Italian Colors in Oakland was excellent! The food was amazing from start to finish. We loved the Brussels sprouts, and my Linguini Vongole with Manila clams in a white wine garlic butter sauce was absolutely delicious. My cappuccino was fantastic, and we ended the night with tiramisu along with their special dessert of the day--both were wonderful. The service was excellent, there was plenty of parking, and they even have a lovely outdoor dining area that's perfect for brunch with your pooch on weekends. A must-visit restaurant, and highly recommended! Cheers! read more

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This is my 3rd time at Italian Colors and every visit has been sub-par. Arrived to no one at the door to greet you or show you to your table. Waited several minutes before anyone noticed me and the group I was with. Once seated I noticed several other people arrive to the same unwelcoming/unattended door. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs hoping there was no way they could screw up a simple dish like that....BUT I WAS WRONG! When the waitress brought out my dish I thought they messed up my order and it was soup becuase there was SO MUCH SAUCE that you could barely see the spaghetti. (see pics) The spaghetti was overcooked and mushy. The meatballs were dry like they were cooked earlier, stored on the side and then reheated. The sauce was sweet, thin consistency like tomato soup and overall unappealing! It definitely tasted like one of those frozen spaghetti and meatballs you get from the grocery store. A friend ordered a salad and they asked if she wanted mixed greens, which the waitress said would be darker mixed greens or butter lettuce. She said mixed greens. They brought her butter lettuce. When she said there was a mistake the server just looked at her like his head was going to explode. She finally gave up and just ate the butter lettuce even though it wasn't what she ordered! Since I couldn't stomach more than 3 forks fulll of the Soupy Spaghetti and Meatballs, I decided to take it to go so I could give it to the homeless guy on my street and they gave me a crappy box with those tuck in tops but the lid kept popping open. I dont understand why you would give someone with pasta a togo box like this (see pics). The moment I sat it in my car, it popped open immediately! I had to hold it on my drive home. For a place called "Italian Colors" they do a piss poor job at making Italian food! I won't be back. read more

Italian Colors - Why would you give someone a togo box like this for pasta? The tucked lid didn't stay closed and kept popping open. - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

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We spent over $200 for a dinner of 5 guests and our experience was very disappointing. First, no one greeted us at the door for a good 5 minutes and place was dark without any lighting. Right away it didn't feel welcoming. Dishes ordered were: -supposed to be grilled prawns linguine garlic wine sauce. The herbs were overpowering and the prawns were NOT grilled as requested! The sauce was bland and watered down! -Beef Bolognese - this was a boring dish with no flavor. I can cook the sauce better at home! -pesco dish - was expecting more flavor from this dish. -gnocchi bolognese - was just ok similar to the beef bolognese Duck confit - this was the only good dish! For something that expensive we expect more from this establishment. Will not be returning and do not recommend! Extremely disappointing. Give 2 stars because the waiters were nice but that's pretty much it! read more

I was celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday with nine other family members. The service was excellent and the food was great! We had great appetizers, good wine, our choices of main course included pasta, steak, chicken piccata, salmon and pizza! We also had room for dessert. This was our first time there and we will definitely be back! read more

My parents used to do here from time to time when I was in high school (30 years ago). Decided to pay it a visit tonight for nostalgia sake. The good: 1. My pork chop. Lots of smokey flavor. The potato salad on the side was also good. 2. My wife also enjoyed her spaghetti and meatballs. The ok: my mom's Cesar salad. The disappointing: 1. The calamari. Very bland and the marina sauce was also nothing special. 2. The red wine glass options. My wife tastes two They were both underwhelming. 3. The service. Our waiter and all the other staff was friendly and professional. So what was the issue? They brought out the entree minutes after bringiing our the appetizer. Slow down guys! Let us enjoy our first course! That was annoying. Overall Italian Colors is fine. Not bad, but not that fear either, just a-ok. read more

Excellent service. Parking is tough at that lot. Never seen so many clams in the vongole dish.

After hearing about this Montclair gem for years, I finally decided to visit for dinner. Everything was fantastic! Our waiter, Cesar, was incredibly attentive. He shared some of his favorite dishes, and based on his recommendations, we ordered the following: - Caesar Salad - Shrimp Fettuccini - Spare Ribs - Lemon Cake For drinks, we had a Cucumber Martini and a Cantarito. Every dish was delicious, and we left feeling completely satisfied. I will definitely return to try more items from their menu! read more

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The food here is fantastic! Service was just ok, would have liked it to be a bit more attentive. Started with the Black Walnut Manhattan which was great! The brussels sprouts appetizer was delicious, would have been over the top with a balsamic reduction. I had the gnocchi bolognese which were very good, the only complaint I have here is the portion of the gnocchi was ridiculous! Lots (too much) of sauce and very few gnocchi. You couldn't even see them in the bowl! I brought this to the waiter's attention who didn't seem to care. We then asked for the manager, who listened to my concerns and did right by us. Will definitely be back! read more

Nice little spot! Great atmosphere and wonderful service! Ordered the calamari. Lacked flavor. But texture was fine. Dipping sauces were great though. I ordered the salmon with the carrot ginger sauce. I LOVE ginger. Disappointed in the sauce. Absolutely no ginger flavor at all. Not even a hint! But the lemon ricotta raviolis? Amazing!!! Chopped salad was tasty! Oh, and their complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic? Sooooo good and fresh! read more

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I got takeout from Italian Colors; we ordered the del giorno, calamari, Caesar salad, and green scarves lasagna. It came with free bread that had rosemary in it and it was rather on the sweet side. The caesar salad was decent, but not particular special or memorable. Although the calamari was flavored to my satisfaction, it was not as crispy as I would've liked. The green scarves lasagna was very cheesy and I found the tomato sauce overpowering. I was expecting it to taste more like greens like spinach so it was surprising to me for it to be so tomato heavy. From what I heard the del giorno was pretty good but I did not risk trying it due to the shellfish (it has clams and shrimp, and I may be allergic). read more

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Connor or server was amazingly attentive. And on this day he was the only server with a packed house. Great job read more

Italian Colors - Pork chop so good - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

Delicious food, best wait staff. Very comforting atmosphere. Feels like a neighborhood gem! read more

Great friendly service and savory food in an elegant neighborhood setting. Reliable food and relaxing environment.

This neighborhood restaurant has been around for years. Longevity speaks for itself. Tonight I ordered the duck with polenta and spinach. The serving was a leg and thigh. Past servings was sliced duck on the polenta. I like getting the two pieces. The skin on the duck was crispy. The duck was not fatty but a tad overcooked for me. The polenta was creamy. Overall I give the dish a 8 out of 10. The tiramisu I had for dessert was overwhelming coffee flavored. It could be from the layer of coffee sauce on which the dessert sat. I think the sauce was too much, making it hard to taste any other flavors in the dessert. Service was very good. The waiter checked on us several times. read more

Italian Colors - Tirimisu. - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Always delicious food and very good service. Cocktails are also creative adaptations of the classics.

Italian colors has easily become one of my go to spots over the years when it comes to places to go around theEast to get food that's good! Lately I found it convenient to order a pizza and a pair of salad and go pick it up and have it when I get home. The service is great. They take my order I can pay for it over the phone run up pick it up and come back home with everything nice and really enjoy it I have had an occasion to eat there as well and I have to say if you haven't tried their menu it is nice. I mean they absolutely delicious items. Although I don't have any pictures now, I'll soon post a few pictures very spacious restaurant and look forward to my pictures of the food. read more

A Perfect Oakland Celebration Every so often, you stumble upon a dining experience that reminds you why Oakland is so special--and this was one of those nights. From start to finish, the meal was flawless. This is an updated review- 8 years later since my earlier review is from 8 years ago and I don't know why I haven't reviewed since because I have been back but not a notable occasion. The calamari starter set the tone, crisp and tender. The Brussels sprouts, elevated with Parmesan, were an absolute standout. The pear salad was perfectly tossed, fresh and balanced. For mains, the pizza with mushrooms and fennel sausage delivered on every level, and the linguine vongole was a dream--light, flavorful, and brimming with clams. I brought my 21 year old Jordan Cabernet so I didn't order wine but they have a very good wine selection. Dessert was the ultimate ending: a ricotta cheesecake with a key lime twist, accompanied by pomegranate sauce and whipped cream--simply divine. The service was everything you'd hope for: top-notch, welcoming, and delightfully cheery. This is a family friendly place. There were folks of all family dynamics here tonight; the restaurant decor festive for the occasion. And plenty of parking that feels secure and safe. Special shoutout to our magnificent server, Conor, who made our visit feel extra special. This meal was a beautiful reminder of how extraordinary Oakland is and always will be, a city full of incredible food, community, and vibrance. A true celebration of everything Oakland has to offer. read more

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Our daughter moved into the Montclair neighborhood of Oakland recently and we heard raves from the locals about Italian Colors. We were walk-in's at 6pm on a weeknight. At that time we were one of 4 filled tables and by 1 hour later the restaurant was at 70% capacity! Our service was friendly, informative, prompt, experienced and lead us thru the wine list and menu as first timers. We 3 way split fried calamari and a Beet/watermelon radish salad for apps, and 3 mains to share. First, complimentary warm bread Focaccia and Sour Dough served with drinks, Beet Salad that sparked the taste buds and delicate Calamari with 2 side sauces. The Green Sleeves meatless lasagna was like eating a crepe! Light, airy and a brilliant new take! The thick Eggplant slices were cooked through, skin crackly roasted and not one bitter taste. The FigZa was decadently fruity sweet and crust perfection! You felt healthy after eating, not stuffed, and every flavor was recognizable. The shared Tiramisu is baked fresh daily as the bread and over 3" thick! Definitely a destination neighborhood charmer! "Cheers-like" bar full and lively! read more

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The last time we were at Italian colors, we had the green lasagna and it was absolutely delicious. This time we tried the Eggplant Parmesan and it also came with a fixed price full dinner which was really appreciated! We also had amazing desserts included with the meal. My friend had the lemon cake and I had this amazing chocolate dessert that tasted like fabulous fudge only better! All of the servings are very generous. And the waiter and all who served us were really wonderful. We'll be back! read more

Best restaurant in the Montclair area. Any of their pasta is great. Awesome kids options. The fungi pizza is my favorite. Last but not least, boont amber ale draft. Friendly service and good ambiance usually full of people and live music. read more

I ordered the "light" main a stuffed shrimp on a pile of the absolute best risotto i have ever had It was fabulous light and lemony just enough cheese served hot and yummy! i'm not easily impressed but this was off the charts outstanding good we often go to colors and always have a lovely time and the food is consistently excellent we have never been disappointed thanks to those who made last night's dinner memorable read more

Great food & excellent service in a pleasant warm room & outside. Run by a wise & friendly son & father. It's been in the area for more than thirty years & still going strong. I highly recommend it for family means or more cozy twosomes. read more

My recent birthday dinner was outstanding! We had a party of six with ages from 5 years old to 73. The food was great, but what made the night most memorable was the service. As someone once said, "I'll be back!" read more

Server is terrific with personality & information about all the menu items. I always enjoy the food when I eat at Italian Colors. read more

This is the perfect place to dine with the family. The food is super delish and the service is fantastic. They are super accommodating for kids!! On Saturday nights, an awesome guitarist plays live music starting at 5:45. Everything is delicious. But their bolognese sauce is just TO DIE FOR. My 11 year old can eat an entire entree of it with spaghetti!! Give it a try and get addicted as well!!! read more

Italian Colors - Linguini vongole. Super tasty!! Goes wonderfully well with a glass of white wine. - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Delicious. Comforting and delivered well wrapped. I will be ordering from them again.

Food is great !!! Service is fabulous and has a casual vibe ambiance !!! Easy Parking and have a good menu .

Food was amazing and very authentic compared to other Italian restaurants! The sever who attended us (Brenda) was super nice,friendly, and had great recommendations! Definitely check this spot out, but it is somewhat pricey! Don't forget to tip! I will be back soon--hopefully I get the same sever! read more

The restaurant is huge and the service is very attentive. It gets very hot inside and I was with my mom who doesn't do well in the heat and the host was lovely and moved us outside. There were giant termites swarming which was slightly problematic but it was still a lovely night. The salmon was 5/5! Cooked perfectly. I had really high expectations for the ravioli based on the reviews this restaurant had and I was kinda bummed on them. They were dry and didn't feel like they were cooked quite enough. But the sauce was delicious. I'd give it another shot! read more

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We had one hour before a show nearby, so we chose Italian Colors, which seemed like a neighborhood favorite restaurant. We called ahead, and were seated immediately. The menu was Italian standard, but with a couple nice twists. I started with a Roman sidecar, which had a sugar rim, unfortunately. I ordered my usual linguine vongole, while the wife had the green scarves lasagna. Conor, our waiter, smartly pointed out that it wouldn't look like a traditional lasagna, and not to be put off. He was very sociable overall. The vongole had plenty of clams, well cooked. Conor had given me a bowl with a small fork and spoon, and lemon, for the clam shells. Sounds obvious, but I'm ofter surprised that other restaurants don't do this. I also had a montepulciano cirelli with dinner, which wasn't the most flavorful, but not bad. With lime cheesecake, lemon cake (large portion!), and coffee, the price was quite reasonable. read more

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10/10 Experience. Ambience is perfect. It has class that doesn't face. (10/10). The bread is always top notch (9/10). All staff were friendly and we were well attended to. Connor gave us a great experience. Bussers and other staff as well. (10/10) had the Brussel Sprouts (8/10) and the tuna tartare (8/10). My ribeye was cooked perfectly and had a nice assortment and f vegetables in the side. (9/10). The tiramisu was solid (7/10), but the special guava cake was outstanding (10/10). Overall, 4.5 Stars. Will gladly be back. read more

The waiter pushed the expensive ($34 a la carte) paella, which was gloppy and the crab wasn't quite fresh. $15 for a glass of wine, prices of some entrees higher than what was listed on the website, and the sauce on the eggplant parmigiana was meh. Nah. read more

First off, the service was great! Menu prices were very reasonable. I leave this review in hopes the cook is in the loop. Dinner on Thursday. Calamari app was tasteless, it did come with sauces, but I usually don't 'dip', but if you wanted any flavor, you had to. Porkchop had a delicious sauce, but the meat was dry, over cooked. Beet salad was very interesting, tasty -loved the crunchy hazelnuts, but, way too much creamy (chéese?) Mom's Lemon cake was more like Mom's cornbread with lemon flavor- not moist and light at all. Won't be back. Sorry read more

IC has been here forever, and really nothing has changed. I came here the other day for family dinner takeout and when I walked in it was the same classy place I remember from 20+ years ago. Very nice bar, great ambience, and the food is still very good. I had a chance to speak with the manager who is a very nice gentleman. It's good to see the tradition of excellent customer service and good food is still going strong here. read more

We've been coming to Italian Colors off and on for something like 20+ years and it never disappoints! One of our favorite go-to places for special events with family and friends. I love the ambience which is spacious, relaxed but upscale, excellent service, broad and modern menu, with often guitar musician playing, and large outdoor patio seating too. This time we stopped for drinks after a hike and enjoyed the calamari, fried perfectly, the beet salad and a delicious cauliflower manchego soup. read more

Italian Colors - Excellent cocktails - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

Very nice ambience in this sorta hipster yet old schoolish Montclair Italian restaurant, food was decent but we got some weird vibes from the server...not impolite just seemed like he had somewhere better to be....anyway it's ok but we won't rush to return. read more

I'm giving this restaurant 3 1/2 stars. The reason I'm giving you 3 1/2 stars is the food was delicious. The service was awesome. The staff was kind, nice & friendly. The staff people recommended various good items They were fast, prompt and courteous. The reason that I am posting this and giving it them 3 1/2 stars is the TO GO SERVICE CHARGE of $10.20. I wasn't unaware of this until just now. I can't believe you get charged a fee on a TO GO ORDER. On top I gave a tip (on a pick up and to go order) because of the friendliness of the staff. read more

Italian Colors - TO GO SERVICE CHARGE ON A To Go Order - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

Wow!!! This place was amazing!!! My neighbor had recommended it but it looked a little dated from the outside so when it came time to pick a restaurant it was never somewhere I thought of going. That has now changed and I sing its praises! Restaurant week brought us in to try it and boy am I happy it did! It's super close to our house and the quality of the food does NOT disappoint! The decor on the inside is also beautiful and would be a great place for a special occasion! The fresh baked bread is absolutely delicious!!! Who woulda known! I guess the saying is true, don't judge a book by its cover! We'll be back for sure!!! read more

Spaghettini: "a pasta thinner than spaghetti but thicker than vermicelli "(Merriam-Webster). Not at Italian Colors! Their house-made spaghettini is THICKER than spaghetti, like vermicelli or bucatini without the hole. Craving that thinner pasta, and unaware of IC's idiosyncracy, we ordered... House Made Spaghettini Broccoli, feta cheese, kalamata olives, bell peppers, garlic, e.v.o.o., crushed red pepper flakes 24... and were disappointed by diameter. Otherwise, it was a wonderful meal. The focaccia with olive oil dip remains the best around. Beet salad, pear salad, eggplant parmesan, tiramisu, and service (!) were all excellent. Live music was a nice touch. We recovered from our capellini craving and will return. read more

Friendly servers, traditional Italian menu, convivial atmosphere in a nice location. Kid-friendly. read more