Alameda is suiting up for its own version of the World Cup, only this one is played with forks. Alameda Restaurant Week returns to the island March 20–29, turning Park Street, Alameda Point and other neighborhoods into a 10-day tasting ground. More than 50 restaurants, breweries, bars and even the Alameda Cinema Grill will roll out prix-fixe menus and specials for this tournament-style edition. Diners who build brackets and save receipts can enter drawings, sample international flavors and help crown a community champion.
According to Alameda Restaurant Week, the official program runs March 20–29 and pulls together a roster of more than 50 participating restaurants, bars, breweries and a movie-theater grill. Organizers say the 10-day stretch is designed to spotlight global cuisines across the island and to nudge diners into visiting multiple neighborhoods and venues instead of sticking to just one standby.
How the bracket works
Diners can fill out and submit a bracket that predicts a Restaurant Week champion and finalists, with restaurants earning points based on how far customers advance them in those brackets, as outlined by the City of Alameda. Each receipt from a participating spot doubles as a raffle entry, and local business groups say there are more than $1,000 in prizes on the line during the promotion, per Downtown Alameda.
Deals to know
Early standouts include Hang Ten Boiler’s Dungeness- or snow-crab special with a choice of garlic noodles, paratha or steamed rice for $58, and Burma Superstar’s $20.45 lunch combo plus a new cheesy garlic-noodles entrée for $19. Ballpark Alameda is offering a three-course prix-fixe for $45, Saltbreaker has a $50 three-course menu that finishes with a coconut "Golden Goal" dessert, and The Rake at Admiral Maltings is serving a $39 prix-fixe. These and other offers were compiled by the East Bay Times.
Planning tips
Hours and reservation policies vary, so it is smart to call ahead or check each restaurant’s listing on the official event page at Alameda Restaurant Week. To enter the bracket or submit receipts for prize drawings, diners need to use the official submission form. The City of Alameda lists Jennifer Padilla as the program contact for businesses and diners with questions. Hold onto receipts, keep photos of your completed bracket handy and consider wearing a favorite team jersey, since some entries can get extra attention in the social-media jersey contests.
With the World Cup headed to North America this summer, organizers are betting the theme will highlight Alameda’s international menus and get neighbors exploring corners of the island they might usually skip. For locals and visitors alike, Restaurant Week is shaping up as an easy excuse to revisit old favorites, test-drive new dishes and eat their way across Park Street, Alameda Point and beyond.
