I'm ready to take this street and head straight into the heart of Rome, or Berkeley so to speak, especially 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! read more

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Delicious food. I started with an olive oil infused martini. Perfection. I had the tuna carpaccio and then the pork chop. Both were great but the pork chop was the best I've ever had, ever. Perfectly cooked, moist and seasoned so well. Their service is knowledgeable yet not over bearing. I've been twice. There's one husky guy who's been quite bristly both times. Maybe he needs a fernet. I don't know. Hope to go back in the future. read more

The service , the food... impeccable. Porkchop, the pork ragu , and the pistachio gelato. Coming back again for sure!! read more

This place is my go to for Italian food in Berkeley. It's a great place for a romantic date and there's not a lot of Italian places in Berkeley that look this nice inside. I love going here for dates and or family nights out. I definitely recommend. read more

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First of all, the service is wonderful, can't say enough good things about the staff. Had the Fried Squash Blossoms, didn't expect deep fried with a thick coat of batter, think it was mainly cheese inside, no flavor of squash blossoms at all, Even took the layer of batter, no taste. Pasta was OK, lots of garlic in the ravioli sauce, it was good but nothing to go back for. This is a extremely popular restaurant, vibe is good, I've been twice, don't think I'd go back especially for the price. read more

Romantic cozy interior lots of older folks. Waiter was super personable and chatty and made us feel at home. I didn't like my cocktail and they gladly changed it out free of charge which was super considerate of them. Food a bit on the pricier side, but pretty good quality and well-made. Tuna tartar was decent nothing amazing. Gnocchi was soft and had good flavor. First time trying quail, super buttery and tender. Lemon tart dessert was not too sweet and had yummy jams paired with. read more

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What a wonderful dinner we had! My husband, friend, and I dined here on a Saturday night without a reservation and we were able to grab a few seats at the bar. Justin at the bar was very friendly and knowledgeable about drinks. We all loved our cocktails and were off to a great start. We also ordered a bottle of red wine with Justin's help and it was lovely. For our mains, we all decided to split the agnolotti, tagliatelle with chanterelle mushrooms, steak, and the pork chop. Holy cow everything was amazing. I pride myself in being a foodie and this spot hit all the marks. The pastas brought me back to Tuscany. All the dishes felt very homey with well balanced flavors. The pastas were amazing with my favorite being the agnolotti. The steak had amazing flavor and char and I loved the arugula salad on the side for freshness. I rarely eat pork chops but this one was great. It was the perfect savory and slightly sweet balance. It definitely felt like fall in a dish. Italian desserts aren't my go to but we decided to get the cherry gelato and panna cotta. The panna cotta was phenomenal with the huckleberry reduction. The cherry gelato was tasty as well. All in all, we had a very standout dinner and I cannot wait to return! read more

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What a treat! This restaurant really has it all. The wait staff is excellent and the service in general. The food, haven't been this impressed in a long time. We were a table of 4 so we tried a lot of starters and mains. Everything was excellent- and I don't say that often: creative, fresh, light and so flavorful. What a great restaurant. read more

Love the steak here ... but now you have to pre order the porterhouse FYI. We didn't know so we got two orders of the NY Steak. The arugula salad is a great pairing with the steak. Also enjoyed the truffle ricotta filled pasta and pasta with meat sauce. Nice outdoor patio with heat lamps. Server was good and I always appreciate his tips and suggestions. read more

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If you're looking for a place where you feel truly welcomed, cherished, and part of a family, Via del Corso in Berkeley is the place. I can't praise the entire staff enough--from the waitresses to the chefs to the busboys--everyone makes you feel special. Without even having to tell them anything, they know how to make our special days--like an anniversary or personal achievement--feel celebrated. Not just your assigned server--sometimes the head chef or bartender checks in. After being treated so well, especially on those occasions, I fully recommend this restaurant for a beautiful Italian meal and great wine. I'm not a huge fan of super sweet deserts but this strawberry tiramisu is sooooo good read more

Via del Corso - Italian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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We were seated later than our reservation. We waited for our order to be taken,but our waiter didn't show up for over 15 min utes. The salad was underwshelming; the dfressing had a weid taste. The fish eas dry and underseasoned. Our table ordered thev steak,but found it fatty and too salty. For the prices they charge,it was very underwhelming. Wont be back read more

Known Chef/Owner Peter C for many years and always excited to enjoy a meal at his place. Our group only had an hour to get through the meal but our server was incredible. Fast, decisive, professional, and the food was incredible and we were even able to enjoy a desert. For me, this and Belotti are the two best Italian options in the Berkeley/Oakland area. read more

We really enjoyed our experience here! The ambiance is great both for indoor and outdoor seating. The food was amazing, we both ordered pasta dishes and were really pleased with the quality. Our waiter was knowledgeable about wine and helped us make our decision! Will come back! read more

Via del Corso - Italian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Came here because of the reviews and was disappointed. First off the service was not good. We stood at the greeting podium for a good ten minutes before anyone even acknowledged us while staff ran to and fro. After we sat down it was a solid 15 to 20 minutes before we were asked for our order. I understand the not rushing but at least come say hi? We ordered only water and were never offered refills. We did notice other tables had bottles of water at their table to refill themselves but our table was not given one. I had to ask someone to please refill our water. Just felt neglected. The food was decent. We started with a salad that was crunchy and well seasoned. My husband had the grilled shrimp. He said it didn't taste right. It was slimy too. Perhaps it was pre cooked? I had the beet ravioli which to my taste was undercooked. I think al dente is great but when it is hard no bueno. It was only hard at the folded end. The other end was cooked fine. read more

Via del Corso - Best ravioli - Italian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I had such a beautiful experience here on a rainy evening. From the moment I walked in, the cozy atmosphere set the tone -- even the thoughtful detail of an awning outside and a bucket for umbrellas at the host stand made it feel warm and welcoming. I started with the Insalata di Arancia, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The citrus, fennel, olive oil, and delicate anchovy (which melted perfectly into the dressing) created one of the most balanced and flavorful salads I've had in a long time. It was bright, fresh, and perfectly seasoned -- I didn't even reach for the salt and pepper. For my main course, I had the Tagliolini al Granchio. The pasta was beautifully fresh and cooked perfectly al dente. The crab was sweet and generous, and the buttery lemon sauce was rich yet light enough to let the seafood shine. Every bite felt intentional and well-executed. The wine pairings were also spot on -- the Verdicchio with the salad and the Chardonnay blend with the pasta complemented each course perfectly. I finished with the olive oil cake and Vin Santo, which was the perfect way to end the evening -- subtle, layered, and not overly sweet. This was one of those meals where you feel taken care of without feeling rushed. A wonderful experience from start to finish. read more

An awakening: decades ago, the then-owners of the slightly fabulous Rivoli decided to open a second venue, Corso. We tried it early on and were very disappointed. Years passed with us dining elsewhere. Seeking an easy short drive to New Year's Eve 2025 dinner, we looked at Corso's menu and thought to give it one more try. A winner! Why: quick, polite & attentive service, despite the very full house; very nice salad opener; the quail was prepped & presented perfectly; the tagliolini con granchio had that perfect lightest of touches with lemon, garlic, oil & herbs that gave full flavor while allowing the real flavor of the generous lumps of crab to come thru in each bite. The cannoli dessert was the best cannoli I've had in the last 3 decades -- the candied fruits, chocolate nibs, and mascarpone/ricotta filling burst with true cannoli flavors. And the amarena cherry gelato was perfectly tangy. Thanks, Corso -- we'll happily return. ;-) read more

The food and service were five stars. The dining room is incredibly loud. I've never been a fan of open kitchens. I worked in restaurants and it isn't romantic to me to watch people work. They can't change that. But it sounds as if they just dump dishes into tubs and stack them as fast as they can without a thought to the noise it makes. That clatter is near constant. And of course because it is so loud and the clientele skews older there are some really loud talkers. If I weren't straining to ignore someone blathering on endlessly about the politics of his coming promotion and to hear my dinner companion it would have been a perfect outing. read more

Everything about this restaurant is exceptional The food was simply marvelous Our group shared dishes and everything without exception was so flavorful and had so much depth The Service as well was wonderful I would highly recommend this without hesitation read more

Seated us right away on a Friday night, service was good (kept refilling our glasses and changing out the utensils). However the food was disappointing... :( We got the lettuce and anchovy salad, the shrimp pasta, and lamb w/ chimichurri. Salad was ok - can't really mess that up. The shrimp pasta and lamb were both lacking flavor. The pasta also had a weird texture; the peas were throwing me off a little. Anyway, these 3 dishes were mid but they did refill our water 10 times. The ambiance was nice. read more

This place just blew my mind and I couldn't be more impressed. I met Keith* the owner and I tell you everything from the starters to the steak to the desserts was the best I've ever had as far as Berkeley Italian restaurants -so I urge you to try it out and I think we had like a near perfect experience. read more

Went to a UCB baseball game and walked here after to meet a friend for a 830 PM reservation. We shared a salad that was lightly dressed and was refreshing. We had ravioli carne next which was impeccable, 100% would recommend. We finished the evening with a halibut with truffle sauce over fava beans and fava leaves. For desert we shared an olive oil cake with mandarin cream and cardamom ice cream. Everything was fresh and very well prepared. Compliments to the chef. read more

Via del Corso - Halibut with fava beans and fava leaves. - Italian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Friendly and excellent food. A bit noisy. We sit at bar when possible, where the atmosphere is always congenial. RJG read more

Pre-theater dinner at the bar eclipsed the play :-) Wonderful staff, new and delicious cocktails, good energy and great food. Salads were tip top, eggplant dish on farro was different and yummy; dessert didn't disappoint. read more

Why? Why did I wait so long to try this establishment? Absolutely amazing. First thing to note and for the company/ownership to know: you have fantastic customer service. That will keep people coming back. But - the food... The food! The wine, the flavors - I will be here more often. Y'all are not going to be able to get rid of me. I'd like to give a shout out to one of the servers named Keith. Just a pleasant soul, such a human being, impeccable customer service, and conversation skills. Sincerely, though - every single patron I interacted with was kind and polite. I am wishing this business/restaurant more success now and into the future. Locals: do yourself a favor and visit! read more

This was on our list of places to try and we are so glad we did . Very nice and cozy restaurant, delightful staff and service . The food was delicious and the wine recommendation was on point . We will definitely be back. read more

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Everything was excellent all four meals we've had there, the food, the service, the wines.

Small chef owned with excellent service and food. Everything was excellent included ng the gnocchi with morels and-- the lemon pudding. This is not an item I would have ordered but tasted my friends and it is something I will remeber and make a trip to repeat. read more

We are so glad we went to VDC. We ate outside which perfect - weather, and atmosphere. The pasta was super delicious, and every course from salad to dessert was tasty and not heavy. The lemon custard was to die for! We will definitely try to go back. Service was friendly and often. All good! read more

The food is very good. Everything we had was delicious, pork chop, steak, fish as well as the charcuterie tray and salad. The salad was pricey and very small. Our waitress, Emma, was good but unfortunately did not tell us there was an upcharge for a different liquor for the drink. She offered it, but did not tell us. The manager stated, we should have known, not that it is the waitress' job to explain it. Why put the blame on the patron?? He should have just removed the charge since it was our first time there. That left a bad taste in our mouths. Isabel, the hostess, is wonderful! She and the food are the best part of the experience. read more

This restaurant is top shelf. We've been there 2x now with a group of 4, and the service (Doug) was outstanding. The food is unique, and everything we've tried on the menu is unique, plated exquisitely, and delicious. The deserts are worth waiting for, paired with one of their many desert libations. Bonus - Natalie in the front house is wonderful, cheerfu,l and made us feel valued at first glance. read more

A collective outstanding. I took my wife here for her birthday and was incredibly pleased with the experience! The food was top notch as was the very attentive service and pleasant atmosphere. We arrived early and were seated at the bar while we waited for our table. Our drinks were well made and nicely sized (I hate tiny glasses!) From the antipasta, the Tagliolini ai Gamberi, the pork chop and the sea bass, to the wine service, everything was pretty much perfect and with very well timed removes. All the staff seemed to move about unrushed yet getting everything done when it needed to. While the restaurant was pretty crowded, it was not overly noisy and conversation was easy. My only disappointment was the cannoli, to be fair I am pretty picky and something of a traditionalist. The pastry was exactly as it should be but the filling, not so much. Rather than small chips, the chocolate was blended into the ricotta, which, for me I love the natural taste of. There were also pistachios, which are great and candied fruit which I could have done without, it seemed a little too much. I will try some of their other offerings next time! The coffee was excellent and really, given the overall exemplary experience, Via del Corso is a real value. We will return again soon! read more

Food was amazing as always. Service was spot on. We were lucky that our reservation was after the theater rush. The vibe was so much laid back. read more

Great food. Owner/host was friendly, wandering around the room to make sure everyone was enjoying their meals.

After a leisurely stroll from Tigerlily, we arrived at Via Del Corso for our 8pm reservation, and the dining room immediately captivated us. The exhibition kitchen was alive with energy, its bustle complementing the warmth of the space, while the full bar added a sophisticated touch. The servers were excellent--knowledgeable, personable, and attentive, ensuring we felt well cared for. Starting with one of the best cocktails I've ever had, The Ruse, set the tone for the meal. My next delight was the gem salad, where crisp little gem lettuce cups paired with sardines and a Caesar-style dressing brought a balanced burst of flavors. The Prosciutto and burrata was another hit, with the rich, creamy mozzarella perfectly complementing the high-quality ham. I had a taste of my friend's tagliatelle vongole, and even though my forkful lacked clams, the buttery sauce and homemade pasta were infused with the briny essence of the sea. My main course, the oxtail tortellini, was good but didn't quite dazzle. The pasta was executed perfectly, but the filling lacked that extra element that could have elevated the dish--it was straightforward meat and pasta, missing a special touch like vegetables or cheese. We had side of a broccoli rabe with was tender with the perfect amount of firmness and the seasoning was spot on. However the roasted potatoes were a miss. The exterior was unevenly cooked with some overly browned and others undercooked. While non were fluffy on the inside. I can't go without mentioning their fantastic sommelier who served use a tasty Chianti as well as the rustic bread, which deserves its own round of applause. It was hearty, fresh, and the ideal companion for sopping up sauces or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil. For dessert, I took the server's suggestion and ordered the Budino--a decadent flourless chocolate pudding cake. The dish wasn't just delicious, but visually stunning, with caramel and chocolate syrup plated in a floral pattern around the cake. It was the perfect end to the meal. Via Del Corso is a fantastic new addition to Berkeley's culinary scene. The refined, yet approachable, menu and the care taken with each dish make it a place I'll be returning to. In my view, Berkeley has become one of the best dining spots in the Bay Area. read more

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Consistent over the years. We always enjoy our visit. Good European wine selection. Appetizers are superb, quality ingredients & fun presentation! Staff are friendly & knowledgeable! read more

We were recommended to Via from friends and we're riding high from a fabulous gift card we received for here. We had been to Italy just a year ago and were told this restaurant would be a close fit to a local Florence or Rome establishment. The that description was spot on from the lovely lit cafe tables outside, to the warm lighting and constant murmur of happy customers inside, but mostly with the truly delizioso food! We were early and asked to wait by the bar, which was also packed with those drinking and having a meal. I had The Ruse which was this over the top concoction of bourbon, bitters, honey, lemon, almond orgeat and orange bitters. It was beautiful and addicting. My husband had lemonade which looked to be made fresh by our bartender. We went all out and had prosciutto and melon- served very reminiscent of our Roma Christmas dinner, with slices of very high quality, subtly smoked, prosciutto over sweet cantaloupe, and a crostini with tuna and cannellini beans with sweet red onion. So good! I had the thin pasta with calamari and my husband had the thick noodles with a meat ragu. The pastas were definitely home made, and the sauces delicate and hardy at the same time. The calamari was so tender, which is a tell for the way it's cooked, and there was a lot of it with my noodles. I tasted my husband's and the sauce was creamy and light, if you can imagine. They also served just enough to enjoy, where you truly can indulge without feeling bloated. We had the ricotta cake and affogato with chocolate gelato for dessert. The cake was not overly sweet, but soft crumb and sweet cream and berries on the plate to bathe each bite in. I've been looking for a recipe to recreate it at home since we ate there. Lastly, I splurged on a dessert wine called Recioto della Valpolicella, to settle my meal. It was the perfect accompaniment to the meal and the dessert. What an experience! It was like walking into Rome. Our waiter was fantastic, as well. He was very prompt and could make easy suggestions when asked. I'm already fantasizing of when we can go back. It wasn't the least expensive meal we've had out, but a lot cheaper than hopping a plane to Italy! Bellissimo!! read more

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The restaurant was packed, which is always a good thing. Was there for a birthday. Had the Crostone con Fegato di Pollo, the Tagliolini ai Finferli, and the Costata di Maiale. All were delicious! And service was attentive and friendly. It's not a particularly big restaurant, but it was cozy and nice. We enjoyed our experience and will go back. read more

Service was exceptional and the food- all vegetation for us- was delightful! We shared the gnocchi, warm olive platter, eggplant farro, and a beautiful lemon pudding topped with berries and crème. We had a cozy table next to the front window and had the best time!! Highly recommend! read more

This spot is popular. On a Saturday night it was packed, so atmosphere was fun, and service wasn't affected, which is always a great sign. Appreciate I was able to book a party of 4 at 7pm a few weeks out. Pro's: - The apps were solid and mains were good. The apps we ate were the tuna crudo and the chicken liver toasts. While nothing was unique per se, both were tasty. The rabbit and fish entree's both were really good and thumbs up for having rabbit on the menu; something you don't see too often in these parts. My party and I were disappointed with the pastas. While not bad, they were forgettable. We ordered the lamb al sugo and the ravioli and while they were cooked well, they were both pretty bland. For the price, I think they could use a bit more development. A decaf espresso martini to the end night alongside some solid desserts was a great way to end the dinner. Overall, a nice night out. read more

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Wonderful restaurant with a great bar and relaxed atmosphere. The rockfish and grilled bread were absolutely amazing -- full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Great spot for a casual meal or drinks. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Via del Corso - Italian Near Me - Berkeley, California