I hope this restaurant "catches on." It was just me and the owner in the dining room at 7:30 p.m. (with a couple dropping in for gelato to go). Great service and a nice, minimalist decor. I ordered only the calamari which got lost in the batter -- very tiny pieces in ovoid breading. As a lover of fried food, it was great, but as a lover of calamari it was a disappointment. One dish, so take that for what it's worth. I'll head back again for certain for pasta or pizza.
Emily
What a disappointment. Passione Emporio looked very promising from the website and we were looking forward to a delicious Italian meal. 1) website says Happy Hour is available daily - there is no Happy Hour. 2) pizza on website looks like real Italian pizza - it's barely edible. 3) pasta was also disappointing - I can make much better at home. 4) prices shown on website are outdated - pizza is at least $5 more, very deceiving. Overall, waste of an evening out. Only bright spot was our server who was nice and seemed to be the only one working.
keryA
A Hidden Gem I was initially hesitant to book a reservation at Passione Emporio due to a few negative reviews, but I needed a convenient spot for a business meeting. To my delight, the experience turned out to be exceptional, and I am eager to share my positive thoughts. The authenticity of the Italian cuisine took me back to the unforgettable flavors I savored during my summer trip to Roma and Firenze. Passione Emporio truly captures the essence of genuine Italian cooking, delivering a culinary journey that delighted my taste buds. What truly stood out, however, was the impeccable service. The staff was not only fast but also remarkably precise, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall charm—it's a real gem tucked away in the West side of Berkeley . Despite the few negative reviews I encountered, my experience was a testament to the dedication of the management and staff. I'm convinced that sometimes people give negative feedback for no valid reason. I sincerely hope the management continues with their outstanding job, maintaining the high standards that impressed me during my visit. I'm already looking forward to returning with a group of friends for dinner soon. Passione Emporio has won me over, and I can confidently say that it deserves every bit of praise. Don't let a few negative reviews deter you; this restaurant is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
JohnQ
A Birthday Celebration to Remember I recently celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Passione Emporio, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, it was evident that this restaurant knows how to make special occasions truly memorable. The food was simply amazing, and the service exceeded our expectations. Our server was not only attentive but also took the time to explain each dish with great detail, enhancing our overall dining experience. We opted for the trilogia and the pork belly, and both dishes were nothing short of perfection. The flavors were rich, and the presentation was impeccable. The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and we decided to indulge in the tiramisu and profiteroles. Each bite was a delight, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen. It's evident that Passione Emporio takes pride in offering a diverse and delectable selection of desserts. To complement our meal, we explored the extensive wine list. The variety was impressive, and what stood out was the honest pricing. Passione Emporio offers a wide range of wines that cater to different preferences without breaking the bank. Overall, our evening at Passione Emporio was a delightful celebration. The combination of fantastic food, attentive service, and a well-curated wine list made it an experience we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exquisite meal, Passione Emporio is the perfect choice. Five stars without a doubt!
GinaK
Service was SLOW and awkward (guy kept trying to take our menus when we had not ordered our food yet) and the women who took our order was not interested in why we were there (Berkeley Grad); food was okay. Salmon Pasta was undercooked; potatoes (with pork belly dish) was also undercooked; Creme Brûlée was a disaster - soupy and eggy. The waitress never once asked how our meals were. She just brought the bill and I had to tell her to remove the Creme Brûlée because it was inedible. Was very disappointed because it looked cute but would not recommend - especially for a special occasion. There was nothing special about the food or service... Responding to the restaurant: We were not the party of 14. We were the party of 6. We order an Aperole Spritz and two beers. (And I was never asked if I wanted another drink). We ordered two apps, 6 entrees, and two desserts. We arrived at 4 and left before 6. And correction: the potatoes were missing from the pork belly dish and two dishes: salmon and trio pasta had very undercooked pasta... we are very familiar with al dente pasta. The young lady who ordered the salmon pasta is Italian and makes her own delicious pasta.
AlexT
Server was visibly stressed and made it a little uncomfortable. Was also a little assertive on how we ordered and would change our orders after telling her what we wanted because she didn't think they were good ideas. The pasta was a little dried out and bland, the pizza was good- but nothing special. Gelato was the best part. Overall- the server we had killed our experience. If I come back it'll be for takeout.
The food is delicious with ample portions. Plus reasonably priced. I had the autumn salad which was delicious plus a pasta with pork and mushroom dish. Both delicious. My husband had the eggplant Parmesan and again delicious. Wine choices good and reasonable too. A great, intimate dining experience.
sunnyside1
The food is always consistently good. Yesterday was extremely busy as there was a private party. We sat outside and got the same great attention that we always had. There was only one wait staff. Lisbet was amazing juggling us and the big private party.
The pomodoro and burrata pasta was way to small for my son at $26. He didn't care for the cold cheese lump on top and the server and person in charge only told us after he could have ordered just pomodoro. $52 for enough pasta for a 6'4” person is not reasonable and they didn't offer anything to make up for it. So $83 and my son went home hungry. The peach salad at $16 has wilted leaves. For shame. The eggplant was over salty and hard in places and tiramisu was bland. The sauce was well done but needs some adjustments and better recovery. Overall Overpriced.
Dear HappyCow community,
I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! As the owner of Passione Emporio on 5th, it's been our mission to provide delicious and diverse plant-based options to our wonderful customers.
We're excited to announce that we're expanding our vegan menu and working tirelessly to introduce new, mouthwatering plant-based dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. We're truly passionate about creating innovative and flavorful vegan offerings, and we can't wait to share them with you!
Your continued support and enthusiasm for vegan cuisine inspire us every day, and we can't wait to embark on this plant-based culinary journey with you all. Stay tuned for updates on our new additions, and thank you for being a part of our compassionate dining experience.
With gratitude,
Fabrizio Cercatore
Passione Emporio
Passione
Dear HappyCow community, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! As the owner of Passione Emporio on 5th, it's been our mission to provide delicious and diverse plant-based options to our wonderful customers. We're excited to announce that we're expanding our vegan menu and working tirelessly to introduce new, mouthwatering plant-based dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. We're truly passionate about creating innovative and flavorful vegan offerings, and we can't wait to share them with you! Your continued support and enthusiasm for vegan cuisine inspire us every day, and we can't wait to embark on this plant-based culinary journey with you all. Stay tuned for updates on our new additions, and thank you for being a part of our compassionate dining experience. With gratitude, Fabrizio Cercatore Passione Emporio
Verena Rueckert
Stupid expensive for a gelato that isn’t good. Very disappointing
stonybroke
Passione offers that lightness and utter freshness of cuisine typical of northern Italy. While the only menu items that are absolutely outstanding are the gelati , all dishes are tasty, enjoyable, and nicely presented. The pizza crusts have exactly the true flavor and texture of Italy's best. The salads and pastas are generous and tasty. So why only a 3 out of 5? A 3 is just plain good, with all dishes and service meeting one's expectations for a fine dining venue. We have dined in some of the world's finest restaurants; only six of them earned a 5 from us. Venues whose every dish and service are unusually imaginative, exceptionally well-prepared and gracefully presented earn a 4 -- they are farely rare. I must say that Passione's gelati earn a 5, the best gelati I've ever tasted! Otherwise a very honorable 3+. DO dine at Passione Emporio -- you will enjoy it.
OldBlue
This has become a "must do" when we return to Berkeley. The menu has everything you could want from an Italian restaurant presented in a thoughtful way. Service is welcoming and well informed. Away from the 4th Street clamor this quiet block south of Bancroft is an easy destination to have a meal. Go now- you won't be sorry!
Cute place to pick up a later evening
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gelato
I hope this restaurant "catches on." It was just me and the owner in the dining room at 7:30 p.m. (with a couple dropping in for gelato to go). Great service and a nice, minimalist decor. I ordered only the calamari which got lost in the batter -- very tiny pieces in ovoid breading. As a lover of fried food, it was great, but as a lover of calamari it was a disappointment. One dish, so take that for what it's worth. I'll head back again for certain for pasta or pizza.
What a disappointment. Passione Emporio looked very promising from the website and we were looking forward to a delicious Italian meal. 1) website says Happy Hour is available daily - there is no Happy Hour. 2) pizza on website looks like real Italian pizza - it's barely edible. 3) pasta was also disappointing - I can make much better at home. 4) prices shown on website are outdated - pizza is at least $5 more, very deceiving. Overall, waste of an evening out. Only bright spot was our server who was nice and seemed to be the only one working.
A Hidden Gem I was initially hesitant to book a reservation at Passione Emporio due to a few negative reviews, but I needed a convenient spot for a business meeting. To my delight, the experience turned out to be exceptional, and I am eager to share my positive thoughts. The authenticity of the Italian cuisine took me back to the unforgettable flavors I savored during my summer trip to Roma and Firenze. Passione Emporio truly captures the essence of genuine Italian cooking, delivering a culinary journey that delighted my taste buds. What truly stood out, however, was the impeccable service. The staff was not only fast but also remarkably precise, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall charm—it's a real gem tucked away in the West side of Berkeley . Despite the few negative reviews I encountered, my experience was a testament to the dedication of the management and staff. I'm convinced that sometimes people give negative feedback for no valid reason. I sincerely hope the management continues with their outstanding job, maintaining the high standards that impressed me during my visit. I'm already looking forward to returning with a group of friends for dinner soon. Passione Emporio has won me over, and I can confidently say that it deserves every bit of praise. Don't let a few negative reviews deter you; this restaurant is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
A Birthday Celebration to Remember I recently celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Passione Emporio, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, it was evident that this restaurant knows how to make special occasions truly memorable. The food was simply amazing, and the service exceeded our expectations. Our server was not only attentive but also took the time to explain each dish with great detail, enhancing our overall dining experience. We opted for the trilogia and the pork belly, and both dishes were nothing short of perfection. The flavors were rich, and the presentation was impeccable. The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and we decided to indulge in the tiramisu and profiteroles. Each bite was a delight, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen. It's evident that Passione Emporio takes pride in offering a diverse and delectable selection of desserts. To complement our meal, we explored the extensive wine list. The variety was impressive, and what stood out was the honest pricing. Passione Emporio offers a wide range of wines that cater to different preferences without breaking the bank. Overall, our evening at Passione Emporio was a delightful celebration. The combination of fantastic food, attentive service, and a well-curated wine list made it an experience we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exquisite meal, Passione Emporio is the perfect choice. Five stars without a doubt!
Service was SLOW and awkward (guy kept trying to take our menus when we had not ordered our food yet) and the women who took our order was not interested in why we were there (Berkeley Grad); food was okay. Salmon Pasta was undercooked; potatoes (with pork belly dish) was also undercooked; Creme Brûlée was a disaster - soupy and eggy. The waitress never once asked how our meals were. She just brought the bill and I had to tell her to remove the Creme Brûlée because it was inedible. Was very disappointed because it looked cute but would not recommend - especially for a special occasion. There was nothing special about the food or service... Responding to the restaurant: We were not the party of 14. We were the party of 6. We order an Aperole Spritz and two beers. (And I was never asked if I wanted another drink). We ordered two apps, 6 entrees, and two desserts. We arrived at 4 and left before 6. And correction: the potatoes were missing from the pork belly dish and two dishes: salmon and trio pasta had very undercooked pasta... we are very familiar with al dente pasta. The young lady who ordered the salmon pasta is Italian and makes her own delicious pasta.
Server was visibly stressed and made it a little uncomfortable. Was also a little assertive on how we ordered and would change our orders after telling her what we wanted because she didn't think they were good ideas. The pasta was a little dried out and bland, the pizza was good- but nothing special. Gelato was the best part. Overall- the server we had killed our experience. If I come back it'll be for takeout.
The food is delicious with ample portions. Plus reasonably priced. I had the autumn salad which was delicious plus a pasta with pork and mushroom dish. Both delicious. My husband had the eggplant Parmesan and again delicious. Wine choices good and reasonable too. A great, intimate dining experience.
The food is always consistently good. Yesterday was extremely busy as there was a private party. We sat outside and got the same great attention that we always had. There was only one wait staff. Lisbet was amazing juggling us and the big private party.
The pomodoro and burrata pasta was way to small for my son at $26. He didn't care for the cold cheese lump on top and the server and person in charge only told us after he could have ordered just pomodoro. $52 for enough pasta for a 6'4” person is not reasonable and they didn't offer anything to make up for it. So $83 and my son went home hungry. The peach salad at $16 has wilted leaves. For shame. The eggplant was over salty and hard in places and tiramisu was bland. The sauce was well done but needs some adjustments and better recovery. Overall Overpriced.
Restaurantji Recommends
Dear HappyCow community, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! As the owner of Passione Emporio on 5th, it's been our mission to provide delicious and diverse plant-based options to our wonderful customers. We're excited to announce that we're expanding our vegan menu and working tirelessly to introduce new, mouthwatering plant-based dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. We're truly passionate about creating innovative and flavorful vegan offerings, and we can't wait to share them with you! Your continued support and enthusiasm for vegan cuisine inspire us every day, and we can't wait to embark on this plant-based culinary journey with you all. Stay tuned for updates on our new additions, and thank you for being a part of our compassionate dining experience. With gratitude, Fabrizio Cercatore Passione Emporio
Dear HappyCow community, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! As the owner of Passione Emporio on 5th, it's been our mission to provide delicious and diverse plant-based options to our wonderful customers. We're excited to announce that we're expanding our vegan menu and working tirelessly to introduce new, mouthwatering plant-based dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. We're truly passionate about creating innovative and flavorful vegan offerings, and we can't wait to share them with you! Your continued support and enthusiasm for vegan cuisine inspire us every day, and we can't wait to embark on this plant-based culinary journey with you all. Stay tuned for updates on our new additions, and thank you for being a part of our compassionate dining experience. With gratitude, Fabrizio Cercatore Passione Emporio
Stupid expensive for a gelato that isn’t good. Very disappointing
Passione offers that lightness and utter freshness of cuisine typical of northern Italy. While the only menu items that are absolutely outstanding are the gelati , all dishes are tasty, enjoyable, and nicely presented. The pizza crusts have exactly the true flavor and texture of Italy's best. The salads and pastas are generous and tasty. So why only a 3 out of 5? A 3 is just plain good, with all dishes and service meeting one's expectations for a fine dining venue. We have dined in some of the world's finest restaurants; only six of them earned a 5 from us. Venues whose every dish and service are unusually imaginative, exceptionally well-prepared and gracefully presented earn a 4 -- they are farely rare. I must say that Passione's gelati earn a 5, the best gelati I've ever tasted! Otherwise a very honorable 3+. DO dine at Passione Emporio -- you will enjoy it.
This has become a "must do" when we return to Berkeley. The menu has everything you could want from an Italian restaurant presented in a thoughtful way. Service is welcoming and well informed. Away from the 4th Street clamor this quiet block south of Bancroft is an easy destination to have a meal. Go now- you won't be sorry!