50 Best Italian Restaurants near El Cerrito

“My husband and I were recently recommended to try Dolly’s restaurant and we’re so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, the whole experience felt relaxed and welcoming. The hosts and owners were incredibly warm and friendly.

The food was delicious. We loved the cheese wheel pasta, the bread and tomato salad, and they also had a really good wine selection. As a small business owner myself, I always appreciate supporting local family-owned spots that truly care about good food and good service. Dolly’s is definitely one of those places. We’ll absolutely be back.“

“One of my favorite local spots. Tonight had the seafood ravioli with shrimp…delicious! Our server was Dolly! She made me a good Manhattan and gave me sweet dessert for my birthday. Thanks Dolly for the wonderful service.“

“Great leisurely lunch with girlfriends. Staff was friendly attentive. The butternut squash ravioli was to die for! Nice ambiance (we sat outside). Enjoyed!“

“Amazing service and food!!!!“

“I honestly don’t even know where to begin. From start to finish, it was the most mind-blowing experience I’ve ever had.

We met this beautiful, joyful woman named Luka, who was so kind. She sat us down at the bar, where we enjoyed some lovely drinks. They also gave us happy hour oysters, which were, of course, delicious.

Then we were seated at our table, where we got to meet the whole team. Each person individually welcomed us and attended to all our needs. Even the head chef came out personally, greeted us, and offered us items from the menu as a gesture of kindness—which, honestly, I don’t feel we even deserved.

The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was so delicious, and the flavors never clashed. I truly don’t have a single bad word to say. I can’t wait for them to receive their first Michelin star—they all deserve it.

I will definitely be coming back. Thank you to all the wonderful people for the hard work they put in—not just in bringing the food out quickly, but in doing so with love and care.

Thank you again.“

“Had a luncheon @ Perbacco with my 9 coworkers and Manager to say “goodbye & farewell” to a retiring coworker and “welcome” to a new coworker. Started with a round of hors d'oeuvre’s. The thin sliced veal with a sauce and capers was delicious! The fried shrimp, veggies and olives/anchovies…also with a sauce was awesome as well. For my main, I had CRESTE DI GALLO - semolina pasta - wild mushroom ragu - spinach - ricotta salata. Our waiter was the best! I saved one of the sugar cookies from my deserts…Burnt Carmel Gelato. Mentioned it to our waiter and as we were leaving, I heard “Sir! Sir!” He brought me one of their meringue cookies to also share with my partner! I thought that was just awesome! Top notch food and customer service. We’ll be back!“

“Excellent food and service. My friends from NYC enjoyed their dinners as well. Will definitely be back!“

“Amazing service and food!!!!“

“Iconic SF bistro famous for wood-fired roast chicken. Fresh seasonal local ingredients, laid-back casual vibe. Copper bar and warm lighting make it great for casual dates or small group meals. Service steady, totally a classic Bay Area spot you shouldn’t skip.“

“Excellent service and great food!“

“Lovely friendly Italian wine bar and delicious restaurant. Fresh innovative salads, pastas and main courses. Highly recommended.“

“Short wait on a Friday night for 7 of us. Really small place but the wait staff and owner very friendly and everyone was very happy with their meal. If I lived here I would go back.“

“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!“

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

“Very solid and unassuming Italian restaurants! The rigatoni with pink sauce reminds me of the pasta from Aquarello, which holds two Michelin stars, but is much more balanced in flavor. Their polpo is super tender, and I have to say that their panne cotta is probably the best one I’ve ever had! Perfect balance in sweetness and texture. Will definitely come back!“

“We had such a wonderful experience celebrating my mom’s birthday here! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, elegant, and perfect for a special occasion.

Every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious. The pasta was rich and flavorful, the steak was cooked perfectly and paired beautifully with the cheese and sauce, and the seafood dish was fresh and well-balanced. Even the sides like the vegetables and polenta were done so well. And the desserts — especially the tiramisu and cheesecake — were the perfect ending to the meal!

What really stood out was the presentation and attention to detail. Every plate looked beautiful and tasted just as good as it looked.

The service was also excellent — attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and special without being rushed.

Overall, this was the perfect place for a family celebration. My mom had a great birthday, and we’ll definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend!“

“I’m here for business from Canada. Was taken here for supper by a coworker. The quaintest little restaurant, the owner and his wife are just awesome. The food is gorgeous! And his limoncello is the best I’ve ever had. Will be going back before I head home. ❤️❤️❤️“

“It was our first time and the service was amazing. Our dinner was more than excellent, the grilled pork chops with sweet potato puree best ever tasted. Great selection in red wine and great atmosphere! Owners were there and were very welcoming and down to earth! 100% recommended“

“The lamb chops were phenomenal!“

“We’re visiting from out of town, and I came here with a friend who drove in from San Jose to spend the day with. We went on a Saturday for brunch, and we got the breakfast pizza to share with a side of bacon and roasted potatoes. The pizza and bacon were delicious, but the potatoes I would pass. I think they were over cooked and bland.

Also got a cafe au lait, and it was served in bowl! Super cute.“

“A delightful evening dinner for my wife and I cozy atmosphere and just the perfect family run Italian restaurant in North Beach.We both had delicious meals with wine.Paired perfectly and the service is outstanding.Definitely , a hidden gem in north beach“

“Honestly one of the best pizza crusts I've ever had. I had the focaccia spring special pizza - with squash blossoms and burrata. The Pear Basil Gimlet is one of the best mocktails I've ever had. The brussels are dark brown and crispy and melty. Plus - LOTS of gluten free options!

I rarely have a meal where every single part of it is delicious. This place is a treat, I'd highly recommend it.“

“The best Italian I’ve ever had. Great service great drinks as well.“

“My wife and I went here for a Italian supper and wow was it good! Only good things to say about this place, and the best service we have had In years. We were very impressed!“

“(Make a reservation)
We arrived at Capo’s around 7:20 pm on a Saturday and were told we would have to wait 40 minutes for a table.
As hungry travelers, we said thank you and as we were about to leave, the hostess finds a nook and sat us down outside. I appreciate the fact that she did us that favor.
There were no patio heaters, so if sitting outside or walking in during busy hours, expect to dine outside in the cold with no heat (during winter).

(The Staff)
It was a very busy night, but the staff did a spectacular job in checking in on us.

(The Food)
The appetizers come in a reasonably sized portion, we ordered the garlic bread with mozzarella and was given a complimentary dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
My partner ordered the meat lasagne and I ordered the rigatoni alla vodka with smoked pancetta. The food was really good, it’s unlike anything I have ever had.
Take in mind that the dishes do serve up to 2 people, on busy nights it make take a bit to get your food, and regular pizzas take up to 20 minutes to bake, deep dish pizzas take up to 45 minutes to bake (but they look like they are worth the time!)

(Conclusion)
I would have loved to sit inside, the vibe is really nice. If you are looking for authentic Italian food with a nice atmosphere and friendly staff, book a reservation at Capo’s.“

“Awesome yummy food with a friendly atmosphere and Great Service“

“The Tonnarelli al Nero di Seppia con Polpo was simply exceptional—easily one of the best pasta dishes I've had in San Francisco. The squid ink tonnarelli was perfectly cooked, with a wonderful texture and depth of flavor, while the octopus was tender, fresh, and expertly prepared.

Every bite reflected authentic Italian craftsmanship and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. The balance of flavors was outstanding, allowing the seafood to shine while complementing the richness of the pasta.

Beyond the incredible food, the service was warm, attentive, and professional. From start to finish, the entire dining experience was memorable.

If you're looking for outstanding Italian cuisine in San Francisco, the Tonnarelli al Nero di Seppia con Polpo is an absolute must-order. I'll definitely be back.“

“Perfect Italian authentic restaurant when enjoying North Beach neighborhood for my friends birthday! I got us tickets to dear San Francisco, which is a wonderful show at Club Fugazi just 3 blocks away from this great restaurant! Paolo took wonderful care of us. His wine, suggestions and appetizer and entrée tips were the best! The pasta is homemade and very delicious and special. We tried the gnocchi with pesto, as well as a delicious braised meat, red sauce over fresh linguine. We also enjoyed the grilled (not fried) octopus. The tiramisu for dessert was perfect! I’ve been here before, and I will go back again and again for the service and authentic delicious Italian cuisine.“

“Food is incredible and the service is second to none. Best place in the marina.“

“Great atmosphere, impeccable service, friendly & welcoming staff. Most of all, great food. This is our second time and it didn’t disappoint. We’re visiting from SoCal in Orange County. Thank you!“

“I loved that the menu happened to be all vegetarian when we went. The fact that they have a seasonal rotating menu will also definitely keep us coming back. The mushroom bolognese sauce was so rich and filled with umami. I didn’t take a picture of the saffron poached pears as I took it home to eat but I really enjoyed it - the flavors were very reminiscent of the Indian dessert Srikhand. There’s limited seating so it felt a little loud and crowded inside but I did enjoy the open kitchen concept.“

“Exceptionally helpful & friendly staff cooking superb food in a very chill environment. A must visit in the city.“

“Awesome food and outstanding service“

“Great atmosphere, very friendly servers and of course Delicious Italian pizza😋“

“While visiting San Francisco for work, I had the pleasure of dining at Cafe Tiramisu, and it quickly became a highlight of my trip! From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly welcoming – Giuseppe and Christian went above and beyond to make me feel right at home. Christian, my server, recommended the lobster escargot, and I have to say, it’s one of the best dishes I’ve ever had! The Spaghetti Nero with house-made pasta and local seafood was equally outstanding. This family-owned restaurant prides itself on creating as much as possible in-house, and it truly shows in the quality and freshness of the food. As the name would suggest, the tiramisu was also top notch. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with both cozy indoor and charming outdoor seating. Whether you're looking for an intimate meal or a great spot to relax after a long day, Cafe Tiramisu is a must-visit. You won’t be disappointed! I will absolutely return anytime I’m in San Francisco.“

“Exceptional food, memorable staff, with warm music“

“Beautiful locale, cozy and delicious food.“

“Great Service and food. The waiter was amazing and recommended great wine and food“

“Great food. Great experience“

“Finally, an Italian restaurant in North Beach that serves excellent food and is not a tourist trap. We had the seared halibut and the spinach and ricotta gnudi. Both were super tasty. My son and I also ordered a butter leaf salad with strawberries and toasted almonds. The salad was nice as well. We were glad we ordered the Gorgonzola dressing on the side since it was relatively strong. The woman who served us was professional, discreet, and knew how to interact with customers. The other waitstaff were attentive throughout the meal. I really liked the atmosphere of the place, which had an old time parlor feel about it. We got to sit by a large window and watch the people walk up and down Columbus Street.“

“Great vibe and service! Outdoor seating is cozy and clean, lovely place to stop by for the midday bites, drinks and some casual chitchat. Loved the burrata crostini, calamari and salami pizza. Would love to go again and try out their dinner and lunch menu some time.“

“In a city full of over-priced and marginal slop restaurants, Il Pollaio stands out for consistency, quality and reliable eating. Not the fanciest, but that's fine as well, but welcoming and always on point. Lamb chops are my personal favorite, although everything is solid. Minestrone soup excellent when available.“

“Fresh, delicious. Some of the best brown butter & sage sauce I’ve had in a while.“

“Delicious food and excellent service! Highly recommend!“

“This place was one of the best highlights of our trip!! Real Italian food. The owners were real gentlemen. The way that they worked that restaurant was amazing. I was amazed by their food and service, both authentic. My friend and I had the best time. We would go again and again!“

“This is a classic Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and excellent service. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. We ordered the classic pepperoni pizza, the classic cheese and bacon pizza, as well as the lasagna and carbonara. The pizzas were cooked to perfection, with a crispy and delicious crust. The pasta was cheesy and filling.“

“When I can’t sleep, I remember the time I had dinner here and I miss the taste of this place.“

“What a place! Totally magic! OMG the house salad ….that dressing was nectar from the Gods! The entrees were delicious and perfect for sharing. Highly recommended. Come for the table wine, stay for the vibes! Mark the owner is a total cutie!!“

“great food, ambiance and service and wine list.“

“Very nice portions and very friendly! Enjoyed the people and the food!“