Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails — Restaurant in Alameda

Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails: A Culinary Extravaganza

Nestled in the heart of culinary excellence, Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails is a beacon of Italian gastronomy that left us enchanted and vowing to return. Our recent dining escapade at this Italian gem was nothing short of magical, promising a return for more.

Il Cibo (The Food): A Symphony of Flavors

From the first taste of the antipasti (appetizers), Trabocco showcased its commitment to excellence. The burrata, a velvety blend of mozzarella and cream, paired with ripe tomatoes, transported us to the sun-soaked fields of Italy. A testament to simplicity and authenticity, it set the tone for an extraordinary culinary journey.

The pasta selection at Trabocco deserves accolades. The pappardelle al ragù di agnello (pappardelle with lamb ragu) was a rustic masterpiece, with handcrafted pasta cradling savory lamb ragu—a true celebration of Italian culinary craftsmanship.

Main courses elevated the experience. The branzino al forno (oven-roasted branzino) was a balance of crispiness and tenderness, showcasing the chef's expertise. Each bite was a testament to Trabocco's dedication to delivering an authentic and quality dining experience.

The daily specials menu added an element of surprise. The pesce del giorno (fish of the day) was a revelation, emphasizing Trabocco's commitment to seasonal freshness and culinary diversity.

Le Specialità del Giorno (The Specials of the Day): An Adventure

Trabocco's specials are a highlight. The risotto ai frutti di mare (seafood risotto) was a symphony of flavors, with Arborio rice cradling a variety of seafood, bringing the essence of the Mediterranean to our table.

The wine selection, carefully curated to complement the menu, was a delightful addition. The knowledgeable staff added a personal touch, guiding us through the extensive wine list with enthusiasm.

Il Servizio (The Service): A Ballet of Hospitality

The service at Trabocco is a ballet, where every movement is synchronized, and every gesture speaks volumes. The staff, including Christine, who took our reservation, exuded warmth and professionalism. Christine was wonderful and accommodating for our large party, making the experience seamless from the moment we arrived. The pacing of the courses was impeccable, allowing us to savor each moment without feeling rushed.

Attention to detail extended beyond the culinary realm. The ambiance was enriched by the staff's commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. Empty plates disappeared like magic, and water glasses were discreetly refilled, ensuring our focus remained on the culinary delights before us.

L'Ambiente (The Ambiance): Rustic Elegance

Trabocco strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant sophistication. The warm hues of the decor create an inviting atmosphere, while the subtle lighting adds a touch of romance. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the culinary prowess firsthand, creating a sensory symphony that adds to the overall dining experience.

Whether seated at a cozy corner table or the communal chef's table, the ambiance at Trabocco envelops you in a cocoon of culinary delight.

In Conclusion: Un Ritorno Necessario (A Necessary Return)

As we reluctantly took our leave from Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails, a promise lingered in the air – we will be back. The symphony of flavors, the ballet of hospitality, and the rustic elegance of the ambiance, along with Christine's wonderful assistance, have etched a permanent place in our culinary memories.

Trabocco is not just a restaurant; it's an experience, a celebration of Italian culinary artistry. A thousand words cannot capture the essence of this culinary haven – it's an experience that must be savored, felt, and shared.

Arrivederci, Trabocco. We'll be back for more culinary adventures and the promise of another symphony...

Let me start by saying I’m Italian, and I love Italian food. I grew up on the mid-Peninsula—San Mateo through Menlo Park, Atherton, and Palo Alto—where there are some incredible Italian gems.

When I moved to Alameda 13 years ago, I thought I’d have to reset my expectations. Then Trabocco opened. I gave it a try when it was new, and even back then, I was disappointed. I chalked it up to my standards being too high after so many amazing meals across the Bay. Over the years, I’ve still gone back a dozen times, but I remain baffled that it holds a 4.6 rating on Google. At best, it’s a 4.0 in my book.

That said, if you pick the right dish, you’ll be fine. On my most recent visit, I had the braised ribs. They were tender but the portion was small—solid, but not great. A 6/10. My buddy’s ribeye, on the other hand, was excellent—9/10. The ladies at the table ordered salmon and a specialty pasta, pappardelle. The salmon was fine to me, but my friend thought it was overcooked.

The pappardelle is where things went sideways. What came out wasn’t pappardelle at all—it looked like lasagna sheets. For reference: a standard fork is about 1–1.2 inches wide, and authentic pappardelle should be about the same. Lasagna noodles are 2–2.5 inches. What they served was clearly in lasagna territory, much wider than the fork, and not what we’d been served here on previous visits.

I asked for the owner, Giuseppe, to clear it up. Instead of handling it professionally, he doubled down and insisted it was pappardelle, turning the interaction uncomfortable. Worse, he made repeated, racially-tinged remarks to my wife (who is Asian), sarcastically saying, “Oh, so you’re Italian, huh?” over and over. It was completely inappropriate, offensive, and frankly, racist.

At that point, any chance to salvage the experience was gone. A proper response would have been something along the lines of: “How can we make this right for you?” Instead, we got defensiveness, awkwardness, and an unnecessary insult.

They eventually comped the dish without telling us, but with drinks, appetizers, salads, and entrées, the bill still came to $400—a price that should buy you not only great food, but also respect and hospitality.

After this experience, we’re done with Trabocco. My wife, who is one of the kindest, most gracious people you could meet, left deeply offended. That says it all.

There are plenty of places to enjoy better Italian food without enduring that kind of treatment. If you value respect along with your meal,...

We came over for a lunch, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The place was quite busy, but there were still a few tables free outside by the side of the restaurant. The problem is they are more like bar tables you'd use for a drink and maybe a dessert, but that's it. They are uncomfortably low for a person to be able to eat in a normal manner (note to self: if you ever go again, sit inside).

The service was fast enough, though somewhat confusing since 4 different waiters came over and all wanted to take our order?! Obviously they keep poor track of who has which tables.

Anyhow, let's skip to the food.

We got a plate with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and some bread to dunk in. Plus points for warm bread and no points for the before mentioned "meal". Seriously? Whose idea was it to make some sort of a vinaigrette on a plate for you to eat with bread? Is that what's fashionable now? I'm seriously disappointed if that's the case. I'd understand if they'd bring cheese or some paté or just something truly Italian with or without bread... but oil and vinegar... that was really unnecessary.

We ordered an appetiser - Burrata con Prosciutto, which was delicious, no complaints there at all. I'd order it again without a doubt.

As the main course my partner ordered Fettuccine Bolognese and I ordered a Chicken Sandwich. Fettuccine were okay, maybe had a bit too much sauce, but not to complain about. Chicken Sandwich on the other hand was anything but Italian. The size of it was American (I know this is America, but they're running an Italian restaurant....). There was more bread than chicken on my plate. In between were mushrooms, very sticky cheese, some salad and tomatoes. This was such a miss on my part. I was sorry I didn't order a Chicken Salad instead. To make it even worse, the dish comes with fries. At that point they lost lost the second star for me. Italians would serve you anything but fries.

So all in all, I'd say it's an okay place to go to, but it's not nearly as Italian as it should be or as they advertise it to be. I know it's supply and demand, but seriously... you can get fries 500ft away in 5 Guys. I'll seriously rethink about...