“This place is so cute! The waitress was so nice and welcoming, the food was homemade and delicious, huge portions but she was happy to give a takeaway box to bring back the rest to our hotel, it would have been a shame to throw it out.Vegetarian options: There was a lot of veggie options.“
“Excellent place to host parties!! Spacious inside and out. Staff was super friendly and easy to work with. Food was excellent! I had my daughter's 5h birthday party here and had a blast! Would definitely consider this place again for large parties! Pizza was hot and crispy with a nice crust! Chock full of fresh ingredients! Potato wedges were huge, piping hot, and super delicious. Best dish of the day: their fried chicken. Sleeper dish, I'm telling you. Don't knock it til you try it! Super crispy outside and insanely moist and tender on the inside. And I'm talking about the breast! Come yell at me if you don't like it. Thumbs up!“
“Im so happy a old school round table opened backed up ,franchizes mostly suck, every time i order there always the same pizzas not greasy well done crusts, i had tonight dbl. play pepperoni cuped slices so good, this our new pizza joint always consistent and the nicest owner.“
“Overall great first time experience. I ordered the filet mignon Medium rare, it was cooked accordingly. The dish as a whole was very enjoyable and the mashed potatoes were really tasty. No chunks of potato like at other places, smooth and flavorful. Would definitely come back and recommend others to try this location. My mother really liked the apple and prosciutto salad. Just from glancing at it, it did look good and was recommended by the waitress. Expect to pay $20-$50 per person minimum.“
“We had a great dinner here for our first visit. Emma and staff were great. Food was legit. Price points are very fair. Will be back. One thing. I would love to see a tip line on the credit card receipt. I know there is a service charge included in the bill, but if I have a solid experience, and want to leave a little extra $$, I have that option.“
“We kind of ended up here on a fluke and with empty stomachs. We weren't into the experience just wanted the food. Our server, Toni, was accommodating about all of our reasonable ( and less reasonable) requests. We sat in a corner quite close to our neighbors but it wasn't too bad. The sound quality in their space makes it so you don't get bombarded but a lot of loud clanging. It's pretty upscale and the food is Michelin level amazing but also has a chill vibe.Goes without saying, we will certainly be back.Vegetarian options: The veggie options are just as amazing as the non. They are also good about accommodating veggie diets in any part of the menu.We got the peshe- Chilean Sea Bass which was so on point. As we are pescaterian“
“Dropped by with the whole family. I've been going here for years. The service and food has always been good.Can't go wrong here with the food and cocktails.Will be back again for sure.Parking: There was plenty of parking at south shore center“
“Important news flash: they do BRUNCH in addition to incredible dinners. I could write a whole post on how amazing and lovely this is as a date spot for dinner and how much I freaking love their salads and gluten free pizzas (possibly my favorite one in the bay), but this is about brunch.We had no idea they did brunch and when we looked at the menu for it online, it didn’t list any mains. But we went anyway and were blown away. I’m adding a pic of the actual brunch menu so you can see the real selection offered.Y’all, they have a BREAKFAST PIZZA and I promise it’s even better than you would imagine. Do you like breakfast? Do you like pizza? This is a heavenly chimera of two of life’s greatest joys.?? Don’t sleep on the brunch! But also the perfect date spot. Get yourself a restaurant that can do both, and support local.The owner was there during our visit and went out of his way to create an excellent experience. Also, the patio is very dog friendly ?Dietary restrictions: The best gluten free pizzas in the area“
“Very happy to have Simply Pasta close by! Love the concept and the execution. Simple and customizable, very generous portions, good value, and--most importantly--fresh and delicious food! This is not like some fast casual joint where you sacrifice quality for price. Ordered takeout: - Penne with meat sauce, sausage, chicken, broccoli, mushroom. - Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. - Fettuccine Alfredo with sun dried tomatoes, olives. - Seafoods Galore: linguine with clams, scallops, shrimp in white wine, garlic, and butter sauce. - Pistachio cannolis. - Fruit tarts. All the pasta was nicely cooked, but not al dente, if that's your thing. Maybe they can do it upon request. The scallops and shrimp were tender and perfectly cooked. Everything was tasty and well balanced in flavor. Nothing was too salty, sweet, greasy, hard, soggy, or dry. Really can't fault anything about the food, which is pretty rare for any kind of restaurant! The desserts were excellent as well and not an afterthought money grab. I love food and consider myself pretty discerning. I'm really quite impressed by Simply Pasta and look forward to coming here a lot. It feels like they put a lot of thought and care into their products and business. I hope they never change and stick around for a long time!“
“I love me a good sandwich in any form and when I was in the area I was surprised to see not too many options in Castro Valley. I came close to giving up and driving away right before I found this Italian Delicatessen. Thankfully it met all of my expectations! These sandwiches are LOADED! They are not shy with the veggies or deli-meat. I tried 2 sandwiches, the Dutch crutch was amazinggg. The sourdough was a true sourdough bread. Loved this place and will definitely come back!“
“Great margherita pizza and cold beer. This restaurant has a large dinning area, outside patio and a good size bar.The pizza I ordered was great, good undercarriage, flavorful and still affordable.The bar has a good selection of beer and wine. I decided to pair my pizza with a craft pint and it didn’t disappoint.“
“Despite major ongoing renovations, this trusty local spot delivered. “Best steak I've ever had” sez our teen diner. Food, folks, all great even though bar is temporarily upstairs and dining downstairs. Can't wait to return when all done.“
“Classic old school Italian Deli owned by the same family for many decades. Great friendly service. Delicious fresh custom made sandwiches. My favorites: the Italian beef. Also the mortadella with hot coppa on sourdough sliced w/red onions & giadineria Don't forget dessert. Order a cannoli.“
“We had a wonderful dinner last night. We tried everything from the snacks to the deserts. All pasta dishes were outstanding. The pork chop was excellent. And the dessert sampler is the way to go. Our service, from the owner, to the wine steward to the server were all great. Hope to return soon.“
“Overall a really nice, cozy, but dimly lit neighborhood restaurant. With uniquely organized small plate meals. They've stood the test of time. There is a lot of variation on seating; from a community table, to small 2 and 4 tops in the 2 window front, to a patio and then to a front covid style patio on the street front. Why a 4? Possibly the dim lighting, combined with the excess noise inside.“
“Dropped in during an unexpected encounter - I was drawn in from the sidewalk and wanted to know more. I liked the interior a lot - it was bright, clean, open, the walls were adorned with various photographs, from the tables, chairs, lighting fixtures, to the way the condiments were placed out on the tables, everything carried my eyes to wander and admire. I entered during a time when there was only one other person waiting for a to-go order. The guy who was working was nice - especially when I kept asking questions. All of the food looked great, well-stocked, and the display they had showing its name was well read. There was a lot I wanted to try, but I limited myself to two slices of their pizzas. - Capricciosa $7 (one of their most popular ones - mushrooms, olives, artichoke, mozzarella, and ham) - San Daniele $7.50 (this might be a seasonal one as its not listed on their website - had prosciutto and arugula) Checking in on the Yelp app, I received a free piece of their focaccia bread which he cut in two pieces for me. I would love to come back here for their aperitivo (happy hour) which is held from 4-6:30pm. I find that this place is great for a quick bite, grab n' go, and dining in for the cool atmosphere. There are a few two person tables which could be combined together for a larger group and a few bar tables along the wall which is good for two people, along with a few cute tables for outside dining which I'd love to see more of in the state of California. The food tasted amazing! Shared and eaten once I arrived home. I wish I had gotten more to try!“
“Vegetarian options: I had the Mount Etna salad and it was one of the best salads I've ever had! Really colourful with interesting textures and flavours, and warm ingredients were welcome on a cold rainy day! There were lots of other vegetarian options that looked tempting too.“
“Delicious food, 5 stars. Service a bit slow, but mostly pleasantly slow - don't go if you're in a rush or not with people you love. Did take a long time for drinks. Also pretty loud and can be hard to hear, but lovely tables and ambiance. Overall great option, one of the best in the area“
“Finally decided to check out as we normally go to Amy's a couple of doors down. After all almost 2 pm . We got coffee at Amy's. lotto Tix at OO LiquorsFor our first time we ordered a couple of slices of Hawaiian pizza, and the Greek Salad. 25 including tip. Pizza gets top marks. We'll be back to try other toppingsParking: Great strip mall. Old and still one of the best. Donuts, booze, pizza, lotto Tix, coffee, dry cleaners, bar and taqueriaKid-friendliness: Twi tablesWheelchair accessibility: ADA compliant“
“Can't go wrong with Happy Hours here! Ordered two personal pizzas - deep-dish and thin crust. The blue cheese flavor was kinda lacking, but it's happy hour price so not the end of the world here. Well cocktails are $7 so that's a steal too!Saw a vault on the way to the restroom.. what's that about?“
“Friday night was busy. We had a reservation for 8:30 however it took a while for the previous party to leave. The food was amazing. Loved the Brussels sprouts and the fennel salad. The pizzas were perfect - even though we were thinking broccoli pizza may not be to everyone's liking, we all enjoyed it. The pear bourbon and pecan dessert also hit its mark.“
“Just found this little gem! I live so close to this place and can’t believe I haven’t seen it before. Everything was excellent! I was surprised to find the americano (cocktail) which was amazing! And the pasta so good!!Can’t wait to be back!“
“We had a lovely, quiet dinner. I started with an appetizer special, calamari in a yummy lemon/butter sauce, followed by the ravioli and prawns. My husband enjoyed the mushroom soup followed by the veal. We shared a tiramisu and a couple of espressos. The piano man, Bob, played a couple of requested songs. Delightful. Our server Nemo, was very professional and didn't rush us. We are the ultimate slow eaters!“
“Probably some of the best food in Hayward, the service is amazing, the service is professional and the drink ? are delicious.I would call the restaurant a hole in the wall but, the place is bigger than it looks. Offers great ambience with its unique layout.The Clam Chowder is one of the best in East Bay hands down.This is a must try spot worth the drive, you won't regret it.“
“The best pasta in the bay area made there right in front of you. Atmosphere is only 4 stars just because seating is limited to 6 seats. You can also buy pastas and sauces to go.Wheelchair accessibility: There is a counter that is wheelchair accessible.“
“Having being raised in Italy, it's difficult to find places that not only have the quality, but the feel that connects you to your past. This place fits the bill! Food quality excellent! Atmosphere authentic. Whenever I drive through ( because I'm from out of town), I gladly go out of my way to get a small taste of an authentic Italian flavor. I can't really think of abother place with that real feel.“
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“We did take out of a pie - large - and haven’t eaten it yet. Very soon! We took a chance with the online number guess and lost. Our consolation price was a free large salad - Yay. Because the place is so new the manager didn’t know about the salad offer but as soon as he read my offer on my phone he had staff make up a beautiful salad for us to take home. Nice customer service.“
“I’ve been coming to this place for 5 years and even though I moved to Tracy I still drive to Castro Valley when I’m craving pizza. This is the BEST pizza hands down. If you want the real deal you need to come here. Thank you and keep up the amazing work you do.“
“Gypsy's Trattoria Italiana at UC Berkeley is a total win! Always hit them up for their lasagna or Godfather pasta - never disappoints. Fresh, fast, and oh-so-good. Bummed they stopped Uber Eats to my area, but still worth the trip. Also, check out the pool hall across the street. Solid gold!“
“We wanted a good restaurant close to the Berkeley Playhouse, which had an excellent rendition of Rent, and we were not disappointed with Donato&Co. One of the best things about this restaurant is the wine list – you can get any glass, carafe, or bottle of wine. This is a rarity, especially in the bay area, and it gives you a full spectrum of choices to enjoy. Food was excellent, Including a fantastic black truffle appetizer over a flan like cheese and toasted Parmesan. Pastas were fresh and delicious. Great server who provided excellent recommendations. Highly recommended! “
“Updated April 2024Food is excellent and some very creative dishes based on Italian classics. Although the menu may seem small there were more than enough options that appealed to myself and my wife. Menu could maybe use some regional focus as it seems to be broadly Italian but dishes were hard to pinpoint their exact origin.Great wine and beverage options as well.The space was very inviting and much bigger than the first time we dined here due to an expansion pre pandemic.“
“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!“
“We come here every year for my cousin's bday so he can order plain fettuccine Alfredo lol. But honestly pasta pelican is actually quite good and has a wide selection of tasty pastas for a reasonable price. The service is also great and let you have as much house baked bread as you want and it's not difficult to get a reservation, even with a large party as the restaurant is pretty large inside. The interior design of the restaurant could and a little face lift--it's giving old ship. And maybe that's on purpose for the theme but regardless I don't go there for the ambiance but go there to enjoy delicious food.“
“My gals know I'm normally a Square Pie Guys girl but had to have some pizza on my "cheat day" after my walk around Lake Merrill. I was licking my chops!!!! So yummy and DELISH, if you eat here prepared to have your socks knocked off. Now I know where to get pizza pies for my nieces and nephews for Tim's birthday extravaganza. LOVE IT!“
“My husband and I’s fav place! We went here for our first date 6 years ago and have come back ever since. Our go-to for date night. The chicken & mashed potatoes were delicious. Loved coming back and reminiscing about our memories from our first date. Always a joy coming back here! The bread and spread is always a bonus! Freshly baked & you can tell of it!“
“Went here for dinner with 2 older uncles. The restaurant is nice. We were seated immediately at a busy time with no reservation. The food was very good and plentiful. One server was nice enough to come over and serve the salad we ordered to split. Food came out pretty quickly. Prices are decent for nice Italian restaurants. They have some unusual cocktails on the menu, including make your own Manhattan. There was live music with guitar player, and it was hard to have a conversation close to the musicians. Would definitely recommend it but ask to be seated far from the music if you are with anyone hard of hearing.“
“02/29/24, Not a good experience this time. In their defense it was the last day to use any 2023 holiday gift cards that were outstanding and we were in the crowd of last day certificate users. But that note does not excuse any obvious issues that should have not been overlooked liked bringing food to our table that obviously did not have eating utensils or napkins. The food was ok, not fantastic as with previous dining visits. Our waitress was ok, her name is Jill“
“Excellent and delicious food, I can't understand why this place wasn't packed, definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Roberto and Flavia are hard working and very knowledgeable about the food they cook and serve.I'll be going back real soon.“
“We've been to Pennini's many times over the years and have always been happy with the quality of the pizza and wings. Both come with ample toppings, provide a decent variety of choices, and never disappoint. To be clear, this is not a fancy, gourmet pizza place, nor does it pretend to be. The verdict - it's perfect for what it aims to be, a locally owned pizzeria with no frills and good pizza. On occasion, we have tried other, non-pizza options on the menu. For example, the burger and fish and chips. In general, these are okay at best (2.5 stars). I'm not factoring this into my overall rating as this is a pizzeria and, at that, they are solid. We will be back.“
“Just as good as the North Oakland location food and service-wise. I do prefer the interior of the North Oakland one better, but it’s more just personal preference. Outstanding food, no frills just all quality and care. Got the spaghetti and homemade meatballs and it was incredibly delicious. ? I will definitely be back! The canollis look amazing too.“
“Came here to take a friend out for her birthday. Host was very accommodating and waiter was wonderful. Not rushed, delicious gluten free pizza and Greek salad. Perfectly seasoned, delicious crust and cocktails were generous. Very enjoyable evening .“
“Pizza lately has been amazing!!! The crust is so perfect and fluffy. I've been eating here from hella but took a break for a while. Started ordering again and it's better then before! Shout out to their friendly staff as well! Give it a try they got some other foods too!“