I truly never leave negative reviews - in fact, this is my first one. That's how shocked and disappointed I was by our experience at Passione Emporio. We had a reservation, yet were seated directly next to the front door while there were at least seven open tables in the restaurant. Three of those tables remained open for the entirety of our meal. The host was very unaccommodating when we politely asked about other seating options. It didn't feel targeted toward us specifically - we noticed other couples being seated in similarly uncomfortable spots despite many open tables. She sat two couples together at a 4 top with many open tables which was surprising. One couple even got up and left. We understand that there was a fixed holiday menu, but unfortunately the selections felt very limited and underwhelming. My boyfriend ordered the ravioli - it came with only three pieces for $26. An 18% gratuity was automatically included on all bills, which we don't mind paying - but of course when pricing and gratuity are preset, you hope the quality and experience reflect that. Service throughout the evening was inconsistent. Three different people waited on us at various points, and we experienced long stretches without check-ins - especially when we were trying to order dessert. The first dessert we attempted to order was no longer available. When we ordered another dessert, we asked how many “puffs” it came with. The server initially told us one, and only after my boyfriend pointed out that the menu said “puffs” (plural) did he return to confirm there were three. When we received the dessert to go, the chocolate sauce was smeared all over the lid of the container. Overall, the experience felt disorganized, inattentive, and not reflective of the prices being charged. I rarely speak negatively about a business, but this was disappointing enough that I felt it was important to share. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and improves the guest experience.
Eileen
Great dinner experience and service. Celebrated a birthday and we had a great casual time.
Margot
all the food was delicious! We sampled a little bit of everything- from apps to pasta to pizza and gelato. Will definitely come back! Super friendly waiter.
Bruce
This hidden restaurant is very good. The food preparation reminded us of great meals we had in Italy. We're definitely going again.
ANN
What a great find! The lunch special..soup, salad, and slice fantastic. Freshest of ingredients and of the highest quality. Vegetable minestrone soup was hearty, healthy and nicely seasoned. Side salad was made with a variety of greens, dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. And the slice was actually 2 slices with burrata, fresh tomato sauce and a choice of additional toppings. Definitely coming back for the pastas!
Nancy
The eggplant Parm was delicious. They take a chunk and put it in a dish and then bake it to tomato sauce caramelizes around the edge. Very authentic feel
Kathryn
Food, service and wine was excellent. Everything is made fresh and had great taste. Recommend reservations as restaurant is not big. It's in a neighborhood amongst houses. I would definitely recommend it and go back when in town again
Sally
It was a Tuesday night. Every table was full. One loud table. One young man did all the servicing. He did an excellent job. All the food was Excellent!! Our friend adored your gelato. She will be back for more. We will all be back for more! Thank you!
Jaime
Arrived at the end of the morning shift and they were very accomodationg. My daughter and I shared a heirloom tomato /burrata salad. I had the gnochi and my daughter the salmon. Food was excellent, portions adequate and the presentation was very nice. Would go back in a heartbeat when in Berekeley.
Hong
Cozy neighborhood restaurant, delicious pizza, pastas and desserts! Good for families or date night.
Very nice place to have very good Italian food. We had early 5:30preservations so it was nice and quiet. We arrived right at 5p (early) and they were able to accommodate us (party of 3). I ordered the sun dried tomato ravioli, it was very good but I would suggest less creamy sauce and more of the sun dried tomatoes. We ordered calamari, take note it is not like the picture they have on their site, it's the round ones, that was fine. We also had to order bread as a side, it was very good. I the pasta is very fresh and very good My party both ordered the seafood pasta and that was excellent! For dessert we ordered the tiramisu (okay). And the pistachio ice crème pie? Very, very good! It was our friends birthday and they placed a candle on it...nice touch Service was great early on. Very good wine selection I would absolutely return and try their pizza.
Lin
Absolutely LOVE this restaurant! Everything- food, service, atmosphere- is superb. One of our faves, for sure!!
Sam
Passione has been our go to place for date night for years now! Absolutely love the food and the staff! The service can take some time, especially on a busy day but the staff are attentive and present regardless. 10/10 recommend.
Dwena
Delicious food and even better service. Not the best for large groups but we made it work with a table outside for 12 guests.
Joyce
Five of us had dinner on Father's Day--all family. There is a changing menu plus a menu with regular offerings. The pasta dishes with clams or mussels got raves as did the ricotta-spinach calzone which was cooked in a brick oven. Their caesar salad was crispy and served with slices of anchovies and perfectly crisped garlic croutons. This is the second time we've eaten at Passione Emporia and we will definitely go again.
I truly never leave negative reviews - in fact, this is my first one. That's how shocked and disappointed I was by our experience at Passione Emporio. We had a reservation, yet were seated directly next to the front door while there were at least seven open tables in the restaurant. Three of those tables remained open for the entirety of our meal. The host was very unaccommodating when we politely asked about other seating options. It didn't feel targeted toward us specifically - we noticed other couples being seated in similarly uncomfortable spots despite many open tables. She sat two couples together at a 4 top with many open tables which was surprising. One couple even got up and left. We understand that there was a fixed holiday menu, but unfortunately the selections felt very limited and underwhelming. My boyfriend ordered the ravioli - it came with only three pieces for $26. An 18% gratuity was automatically included on all bills, which we don't mind paying - but of course when pricing and gratuity are preset, you hope the quality and experience reflect that. Service throughout the evening was inconsistent. Three different people waited on us at various points, and we experienced long stretches without check-ins - especially when we were trying to order dessert. The first dessert we attempted to order was no longer available. When we ordered another dessert, we asked how many “puffs” it came with. The server initially told us one, and only after my boyfriend pointed out that the menu said “puffs” (plural) did he return to confirm there were three. When we received the dessert to go, the chocolate sauce was smeared all over the lid of the container. Overall, the experience felt disorganized, inattentive, and not reflective of the prices being charged. I rarely speak negatively about a business, but this was disappointing enough that I felt it was important to share. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and improves the guest experience.
Great dinner experience and service. Celebrated a birthday and we had a great casual time.
all the food was delicious! We sampled a little bit of everything- from apps to pasta to pizza and gelato. Will definitely come back! Super friendly waiter.
This hidden restaurant is very good. The food preparation reminded us of great meals we had in Italy. We're definitely going again.
What a great find! The lunch special..soup, salad, and slice fantastic. Freshest of ingredients and of the highest quality. Vegetable minestrone soup was hearty, healthy and nicely seasoned. Side salad was made with a variety of greens, dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. And the slice was actually 2 slices with burrata, fresh tomato sauce and a choice of additional toppings. Definitely coming back for the pastas!
The eggplant Parm was delicious. They take a chunk and put it in a dish and then bake it to tomato sauce caramelizes around the edge. Very authentic feel
Food, service and wine was excellent. Everything is made fresh and had great taste. Recommend reservations as restaurant is not big. It's in a neighborhood amongst houses. I would definitely recommend it and go back when in town again
It was a Tuesday night. Every table was full. One loud table. One young man did all the servicing. He did an excellent job. All the food was Excellent!! Our friend adored your gelato. She will be back for more. We will all be back for more! Thank you!
Arrived at the end of the morning shift and they were very accomodationg. My daughter and I shared a heirloom tomato /burrata salad. I had the gnochi and my daughter the salmon. Food was excellent, portions adequate and the presentation was very nice. Would go back in a heartbeat when in Berekeley.
Cozy neighborhood restaurant, delicious pizza, pastas and desserts! Good for families or date night.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very nice place to have very good Italian food. We had early 5:30preservations so it was nice and quiet. We arrived right at 5p (early) and they were able to accommodate us (party of 3). I ordered the sun dried tomato ravioli, it was very good but I would suggest less creamy sauce and more of the sun dried tomatoes. We ordered calamari, take note it is not like the picture they have on their site, it's the round ones, that was fine. We also had to order bread as a side, it was very good. I the pasta is very fresh and very good My party both ordered the seafood pasta and that was excellent! For dessert we ordered the tiramisu (okay). And the pistachio ice crème pie? Very, very good! It was our friends birthday and they placed a candle on it...nice touch Service was great early on. Very good wine selection I would absolutely return and try their pizza.
Absolutely LOVE this restaurant! Everything- food, service, atmosphere- is superb. One of our faves, for sure!!
Passione has been our go to place for date night for years now! Absolutely love the food and the staff! The service can take some time, especially on a busy day but the staff are attentive and present regardless. 10/10 recommend.
Delicious food and even better service. Not the best for large groups but we made it work with a table outside for 12 guests.
Five of us had dinner on Father's Day--all family. There is a changing menu plus a menu with regular offerings. The pasta dishes with clams or mussels got raves as did the ricotta-spinach calzone which was cooked in a brick oven. Their caesar salad was crispy and served with slices of anchovies and perfectly crisped garlic croutons. This is the second time we've eaten at Passione Emporia and we will definitely go again.
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