Came here during restaurant week but didn't eat from the Restaurant Week menu. I had the squid ink pasta and it was delicious. It all tasted very fresh. Everyone in my table enjoyed everything. I highly recommend and definitely recommend. read more

My family and I had a great (take-out) Berkeley Restaurant Week dinner from Donato last night. The pasta, pork and dessert were each excellent. We loved it. We've also been enjoying the 'grocery' pickups. Fresh ricotta, biscotti, pastas, wines--all wonderful. Thank you for feeding us during this strange time! read more

Tried this place for Valentine's & anniversary celebration with my wife. The hostess was gracious & saved our reservations as we were running very late cuz of BAD traffic. Had the Baccala (ok), pizzelle (all 3 varieties quite good), cacio e peppe (the pecorino was quite pronounced), & the cauliflower "Bistecca" (VERY GOOD!) For dessert, had the composta di mele (light & refreshing) & crema cota (nice rosemary hint). All wait staff were attentive & quick to respond. Will be going back fairly soon to try the other offerings! read more

First off- I LOVE Italian food. I have gone to Italy maybe 6 times now and will be going again soon and I really love all different types of parts of Italy. There is a BIG difference between the Olive Garden or "Macaroni Grill" dumbed down / non Italian Italian food, and REAL Italian. This is REAL Italian. So- for those folks that prefer the other- fine- this is NOT that. :) If you like the other- forget this place it is NOT for you. Now that that has been established- here is a review. I am writing this from my point of view- however every time I have had eaten this food it has been in the company of 3 to 4 other people... We all LOVED it! I am so glad we found this place! I have eaten here and gotten food delivered (they are on caviar delivery also). It is in a great part of Berkeley, and next to interesting clothing shops and a wonderful chocolate shop. And- even if it were off by itself and or in a bad part of town- I would go because the food is great! Service was good too. attentive, professional and friendly. Mixed drinks and wine all good. Interesting too. Salads, pasta mains everything- we would order again. It is a nice place and really will tell everyone about it. We sat at a table but the bar area looked nice too. We will go back absolutely. read more

My first review of this place would have been 5 stars. That was right after it opened. My second time here was actually for my birthday, and it was utterly underwhelming. Pros: Beautiful interior, well-stocked bar. Cons: The horrible service. It took us 10-15 minutes to be offered water. It took my mother and I an hour and a half to eat dinner - this was only 1 appetizer and an entree, i'm not talking a lot of extra courses here. We decided to skip dessert because everything was taking so long. It felt like we were forgotten by our waiter, he was not good at multitasking his tables. The food was pretty good, my mom's oxtail pasta was a bit tough in terms of the "8 hour braised meat", and my chard and buckwheat pasta did not disclose on the menu that it includes fried garlic- which I cannot eat. Our first experience here was a dream, we came the week it opened and it was slightly early dinner hour. Our waitress was great, albeit not that knowledgable about the chefs (she didn't even know their full names). If you want an interesting new take on Italian food in normal/small portions and have lots of patience or come here on an off hour, this place would be great for you. In my opinion, they have a lot to teach their staff, and need to oil certain parts of their machine. read more

Today is the second day that California reopened after the COVID19 lock down. It is a festive day, one to be celebrated at a restaurant, any restaurant, with good friends we have not seen in a year. We picked Donato and instead of feeling elated we came away frustrated and disappointed. The waiter, one suspects, would have been grateful to be over the California closure and at least give a hint at being happy. Nothing doing. We arrived at 5 and were seated at our table. Seated, and seated, and seated. Finally, the server arrived as though ready to pick a fight, as though this was the last place he wanted be. Unhelpful with the selection of a wine, he brought what seemed to be an infinitesimal pour in a huge glass. When we pointed out that it look miserly he growled that it was 5 ounces but would check with the manager to see what could be done. That was the last we heard. He was unequally unhelpful with suggestions from the menu and would not budge at a request for a pasta substitute for faro. The food was good but, as other reviewers have noted, hardly filled a quarter of the serving plate. There seems to be something going on at Donato about serving beverages and food in oversized service. Not sure what the point is but it only leads to disappointment. Hubris? Hardly warranted. All this said, it was wonderful to reunite with old friends, all of us crawling out of the horrors of the past year. Want to be with old friends at a place where you feel welcome and want to celebrate something? Find another place. read more

If you have dietary restrictions, make sure you look at the menu online before going. I went with a party of seven, and none of us eats pork and I additionally don't eat shellfish. We then found out that all pasta dishes with meat have either pork or shellfish. The entree I did end up ordering was good (swordfish), but we were all a bit disappointed that no pasta dishes were available with e.g. beef, lamb, chicken, duck or fish. read more

Food was amazing!! We got the pizzele and the dough is wow. The squid ink pasta was fresh and the lamb shank special good as well. The crema dessert was wow! Will be back read more

Although this restaurant has carried the same menu for a while, it never disappoints us. Service is very good, every dish we tasted (haven't tried everything) delicious. Desserts are splendid. Lunch or dinner, I keep going back there. Indoors, outdoors... read more

I want to give a big shoutout to Donato & Co because the restaurant industry has been struggling lately and reviewers can be brutal. We went there for the first time recently and they fully deserve their 5 stars. We had a pear cocktail to start, two appetizers (the bruschetta and the salumi assortment), for entrees the branzino and the calamari and Sbrisolona e crema for dessert. Every dish was delicious. The service was great, the waiter came around exactly when needed. At one point I wanted a white wine and was too tired and lazy to look at their wine list, so asked the waiter to bring me something white and good, and he came back with a fantastic glass of something that I now wish I knew the name of. We'll definitely be back soon! read more

Lousy food and bad service. The bruschetta is like soft soggy bread. The pasta was www. And the swordfish dry. THe waiter came to the table only to take the order and collect check. It is not worth it at all read more

Sat in the bar and had happy hour apps and dinner. The charcuterie is cured in house and was delicious. The owner came by to check on us which was nice. Our server was a new bartender who didn't know everything right away but provided excellent service and made one of the best sazeracs I've ever had. Ask for Austin in the bar to have an awesome cocktail. read more

This was our first visit to Donato & Co. The service was excellent and the pasta dinners we chose were nicely presented and tasty. We returned later that evening to the bar side of the restaurant for coffee and desert. The desert was amazing and the coffee was perfect. We will visit this restaurant again soon! Maureen read more

It was tough to rate this restaurant. The positive first. The atmosphere and. Restaurant was warm beautiful and inviting. The food, with exception of a few items, was delicious. I love the risotto and short ribs. Spoiler alert the short ribs were oxtails not short ribs but still delicious. The linguine and clams was also delicious but my husband wished it was a larger potion The radicchio salad was bland with a bad texture. The arancini was fabulous. The service was just ok. No one followed up on drinks or offered pepper with the salad. It is a restaurant worth trying not sure if we would go back. read more

Came in with my lady and 3 tens for an early dinner. Server didn't bother telling us about the specials. My daughter wanted a pizza. They have something like it. But, it was gross, covered in oil. I ordered the lamb shoulder steak. They prepared it in some sort of white wine sauce. Yuk. Lamb should be in a red wine sauce of some sort. If at all. The meat was tough, fatty, and not well seasoned. They charged$13 for that tiny grease pizza like thing for my daughter. I won't go back. I think they are trying to stick to a particular region of Italian cuisine. But really, add a proper simple small pizza, and if you're going to charge $25 for an entree, use better quality meat. I should have sent it back. read more

I mostly write reviews of places I really like, but in this case I'm writing to vent a bit over a very disappointing dinner. I ate here with friends about a year ago (mid-2021) and found the food and service comforting, cosy, and gracious, and the space quite inviting, but I went back this evening for a work-related dinner and had a pretty dismal experience. Service was friendly but very slow and sloppy, with a few major lapses (a 15-minute delay in bringing drinks, and another 15-minute delay in bringing the one the server neglected to write down). More problematically, the food was remarkably bland - somehow they managed to make a braised lamb shank dry and nearly tasteless, and the "mirepoix" that garnished it was essentially small cubes of raw carrots and celery. Other dishes, including fried anchovies, were also surprisingly flavorless, particularly surprising for a restaurant focused on the extremely flavorful cuisine of southern Italy. My husband ordered a steak medium rare (per the server's recommendation), but it was served nearly raw and had to be sent back. I'm trying to cut restaurants a lot of slack since I know that building back after the pandemic is a huge challenge, but at this price point I certainly expected much more. Not sure what's going on with Donato & Co. but I hope they up their game! read more

Beautifully renovated space, good wine list. But lackluster food. We ordered two appetizers, two entrees, one pasta and one side, a wide range of dishes to try. All of which was flavorless and bland except for the branzino. We did have to ask for olive oil and salt to flavor the branzino ourselves. The oxtail dish didn't have much meat as it was mostly bones. We talked to the waiter and he stated 'Well, that's what you get when you order oxtail'. I also tried to speak Italian to the waiters but they didn't understand. I noticed the cooking staff were all Hispanic too. Not coming back here. This is not an authentic nor a good Italian restaurant for the price. By contrast, a block away the "Italian Homemade Company" is amazing. read more

We had dinner here tonight w/ Sherri and Ron. They live a few blocks away, so we went to their house and visited for a while, then walked over to the restaurant. The last time we four were here it was The Advocate and our experience was mixed. As we walked in tonight my first impression was of a wooden planter box full of succulents atop a half wall that serves to divide the entry from the dining room. It was lovely. Large black and white photographs of Italian scenes dominate the east wall. It wasn't until my second trip to the bathroom that I noticed the Vespa scooter perched on a raised platform that served as another room divider. It was very cool. We were seated at a table for 4 along the dividing wall between the dining room and the bar and given menus. Sherri and Ron told us that Sky, a favorite server from Stella Nonna, now works here. We asked the hostess if he was working tonight and he wasn't, so maybe he will be another time we're here. We decided to share a vegetable fritti and baked ricotta w/ prosciutto, asparagus and hazelnuts to start. I ordered a French Sidecar, Ron ordered a beer, Sherri ordered a glass of Sangiovese and Alan had iced tea. He wanted iced coffee but it wasn't available. The vegetables were fabulous, particularly the cauliflower. There was a tomato based dipping sauce. The other dish was an interesting combination, but not fabulous. For our mains Sherri and I both ordered the lamb shoulder roast, Ron ordered the chicken and Alan ordered squid ink spaghetti. He was a bit concerned about the heat from the calabria peppers, but the waiter said it wasn't that hot. We asked for bread and a basket was brought, w/ an olive tapenade. That would have been too salty for Alan, so I asked for olive oil as well, which was brought. When our dishes came Sherri and I were astonished at the generous portion, the lamb, three chops, piled on top of roasted potatoes and baby artichoke halves. Ron's chicken looked delicious. Alan took a bite or two of his dish and flagged down the waiter to tell him it was not only too spicy, it was too salty. He took a taste of Ron's chicken and thought it was good in terms of saltiness, so ordered that instead. My lamb, while delicious, was too salty for me to share w/ him, so I gave him some of the potatoes, which were marvelous and not too salty. I'm not sure what the marinade was for the lamb. The artichokes were lovely. My Sidecar was delicious, better than many I've had, though not Stella Nonna's. Alan and Ron both liked their chicken dishes. None of us had room for dessert. read more

No pictures, the food is simple perfection and gastronomical orgasm of gentle flavors and perfect balances. The consistency and quality is always top notch. read more

I live in the Elmwood and have dined here before. Great food, creative, but also familiar Italian flavors. We got takeout last night off their regular dinner menu. Picked up at the restaurant. Food was ready at the time we agreed on and as delicious as always! Arancini and Monterey Bay Squid and Octopus were very special. They have a great Italian wine list and the wines are available for take out and on sale too! We need to support our local restaurants to keep them alive. Patronizing Donato & Co is a neighborly act, but one with great personal satisfaction too. Good for both the head and the tummy. Steve W. read more

The service was attentive and friendly. The food was just so-so. The lamb shanks were dry and on the verge of being tough. We've had better Pana cotta at many other places. This was not light enough. The squid ink pasta was just so-so. read more

Donato is hands-down my favorite restaurant in the Bay Area. Not only is their food authentic, delicious, and high-quality, but the service is also phenomenal. Every dish has a thoughtful twist that sets it apart from other italian restaurants. I highly recommend the duck mousse and creamy potato frico, but pretty much every dish will leave you satisfied. The establishment has an intimate, family atmosphere. Employees are extremely accommodating and will even make things for you that aren't on the menu. The ambiance is also amazing. The interior design is tasteful and modern. Love this place. Don't sleep on it! read more

Had a great meal there on Halloween night. For the $40 prefix menu, had three delicious dishes. The service was wonderful, with our server suggesting a great wine pairing with what we ordered...and not automatically suggesting the most expensive wine on the list, which I personally appreciate. Sophisticated, delicious, and beautifully presented. So nice to have such a great place in our neighborhood, and at fairly reasonable prices. We will definitely be back! read more

Uozo salad and cocktails and service and atmosphere were great. Entrees (Parpadelle and Branzino) were blah -- definitely not worth the price. read more

This review is only for lunch, though I can see from the reviews that I've been missing out by not going to Donato & Co for dinner. Maybe someday. I can affirm the various positive comments about the decor, with its light and spacious feel so I'll focus on the sandwiches, specifically, the bread, a focaccia, which is served with the crispy fried chicken sandwich. It is too crumbly and soft to stand up to its sturdy companion items of chicken, tomato, lettuce. Either Bakesale Betty's or Proposition Chicken offer a sturdier bread with their tastier chicken sandwiches. Why do I say tastier? Because Donato's chicken, while nicely fried with a golden crust, is lacking ... something. Some more assertive seasoning? Marinate in buttermilk? And one has to request a salt shaker to spark things up. Maybe they don't want to clutter the tables with extraneous items, I can understand that, but the shaker is teeny-tiny. Is a slighter more useful salt shaker possible, please? The bread situation continues if you request some bread as you're waiting for your dining companions to arrive. It is dry and unsatisfying, though the green olive condiment that was served with it livened up the bread. Finally, in the restroom-sink area (there are about 5 individual restrooms, so no waiting) the soap dispenser was broken (who knows for how long?) and a ketchup bottle with a handlabelled sign saying "hand soap" served to dispense soap. Really? Could you not just go out and buy a bottle of Method or Mrs Meyers, something just a bit classier to accompany the otherwise fine decor? It was almost empty so I had to notify the waiter, who is very friendly and competent but does not have a proficient grasp of the English language, that someone should put more soap into the bottle. (which someone did) read more

Wonderfully prepared food and outstanding service! My friend and I split a delicious meal of a frisée salad with a soft boiled crusted egg on top followed by generous portions of exquisitely prepared oxtail ravioli and seared tuna. The service was exceptionally personable and prompt. High recommend! read more

Just had brunch here with family. Everything was delicious, pasta with tomato sauce, frittata and poached egg with hollandaise. Excellent service, peaceful ambiance. read more

The eclectic Italian menu was appealing and our party ordered the gambit. The steak, seafood, chicken and pasta were all delicious. The wine menu (featuring Italian wines) has some unique choices, the bar menu was diverse and deserts to die for. We will be back on our next trip to the area! read more

Absolutely love this local restaurant in Oakland. Beautiful decor, excellent service and very tasty, creative food. Highly recommended.

My first time at this restaurant: early dinner at 3pm! Had the special, Branzino (white bass), exceptionally delicious, with tasty diced roasted potatoes. While waiting for my entree, had Chianti and fresh sourdough bread with good tapenade. Finished with yummy dessert, Sbriciolona. Attractive decor and good service. So happy to have this fine restaurant in Elmwood. read more

Went for lunch today and ordered the Ciabatta house made porchetta. It was mainly fat. I was very disappointed. Didn't even taste like porchetta. Have had dinner here which was very good. read more

We had a terrific meal at Donato's. Its very authentic. Maybe the individual who said it wasn't good had never been to Italy. We loved everything - the pork was excellent . We'll try the ravioli next time. Our waiter was attentive and non-intrusive, and there when we needed him. The Chantilly cream dessert was to die for with almond cake crumble and caramel. We are going back with friends. Worth the hassle of finding parkingm which isn't easy. read more

We are savoring a perfect Saturday afternoon in Berkeley and having marinated olives with non - alcohol and ale, but the noise of the ancient juicer is causing us mental anguish (which we don't require any more of) read more

The food is nice! Especially the deserts. Worth a try. The waiter is nice, not too far or too close, just comfortable. Good to try. read more

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Food was excellent, but service was extremely slow. Plan on 30 minute wait before water served and beverage order taken. Plan on 1 hour wait after entrees are ordered. We skipped dessert and coffee since did not want to spend any more time there. read more

We were fans of the restaurant Desco, and happy to hear the same owners had opened Donato. My wife and I went to Donato for an early dinner. There was plenty of availability and very friendly service. We thought the food was very good and, either not your typical Italian dishes, or interesting variations on standards. As with Desco, there is a wonderful feeling that, at least in part, you're experiencing something wholly Italian. read more

I really want to like Donato, partly because it's walking distance from my house, and partly because the folks working there seemed very nice. As I write this it's only been open for about twenty days, so perhaps they're still working out some kinks. All I can say is that I was served the single worst entrée I've ever had in many decades of eating out. A head of cauliflower, steamed or boiled to a very soft consistency, then put on a hot grill until it developed a few burnt spots, and served without seasoning along a flavorless smear of sauce. I sent it back, something I've only done once before. Our friendly waiter took it off our bill, so some points for that. read more

My first experience with this restaurant was a bummer. I ordered the frilly salad 11.00 and the Clam pasta 19.00. The frilly salad was definitely no frills. The pasta was as simple as you could make it, linguine and clams with no flavour. The service was sterile, no smiles and not even an offer of parmesan. I would not recommend. read more

Friendly service. Excellent bar with cocktails and very nice Italian wines. Tried glasses of ones we've never had before that were recommended with the meal and the suggestions were spot on. The pasta was excellent and authentic and the fish main course was fresh and well presented. Look forward to returning. read more

A Great place for a date, a family dinner or a just a bit more fancy, special place to go with a group of friends considering the very reasonable price of dinner. The atmosphere is quite elegant and informal at the same time. The location right off College is easily accessible to walk to in the Elmwood neighborhood or if need be , to drive to and park with out much searching. The staff was very friendly and attentive. A big plus was that it wasnt noisy and we didn't need reservations. There were four of us for dinner on a Sunday evening. Everyone had a full course dinner . Two of of us shared a salad and we all each had our own dessert. Two of us had a glass of wine each and it was coffee and a soda each for the other two. All the main courses were good but my pork tenderloin dish was exceptional . It would be hard to say which desert was better then the other as they were all equally fantastic. I have walked past this many times seeing it quite empty but still it intrigued me. When I looked up neighborhood restaurants on Yelp for a Sunday night, and saw the two dollar sign price points that settled it for me as I decided I was going to treat everyone for dinner this particular evening. An added incentive was it was getting later , about 8pm and with my prior knowledge of how not busy it appeared settled the problem of possibly having to wait with no reservations. Happily it was a great success all around and we certainly will go back. Hence the effort to write this review. I dont want this gem to disappear for lack of business. Even though it might mean having to wait with out reservations. read more

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