One of my favorites. Every time I go I think I'm in Italy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Silvia Korchumova
My favorite Italian place! The food is always fresh and delicious, the service is fantastic, and we love the vibe, too. They have lots of dairy-free and gluten-free options that are just as delicious, too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam Wos
Unfortunately, after a successful visit months ago, my latest visit was a huge disappointment."Verdure al Forno" was a tasteless, unseasoned bunch of clearly steamed(!) vegetables. If I wanted steamed broccoli, I would've gone to a school cafeteria.The Lasagne tasted predominantly of flour and nutmeg, with nondescript meat that I dare say looked like pork. No taste of tomatoes at all. It was also lukewarm and didn't have any crunch or char on top, as if it was heated up in a microwave. Again, I had the feeling I was eating premade cafeteria food.The pappardelle with salmon was tasty, but unfortunately was drowning in sauce. Cut the sauce in half and you got a good dish!It's a sad turn of events, because I remember from prior visits that the food was quite good, and I came back for the lasagna. Hope this was temporary and they manage to turn this around.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Aarash Zakeri
Excellent pizza, pasta and gelato. Good vegan options as well.Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ella Kanady
We ordered delivery. Payed 25 dollars for the smallest, most bland and greasiest pasta I’ve ever had. Over priced and portions are tiny. The food isn’t even good.
Food: 1
JOHN SMITH
A Birthday Celebration to RememberI recently celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Passione Emporio, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, it was evident that this restaurant knows how to make special occasions truly memorable.The food was simply amazing, and the service exceeded our expectations. Our server was not only attentive but also took the time to explain each dish with great detail, enhancing our overall dining experience. We opted for the trilogia and the pork belly, and both dishes were nothing short of perfection. The flavors were rich, and the presentation was impeccable.The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and we decided to indulge in the tiramisu and profiteroles. Each bite was a delight, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen. It's evident that Passione Emporio takes pride in offering a diverse and delectable selection of desserts.To complement our meal, we explored the extensive wine list. The variety was impressive, and what stood out was the honest pricing. Passione Emporio offers a wide range of wines that cater to different preferences without breaking the bank.Overall, our evening at Passione Emporio was a delightful celebration. The combination of fantastic food, attentive service, and a well-curated wine list made it an experience we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exquisite meal, Passione Emporio is the perfect choice. Five stars without a doubt!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
MTC94709
I hope this restaurant "catches on." It was just me and the owner in the dining room at 7:30 p.m. (with a couple dropping in for gelato to go). Great service and a nice, minimalist decor. I ordered only the calamari which got lost in the batter -- very tiny pieces in ovoid breading. As a lover of fried food, it was great, but as a lover of calamari it was a disappointment. One dish, so take that for what it's worth. I'll head back again for certain for pasta or pizza.
Emily
What a disappointment. Passione Emporio looked very promising from the website and we were looking forward to a delicious Italian meal. 1) website says Happy Hour is available daily - there is no Happy Hour. 2) pizza on website looks like real Italian pizza - it's barely edible. 3) pasta was also disappointing - I can make much better at home. 4) prices shown on website are outdated - pizza is at least $5 more, very deceiving. Overall, waste of an evening out. Only bright spot was our server who was nice and seemed to be the only one working.
keryA
A Hidden Gem I was initially hesitant to book a reservation at Passione Emporio due to a few negative reviews, but I needed a convenient spot for a business meeting. To my delight, the experience turned out to be exceptional, and I am eager to share my positive thoughts. The authenticity of the Italian cuisine took me back to the unforgettable flavors I savored during my summer trip to Roma and Firenze. Passione Emporio truly captures the essence of genuine Italian cooking, delivering a culinary journey that delighted my taste buds. What truly stood out, however, was the impeccable service. The staff was not only fast but also remarkably precise, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall charm—it's a real gem tucked away in the West side of Berkeley . Despite the few negative reviews I encountered, my experience was a testament to the dedication of the management and staff. I'm convinced that sometimes people give negative feedback for no valid reason. I sincerely hope the management continues with their outstanding job, maintaining the high standards that impressed me during my visit. I'm already looking forward to returning with a group of friends for dinner soon. Passione Emporio has won me over, and I can confidently say that it deserves every bit of praise. Don't let a few negative reviews deter you; this restaurant is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
JohnQ
A Birthday Celebration to Remember I recently celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Passione Emporio, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, it was evident that this restaurant knows how to make special occasions truly memorable. The food was simply amazing, and the service exceeded our expectations. Our server was not only attentive but also took the time to explain each dish with great detail, enhancing our overall dining experience. We opted for the trilogia and the pork belly, and both dishes were nothing short of perfection. The flavors were rich, and the presentation was impeccable. The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and we decided to indulge in the tiramisu and profiteroles. Each bite was a delight, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen. It's evident that Passione Emporio takes pride in offering a diverse and delectable selection of desserts. To complement our meal, we explored the extensive wine list. The variety was impressive, and what stood out was the honest pricing. Passione Emporio offers a wide range of wines that cater to different preferences without breaking the bank. Overall, our evening at Passione Emporio was a delightful celebration. The combination of fantastic food, attentive service, and a well-curated wine list made it an experience we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exquisite meal, Passione Emporio is the perfect choice. Five stars without a doubt!
Service was SLOW and awkward (guy kept trying to take our menus when we had not ordered our food yet) and the women who took our order was not interested in why we were there (Berkeley Grad); food was okay. Salmon Pasta was undercooked; potatoes (with pork belly dish) was also undercooked; Creme Brûlée was a disaster - soupy and eggy. The waitress never once asked how our meals were. She just brought the bill and I had to tell her to remove the Creme Brûlée because it was inedible. Was very disappointed because it looked cute but would not recommend - especially for a special occasion. There was nothing special about the food or service... Responding to the restaurant: We were not the party of 14. We were the party of 6. We order an Aperole Spritz and two beers. (And I was never asked if I wanted another drink). We ordered two apps, 6 entrees, and two desserts. We arrived at 4 and left before 6. And correction: the potatoes were missing from the pork belly dish and two dishes: salmon and trio pasta had very undercooked pasta... we are very familiar with al dente pasta. The young lady who ordered the salmon pasta is Italian and makes her own delicious pasta.
Antonina Solovieva
Everything is sooo delicious and beautifully served. The pizza has proper thin Italian dough and it's the best pizza and pasta I tasted here in Bay Area. I wish the place was located on Peninsula closer to my home, I would become a regular customer
liza guendouz
I just ordered online and received a Burnt pizza, had to throw away. Asked for Arugula and they put mixed greens, no side of oil as I asked. Overall tasted nasty. Never ordering again! Won’t recommend !
Food: 1
AlexT
Server was visibly stressed and made it a little uncomfortable. Was also a little assertive on how we ordered and would change our orders after telling her what we wanted because she didn't think they were good ideas. The pasta was a little dried out and bland, the pizza was good- but nothing special. Gelato was the best part. Overall- the server we had killed our experience. If I come back it'll be for takeout.
The food is delicious with ample portions. Plus reasonably priced. I had the autumn salad which was delicious plus a pasta with pork and mushroom dish. Both delicious. My husband had the eggplant Parmesan and again delicious. Wine choices good and reasonable too. A great, intimate dining experience.
One of my favorites. Every time I go I think I'm in Italy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My favorite Italian place! The food is always fresh and delicious, the service is fantastic, and we love the vibe, too. They have lots of dairy-free and gluten-free options that are just as delicious, too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately, after a successful visit months ago, my latest visit was a huge disappointment."Verdure al Forno" was a tasteless, unseasoned bunch of clearly steamed(!) vegetables. If I wanted steamed broccoli, I would've gone to a school cafeteria.The Lasagne tasted predominantly of flour and nutmeg, with nondescript meat that I dare say looked like pork. No taste of tomatoes at all. It was also lukewarm and didn't have any crunch or char on top, as if it was heated up in a microwave. Again, I had the feeling I was eating premade cafeteria food.The pappardelle with salmon was tasty, but unfortunately was drowning in sauce. Cut the sauce in half and you got a good dish!It's a sad turn of events, because I remember from prior visits that the food was quite good, and I came back for the lasagna. Hope this was temporary and they manage to turn this around.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Excellent pizza, pasta and gelato. Good vegan options as well.Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ordered delivery. Payed 25 dollars for the smallest, most bland and greasiest pasta I’ve ever had. Over priced and portions are tiny. The food isn’t even good.
Food: 1
A Birthday Celebration to RememberI recently celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Passione Emporio, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, it was evident that this restaurant knows how to make special occasions truly memorable.The food was simply amazing, and the service exceeded our expectations. Our server was not only attentive but also took the time to explain each dish with great detail, enhancing our overall dining experience. We opted for the trilogia and the pork belly, and both dishes were nothing short of perfection. The flavors were rich, and the presentation was impeccable.The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and we decided to indulge in the tiramisu and profiteroles. Each bite was a delight, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen. It's evident that Passione Emporio takes pride in offering a diverse and delectable selection of desserts.To complement our meal, we explored the extensive wine list. The variety was impressive, and what stood out was the honest pricing. Passione Emporio offers a wide range of wines that cater to different preferences without breaking the bank.Overall, our evening at Passione Emporio was a delightful celebration. The combination of fantastic food, attentive service, and a well-curated wine list made it an experience we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exquisite meal, Passione Emporio is the perfect choice. Five stars without a doubt!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
I hope this restaurant "catches on." It was just me and the owner in the dining room at 7:30 p.m. (with a couple dropping in for gelato to go). Great service and a nice, minimalist decor. I ordered only the calamari which got lost in the batter -- very tiny pieces in ovoid breading. As a lover of fried food, it was great, but as a lover of calamari it was a disappointment. One dish, so take that for what it's worth. I'll head back again for certain for pasta or pizza.
What a disappointment. Passione Emporio looked very promising from the website and we were looking forward to a delicious Italian meal. 1) website says Happy Hour is available daily - there is no Happy Hour. 2) pizza on website looks like real Italian pizza - it's barely edible. 3) pasta was also disappointing - I can make much better at home. 4) prices shown on website are outdated - pizza is at least $5 more, very deceiving. Overall, waste of an evening out. Only bright spot was our server who was nice and seemed to be the only one working.
A Hidden Gem I was initially hesitant to book a reservation at Passione Emporio due to a few negative reviews, but I needed a convenient spot for a business meeting. To my delight, the experience turned out to be exceptional, and I am eager to share my positive thoughts. The authenticity of the Italian cuisine took me back to the unforgettable flavors I savored during my summer trip to Roma and Firenze. Passione Emporio truly captures the essence of genuine Italian cooking, delivering a culinary journey that delighted my taste buds. What truly stood out, however, was the impeccable service. The staff was not only fast but also remarkably precise, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall charm—it's a real gem tucked away in the West side of Berkeley . Despite the few negative reviews I encountered, my experience was a testament to the dedication of the management and staff. I'm convinced that sometimes people give negative feedback for no valid reason. I sincerely hope the management continues with their outstanding job, maintaining the high standards that impressed me during my visit. I'm already looking forward to returning with a group of friends for dinner soon. Passione Emporio has won me over, and I can confidently say that it deserves every bit of praise. Don't let a few negative reviews deter you; this restaurant is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
A Birthday Celebration to Remember I recently celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Passione Emporio, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, it was evident that this restaurant knows how to make special occasions truly memorable. The food was simply amazing, and the service exceeded our expectations. Our server was not only attentive but also took the time to explain each dish with great detail, enhancing our overall dining experience. We opted for the trilogia and the pork belly, and both dishes were nothing short of perfection. The flavors were rich, and the presentation was impeccable. The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and we decided to indulge in the tiramisu and profiteroles. Each bite was a delight, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen. It's evident that Passione Emporio takes pride in offering a diverse and delectable selection of desserts. To complement our meal, we explored the extensive wine list. The variety was impressive, and what stood out was the honest pricing. Passione Emporio offers a wide range of wines that cater to different preferences without breaking the bank. Overall, our evening at Passione Emporio was a delightful celebration. The combination of fantastic food, attentive service, and a well-curated wine list made it an experience we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exquisite meal, Passione Emporio is the perfect choice. Five stars without a doubt!
Restaurantji Recommends
Service was SLOW and awkward (guy kept trying to take our menus when we had not ordered our food yet) and the women who took our order was not interested in why we were there (Berkeley Grad); food was okay. Salmon Pasta was undercooked; potatoes (with pork belly dish) was also undercooked; Creme Brûlée was a disaster - soupy and eggy. The waitress never once asked how our meals were. She just brought the bill and I had to tell her to remove the Creme Brûlée because it was inedible. Was very disappointed because it looked cute but would not recommend - especially for a special occasion. There was nothing special about the food or service... Responding to the restaurant: We were not the party of 14. We were the party of 6. We order an Aperole Spritz and two beers. (And I was never asked if I wanted another drink). We ordered two apps, 6 entrees, and two desserts. We arrived at 4 and left before 6. And correction: the potatoes were missing from the pork belly dish and two dishes: salmon and trio pasta had very undercooked pasta... we are very familiar with al dente pasta. The young lady who ordered the salmon pasta is Italian and makes her own delicious pasta.
Everything is sooo delicious and beautifully served. The pizza has proper thin Italian dough and it's the best pizza and pasta I tasted here in Bay Area. I wish the place was located on Peninsula closer to my home, I would become a regular customer
I just ordered online and received a Burnt pizza, had to throw away. Asked for Arugula and they put mixed greens, no side of oil as I asked. Overall tasted nasty. Never ordering again! Won’t recommend !
Food: 1
Server was visibly stressed and made it a little uncomfortable. Was also a little assertive on how we ordered and would change our orders after telling her what we wanted because she didn't think they were good ideas. The pasta was a little dried out and bland, the pizza was good- but nothing special. Gelato was the best part. Overall- the server we had killed our experience. If I come back it'll be for takeout.
The food is delicious with ample portions. Plus reasonably priced. I had the autumn salad which was delicious plus a pasta with pork and mushroom dish. Both delicious. My husband had the eggplant Parmesan and again delicious. Wine choices good and reasonable too. A great, intimate dining experience.