I was taken here by a couple of work colleagues as I was visiting from out of town. The restaurant was clean and tidy, and staff were very welcoming. The menu was compact, but offered various Mediterranean dishes and several specials, with many vegetarian options. The food was a little slow to come out from the kitchen, but it was well worth the wait. I would happily eat here again.
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.
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.
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.
Great spot for innovative cuisine. Wonderfully attentive waitstaff. Outdoor dining area is a gem. Thanks Mustafa for a terrific evening!!
The food and service here are always well above par. Good ingredients, well prepared and cordially severed. Very consistent. $18 corkage per 750ml.
Amazing food. Mustafa and his staff are extremely attentive. An Alameda gem!
I have been a loyal customer of Asena for more than 20 years. The food was always wonderful and I always felt it was an excellent value….until my most recent visit. Asena has joined the throngs of overpriced Bay Area restaurants. We ordered an endive salad to share. It was a pathetic portion of approximately 12 separated endive leaves arranged in a circle. On each leaf were two crumbs of blue cheese, a large drop of olive oil and seasoning for $14! This portion should have been priced at $6 or $7. I ordered chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms for my main course. For $24 I expected a whole chicken breast. What I got was an appetizer size roll cut into five or six pieces. It was very attractive but could not have been more than four ounces of chicken meat wrapped around sautéed mushrooms. My friend’s stuffed eggplant was very oily. I made a reservation ahead of time and specifically requested an outdoor table. To add insult to injury we were offered the worst table for two up front near the sidewalk where all the wait staff rush past constantly. This table should be removed. One of my most annoying restaurant pet peeves is when two women are offered the worst table in the house even when better tables are still available. It never happened when I was accompanied by a man. I will not be returning to Asena nor will my friend.
The fish special wasn’t so good, but the mezzes were great.
Still my favorite restaurant in Alameda. I've loved the outdoor dining areas ever since it opened. Service was a little slow due, I suppose, to the challenges of the times. We brought first-time guests with us and they were blown away!