The long-awaited renovation of the historic Lake Merritt Boathouse is stunning—reason enough to visit upscale Lake Chalet, a special place because of the added beauty of Lake Merritt. At night, the Necklace of Lights and the skyline sparkle; by day, the Oakland Hills beckon. Brought to Oakland by the same folks of SF’s Beach Chalet fame, the newest—and expansive—outpost on Lake Merritt has a solid selection of affordable seafood-oriented fare, but the chef goes too easy on the spices, leading to an overall bland experience. There is plenty to enjoy, especially for out-of-towners who may possess less sophisticated palates. The deviled eggs with shrimp and the warm beet salad with brie were both pretty and tasty. The Pacific tuna tartare, however, was uninspired, yet the side of corn polenta—as sweet as corn pudding—came through as a nice treat. Build in time for a tour and a cocktail or coffee on the deck or at the bar. Serves lunch, brunch and dinner daily.
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