3of us arrived at 8:45pm. Dolly graciously invited us in and we ordered 2 Caesar salad es 2…read morespaghetti & meatballs & one shrimp & crab ravioli, soft drinks and a mascarpone. The food, hospitality, ambiance and service was excellent. There were 3 other jovial couples that ended up staying past closing with us. We ended up closing at 10!! Our only regret was that the place can only accommodate tables for 2 and seats at the bar. Dolly is a do

Made a recent visit here as I was looking to try cheese wheel pasta and I must say they did not…read moredisappoint. Inside is small, but fortunately we were able to be seated at the bar right away. The gentleman at the bar (Dolly's husband) couldn't have been a more gracious host. He immediately gave us menus and allowed us to sample the various wines before making our selection. We struck up conversation with him since it wasn't too busy and he told us how him and his wife met and got together, honestly a great story. As for the food itself, it was all amazing. We ordered a variety of things including the meatball and cheese wheel pasta and it was all very good. Dolly herself came out, who was also very friendly, and we were able to speak with her and meet their beautiful daughter. It was a great experience and I would definitely comeback and recommend to others.

I was introduced to this restaurant when i was a wee lad by my Sicilian grandfather. I still think…read moreits the best pizza in town. I make pizza and pizza ovens for a hobby. I cook. Why is their food so good? It just is. Ill keep working on my style. Delish. Love the staff! Thanks for existing Eric W

Been coming here because of my husband for almost 10+ years and it the best Italian food. Very…read moreflavorful, hand-made pasta, the staff are really attentive and nice, and I just love the Italian small restaurant feel to this place. It makes me feel like I stepped into Italy. My favorite is the gnocchi pesto and my hubby always gets the steak. When we have family visit, they get the broiled salmon. All amazing. We've had their pizza numerous times and yes it's a heavier crust but it's still pretty thin and very delicious. Plus I'm a sucker for bread so honestly the pizza crust is delicious. I've been to other "popular Yelp" Italian restaurants and they're filled with oil, grease, and "fluff". This family owned restaurant always uses fresh ingredients and hand-made pasta and you can't beat that (big portions too and their bread is to die for).

Delicious food, friendly service Nice gluten free selection…read more Next time will definitely try the gelato

With my friend in town, she wanted to try good Italian food. We came to Passione Emporio based on a…read morefamily recommendation. We were satisfied and left full. The restaurant is quaint and has neighborhood charm. It's a cozy space with a decent amount of seating for various party sizes, plus outdoor seating. They have fresh gelato and a wood-fire pizza oven you can see. The service was fine. Our food came out hot and fast, and our water was refilled, but we weren't checked on much. Their menu offers specialties and seasonal items. I had the Salmon Ravioli and my friend got the Lasagna Ragu. The ravioli was good; you can taste the creamy spinach filling. The sauce was light and bright. I wish there were more ravioli plus veggies. My friend enjoyed her lasagna. Their menu online can be a bit misleading compared to their in-person menu. I wouldn't mind getting this dish again. Passione Emporio is a nice spot for Italian food in West Berkeley. I'd come here if I lived in the area but wouldn't go out of my way. They're located off Fifth Street with free neighborhood street parking around.

Went for lunch last week. Best meal I've had in a long time. Eggplant parmesan, veggies, polenta…read moreand tiramisu. Delicious!!! The server was very busy but really friendly and kept checking on us. This is the way it should be!!!

**American Canyon Location**…read more Ambiance is okay, could use some updates in a few areas. Such as the curtains & carpet. The bathroom was very clean & smelled nice. The service was excellent, prompt, delicious and hot which was a plus. Overall, it's a very nice restaurant in American Canyon and definitely worth trying. I personally loved their eggplant parmigiana & the la strada pasta. Also, Monica was a pleasure to work with at the American Canyon location. If you are planning an event, she's very helpful with menu options, pricing & going over event space, very easy to work with & very patient & professional. Highly recommend giving this place a try if ever you are in the area.

Street parking, in a residential-ish area. They have…read moreoutdoor seating too, not a long wait on a Sunday evening. Its more of an adult, for drinks type of vibe & if you don't have a big appetite. Only giving stars for the great service. Food didn't take long, quality of the food was ok, portion was not filling at all, especially for the price. More of a bougie, place. The pizzas we ordered were super thin, not a lot of toppings & toppings seemed like they were just thrown on in the middle. Restroom, only 1, pretty spacious & clean

We stopped here for the 1st time ever for dinner after a concert in Berkeley…read more The food, service and ambiance were swanky and smooth. We ordered whiskey and a margarita with blanco tequila. We split the Brussel sprouts and an East Bay pizza pie. Everything was really tasty! If you're looking for good food and a good vibes come and eat here! I look forward to coming back the next time I'm in the area, hopefully to check out their happy hour menu! Support Black Business check out Three One Four pizzeria.

The ragu was a little oily, but delicious…read more Dirty martini was spot on. Minus one star for destroying the squash blossoms. The batter was more for a hush puppy.

I'm ready to take this street and head straight into the heart of Rome, or Berkeley so to speak,…read moreespecially if the food is this deliciously prepared as it is at Via Del Corso! Located in the heart of Berkeley's trendy North Shattuck business area that covers most of the northern part of the busy thoroughfare of Shattuck Avenue, Via Del Corso comes from owner Peter Chastain, a local restaurateur who made sure to save a longtime favorite local restaurant that was known as Corso, in a prine dining destination. Chastain did so by assembling an amazing team that guaranteed authentic cuisine that could be found not in just one but throughout many regions in Italy, much in part thanks to Chef de cuisine Massimo Orlando, who brings his heritage from northern Italy into all of their dishes. What brought me and two other diners here on a busy Saturday evening was the buzz that has been constant ever since they opened Via Del Corso in the summer of 2021 and we wanted to see what it was all about. Reservations on the OpenTable even a mere two days out were actually easy to make, as we arrived a few minutes late and they were still gracious enough to take our party and seat us with a view of their open kitchen, where no fewer than five chefs were cooking up a storm all evening long. The dinner menu at Via Del Corso is separated into categories including Spuntini, which are little bites; Antipasti e Insalate, which are their Appetizers and Salads; Primi Piatti or first course dishes; Piatto del Giorno or Dish of the Day; Secondi Piatti or second course dishes; Contorni or sides; and Dolchi or desserts. To start our meal we decided to order their Insalata di Polpo, which was their poached octopus served with Yukon gold potatoes, Gaeta olives, celery, sweet onions, and topped with lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Served with the perfect amount of umami and flair this starting dish was the perfect starting dish and made us eager for more of what Via Del Corso had to offer. As for the second course in our meal, we knew we wanted to share in their deliciously handcrafted pasta entrées, and it was recommended by our server Mike to order their signature pasta entrée, their Ravioli con Spungnole e Fave, which were their fresh pasta raviolis filled with sheep's milk ricotta, served with fresh morel mushrooms, fava beans and topped with Parmigiano cheese; and then we ordered a half portion of their Tagliatelle al Ragu which is their fresh egg pasta topped with Emilian meat sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano. For our main courses, we decided to split two entrées, their Petto d'Anatra con Ciliegie e Balsamico, which was their seared duck breast topped with their balsamico condimento, blistered cherries, and sautéed spinach; and their Bistecca di Manzo alla Griglia which is their Grilled Prime New York Steak served with rucola, lemon, and shaved Parmigiano. We also opted to have it served with Lardo which was a film of buttery garlic and cost an additional four dollars. The pastas would be presented to our table first and they were two of the most lovingly crafted pasta dishes we have enjoyed in some time. The real star recommended their ravioli as the were a meal unto itself with beautiful triangle shaped pouches filled with fresh cheese topped with unique mushrooms combined with an unbelievably tasty sauce. At 60 dollars our Bistecca was a wonderfully composed dish that was served with an elegantly composed arugula side dish and would have been a wonderful solo entrée to enjoy. The seared duck was a nice heavy dish that I most likely would not order a second time, as we saw the halibut being a nicely composed dish from a table far away, and nothing but good things about their signature pork chop. With a total bill of $194 for five dishes, a return visit would be a must to Via Del Corso, as we found this restaurant lively, in a good way, the service attentive, and most importantly the food prepared in a way that would make us come back for many more return visits. A neighborhood gem that everyone can enjoy!

A Last-Minute Yelp Find That Delivered! Heading home from…read moreSan Francisco, we decided to stop for pasta. A last minute Yelp search led us to Creekwood in Berkeley, and luckily, I was able to secure a reservation inside. What a great find! Creekwood is in a residential neighborhood, which I love, although parking can definitely be a challenge. The exterior is architecturally pleasing, with clean lines and a fresh, modern look. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess with a huge welcome and an equally huge smile. The restaurant has a cozy bar area, outside seating, and an estimated seating capacity of 50 guests. Inside, there is a combination of banquettes and tables that can be configured to accommodate different party sizes. The interior was extremely clean, visually appealing, comfortable and inviting. The bathroom was also extremely clean. Our server Malia was personable and offered great suggestions, as did several other staff members. Everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly and welcoming. We started with the corn chowder and burrata. The chowder arrived a little under-temperature for my liking, but the flavor was excellent. The burrata was plentiful, paired with tomatoes that were absolutely bursting with flavor. The burrata and tomatoes complemented each other beautifully, and there was just the right amount of dressing. My tablemate ordered the Margherita pizza, which arrived at the perfect temperature. Thin crust, fresh basil and great flavor it was exactly what a Margherita pizza should be. I was craving a meat based pasta with red sauce, but that wasn't on the menu. So I ordered the pappardelle with mushrooms and asked if they could prepare it with a red sauce. They were happy to accommodate me. It arrived at the perfect temperature, with beautifully cooked pasta and an orchestra of flavors. The depth and texture of the mushrooms gave me the satisfying, meaty texture I was craving. I would absolutely order this dish again! One of the highlights of our visit was meeting Greg, the owner, who was circulating throughout the restaurant and talking with his guests. We were first-timers, but clearly, many of his diners were what I like to call "repeat offenders." in the best way. Greg shared some of the history of Creekwood and explained that his goal was to create a true neighborhood restaurant and gathering place. I would say he has definitely accomplished that. He also mentioned that he is considering adding a happy hour, which would be a wonderful addition. They do have Coctails, beer and wine although I did not partake this time. Greg told us about one couple who has visited for brunch more than 149 times! Now THAT is a referral! If I lived in the neighborhood, I have no doubt I would become a repeat offender myself. Sometimes the best restaurant discoveries are the ones you make at the last minute. Creekwood was definitely a successful Yelp selection, and one I'm happy to recommend. Bravo Greg, Chef and Creekwood Family well done and we shall see you soon. GIve Creekwood a try you won't be disappointed.

My friend and I went on a Thursday for dinner. We arrived early, a little before 5 pm. We were…read moregreeted immediately and shown to a booth. It is a small restaurant with tables and several booths by the window. They also have outdoor patio service. We ordered a half dozen Point Reyes oysters on the half shell. They were very fresh. The crispy Brussels sprouts were nicely cooked. My friend ordered the black cod and I ordered the crab with pasta in white sauce. We also ordered a glass of Chardonnay and a glass of Sancerre. The black cod was delicious. I found my pasta dish a bit bland. We shared a piece of carrot cake. It was very good, moist, just sweet enough with a perfect frosting. The service was attentive. It is a very noisy restaurant. The staff was moving furniture around at the beginning. I asked to have the music lowered in volume. The room may benefit from more acoustic tiling since the noise bounced around the floor and walls.

Hotel Mac originally opened in 1911. The bldg. is a registered historical landmark. The restaurant…read moreopened in '78 and is still going strong. Very welcoming vibe and staff. She visited a few weeks ago & hoped that I'd like it. I did! I didn't get a pic but the Sangria 5outta5! Fruity, sweet and refreshing. Bruschetta 5outta5 it was really delicious I wish they sold their oil w/sun dried tomatoes & herbs. Dipping the focaccia in it, I didn't want to stop! She really enjoyed the Chicken Parm Panini. Ravioli di Aragosta 5outta5 Delicious. Italian cuisine is starting to grow on me more & more. Biancoverde is a must try! #GoTaste&See

Delighted to have a new restaurant at the Hotel Mac again. And Italian is a most welcome addition…read moreto the neighborhood. The menu is extensive and includes what one might expect: pastas, seafood, meats, salads... I particularly like their Caesar salad, meatballs, and make your own pasta with different pasta, sauce, and toppings. The service is friendly and efficient. I was happy to see they retained much of the former restaurant's feel--somewhat classic instead of overly modern. The front room with the bar where live music is played can be noisy.

We were in the area for an appointment. My son said that he had heard things about this place, so…read morewe stopped by, with very little expectation. We were pleasantly surprised!! Food- huge portions, made to order deliciousness Service- Nothing over the top and nothing lacking. Pretty near perfect, I'd say. Ambiance- Reminded me of a taqueria. You go up to the counter and order your food, then wait for your number to be called. The prices are spot on! I can't wait to go back!!

Whenever I am in town, i enjoy coming here. My favorite is the crazy Alfredo. It was so creamy,…read morerich. Although there are times it can lack a little flavor, so I just add a dash of salt and it's delicious. My husband got the chicken Godfather's Favorite, and he really enjoys this dish. It's creamy, hearty and flavorful. The parking here, however is atrocious! There is rarely any parking. People usually double park here. But be careful because some cops will be in the area and will try to cite you if you don't move your car. The wait time is long on busy days. It doesn't help that it's near campus so it can become very busy in the area too. I do recommend giving this place a try. Definitely a comfort-food kind of place, and the price is decent and the portions are pretty generous.

The pizza is the star at Little Star Pizza! Located on a busy stretch of Solano Avenue on the lower…read moreportion near the San Pablo Avenue intersection on Albany, California, Little Star Pizza is just one of many locations of this burgeoning franchise from owner Brian Sadigursky, who began his mini-pizza making empire of his signature cornmeal crust deep dish pizzas in a small location along Divisadero Street in San Francisco's Nopa neighborhood. That location has since closed down, but two locations remain, this one in Albany and another along Valencia Street in San Francisco's Mission District. The team also owns three The Star pizza restaurants with locations in Oakland, Alameda, and Portland, Oregon. With all these locations to keep track of what makes people keep coming back for all these wide varieties of pizza pies? It's the dough of course, but it is not just any dough, it is their beautifully crusty cornmeal dough that is cooked to perfection for their Chicago-style deep dish pizza that is what makes Little Star and all of their subsidiaries so worthwhile. I had originally been to this location when they were located literally right next door in a smaller location on the corner. Now, in a much larger location, with floor to ceiling windows that let in natural light on two sides, and their own communal parking lot, where there is a door for direct takeout orders, Little Star Pizza is thriving here in Albany. What brought me and a dining mate back for a first time visit to this newer location was the affordable lunchtime deal that they serve seemingly seven days a week. From open until 3 p.m. diners can order a Personal Signature Pizza either Deep Dish or Thin Crust for only 11 dollars. You can also build your own personal pizza for 9 dollars which is an affordable option. My fellow dining mate and I knew we wanted to select from their Seasonal Specials or their Signature Pies. I decided to order their Personal size All-Star Signature Pie, which was topped with bacon, meatballs, sausage, pepperoni, provolone cheese and served on their signature cornmeal crust, then filled with mozzarella cheese and house-made tomato sauce & finished with parmesan & oregano. My dining mate was intrigued by their Specials menu, and their Personal size Sweet Heat, which was topped with spicy sausage, caramelized red onions, cherry peppers, hot honey and served on their signature cornmeal crust, then filled with mozzarella cheese and house-made tomato sauce & finished with parmesan & oregano. Since both pizzas were so affordable at 11 dollars each, we decided to splurge and order two dessert drinks as I ordered their Golden Gate Orange Soda Float and my dining mate ordered their Dad's Root Beer Soda Float. The wait for our personal size pizzas would be a lengthy one, at least twenty minutes, which for about a nine inch pizza pie, is still a considerable amount of time. But once you do get the pizzas you order, I can report it is well worth the wait, as the pizza has that extra special graininess to it that makes it extra special good. Combined with the fresh tomatoes and an abundance of mozzarella cheese, you cannot go wrong with any type of pizza you order. I liked my All-Star pizza pie with its abundance of meat toppings and I tried my dining mates Sweet Heat pizza pie and it came as delivered as it has a combination of sweetness meets spiciness. Luckily our wait wasn't too long, as we had our ice cream and soda floats to keep us satiated while we waited for our pizzas to be handcrafted. Our total bill was $42.08, which was with tax but before gratuity, which in all reality was very reasonable considering we ordered two rather large personal deep dish pizzas, and our floats were a mere fraction less in terms of pricing. Since they have a Happy Hour on weeknights from 3-5:30 p.m. with reasonably priced cocktails, one-topping pizzas and other menu items at affordable pricing, you better believe it will not be another decade that passes by before I make another appearance. Here's to the continued success of Little Star Pizza, may more locations be in the future, and may their current locations continue to thrive thanks to their delectable Signature Deep Dish pizzas!

Went to Little Star Friday for lunch. The place was pretty empty, pretty dark inside and on the…read morecold side We ordered two side Cesar salads which were good. My partner got a personal Sweet Heat pizza, a very value. I ordered the personal Meatball pizza and it was awful. The thing was topped with huge gobs od mozarella cheese. Way too much cheese. I should have sent the thing back but I scrapped off the cheese and went to work. Not very good meatballs and the crust was lame. Def a waste of money