Acre Kitchen & Bar: A Rockridge Gem
Acre Kitchen & Bar located in the center of Market Hall in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland has been around for about two and a half years. Previously, the space housed Oliveto, a renowned Italian restaurant celebrated for its early adoption of seasonal California cuisine. Acre proudly carries this theme forward with its rustic menu, drawing repeat visits by me in the past two months.
Acre also boasts a full bar where skilled mixologists craft innovative cocktails. The Fringe Theory, a uniquely herbaceous creation, features chamomile-infused Pisco, alpine meadow botanicals, and orgeat. The delicate floral notes of the chamomile blend beautifully with the botanicals, creating a refreshing experience that has become my beverage of choice.
For a taste of summer, the Summer Watermelon salad is essential. This salad offers a delightful freshness, featuring sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, refreshing mint oil, and crunchy marcona almonds.
Acre offers several pizza varieties daily. The Pepperoni pizza is a particular standout, incorporating pickled pepper and hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick. The crust achieves a beautiful char and a satisfyingly chewy texture, though the center can become a bit soft with the amount of toppings and cheese.
The Rigatoni Amatriciana is another must-try, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Perfectly cooked rigatoni is coated in a rich, house-made tomato sauce, savory pancetta, and parmesan, creating a dish that is both comforting and deeply flavorful.
Sharing the special Bucket O’Chicken Meal with three friends created a feeling of nostalgia, a delicious homage to Chef Dirk’s childhood summers enjoying KFC with his dad. The $75 meal included generous portions of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, and brownies. It was finger licking good. Unfortunately this special is available on Tuesdays through July.
If you haven’t tried Acre Kitchen & Bar, I would highly you discover your own favorites from their seasonal California-inspired menu.
