18 Best Italian Restaurants in Berkeley

“Great atmosphere and delicious food! Outdoor dining, too!“

“The lamb chops were phenomenal!“

“What a great find. We were in Berkeley for a show and booked this place by just looking up reviews and by proximity. The service and food was phenomenal. We had a very tasty wine, a gem salad, gluten free pizza and a dessert. It was the best gluten free pizza I've ever had. I can't wait to go back.“

“This spot had a charming ambiance, with adorable lamps and chairs that immediately caught my eye. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, which I’d rate a solid 8.6/10. The portion was generous, and they didn’t skimp on the meatballs. It also came with garlic bread, which was a standout—the roasted garlic spread on the bread was incredible.

My boyfriend tried the gnocchi primavera, but unfortunately, it was a disappointment at 4.8/10. The gnocchi was overly soft, and the dish was overloaded with olives that had an off-putting metallic taste, which overshadowed the other flavors.

The service was straightforward—nothing notable, just taking orders and delivering food. One downside was the extra $1 charge per item for card payments, which felt unnecessary.

Overall, it’s a nice spot with good food, especially the spaghetti and garlic bread. I’d recommend it if you’re in the area and feeling hungry, but perhaps skip the gnocchi.“

“We are new to the area/California from NY we were delighted to find pizza as amazing as home! Friendly owner and staff.“

“My experience at Passione Caffè in their gorgeous two-story, well-decorated café at 91 Shattuck Square was simply marvelous. The staff was friendly, quick, and accommodating and the food, drinks, and desserts were delicious! I highly recommend Passione Caffè to those looking for a quick and yummy lunch (or breakfast/brunch everyday), to snack and study, or for an authentic Italian coffee. Don’t miss out on the great happy hour/aperativo deals between 4-7PM! It almost goes without mentioning, but Passione Caffè is absolutely true to its slogan: “A corner of Italy in Berkeley.” From the food and drink to the atmosphere and the service, this is the only truly Italian café I have found in Berkeley! And that comes from over a year of experience living and traveling in Italy! Besides the beautiful architecture and interior design of Passione Caffè—not to mention its convenient location next to Downtown Berkeley BART—I would like to point out some highlights on the menu. The pastas are all made with homemade, organic noodles and made-to-order sauces. The pasta dishes are so fresh and authentic! The spaghetti with meatballs, their only Americanized dish, is to die for! The pizzas also are also made with home-made dough and gluten-free options are offered. Try one with fresh prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula! The fresh panini with Italian meats and cheeses round out the lunch menu. It is possible to have a filling lunch for $7-15, which is definitely reasonably priced by Berkeley standards! A serious final highlight was the artisanal gelato, made in-house by the Italian co-owner, Eleanora Cercatore. There are 12 flavors, weekly made with gluten-free options, that are displayed on a beautiful rotating wheel. The gelato is spectacularly tasty—I cannot recommend it highly enough! For your time, money, and fine Italian bites and drinks, I cannot recommend a Berkeley café more highly than Passione Caffè! Please pay them a visit soon—you won’t be disappointed!“

“Great sandwiches in downtown Berkeley with a lovely patio“

“I was introduced to this restaurant by my other “foodie” friend Maria Vargas. I have been there about 4 times now. I appreciate the fresh pasta, the fresh veggies and the excellent service. Will be back again soon.“

“Great Hamburgers and garlic bread.“

“Friendly, professional and fine cuisine!“

“Great dining experience and great service“

“If you want to open one In Orlando Florida let me know. Emilio from Torino San Salvario. Everything was great. Better then Italy“

“Delicious food - really Italian style Will go back & recommend to fam & friends“

“Three.One Four Pizzeria is a gem. Their happy hour deals are unbeatable, and the hospitality is second to none. The pizza is outstanding, with the table-side cacio e pepe—prepared in a wheel of pecorino romano—being an absolute must-try. For an added layer of intrigue, ask Owner Brandon Wilson about the riddle behind the restaurant’s name. A fantastic dining experience from start to finish.“

“North Beach Pizza has the best GF pizza in the bay area. It's even better than my homemade GF pizza, and you can't beat the service. North Beach Pizza is great for family dinners with gluten free pizza and salads.“

“I was exhausted from work and treated myself to my favorite chicken wings and also their chocolate chip cookie. Total pleasure! They gave me 15 wings (the order was only 12), so, with homemade salad, I will have three dinners!!! Delivery was really fast, everything was hot, and the person who delivered was very sweet. I will absolutely order again!!! Wings and cookies delicious!!!“

“My experience at Passione Caffè in their gorgeous two-story, well-decorated café at 91 Shattuck Square was simply marvelous. The staff was friendly, quick, and accommodating and the food, drinks, and desserts were delicious! I highly recommend Passione Caffè to those looking for a quick and yummy lunch (or breakfast/brunch everyday), to snack and study, or for an authentic Italian coffee. Don’t miss out on the great happy hour/aperativo deals between 4-7PM! It almost goes without mentioning, but Passione Caffè is absolutely true to its slogan: “A corner of Italy in Berkeley.” From the food and drink to the atmosphere and the service, this is the only truly Italian café I have found in Berkeley! And that comes from over a year of experience living and traveling in Italy! Besides the beautiful architecture and interior design of Passione Caffè—not to mention its convenient location next to Downtown Berkeley BART—I would like to point out some highlights on the menu. The pastas are all made with homemade, organic noodles and made-to-order sauces. The pasta dishes are so fresh and authentic! The spaghetti with meatballs, their only Americanized dish, is to die for! The pizzas also are also made with home-made dough and gluten-free options are offered. Try one with fresh prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula! The fresh panini with Italian meats and cheeses round out the lunch menu. It is possible to have a filling lunch for $7-15, which is definitely reasonably priced by Berkeley standards! A serious final highlight was the artisanal gelato, made in-house by the Italian co-owner, Eleanora Cercatore. There are 12 flavors, weekly made with gluten-free options, that are displayed on a beautiful rotating wheel. The gelato is spectacularly tasty—I cannot recommend it highly enough! For your time, money, and fine Italian bites and drinks, I cannot recommend a Berkeley café more highly than Passione Caffè! Please pay them a visit soon—you won’t be disappointed!“