Looking For Paleo Options In California? ~ NEUMANALI in Hayward, is a Gem

Sometimes you come across a restaurant that provides ambiance, community, and a meal, so delicious your brain keeps flashing pop-ups of flavors and imagery that make your mouth salivate. This little establishment called Neumanali, is located in Hayward, California. Neumanali has had its Victorian style doors open for 12 years. Julie, the owner, has a passion for excellent wines, Victorian homes, and delicious fresh food. She has intertwined all these to create a trifecta of tickling the senses.

I arrived in Hayward prepared to speak at a chiropractic school the next morning. I would be presenting to a large group of students, so I knew I needed to fuel up. I went in search of a paleo friendly option for dinner. On a broad search of my phone, all that kept coming up was Mexican or Greek. I was not in the mood for either. I had however walked past this lovely Victorian home several times during my walk. The second time passed it I realized it was a restaurant. I looked it up and saw it was well-rated by the general public and paleo foodies alike.

I was welcomed by Abran, an understated, handsome Spanish waiter who has served Neumanali’s patrons for over a decade. After much consideration of the menu, I ordered the prosciutto wrapped prawns and the grilled scallops on sweet potato mash. (Don’t try to find these dishes on the current menu. It has already changed. Julie told me they liked to keep their offerings fresh and seasonal.) After a discussion with Abran regarding ingredients, about which he was exceptionally knowledgeable, I did not have to adjust ANYTHING to make my meal paleo. I took a closer look at the menu with Abran and realized that almost every meal was either “paleo friendly” or could be with the removal of one ingredient.

The prosciutto wrapped prawns were my favorite. They had a crisp peppery outside and perfectly tender inside. They presented beautifully. This dish haunted my dreams for days after.

My entree was a plate of sautéed scallops on a bed of sweet potato mash. I will comment, that when it arrived, it lacked color and flare. But, the meal made up for its plainness in an explosive taste profile. I have never had scallops done to perfection as these were, and the sweet potato mash completed with an apple cider reduction that I could have sworn was loaded with sugar. It was not. I had to put my fork down multiple times to slow the process of consumption!

After my meal had disappeared I sauntered over to the bar where I had spotted a tall, lovely blond woman who I assumed was the owner. Julie and her husband Tim introduced themselves and invited me to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. I learned the house we were sitting in had been moved from the lot next door and raised. She had designed Neumanali on the ground floor and turned the upper two floors into apartments. One apartment was a modern loft, and the other was a traditional Victorian suite complete with a claw foot tub. My favorite information from Julie was that he had originally been the cook as well as proprietor. She trained a young man, the dishwasher at the time, to become skilled in the preparation and cooking of all the farm fresh meals she had originally created. He is still with the restaurant 12 years later. When you employ staff like Abran and the “dishwasher/chef” who have dedicated themselves to the restaurant for over a decade, you know the owners are doing something right. 

Neumanali Restaurant exceeded my expectations by far. An excellent meal and easily adaptable to those who choose a paleo lifestyle. What an understated gem! If you are near Hayward or can hop on the BART out to the area, you will not be disappointed. 

If you want to read more reviews like these click below:

A Review Of Paleo Restaurants In New York

Paleo Mango Salsa – A Recipe Review