removed or improved on the menu.