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FeedFood Awards
You voted for your favorite restaurants, and Diablo's judges rated them for food, ambience, and service - out of a possible 90 points. Find what the judges had to say about them, starting with our number one: Pizzaiolo. Visit all 17 of the top restaurants and be your own judge.
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Pizzaiolo.Oakland
Food: 27 points, Ambience: 26 points, Service: 25 points
FINAL SCORE: 78 points out of 90 points
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What they’re doing right: Everything. Great music is always playing, the staff is always welcoming, the food is wonderful, and the atmosphere inspires conviviality.
Flavor we can’t forget: The bite of hot chili flakes melted into the cheese on the arugula, prosciutto di Parma, and grana pizza.
Best thing we drank: An ’07 Pecorino white wine from Terre di Chieti, Italy. It somehow manages to be both minerally and buttery, and who knew Pecorino wasn’t only a cheese?
Insider tip: When you make a reservation (one month in advance), be sure to ask for a table in the front room. That’s where the action is, not to mention a window that lets in great light at sunset.
Detail we’re glad they attended to: The side plate of six or seven perfect little anchovies, all lined up like stripes.
Best dish: Crisp, light, tender fried local lingcod with sweet corn succotash and tomato vinaigrette.
Who goes there: Lots of local families, with at least one dad in a Cal T-shirt in the room at all times.
Showstopper: A perfectly poached duck egg served on a big hunk of lightly toasted Acme bread, perched on a medley of aromatic beans.
Contact: 5008 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 652-4888, www.pizzaiolooakland.com.
Reader Comments:
Hi,
You wanted to know our favorite eatery in CCC. Well, here it is:
Artisan Bistro in Lafayette
Everything we had was wonderful: heirloom tomato salad, rack of lamb, gnocchi, molten chocolate cake -- all FABULOUS
Jane and Chuck Rubey