Dolly's

My wife and I had a fantastic dinner at Dolly’s in El Cerrito, a cozy, locally-owned restaurant perfect for date nights. Owners Dolly and Shanel were incredibly warm and welcoming with great service. The cheese wheel pasta, meatballs, and beet salad were delicious. We also loved the Dolly Brand wine and left with a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc. Can’t wait to pop it open. The wine selection overall is excellent, with several local options. If you’re looking for a cozy wine bar, and memorable Italian dinner at a small business restaurant in El Cerrito/Albany area Dolly’s is a hidden gem. We’ll definitely be back!

Dolly, the person you are and the food you serve is Beyond words. The heart and sweat you put on this place gonna bring you stars one day. Keep serving and keep on doing the best. I would recommend every person to try her place without a second thought. Lots of best wishes for you!

I was excited to find another Italian “restaurant” here in El Cerrito. However. I wouldn’t exactly call it a restaurant because they only have a few dishes. Their specialty is Parmesan wheel Dishes and they prepare it in front of you. Not sure if they have a proper kitchen because all the food was made right there at the bar. The owners seem to be real nice and work hard. But if you’re charging $30 for fettuccine Alfredo you put yourself right up there with Bay Area's finest where I’m expecting a whole lot more in decor, presentation, service, views, atmosphere, quality of food. I’m sorry to leave this message and I wish them well. In the meanwhile, I’ll go back to my established list of fine Italian dining restaurants. Ciao.

My wife and Grand daughter found Dolly’s by chance, anybody who’s from El Cerrito knows it’s not known as a food destination. The owner is so friendly, you can tell it’s genuine. The wine is excellent and the service was top notch, a great place to grab a glass of wine and have small plates.

First of all, delicious. Secondly, the wine selection is excellent. And the two I tried were also delicious. One of the people who work here used to work for bevmo and have a great understanding of what wines and beers to serve and I can't argue with their choices. Finally, the service was fantastic. My silly requests were gladly accommodated and I was left with no complaints. If I had to nitpick I'd say that the menu is a bit limited, but I'd happily come back and I plan to. Great job Dolly's.

What do you get when you take a young Sri Lankan chef, (Dolly) who studied under a master of Italian cuisine, (Ruggero Milano, of Milano ristorante in Tiburon), an obsession with fresh pastas, imported desserts and gelatos and add one of the best wine lists in the East Bay and a giant authentic Permesano Regiano cheese wheel? You get my new favorite Italian place in the Bay Area. In an out of the way location, one block from the Rialto theaters in El cerrito, this area is mostly known for its Asian cuisine which I have covered extensively, but lo and behold! An authentic Italian ristorante, with a real trained Italian chef, and a casual laid-back setting and unassuming vibe. Following my patented strategy of emulating success, I asked the guy next to me, (Who turned out to be a baseball scout, and looked super happy with what he was eating) what to order, and he recommended the Smoked salmon Fettuccine Alfredo. I ordered it and I watched the careful preparation of perfect pasta ending with a generous toss in a Parmesan cheese wheel, and a glass of Daou Cabernet. Dolly really knows what she's doing, and has set a new standard for my fettuccine enjoyment, and while the dish was so rich I felt guilty eating it alone, she still gave me a spoonful of REAL Italian spumoni, flown in recently. This place is a kind of restaurant we need more of in the East Bay. Unassuming, friendly, homey, first class Italian food for the people. I cannot recommend this place highly enough if you want to have an actual Italian food experience but need to stick close to the east bay. And by real Italian I don't mean some shishi spot that's going to charge you $100 to bring out three olives and a single slice of veal, I'm talking about real, hearty, delicious Italian food for the people. Thanks Dolly. Strategy: go see a movie at the Rialto, one block away, and arrange to have some Italian food afterwards. You'll be glad you did

Randomly stopped in here with a larger group for desserts last Saturday. It's really cozy inside and does not take reservations because of that. The owner, the eponymous Dolly 💖, used to work as a manager for the Milano restaurants in Marin (and beyond). She also has close personal ties to Italy so be assured she knows Italian food. This is the only place in CoCo County that has Parmigianino regianno, imported direct from Italy (as are all her yummy dessert)! She was opening a wheel of this cheese while we were there and kindly gave us a taste. This place has a great neighborhood Italian cafe vibe and it is definitely on the list to return to so I can try non-desserts.

Parmigiano reggiano wheel omg! It was amazing. Dolly is the best host and she even took time to share her expertise on the wheel. We ordered a beet salad, spaghetti and meatballs that my 8 year old and 6 year old devoured. I had the smoked salmon fettuccine which I was happy she uses salmon nuggets and it was incredibly fresh. We sat infront of the wheel and watched Dolly in action so many times. Her wine selection is heaven, her charcuterie was 👌. It’s gets busy here so patience is required and trust me, it’s worth it.

Tonight I called Dolly to order some of her meatballs for takeout. She had two sizes, an appetizer w/ 4 and a main dish w/ 8. I opted for the smaller portion because it's just me and I can't eat that much. I said I would pick it up about 6. When I arrived I was delighted to find the restaurant relatively crowded. Two women were eating at the lower counter tn front and another was sitting alone at the higher counter. I sat down at the lower counter to wait. After a while a young man came in, probably for takeout. Dolly was alone and busy. She had a helper who wasn't able to come in today, so the wait was longer than Dolly wanted but it was fine w/ me. I just sat and chatted about the food w/ the other customers. I mentioned to Dolly that yesterday had been my 80th birthday and received a chorus of "Happy Birthday"s! from the other ladies. Dolly asked what I was going to do w/ the meatballs and I told her I was having them for dinner. She had a couple of bottles of wine on the counter called Dolly Dias. I asked if that was her and she said yes, so I got a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, which I will open tomorrow. She gave me a paper grocery bag to carry the wine and the container of meatballs in. I will use it to recycle my newspapers next week. I brought the wine and the meatballs home, warmed a plate in the microwave and put the meatballs on it. I had already put out an assortment of Picnic salads. The meatballs were amazing, w/ a wonderful fine, firm texture and excellent flavor. The marinara sauce was delicious, one of the best I've had, flavorful and smooth w/ none of the unpleasant acidity so many others have. I will definitely return for more of these! I just sent out an email to my neighbors so they will know about Dolly's too. Most didn't know about it; all are interested in trying it.

Hmm.. I wasn't sure what to expect, I just saw all the great reviews online. I came here for dinner and it was really lovely. First of all, the owner is so sweet. Like, wow. Secondly, I wasn't sure what the cheese wheel pasta was all about but holy Parmesan! It was so good, yummy and fresh. I plan to come back and bring my kids because they'll enjoy watching the pasta being tossed in the cheese wheel. I also ordered the burrata and meatballs to start. Delicious, delicious meatballs... my eyes were bigger than my stomach because I was almost full by the time I got my fettuccine. I will totally be back. It is small inside with limited seating, but I enjoyed sitting at the bar and having a convo.

Came back with friends and tried a few other dishes. Another amazing experience! At this point, everyone is coming here for the Cheese Wheel Pasta, so I'll just plug a few other things: Dolly's started off and is still a wine bar. We had a really nice Riesling with our meal. We like all the pasta dishes, but the Grantortellone Con Funghi Porcini Pesto + Burrata is a fun taste experience between the warm firm and slightly chewy pasta and cool creamy burrata. Not to mention the pesto flavor sensation. Got to try the desserts this time around and they are fantastic. I've always been "meh" on flan, so I had low expectations for the Panna Cotta. But it completely changed my mind. Super creamy and indulgent. Plus the mango purée flavor is on point. We went during a less busy time, so we were able to chat a little with Dolly. She's a wonderful host. We were seated around the bar as she was finishing the dishes and it felt like we were at the chef's table. We'll be back as long as our waistlines can handle it!

The first time we stopped at Dolly's we had been headed to one of the other restaurants in this small shopping (mostly dining) center. Found a parkng spot that afternoon, saw the Dolly's sign and said, Let's try Dolly's! We had heard of the Parm Wheel pasta and knew the dining area was smallish so wanted to see how everything fit together. We were in for a light snack and chose the herbed olives, the charcuterie board, a barbera and another red. We had a lovely time chatting with Dolly and later with her husband who had dropped in. We had a very good chat about wine with him. We loved everything on the board -- the dry salami, the prosciutto, brie, fontina, blue cheese, mortadella, capers, olives, crackers and the bread was very good also. We devoured it all. We ate every olive. A couple of times when we dropped by on a lark, it was too early. Eventually we connected on a late afternoon and had a great time. I'd heard that they we excited about two new private label wines, so I ordred the Dolly Dias chardonnay. My dining partner chose the caesar salad. I forgot to advise her to request anchovy filets. We'll be on top of that next time, but even without the extra anchovy, she enjoyed the salad very much. Terrific dressing. We ordered the meatballs. Dolly suggested the Lyric pinot noir to pair and that was a fine selection. The tomato sauce with the meatballs was excellent, pure and straight forward. The meatballs are very light. The sauce and the meatblls are great together. Midway throught the meatballs, I ordered the Antipasto Milano. A flavorful variety of meats over the freshest, crunchiest romaine in a perfect light vinaigrette. Mortadella, dry salami, prosciutto with fontina cheese on lightly dressed romaine. Perfect. We'll be back for the Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel pasta. A, because I've read so much about it here on Yelp and B, because I picked up a 40 yr-old copy Giuliano Bugialli's Foods of Italy at a tag sale, flipped it open and there was a two-page pic of the cheese wheel pasta. Buglialli points out the obvious, it's not something anyone is going make at home, not for the full flavor that the wheel imparts. That was a sign. We need to make another trip to Dolly's for dinner and soon!

Toni M chose this delightful restaurant for our monthly lunch. Unfortunately, Lori could not join us. The restaurant is small with just a few tables. There are several other restaurants in this strip mall, and there is parking, but it is usually full. Dolly, the owner is warm and friendly. I ordered a lot of food. I started with a small Caesar salad, the dressing was delicious. I mentioned I like anchovies and Dolly added some extra for me. I was getting full so I put it aside I wanted to enjoy my main course, the parmesano Regiano cheese wheel pasta. The hot pasta is swirled in the cheese wheel. The pasta was al dente and covered with the cheese. I enjoyed it, however when I come back I will order something else, I like more saucy pasta. Some of the plates that went past the table looked intriguing. Even though I could not finish the pasta, I had to try one of the imported desserts. I wanted them all but decided on the LemonCello to go. This was a sorbet in a hollowed-out lemon. I enjoyed this treat. I had a lot of leftovers.

Awesome food and service! Dolly (the owner) made us feel at home with her food and the service. She uses quality ingredients which she mostly imported from Italy. Agathe enjoyed the cheese wheel; she said that this is the best cheese wheel pasta she ever had. We enjoyed our time here; Dolly definitely got a repeat customer

This is the best restaurant in El Cerrito! We took my daughter for her 18th birthday and Dolly is the best hostess/owner I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only did she provide the most wonderful experience but the food was absolutely AMAZING! The cheese wheel pasta was perfect in every way (they use real Parmesan and are happy to give you the full story behind the dish, if you ask and would like to know. Very informative and such a great story to accompany the dish and the presentation). The ingredients they use are great quality and the presentation was beautiful. Everything from the starters to desserts were some of the best I've ever had. If you want a memorable experience, top notch service and great food look no farther! Dolly, if you read this please know that you definitely made this celebration special and our experience was beyond exceptional. We will see you soon! Cheers to many years of successful business.

At first glance, I didn't expect the owner to have the chops to have serious cred in Italian cuisine. However, it turned out she had spent years under the tutelage of chef Ruggero Milano at Milano Ristorante in Tiburon. Unfortunately he passed away during the pandemic, but Dolly saw it as an opportunity to open her own spot in the Peppermint Tree Plaza in El Cerrito. I told her that she picked a prime spot because there are three spots I really like in the same strip mall: Nori Roll (review: https://yelp.to/Lm9s2gqQgv), Larb Thai (review: https://yelp.to/5ESjBYUBVJ), and Banh Mi Ba Le (review: https://yelp.to/FHnBMsfB8q). Fortunately she can be assured she is contributing to the positive reputation of this unassuming shopping center. It was obvious from the still-developing menu that she knows Italian, and it starts with her extensive wine list. Three huge whiteboards were covered with various wine choices. Feeling effervescent, I ended up ordering a $10 single serving bottle of bubbly Lamarca Prosecco (photo: https://yelp.to/V2hZ00ZPts). I went for the $5.95 Small Caesar Salad as a starter, and she assembled it with large parmesan shavings and freshly toasted croutons (photo: https://yelp.to/D0YBBps6oO). I was hoping for fresh anchovies but didn't see any. I also had ordered the creamy $12.95 Burrata which came with three thick slices of slightly underripe heirloom tomatoes and drizzled with balsamic (photo: https://yelp.to/79VxJ9YKSq). I was impressed that Dolly was handling all the responsibilities herself, and she clearly used fresh ingredients in her dishes. She's adding pasta dishes, so Jamie W. and I are definitely coming back. FOOD - 5 stars...fresh ingredients and Donna's know-how made the difference AMBIANCE - 5 stars...a compact space but the marble counter lent class SERVICE - 5 stars...Dolly gives it her all TOTAL - 5 stars...yet another great eatery at the Peppermint Tree Plaza RELATED - Exploring El Cerrito? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

We've been to Dolly's twice now. This restaurant is truly an unexpected pleasure, and the quality of the food is incredible. We had meatballs, a large Caesar salad, and her signature Fettuccine Alfredo - put together in a huge cheese wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. Her desserts are - get this - flown in from Italy weekly! One bite of her tiramisu, and you won't want it from anywhere else. Wow. She also has a very deep wine list, well worth exploring. We will be coming back again and again. Dolly is a lovely host, and really knows her way around Italian cuisine. Five stars!

Dolly was warm and welcoming. Service was wonderful. Portions were genwrous and fillimg. We had: Meatball app 5/5. Large portions and the san marzino marinara was super yum; Burrata 5/5. Good quality buratta and balsamic would order again; Salmon and shrimp salad 5/5. Shrimp in a cream dressing with salmon on a bed of romaine dressed in a caper vinegarette; Antpasto milano 5/5. Good amout ofnhigh quality meats place on a wonderful vingarette romaine salad; and Cacio e pepe 5+/5. Cheese and pasta no need to say more and watching it being made in cheese wheel was even better. We will be back to try more of Dolly's wonderful menu.

I just had the best meal at an Italian restaurant around the corner from where I live. You know how every once in a while you find a gem of an eatery in a little strip mall, well this is one of those! I don't often post about food or anything else, but this was so surprising and pleasing that I have to share it with you. The place is called Dolly's and it's located at 10172 San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito, between Central and Lincoln. Their specialty is "Parmesano Regiano Cheese Wheel Pasta." Cheese is scraped from a 100 lb. wheel of the stuff, fettuccine noodles fresh from the boil are stirred into it, and OMG, magic happens. You can have it Alfredo, Alfredo with Smoked Salmon, or Alfredo with Prosciutto. I had the latter, and I must say the prosciutto was perfect and light yet moist--the best I've ever had outside of Italy, and guess what: Dolly sources that and everything she can from Italy, except for the gigantic meatballs and red sauce which are house made. I would even give the house salad an A+. Great wine selection. Sorry, we were too full to report on the desserts, but they look scrumptious. And as for Dolly herself, she was warm and welcoming and seemed to delight in talking about the food and how she came to be cooking Italian when she grew up in Sri Lanka! (She learned from an Italian aunt.) The restaurant space is small, so if you are interested in checking it out--and I recommend that you do!--call for a reservation: 415-410-8091.

Amazing experience!!! Great food, Delicious Pasta , and Awesome desserts !!!! Dolly is the Queen of Hospitality!!!!

My family and I tried Dolly's for the first time yesterday and the spot was a pleasant surprise in the Bay these days with the quality of the food , atmosphere, and the warmth and kindness of the ownership to match! Not only was the food amazing, but Dolly was the best hostess! She even spent time holding and entertaining our son so we could eat (but it was slow on a Monday, so she could find a little down time). We had the Mozzarella Fresca, Meatballs, Fetuccini Alfredo, and Tiramisu and it was all amazing! I HIGHLY recommend dining at Dolly's! We will be back again soon.

A hidden gem in El Cerrito! Stumbled upon this new spot when I had a craving for Italian and I'm glad I found it. It is a wine bar with a great selection of wines, including their own wines sourced from local wineries. The food is really delicious, I had a spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce (which I usually avoid because it can be really bland or just taste too tomatoey) and it was super flavorful. The fettuccine is their signature dish, cooked and then stirred inside of a 100lb wheel of Parmesan cheese. The owner Dolly gave us the backstory on the cheese and her journeys to Italy, and it was so cool to learn that she gets her parmesans from a place in Italy where it was originally created 1500 years ago and that still sticks to the same recipe. So We had the original Parmesan and you could taste the difference, very very yummy! The owner is also super cool and nice and works there as well; You can tell she is passionate about what she does and put lots of care and thought into her spot. Good work, we'll be back!

5 stars for the local, cozy, friendly ambience 4 stars for the food 4 stars for the comfort (looks comfortable at the bar but uncomfortable on the stools/small table) The owner is great. The food is not mind-blowingly good, but it's satisfyingly good. We had: burrata salad, shrimp and smoked salmon salad, beet salad, cheese wheel fettuccini with prosciutto and pasta marinara with meatballs. The most unique and tastywas the cheese wheel fettuccini. Did not have room for dessert (authentic desserts straight from Milan) this time but will definitely be back!

I loved Dolly's- it is like going to Italy without the expense. It is a bit of a hole in the wall but what an incredible local experience. I felt like I was in Stanley Tucci's tour of Italy food show. You have got to try all the amazing food. Dolly is passionate about bringing the authentic flavors to us straight from Italy. I am not a cream sauce person but when Dolly shared the cheese wheel experience I changed my order to the fettuccine Alfredo with prosciutto. What a marrying of flavors, the nuttiness of the parmigiana reggiano with the thinly sliced prosciutto, It was incredible on the palette. If you are in the mood for Italian food - head over there pronto!

Wow! I ate at Dolly's tonight and can't believe how wonderful it was! From the delightful owner, Dolly, to everything I had, I was stunned! Amazing is the fact that all of the ingredients are imported from Italy which elevates the quality of the food! Particular standouts are the cheese wheel pasta with prosciutto to the spaghetti and meatballs with San Marzano tomatoes and the imported desserts, especially the coppa mascarpone. I will be back as often as I can! Please support this local business! You will not be disappointed!

El Cerrito native here. I grew up in E.C., and Dolly's is a welcomed addition to our ever evolving neighborhood. The place is small, but it's equally as intimate. You definitely feel the neighborhood coming together to support this place. It feels like everyone knows one another. The food is delicious, and you can tell that the owners made it with love. The cheese wheel is exciting. Everyone stopped to watch Dolly work her magic with it, lol! Great wine happy hour, and super helpful if you want to grab a quick (or long) drink before dinner or checking out the surrounding area. Dolly (the owner) is lovely. She's attentive and always came around to say hi. My partner and I will probably check out this place again next time we come up to visit family. Another great addition to our small, but wonderful E.C. community!

Food was amazing. Even my finicky 10 year old cleaned the plate. Will be coming back.

I cannot say enough good things about Dolly's restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with the warm and inviting smell of delicious homemade food. The atmosphere is so cozy and homey, you feel like you are sitting down to a meal at a friend's house. But let's talk about the food. The homemade alfredo pasta is truly out of this world. The sauce is rich, but not too creamy and perfectly cooked pasta. It's comfort food at its finest. The portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable. The service is friendly and attentive, and Dolly herself is always there to make sure everything is just right. If you're in the mood for a delicious meal in a cozy setting, look no further than Dolly's restaurant. You won't be disappointed.

Great experience! Always wanted to try cheese wheel pasta and lucky to find this hidden gem! The owners were the sweetest and chatted us up while we sat at the bar area. They both made sure we were content throughout our entire meal! Fettuccine was rich and delicious! Fun to watch them prepare everything in front of you. Very small dining area. Best for small groups 2-4 people.

A cozy and wonderful wine bar in El Cerrito! Dolly is the host and sommelier; she somehow finds the time to make the pasta too! We tried lots of things on the menu and got a whole range of delicious flavors. The parmigiana wheel pasta experience you have to try. If you get the spaghetti & meatballs, be prepared to be completely stuffed. Dolly knows her wines and can help guide you to find something to your taste. And of course who can turn down authentic tiramisu made with panna cotta. The service is fast, attentive, and warm. Come to relax and have comfort Italian food and wine

Dolly is the greatest and this place is awesome!!! Great pasta, wine, and people. A true asset to the neighborhood.

Lovely and delicious food, service, and ambiance. Got the chance to meet Dolly and she made it a lovely experience. Also I absolutely loved their wine selection, you'll just have to go in and grab a glass to see. Make sure to swing by at happy hour for $5 a glass. I will definitely be back!

Very tasty Italian food for not pasta person, Dolly was very accommodating owner who was very precise and knowledgeable on the menu served, Nice cute place for quick stop.

2nd visit I ate the INCREDIBLE meatballs and spaghetti, Caesar salad AND TIRAMISU!!!!!! AMAZING WONDERFUL food. The tiramisu is imported from Milan Italy and sooooooo delicious. BEST I've ever eaten.

Excellent food. Excellent wines. Excellent service. The cheese wheel pasta was a great experience and you gotta try the desserts.

High class, Italian food. Amazing desserts. Do not leave without trying a dessert. The best of all, Molly and her husband are amazing hosts. So accommodating.

Cutest little wine bar + Italian eats! Dolly herself greets and chats with you. We LOVED the fettuccine alfredo made by swirling the hot pasta into a massive cheese wheel. We also loved all the desserts!! There are great non-alcoholic options for those who don't drink, too. Highly recommend!

A truly cozy spot to try some good wines and eat a delicious meal. Dolly is an exceptional host - she is warm & welcoming, offering a lovely spot for locals to gather. We make friends every time we go! I definitely recommend to anyone looking for an upscale and accessible happy hour or dinner spot. Also the Italian cheese wheel pasta is a must try! We are regulars!

What a fun experience at Dolly's. We started with the mozzarella and caesar salad. They complimented each other well. Then we split the spaghetti and meatballs and fettuccine Alfredo. The Alfredo was made right in front of us with a giant cheese wheel straight outta Milan. It was delicious! I should have ordered some greenery. Not only was the food delicious but the quaint atmosphere was lit up by Dolly's sweet personality and her ability to create what felt like a second family amongst her patrons. We left our dinner at Dolly's with hearts and bellies full. We're coming back next week for dessert and wine. Thank you Dolly & Crew for bringing such a fun and delicious Italian restaurant to El Cerrito, we needed it.

One of the nicest little restaurants in El Cerrito good Italian food and pastas beer and wine. Something to take home when you don't wanna cook I recommend this place for those night or evening drinks for anyone.

Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Dolly was great to chat with. We ordered the wheel fettuccine pasta and spaghetti and meatballs. Both dishes were great. Great wine selection. Will definitely be returning soon! Thanks Dolly!

Only the best ingredients are used at Dolly's. I had the fettuccine Alfredo with smoked salmon made in her cheese wheel. As an Italian myself, I am fussy and the pasta was perfectly al dente. Such a unique and authentic Italian experience. I've been to Italy many times and never had this experience. It was an absolute delight and delicious beyond measure. The salad was just as fantastic. I believe the dressing had fresh lemon juice in it and the beets were perfectly prepared. For dessert I had the chocolate mousse which did not disappoint. All her desserts are imported from Italy. Dolly is an extremely gracious hostess. Attentive, charming, and a sparkling personality. It is clear she loves her craft. I don't drink, but my husband tried three different wines. She has a broad selection of Italian, California and other top wines. All three that he tried were outstanding. We will definitely be back again. We found the atmosphere inviting.

First time at Dolly's and I'm impressed. I wasn't expecting much before leaving the house, but I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival. The restaurant was crowded and somewhat loud but what should I expect? I was there on a Friday evening at 6ish pm. I waited only a few minutes before I was greeted by Dolly. She sat me at a table and somehow knew i would prefer the counter. She was reading my mind. The counter was filled with patrons and no seats were available. I sat down and knew right away what I wanted. After placing my order consisting of a beet salad and spaghetti with meatballs I noticed that a family was leaving (from the counter). Without saying anything, Dolly asked if I would like the counter. Yes!! She was reading my mind. I told her that also. LOL! Beet Salad was good - if it were my place i would tweak it to remove the black olives and replace with candied walnuts and add a few pieces of shaved parm. Again, not my restaurant. 4 out of 5 stars. Spaghetti & Meatballs - i wouldn't change a thing! The meatballs were flavorful and tender. The pasta was cooked al dente and I had access to unlimited parmesan reggiano. 5 out of 5 stars. Then came the choices for dessert. I decided that I couldn't decide. A nearby patron offered her recommendation, the Mango Panna Cotta. So that is what I chose. It was light and creamy and delicious. The mango sauce wasn't overly sweet either. 5 out of 5 stars. I sat around and enjoyed conversations with other patrons so long that I decided I wanted another dessert. I chose the spumoni. It too was great. I would get it again. 4 out of 5 stars. At the end of the eve, Dolly introduced herself to me as well as her husband. If you are looking for a quaint place with delicious food and love for wine (didn't try - but everyone else seemed to enjoy the selections) please try here. They are really nice and hope the business thrives as a staple Italian restaurant of El Cerrito! To Dolly - thank you! I'll be back!

My daughter and I had such a fun night at Dolly's restaurant! It's intimate, inviting, and so friendly and welcoming. Food is wonderful and the fettuccine Alfredo made in the cheese wheel imported from Italy is delicious and a fun experience. Loved hearing about the origins. I normally never order Alfredo, but this takes it to another level. I can't recommend this restaurant enough and I'm already looking forward to going back.

So glad we decided to try Dolly's one night after a random yelp search. Dolly has created such a welcoming atmosphere with fantastic wine and food offerings. I normally don't order fettuccini Alfredo because it's too heavy but had to try this one as we were sitting in front of the humongous parmesan cheese wheel that she tosses the pasta in. It was the best! So light and flavorful, I'm craving it now. We also enjoyed the meatballs, tasty and a generous portion. This is a gem, Dolly is so friendly and warm and offers an exceptional dining experience.

A very nice experience. Dolly is so nice and accommodating. Great addition to the neighborhood. Just wish the place was a little larger.

Dolly's is the sweetest little restaurant! The wine was excellent, food was delicious (with desserts flown in straight from Italy), and the service was impeccable. We loved sitting at the bar and talking with the super friendly owner, Dolly. We have found our new neighborhood date night place (although it is also very kid- and family- friendly). We will definitely return (like, soon, to try the mango panna cotta). Highly recommend!

A total surprise. Dolly's great. We ordered a bottle of wine, the charcuterie plate and a beet salad. Next time will be the pasta!

Just had a great time with two girlfriends here. Such a good spot for a girlfriend date! Good food, good wine, and a warm and comforting intimate vibe. Dolly is so sweet, you just feel at home here!

What a wonderful find! This lovely little gem is located in a strip mall that is as nondescript as it could possibly be. Owner is lovely - we chatted a bit and then I enjoyed a delicious beet salad and a lively glass of house red. I highly recommend Dolly's!

I went to Dolly's after seeing a video online of this incredible Parmesan cheese wheel pasta demonstration and I knew I had to try it. Located in a strip mall off busy San Pablo, we were immediately impressed with how cozy Dolly's Tavern was with the subtle jazz music playing in the background, few regulars conversing at the wine bar, and how welcoming and hospitable the owner, Dolly, was. I went for my birthday dinner and I ordered the smoked salmon fettuccine Alfredo and slice of tiramisu. Dolly gave us shavings of the parmesan to taste and demonstrated the pasta being tossed near the bottom of the barrel of the cheese wheel, which Dolly said added to the depth of flavor. Upon first bite, I could tell the cheese wheel was no performative gimmick! The flavor was rich, nutty, and super duper cheesy. The tiramisu had been imported from Milan which Dolly told us had real mascarpone cheese, not cream. It almost had the consistency of an ice cream layered cake. For only being open for 6 months, Dolly seems to have a created a community of loyal patrons who keep returning and it's clear to see why. I can't wait to come back and bring my parents. They, too, would love the cheese wheel pasta experience. It was a delicious and memorable meal!

Great little spot. Owners are amazing! Good food with decent prices. The cheese wheel is amazing! A must visit!

Stopped by here to try the new local spot. Great place to just enjoy drinks and some small dishes

We have been here at least weekly since they opened. Dolly and her husband Shenal have both been incredibly friendly and fun to interact with as we enjoy this special place. They have a vast wine selection and beer. My husband and I have enjoyed their charcuterie tray, meatballs and various salads. Everything has been extremely enjoyable! We both would highly recommend this place to everyone. You will not be disappointed!

just go! good beer, seems great wine selection, and great hospitality. C'mon over and join us!

I stopped her after receiving an ad from a friend of mine knowing I like Italian food. This place is wonderful. Dolly is a special person, a real gem. I felt so comfortable. She was so inviting and the food was delicious. I had the meatballs with marinara sauce and a small salad with Italian greens, tomatoes and olives. Wonderful dressing!Added to that a great glass of wine. Then she introduced me to a lemon granita. Everything was so enjoyable and delicious. I am going back again!