Passione Emporio

Italian restaurant · Southwest Berkeley

Passione Emporio

Italian restaurant · Southwest Berkeley

1

2324 Fifth St a, Berkeley, CA 94710

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Passione Emporio by null
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Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null
Passione Emporio by null

Highlights

Nestled off the beaten path, this cozy Berkeley gem serves up fresh, delightful Italian pasta and pizza in a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.  

Featured in Eater
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2324 Fifth St a, Berkeley, CA 94710 Get directions

passioneemporio.com
@passione_emporioon5th

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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2324 Fifth St a, Berkeley, CA 94710 Get directions

+1 510 612 8677
passioneemporio.com
@passione_emporioon5th
𝕏
@passione_pizza

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Mar 6, 2025

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"Italian-born Fabrizio Cercatore, co-founder of Hot Italian in Emeryville and Sacramento, is opening another pizza restaurant in Berkeley." - Janelle Bitker

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View Postcard for Passione Emporio on 5th

Aditya Nagrecha

Google
So went here for Valentines. Place was packed and looked like a good vibe. We got seated at 9pm and didn’t have a server being water till 9.15. Okay that’s fine, it was a busy day so we let it pass. Ordered drinks and appetizer and appetizer didn’t show up till 9.30 and they had totally forgot about our drinks. Ordered our mains and received that 30-40 mins later. Food the arancini felt a little dry. Ravioli was okay and pizza was the best thing we ordered. Seems like a decent spot but was really disappointed with the service and food felt sub par.

Lisa Wise

Google
Glad we listened to the reviews. It's off the beaten track and well worth visiting. Very tasty, freshly made dishes. My pesto gnocchi could've used a tad more contrast, but the gnocchi themselves were the fluffiest, freshest I've ever had. Lasagna noodles were anazing, too. Sauce was more bechamel than tomato-y, as clearly described. Portions are reasonable and encourage multi-course dining, so go ahead and try the veggies or pizza as an appetizer. And, save room for dessert.

Giorgio M

Google
Cute place and varied menu, friendly staff. Pasta and appetizers are good - though both overpriced, especially at lunch. The tiramisù was bad and watery. The octopus was very enjoyable, and a generous portion for an appetizer - can easily be a main if you're getting dessert or a side. Overall a pleasant experience, but can't recommend the dessert.

Maribel Gutierrez

Google
Hello, I recently ordered your dough and I’m just so thankful you are in the Bay Area! I first heard of PASSIONE PIZZA dough from my boyfriend who goes to Whole Foods often and we both tried it! I was able to order the dough online as I’m hours away from Berkeley. I personally have not been to the restaurant but I can only IMAGINE how delicious it is! I love the dough please don’t ever stop making and selling! We appreciate gluten free healthy options with no toxic ingredients oils etc! Thank you thank you thank you! 🤤

Pauline Moreno

Google
Food is very well done. Unlike other Italian restaurants food is prepared much lighter and really delicious. Recommend the lasagna, the pasta with bolognese sauce or pappadel al salmonella. I highly recommend

Sindy S.

Google
Wow! Never judge a book by its cover. At first, we were planning to get our order to go, but decided to dine in when we walked into this restaurant- so relaxing and calm. What an unexpected treat to an incredible yummy meal. The food was simple but delicious, like I was in Italy, light and hearty at the same time. Wonderful service! Will definitely come back to this little gem.

Rob Riley

Google
Passione in Berkeley is an unassuming looking place off the beaten path. Inside it feels lively. A high 3 story ceiling and kitchen area open to the dining area is industrial and entertaining. The food was a mixed bag. We started with a shared arugula salad. It was loaded with lots of tasty bits. Notably pine nuts and soft, sweet pomegranate. It was outstanding. I should mention that the kitchen features a big red Italian wood fired pizza oven. I ordered the Margarita Classico pizza over the standard margarita pizza, the primary difference being the cheese would be sliced rather than grated. Sadly it arrived a soupy molten mess no basil. The server was fine serving it no excuses. It was a basic little deli cheese pie. My wife loved the pumpkin ravioli. The tab including a glass of wine and a beer was about $100. I think you should give them a try. I’ll go back. Maybe they’ll have a clam linguine next time . . .

Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez

Google
We came for lunch to this quiet, tree-lined part of 5th St and sat at one of a few outdoor tables. On a hot day, the climate-controlled inside would feel wonderful. The portions are European in size, welcome news for me and my companion. We each had pasta dishes. The fresh pasta was complemented by well-integrated flavors, with plenty of seafood. Service was wonderful! We will return to taste the desserts. Passione is a perfect understated place to bring a friend or date.

Nolan B.

Yelp
This place is underappreciated and pretty much hidden gem! Everything I had here was delicious! Dish are organic, most if not all. Parking can be tough in a busy time, but when I have went it didn't take too long. Owner is very nice with a great interior. Restrooms shared with the coffee place next door. I've had the lasagna, Margherita pizza and some others, the fries, the affogato. All so good. Would definitely recommend. So worth.

Katherine L.

Yelp
We had a great dinner with exceptional service. I was disappointed that we were the first ones to be seated for the night and they were already out of items such as mussels and chocolate dessert items. The items we did enjoy were: - papardelle salmon: slight lemony taste which went well with the salmon of course and the papardelle was freshly made. I thought the salmon would have large pieces but instead were very small pieces, like crushed, but a good amount of it. The serving size was on the small side. - salad with spinach and pears: solid salad with gorgonzola cheese I believe and pears that paired nicely. It was a good serving size. - Margherita pizza: solid pizza but nothing really special. I could have used more basil on it or maybe The basil pieces were small that I didn't feel like it had enough. I did enjoy the spicy olive oil they give on the side for a nice kick. Awesome that there is plenty of parking available on the street. I also liked that they have a few gelato options on display. I enjoyed the ambiance, it is a cute restaurant!

Lin B.

Yelp
A hidden gem, as another diner noted- exactly! Had an AMAZING late lunch here today w hubs & we ate soooo well Salad w burrato cheese, gnocchi w pesto & tomatoes, pizza- every dish stellar and perfect. Our server was phenomenal- managing about 12 tables by herself w a great chill attitude - whoa! Love the artwork and vibe of the place too. Homemade ice cream to boot?! OMG. It doesn't get any better than this. GO!! Just treat yourself & GO!!

M H B.

Yelp
WOW! The pizza tastes great! Perfectly chewy crust. Enough pepperoni scattered on a bright red marinara sauce with buttery tangy melted mozzarella cheese topping. Bright high ceilings with walls that display the Gorgeous paintings by local artist Julie Ann Accornero. Her Mandalas invite you to look deeply and feel the healing Colors and Beauty.

Joseph A.

Yelp
I went to this restaurant when I saw this recommended on Yelp when I was looking for pizza. Parking is a little hard to come by, but not too bad. The restaurant inside is small and cozy. The staff there is friendly and helpful. During my visit I also saw that they sell gelato. The staff recommended some and offered samples which I tried. I ended up ordered a Fiori pizza and pistachio gelato. The pizza was very good, especially when you add a little kick of the chili oil. Ask for some and try it. As for the gelato, it is creamy and sweet. Loved them both. The pizza was so good, I went back within the week for lunch. Looking forward to going again for good pizza.

Alice H.

Yelp
I had their Gelato, and it was absolutely delicious. Creamy, rich, and full of flavor!

Kent S.

Yelp
This is a hidden gem in Berkeley! The food was delicious and we had great service! I had the lasagna and my husband had some gluten free pasta with salmon.

Pauline C.

Yelp
Adorable small authentic Italian spot nestled in the unassuming 5th street, harder to find for folks didn't already about it, but the up side is easier street parking which I personally do highly value! Great spot for date or small intimate gatherings! Came here on a Friday evening, only one waiter was present at the establishment for the entire meal duration, but he however did manage to serve all the tables to what I could see very effectively even as the restaurant completely filled up! That said, another wait staff would have absolutely improved the dining experience for the guests overall. We started the meal with an order of focaccia, Sunday salad, and seared Spanish octopus. - Focaccia is very thin which I do prefer since the outside crusty parts are the best! Definitely drizzle some of their delicious house made spicy olive oil on it! - Spinach salad was light and refreshing, tiny extra crunchy croutons provided lovely texture variation. - Spanish octopus with olives were the absolute star of the meal! Octopus cooked to perfection, and the flavor was so well balanced with the olives, potatoes, and tomatoes! For mains, we tried pizza, pappardelle, raviolis, and gnocchi! As someone who is very picky about carbs, I'm happy to report that everything I tried were made with high quality ingredients and worth every calories! Pro tip - drizzle the spicy olive oil on that pizza and thank me later! Don't leave without trying their desserts and/or the most yummy gelato made in the facility just behind the restaurant! Look forward to coming back and trying rest of the menu items!

Anne C.

Yelp
We were served the most delicious lunch - we ordered off the "Berkeley Restaurant Week" menu - and the service was impeccable. We each enjoyed a scoop of the pistachio gelato to finish (included), could not have been better!

J. D.

Yelp
We had a wonderful birthday celebration here--the food, including the housemade pasta, pizza and antipasti, was delicious, the waiter was warm, attentive and helpful and the atmosphere was relaxed and cozy. We already know that we will be returning many times in the future--by far the best Italian meal we've enjoyed in Berkeley.

Becca T.

Yelp
Overall 5 stars..... However, I haven't ever gotten her name and that is a fault of mine. The waitress that's there usually during the day is AMAZING! She's takes orders, serves and bus. Always helpful and patient with me. I've been coming for a bit and love that they regularly update their staples. Always experimenting . There's an image of the first time I tried their chicken panini, then an update of their current. Perfect date spot Perfect let's reconnect over food spot. You can see the big brick oven behind the cash register which just makes it *chef's kiss* Hoping they do switch the actual dish sometimes. Overall love the food, wine and beer selection is good. Small intimate space with some outside seating, usually never that loud, but yes keep in mind space is intimate. Strollers and pets are probably something to think about.

Suzee Q.

Yelp
This place was practically empty when we arrived for a weekday dinner, only two other tables the entire time we were there. Our server was new and had to ask other workers when we had questions about menu items, but for the most part, she was friendly and efficient. Our food was good but not anything really memorable... I don't think we'll be back when there are so many other places out there to explore...

Zia Q.

Yelp
We had amazing time at this place. Food and service were great and on point. I would definitely be interested in going back.

Jay F.

Yelp
Set in a quiet area of Berkeley is Passione. This unassuming place serves up a wide selection of pizza and pasta with a number of vegan options. We started with the guazzetto di cozze e vongole. To end the meal, I ordered an espresso with a twist. Henry, despite not having a peeler, went above and beyond. He served the espresso offering a slice of lemon or a sliced peel. Thank you, Henry.

Hailey K.

Yelp
Ambiance was sick, really cool red themed & vintage decor. We ordered the portobello salad and Dior I pizza to share: salad was nice and light, pizza was also yummy. Ordered the papardelle castagne for my entree and it was perfect texture and v delicious service was great too! Brought out parmesan quickly after we asked, took our orders soon as well!

Scott H.

Yelp
All around amazing dining experience. I ordered the fried calamari and a margarita pizza with added green olives. The fried calamari was almost a tempora style. Crust was a little thicker than I usually like, but it was overall downright fantastic . The margarita pizza could not have been better. It was the perfect size and it was cooked to perfection. Not at all wet, and the crust remained reasonably crispy throughout. I added green olives which were a perfect topping. The reason for four out of 5 stars, the service could have been a little better. I never had a drop of water in my water glass and my coke ran dry. The dining room was immaculately clean and there are even a few outdoor tables. I will definitely be back here.

Debbie L.

Yelp
We were excited to try this place but left disappointed. It took 1.5 hrs for our dinner entrees to come out. Worse yet, after 1.5hrs they still forgot an entree and we had to ask 3 different people before it finally came out-another 30 min later. By then the rest of us had finished and they'd cleared the table. Two hours for pasta?? There's literally no acceptable excuse. Additionally, the food was meh. My tagliolini with clams had several clams with half of them just empty shells on an already very small portion. My niece said Trader Joe's gnocchi tasted better than the one she ordered. Needless to say we won't be returning.

Naxielly C.

Yelp
Delicious pizza, a thin crust. My husband said it reminded him of the one we had in Rome which was delicious! Check the menu! About the Gluten free they have two kinds of crust cornmeal and Gluten free pizza. 12 inches but they can made any of their pizzas with their amazing ingredients. They also have GF pastas- for next time. And...: they have a whole bar of GELATOS!! Yum!! Service was outstanding!! I called in before to check if they had GF options. Ambiance is so chic and calm. I loved the setting and comfortable tables. We are coming back!!

Masha B.

Yelp
If this restaurant were located on Fourth Street or any other bustling area, it would be so much more crowded and popular because of how delicious the food is!! The pasta tastes incredibly fresh and delicate, a quality I surprisingly don't see often in pasta places. This place has an elaborate kitchen where you can see them making their pasta from scratch too! You must try their great spicy olive oil, which adds a nice gentle kick to your dishes. Their mozzarella is also fantastic, especially in their focaccia dishes. Given the price of most dishes here, this place is wildly incredible value for money, and I will definitely be coming back.

Lea M.

Yelp
We recently needed to order a few more pizzas since Passione Pizza was a hit at the last event. We ordered four pizzas through their website (I stand corrected because there was an e-mailed receipt soon after placing) along with a three large bottles of San Pellegrino for a 1210 pick up. I decided that I couldn't take the risk of the pizzas getting cold so I arrived a few minutes early and was able to pick up the pizzas nice and hot. We ordered the Diavola, Margherita, and two Bellucci. They were all amazing. We devoured the Margherita and Bellucci, following with the Diavola. We will for sure be back!

Tralfamadore P.

Yelp
This place reminds me of childhood memories, back to the times eating terrible school cafeteria food. We ordered the pesto pasta lunch special and the cacio Pepe fries. The soup + salad was okay, but the pasta was overcooked and mushy. I am not convinced that they did not microwave someone's leftovers from last night and served it to us. It was that bad. The cacio pepe fries were inedible. They were soggy and undercooked before hitting the bowl, and the sauce was thick, unappetizing, flavorless and disgusting. We will not be back. 2 stars because at least the server didn't spit in our face.

Kendra F.

Yelp
It was Berkeley Restaurant Week and being the curious yelping foodie that I am, I had to go somewhere I hadn't been before. After looking at the special event menus for participating restaurants, I decided Passione Emporio would be great for dinner on Sunday night. The offerings on the menu sounded good, and some items would be new to my taste buds. I have a "sure, why the hell not" attitude for a lot of cuisines. Before visiting Passione Emporio I'd never had bolognese before, so I decided to go with the Full Court Press Tier. I was at a table for two so the space on the table was limited. After trying each course I asked for a to go box to make space on the table, but I also chose this dinner knowing I'd have leftovers. The interior is cute and quaint. I especially like the red seats, and I'd say this restaurant can be intimate. Parking allat isn't hard to find in this area. Tier 1 - I had the Rosecco wine . It was fair. I prefer red but this came with the meal. Tier 2 - antipasto bruschetta Italiana. There were three; The first was topped with smoked salmon in a thick cream. It tasted alright but visually I just couldn't. It was worth the try, but I can be finnicky with certain foods, too, and I just didn't care for the look. The next was topped with zucchini. That was good and i didn't expect it to be just because vegetables on bread without anything else normally wouldn't appeal to me. I love vegetables, but with a protein, in soups, salads or in pasta. Nevertheless, it was pleasant. I want to say I had the Bruschetta Toscana, but whichever bruschetta had a thicker white spread was very good. It reminded me of spinach artichoke dip but without the spinach. Tier 3 - Pasta Flight: Gnocchi Cacio Pepe, Gnocchi Bolognese, Gnocchi Pesto. All three were delicious and I finished the Gnocchi Cacio Pepe. It was deliciously creamy. The gnocchi bolognese was new for me as I've never had bolognese sauce. I've always heard of it though. I'm a big fan of pesto so I knew upon seeing the creamy pesto it was going to be loved. Out of all three though, I actually finished the gnocchi bolognese. All three were good but the Cacio Pepe reminded me of creamy Alfredo, so that one takes the cake for me. The portions were also perfect. Tier 4 - Pork Roasted Vegetables. I'm not big on pork unless it's bacon or a hot link, but I'll never say I don't eat it. If it's offered I'll have it. If it's part of a meal, I'll have it and had it I did. I'd rate it a 3.5 out of 5. It was a little salty for my taste but that's expected of pork. It complimented the potatoes and vegetables well though as those appeared to be roasted and didn't have much seasoning if any. In this case, the lack of seasoning for the vegetables definitely worked. If I'm cooking a saltier or more seasoned meat and serving it with vegetables, the veggies aren't getting seasoned. We gotta look out for our blood pressure people! Anyway, after a few bites this, too, was boxed. By this time I barely had any room for dessert but as soon as the waiter brought it to the table I had to have it. Tier 5 - chocolate cake with vanilla gelato. I was full but I had to try it. I'm not even a big fan of chocolate desserts but the cake looked smooth as if the chocolate would glide against my tongue while the vanilla cooled the roof of mouth. It did just that. I'd actually have this for dessert again specifically for the chocolate cake. My experience was really good. I got to enjoy time with one of my friends over delicious food. I'd definitely come here again. There is also a small amount of outdoor seating, but the inside is cute and worthy of dining in.

Haily P.

Yelp
You know when you eat somewhere and it leaves such a positive impression on you that you make it a point to go out of your way to go back. Well, I don't think I'll be back. This was burnt from top to bottom. The first time I ate here I was like wow, this the best canzone I have ever had. I'm so sad I had to pick through this. Times are tough for everyone, but you shouldn't make people pay for this.

Haley T.

Yelp
Had a wonderful time here! The food was very tasty and the servers were attentive and pleasant. I came with some colleagues on a Monday night. Make sure to call ahead! The restaurant was small with every table filled. Our servers were very accommodating and knowledgeable. We were able to try the truffles based on her recommendation. * Calamari Fritta - a tasty staple * Lasagna - soooo good! * Burrata & Zucca - unique! rich in flavor but not what I expected * Hazelnut Gelato - couldn't resist housemate gelato! I recommend Passione Emporio for anyone looking for a enjoyable and intimate meal. Will definitely be back to try the pizza next time!

Debora L.

Yelp
What a neighborhood gem. House made pasta, wood fired oven, reasonable prices, good wine and service, homey ambience. Will return! Ticks all the boxes.

Patty M.

Yelp
Stopped in for lunch after wandering by while taking a class in the neighborhood. This gnocchi and sauce were divine. Will be back.

Bonnie S.

Yelp
Cute neighborhood pizza place with delicious gelato. Good gluten free/dairy free options Very very clean Friendly service

MARK P.

Yelp
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but come on in. THE FOOD IS SO GOOD HERE! Pizza, pasta, calzones, appetizers...spot on. Easy parking, a plus in Berkeley.

Bayarea K.

Yelp
Pros: fast and friendly service Good ragu blanco Cons:: street parking Small portion

Michelle R.

Yelp
The calzone was amazing. We also shared a sandwich at lunch. I can't wait to go back and get a pizza. They also have Gelato and wine! Our server was great!

Emerald J.

Yelp
the food was very good. i loved the pizza, but i definitely think you want an appetizer before because it's not that filling. the entire menu didn't have that many vegetarian options, only one of the pizzas was vegetarian. the owner was working the night my family went and spoke to my dad for a while. it's quite a small dining area, but with high ceilings so it's pretty quiet but it doesn't feel super cozy.

Elizabeth C.

Yelp
We had an amazing experience at this restaurant. They took great care of us as we walked in at a completely full restaurant in hopes of dining with them. There were four of us, and we each ordered different entrees. All of them were delicious, really delicious. You could taste the care and attention that was poured into each dish. This was the best gnocchi I have ever had. The texture was perfect. Every entree was amazing. The owner made his way around the dining area several times, checking on the patrons. We truly had a wonderful experience.

Elana M.

Yelp
This place was sooo good! Me and my partner went for Valentine's Day dinner and didn't realize it was a set menu that night but we decided to stay and try. We were so glad we did!! The three course meal was phenomenal. Our main course was insane-braised short ribs and lobster ravioli- both were to die for!!! And they ended off with a strawberry gelato that I think they make in house. I would like to go back and try their regular menu it looked sooo good!! Highly recommend.

Sydney J.

Yelp
While coming back from Aquatic Park, we felt like getting some food, so we stopped by Passione. I ordered a calzone ricotta and spinaci for $15. It's actually pretty airy and light inside of it, so it's good if you don't want a heavy meal but enjoy bread and cheese. It's also an interesting shape, and was served on a tray almost as though it were taken directly out of the oven. They do sell pizza by the slice too but it's not written on the paper menus, it's on a separate stand on the tables. Our server was very friendly and the chef was able to make a custom order of pasta for my companion's son. The restaurant has two single stall all gender bathrooms, and outdoor seating.

Greg H.

Yelp
Outstanding pizza. Go here for the pizza. It is outstanding. The best cheese pizza OI have ever had. Hard to make reservations on the phone because they are so busy so use Open Table. I am not a fan of cheese pizza but it is the best I have ever had and, I have had pizza from most places in Berkeley which is a pizza town. The sausage pizza with ricotta cheese dallops is surprisingly good. My only gripes are they close at 4 on Tuesday and the smaller pizza is better than the larger ones but I may have caught them on a bad night. When I mentioned it they took a little off the price when I returned. They really want you to be happy which does not happen enough. It looks like a good date place and you can easily go casual. I have been there several times. If you are seed oil conscious this is a place for you. The spicy oil is a must. Also, use a card and you may get a discount. In a time of declining restaurants, this is not one of them. THEY HAVE STREET PARKING!

Bklyngrl B.

Yelp
I stumbled upon Passione Emporio while driving in my neighborhood. From the outside you really can't see the magic happening behind their doors. This is a wonderful addition to the area and makes me glad I decided to buy in this neighborhood. My good friend and i wanted to celebrate our joint birthdays and we made a reservation to have dinner here. I arrived first and when i first entered i noticed a Vespa bike partially blocking the front door. Additionally, the tables are turned at an angle and tightly packed, this place is not accessible for wheelchair access which is a no for me. I mentioned this to the stern looking server that greeted me and she responded with a blank look and a nod. Fortunately, we were seated by Madison, who was absolutely delightful!! She was so sweet, so knowledgeable, so welcoming that she made the evening an experience and not just an event. Upon her recommendation we ordered everything!! Madison sat us at a larger table to accommodate our many plates. She recommended the best wine. AND... when i mentioned the wheelchair inaccessibility to her, her response was, "i can see that, how can i help?" I felt heard and went on with my meal. If i had a restaurant I'd steal her. She is more than excellent! The food was delicious. It was incredible. The charcuterie board was so good, it was a perfect way to begin. We loved the Pizza, i asked my friend to please forgive me for eating so much of it. We shared the rigatoni, the lasagna and the cannoli, and two flavors of gelato. Did i mention the wine? My goodness!!! I called two other friends to tell them about my great find. I want them to come with me soon. Thank you Passione Emporio for a wonderful birthday celebration! I will be back soon and I hope Madison will be there. 6

William K.

Yelp
First, let me say that I've never left disappointed. From the wonderful toffee gelato and espresso to the Eggplant Parmesan-and one cannot forget the cannoli! Leave the gun, bring the cannolis. My only feedback is, please don't promise what you can't deliver. Tonight I ordered the hazelnut pappardelle with wild mushrooms and a salad of frisée and blood oranges. Unfortunately, there was no frisée and no blood orange. The pappardelle was brilliant but the promised chanterelles were absent. I loved the shiitake mushrooms but it was not the blend of fungi that was promised. Keeping the menu current is essential for repeat customers.

Julie L.

Yelp
First off, I didn't have the full experience of this place. Stopped here for ice cream and didn't grab a table. It wasn't anything super special. Passione Emporio is a bit in the middle of no where, so parking is easy. I wouldn't come back here for ice cream, but it seemed like a nice place to have wine.

Marck N.

Yelp
We had lunch here on the weekend. They offered several lunch specials, which we decided on the pasta with a side salad and drink. The pasta to choose from was the tagliatelle ragu, rigatoni amatriciana, and the spaghetti pomodoro. I decided on the tagliatelle and my hubs the rigatoni. Out of the two dishes, I enjoyed mines better. The creamy ragu had more flavor than the rigatoni dish. There was a lot of pork and chicken pieces mixed in the ragu. The pasta was also cooked properly and held up to the ragu. Our sever was very friendly and attentive. The food also came out quickly after we placed the order with her. I was expecting the salad to come out first but she brought out the salad and pasta dishes at the same time. Next time I will need to try the pizza.

Melissa C.

Yelp
Great gluten free options. Friendly staff. The gnocchi were super delicious. Awesome gluten free pizza crust. Fig and marscapone gelato was yummy. One star off because the eggplant Parmesan was just meh. If you are craving a gluten free eggplant Parmesan check out Polenteria in Los Gatos.

Naomi F.

Yelp
Super disappointed. We saw the beautiful pizza oven and had higher expectations. Service was very sweet but, food was extremely lacking in flavor, texture, and temperature. Sadly we won't be back

Kenson K.

Yelp
I ordered the $25 lunch special which included a rigatoni amatriciana, house salad, and a glass of wine. We also shared a platter of fried calamari. The calamari was too salty, but the dipping sauce was quite good. The salad was an arugala salad with a balsamic vinegar dressing- nothing special. My rigatoni was cooked al dente and had plenty of flavor, although, my partner had a ragu bianco pasta which I thought tasted a lot better than mine. The lunch was just ok. I think would come back to try their pizzas.

Genie O.

Yelp
A hidden gem. Like another reviewer, we only had a wonderful tiramisu, decaf espresso and prosecco but LOVED hanging out and hearing how marvelous the food is. Em, the server, was totally great and helpful. I am looking forward to returning to have a meal. Fabrizio is the chef from Tuscany. Our neighbors raved about the Basso Pizza. The wines looked intriguing. Love the lucite(?) red chairs, large open kitchen in the background and the wine bucket (there must be a more elegant term for that) at each table calling to be filled! FYI, the tiramisu is not the typical square layered cake you can find at many places. And it's not overly sweet, just lightly so, dusted with a layer of chocolate and coffee powder. Delicate and delightful.

Sherri W.

Yelp
Loved this very relaxing & quaint Berkeley restaurant. Sitting under a shady tree & taking in the beautiful atmosphere along with pizza with very fresh ingredients, it reminds me of New York. The crust was the perfect thin crust one would expect at a fancy restaurant, yet it was reasonably priced at $20 for a 14". Not even the fast food chain restaurants can compete with the reasonable pricing, nor the quality of the prosciutto, mushroom & mozzerella. The mozzerella was authentic & was apparent after the 1st bite. Not only was the pizza outstanding, but when you put quality ingredients, the freshness stands out, this was no different for the Autunno salad. The salad consisted of Arugula,frisée,Gorgonzola,pear,dried cranberries, pomegranate dressing & pumpkin seeds. As a perfect ending to our meal, we ordered the Stacciatella Gelato. The gelato had a nice texture & the bits of chocolate pieces was a nice addition. The meal was exceptional, but I can't compliment our server enough. She was so warm, welcoming, polite & patient in letting us decide. I wanted to come back just to have her serve us, but unfortunately she said it was her last day. Despite this, I was still impressed of how passionate she was at serving customers. This experience was a get away retreat to a hectic week. Looking forward to trying out other pizza's, salads, panini & gelato!

Alana K.

Yelp
Great gluten free pizza!! Seriously delicious crust. Best in the East bay, very authentic Italian

Ayush N.

Yelp
Came here for my birthday as a belated lunch gathering. The waiter was real nice and around 11:40 more people started coming in to have lunch. Overall, it was quite lively. We got two 12 inch pizzas: the Fiori and Bellucci. Both were fantastic. I loved the taste of both pizzas. My new favorite pizza at Passione Emporio is the Fiori Pizza, it's got more contrasting flavors going on. The Bellucci pizza is more of a creamy pizza with the salty sausage flavor mixed in. One of my friends also got half a Chicken Panino Milanese, and they really enjoyed it. At the end, before leaving the waiter offered me a free scoop of gelato with my choice of flavor. I got chocolate and greatly enjoyed it: the chocolate flavor was quite rich.

Scarlett L.

Yelp
I have recently had two excellent lunches here. I feel compelled to leave a review because on both visits they were pretty empty, which really baffled me considering how delicious the pizza was! The first I chalked up to us being early diners because we arrived just after 11 am, but the second we didn't arrive until noon and only one solo diner came in as we were finishing up. I highly recommend the Jovanotti pizza combination. It was a pretty perfect pie (we actually came back to have the same thing). A 12'' was enough for our two moderate appetites. And the spicy oil they bring to the table is so good. In case you are afraid of spice, it's not that spicy. I hope looks are deceiving and maybe they do a lot of to-go orders, or get busy a little later, because I would be so sad if they closed for lunch! I know I will be back regularly.

Wallace R.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday afternoon on a recommendation. The restaurant is small; the menu has a nice selection and not with the usual filler dishes. I ordered the Ravioli all Cinghiale e Funghi (boar and mushroom) my wife ordered the Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe. Both dishes were a delight. I would have made the Gnocchi in a more traditional way without using the béchamel as the base sauce but they came out good. The gnocchi were really good and the right size, not the huge chewy store-bought kind. The crunchy pancetta complimented the sauce. My ravioli were really good and the boar wasn't overpowering. The mushrooms tasted great. The dish was topped off with slivers of freshly shaved parmesan. We will come back.

Sahskkia S.

Yelp
Food was delish! My friend recommended we meet here before a Giants game in SF. The service was excellent and I loved the Vespa matching the acrylic chairs in the restaurant.