Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar

The Michelin Man recommends only three places in Oakland (so yes, he should get out more).  But they are: Chu, Wood Tavern and Bellanico.  While Chu and Wood Tavern are both on College Ave., I wonder how he ever found Bellanico, under an unassuming awning on Park Boulevard, nestled between a cat vet and a not good breakfast spot.

But once the alabaster fat man found it, it's no shock to me that he loved it.  

Bellanico is drop-your-drawers-and-howl-at-the-moon delicious.  The malfatti are the best way to eat your vegetables I've ever come across: swiss chard dumplings covered with brown butter and tangy cheese.  We NEVER come here without ordering them.  Actually, all of the amazing, varied vegetarian food here is can't-miss (beet ravioli in a poppyseed butter sauce, farro they somehow make delicious and so much more), but the Mr. loves his chicken and pork dishes here as well.  In fact, neither of us has ever been disappointed with a single thing on the menu, and that's saying a lot, as we are lucky enough to live around the corner and come here as often as our bank account (and my butt) will allow.

Luckily, the prices are very reasonable, and you generally have a choice of sizes for each dish.  I love that concept, as it lets me nibble my way around the menu.  The wine flights are a total bargain, as well, and those pours are mighty generous.  That may be why, even though the dining room is tight and always full of people, the atmosphere is relaxed and upbeat.  Three nice glasses of wine will do that.

To be honest, I've never given the Michelin Man much notice.  I'm not big on pretension.  (And if someone says "Mishelun" around me, they've just earned a wet willy.)  But this time, he got it so right.  Creative, wonderful food, hold the snoot.

Italian done different. Growing up in an Italian family I never found pleasure in restaurant Italian food, this place changed my mind. The chef's purvey traditional recipes with fresh ingredients and a modern perspective. For the quality of food received this place is a steal.

Bellanico's commitment to sustainability through local, organic, and seasonal ingredients enhances the guilt free pleasure of their fine dining.

Perfect for vegetarians, omnivores, carnivores, and opportunivores alike (troubling for vegans).

We needed to get out of the hot valley....and what better than our old stomping ground (DD went to pre-school a few blocks away)

Well reviewed by numerous YELP buddies (Adrienne G., Andrew C, Shannon F, Betty H., Cara Y.) this seemed like a sure bet. Thanks to all!!

We were not prepared for the true wonderfulness it was.

We did not need to make a lunch reservation on a weekday...but we did.

Our server was spectacular...he brought samples of the wines so I could find my favorite...went with a Biancolella from the Island of Ischia....complex with rich fruit....a stunner.

We stared with the Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms,Cranberry Beans, Turnips, Preserved Lemon, Red Endive, Fennel Top Pesto.  It was amazing....every element compliment the next.....I literally wanted to lick the plate ;-)

Mr had Pork Shoulder Confit, Treviso, Sweet Onions, Lemon Agloli,
Horseradish, on Grilled Focaccia.  He was in love and is now researching ways to duplicate the pork...

For me it was the  small order of the Casunziei Ravioli with Roasted Red Beet and Ricotta Filling Poppy Seeds, Butter Sauce and Grana Padano.  Delicate pasta was filled with a sweet filling perfectly offset by the bite of the shaved cheese and poppy seeds. Wonderful.

At Betty H's recommendation we split a small Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Cherries, Pistacchio Brittle, and Saba.  Very rich and creamy, the brittle was light a sweet, the only fail were the unripe cherries.

A spectacular lunch at a fair price...we will be back for the famous brunch!!