16 Best Italian Restaurants in Berkeley

“Via del Corso offers a delightful dining experience with delicious food and good service. The outdoor seating is comfortable, though the wind and lack of effective heating can make it chilly. The menu features tasty dishes like grilled grouper with fresh corn and arugula, as well as prosciutto and chicken liver crostini. The food is well-prepared, with flavors that shine without the need for additional seasoning.“

“Creekwood Restaurant is a great spot for family gatherings and celebrations. Their dinner menu is a highlight, with excellent food and wine, although brunch dishes can be hit or miss. The service is cheerful and accommodating, with a lively atmosphere that can get noisy. It's an excellent choice for any occasion, with standout dishes like their beet salad and pasta.“

“Lucia's Berkeley is a gem for gluten-free and celiac diners, offering a dedicated pizza oven to eliminate cross-contamination. Their gluten-free pizza dough is so satisfying, you wouldn't even know it's not the regular kind. Beyond the safe and delicious pizzas, Lucia's also impresses with its friendly service and cozy atmosphere, even when the restaurant is nearly full. The vegan cheese is delectable, and the kale salad is a perfect accompaniment. With mouthwatering meatballs and an iconic chewy crust on the gluten-free sausage pizza, Lucia's is a must-visit for anyone craving a stellar dining experience.“

“Gypsy's Trattoria Italiana is a popular restaurant that has been a go-to spot for many for over a decade. The Alfredo pesto pasta, also known as the "crazy pasta," is a standout dish. Other recommendations include the paradiso pizza and eggplant sandwich. The calzone is also a favorite, and customers can expect generous portions of fresh, flavorful, and well-seasoned food. Parking can be a challenge, and it's worth noting that cash payments result in a discount. The restaurant is a great place to satisfy one's taste buds, and many customers, including this reviewer, keep coming back for more.“

“Lo Coco's is a family-owned Italian restaurant that offers high-quality food and service. Customers can expect delicious and authentic dishes, made with fresh ingredients. The staff is known for their attentive and thoughtful service, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of options, such as eggplant parmesan, linguine sugo, pappardelle bolognese, and tiramisu. Lo Coco's also offers takeaway services and ensured customer satisfaction during the pandemic. The restaurant is a hidden gem that is highly recommended for those seeking delicious Italian food. The warm bread, olive oil, and salad are excellent starters, and leftovers can be enjoyed as a side for the next meal. Overall, Lo Coco's is a special spot that customers will love.“

“Heroic Italian Berkeley is a cozy spot tucked away in a corner of Berkeley. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and drinks. The OMG Sandwich is a standout, with a perfect balance of meat and soft, warm bread. The meatballs are also worth trying, although a bit more sauce would be appreciated. The staff is friendly and attentive, and there is ample outdoor seating space. The indoor seating could use some improvement, but the overall atmosphere is inviting.“

“Donato & Co. is a highly acclaimed Italian restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine and attentive service. The menu features a variety of dishes, including pappardelle with mushrooms, pomodoro salad, and an off-menu chicken breast, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also offers a selection of house-made salumi and an impressive wine list. Guests consistently praise the friendly and accommodating staff, as well as the unique Sardinian-inspired dining experiences curated by the talented Chef Gianluca and Sommelier Erico.“

“Passione Emporio on 5th is a charming Italian restaurant with a moderately quiet and elegant atmosphere. The menu is brief but offers a nice variety, including standout dishes like creamy pork-and-chicken tagliatelle, guanchiale ravioli, and Jovan Pizza. Their service is exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff. Don't forget to try their delicious spicy olive oil with the pizza. It's a hidden gem worth visiting.“

“Cugini is a restaurant that offers excellent food and service, although it can get a bit loud. The menu has a good assortment of options to cater to different tastes, with standout dishes like baked manicotti and kids' cheese pizza. While some dishes may not meet expectations, the restaurant's drinks, service, and wine list are notable highlights. The balsamic served with bread is particularly tasty, and the dessert selection is impressive. Overall, Cugini remains a reliable option for celebrations and casual dining, with a solid reputation built over the years.“

“The Italian Homemade Company offers authentic Italian food with fresh ingredients. Customers enjoyed dishes like veggie lasagna, pasta with pesto and marinara sauce, and salsiccia. The staff provides great service, and the tiramisu and latte are recommended. However, some reviewers found issues with undercooked tortellini and tagliatelle breaking apart, despite delicious flavors. Overall, it's a great spot for lunch or dinner in a nice area with awesome service.“

“Agrodolce Osteria is a true Italian gem, offering authentic flavors and generous portions. Their updated menu features seasonal dishes, including the luscious caponata, light and perfectly cooked zucchini pasta-asciutta, and lovely salmon on spinach. The service is attentive and friendly, with no shortcuts taken in the preparation of their painstakingly made dishes.“

“Luca Cucina Italiana offers delicious, fresh, and well-prepared food in a friendly atmosphere with nice service. Favorites include the bruschetta, polenta, pesto with penne pasta, and spaghettini aglio e olio, all made with comfort food-style pasta cooked to a perfect al dente texture. While some inconsistency in flavor has been noted, the restaurant remains a recommended spot for a satisfying Italian meal.“

“Casa Barotti is a cozy spot serving delicious Italian dishes, including pasta and focaccia. The staff is friendly, and the ambiance is casual and inviting. Favorites include the lasagna, parpadelle, Capricciosa, Spicy Sopressata pizza, and Zucchini Pesto Focaccia. This spot is perfect for a treat, with high-quality food that's sure to please.“

“North Beach Pizza near Berkeley offers marvelous food and great service, even though they are not fully open yet. The variety of pizza choices is impressive, and customers appreciate the free large salad offer. Despite being a new location, the staff is attentive and accommodating, ensuring a positive experience for all pizza lovers, even those driving from afar for a slice of their delicious pies.“

“Passione Gelato, also known as Passione Emporio, is a restaurant offering a peaceful and modern atmosphere to enjoy their Italian cuisine. The menu is brief but varied, with notable dishes including creamy pork-and-chicken tagliatelle, guanchiale ravioli, Jovan Pizza, Blood Orange San Pellegrino, and a fragrant house Sangiovese. One visitor's calamari was described as delicious but the pieces were small and lost in the batter. The service at Passione Gelato is reported to be great, with fast and precise staff in a charming atmosphere. The Italian cuisine is authentic and delightful, with one visitor comparing the flavors to their summer trip in Roma and Firenze. Despite a few negative reviews, Passione Gelato is considered a hidden gem with high-quality food and service.“