Agrodolce Osteria
1730 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
(510) 848-8748
Recent Reviews
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Plan ahead for (as always) lively, with fantastic food! We made a 6:30 res and the LAST table inside was open and waiting for us! Folks, it's just a reality in central Berkeley that you need a res these days. Last year, we sat in many of our usual places and watched oodles of orders going out the door while dining rooms always had some open tables. Now, no res has meant we had to try walk-in at 3-5 places over the past month. So we have learned to plan ahead. Plan on Agrodolce! The porcetta with roasted potatoes arrived and I immediately was more interested in other's plates. Hubby's pesto linguini looked more inviting, as did Nephew's risotto with seafood. But mine was so delicious! That plain Jane was too much for me to eat and although I had a few bites of theirs and both were prettier and delicious, mine was a def scene stealer. Eat here! Plan ahead.
We were really excited to visit this restaurant, but left feeling meh. I would give our wait staff five stars as they did a great job, however I gave three stars based on our reception upon arrival. We waited for nearly ten minutes before being acknowledged despite having a reservation and making eye contact with several employees. The food was ok.
Friends who had been to Trattoria La Siciliana and raved about it wanted to try this sister restaurant. They were not disappointed. The winners at our table were the Ragu di Maiale and Campagnola. Obviously, they know how to cook pappardelle! I appreciated the bread that came with olive oil infused with spices and herbs. I had never had bucatini pasta and was willing to try the Bucatini “chi Finucchiede,” a palermo specialty. The sardine sauce was interesting with some sweetness from the currants and a licorice flavor, but there was no crunchy texture from the bread crumbs or pine nuts. The bucatini was not a good match for the sauce. We'll definitely come back but I won't order the bucatini again.
We enjoyed the overall experience very much at Agrodolce. The flavors were solid and memorable- octopus salata was very garlicky (not a problem for me, just a heads up) and my leg of lamb was perfectly tender. Our server was pleasant - and around when necessary. We didn't mind that there was a casual approach, it fits the style and was comfortable. She was confident about the food and we both enjoyed the other wine that was selected for us. The only reason I can't give full stars for ambience - is the lighting. This is not date night lighting, it's very bright and unpleasant. I also think candles and a little more space between tables would be nice. Maybe a reconfiguration of the tables? We were seated adjacent to the bar and were bumped into all night. My guest was having a harder time as he is tall and couldn't sit comfortably. Other than that, this is a solid Sicilian style restaurant with high performing dishes - I will be back! Thank you
We have been a few times here and it is always very good Angelo the owner is doing a great job with his food and welcoming to every customer
The owner is so friendly and welcoming. It's a cozy charming brick wall place with old movies playing on the projector on the wall. It's super cute. I love it. The food is always on point.
When I want Italian/Sicilian and I dont have the time to fly to northern New Jersey---I head to Agrodolce.
My wife and I ate here on a Friday night around 6:30pm for dinner before a show. It was a great atmosphere, excellent service and the food was fantastic. We would highly recommend this place and eat here again in the future.
The reservation was for a business dinner. The team was raving about the hospitality of the restaurant's team, service and the family-style meal was amazing!
The food was excellent, but unfortunately 3 people had called out and so they were short on staff. Our server was wonderful and we felt terrible because it was VERY busy and a full house! We will be back, maybe during the week verses the weekend, it would be much more relaxing atmosphere.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was very good. The service was disorganized. It felt like the waitstaff forgot us for long periods and then three servers would come by in rapid succession to take the same order. They were all pleasant, just not timely. We sat outside, which was pleasant notwithstanding the occasional noisy motorcycle or bus. The bill was about $170 for three people each having an app or salad and a main and sharing a bottle of wine, which felt very reasonable.
Horrible service - ignored for long spans of time, made us almost late to our movie even though we had budgeted for a two hour meal. When one of the staff came over he was rude and brusque. The food was not as good as usual either.
Our experience was delightful. We learned that Agrodolce is the reincarnation of a restaurant we frequented before the pandemic. That restaurant closed during the pandemic, and we thought that it was just another casualty of the pandemic. We were delighted to learn that it was back, in a great new location, and better than ever. The entire experience was great, and we plan on returning soon. The welcoming warmth of the owners, the inviting surroundings, and the wonderful food makes this place a destination.
We cannot say enough good things about this neighborhood favorite. Angelo and his staff have created a warm inviting environment with delicious Sicilian inspired foods.
Always a fabulous experience. We started our meal with a cocktail and a special tuna appetizer. We both had the fish soup, which was fabulous, alongside a glass of their reserve San Diego AC. Service was above and beyond, like always. The atmosphere 
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