Reviews - Donato&co.

Great food, responsive service, and a relatively quiet environment. I will go back on my next trip to Berkeley. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Meal type: Dinn... read more Great food, responsive service, and a relatively quiet environment. I will go back on my next trip to Berkeley. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Meal type: Dinner Recommendation for vegetarians: Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings: Vegetarian menu or section

Not bad but not great either. I have been to Donato twice now. My first experience was good, but my more recent experience was so so, and left an unpleasant tas... read more Not bad but not great either. I have been to Donato twice now. My first experience was good, but my more recent experience was so so, and left an unpleasant taste both literally and figuratively. Everyone was nice and welcoming, but the food service was surprisingly slow, and my order had meat when I specifically requested vegetarian options for religious reasons. Italian cuisine is normally very accommodating towards vegetarians, and Donato's menu is surprisingly meat filled, almost intentionally so. That said, given that this is a Berkeley restaurant, and how many people have dietary restrictions, I am surprised how difficult the menu is to interpret. I don't plan on returning anytime soon. Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Vegetarian offerings: Not sure Vegetarian options: Not well labeled, no vegetarian options in the entrees. Dietary restrictions: Do not recommend

Service mediocre, example is that they cleared 1/3 of the table post service but when we asked for the check, they never returned to finishing clearing. They di... read more Service mediocre, example is that they cleared 1/3 of the table post service but when we asked for the check, they never returned to finishing clearing. They did not ask about food allergies or restrictions. Food was difficult to eat. Bread stale, dishes without much flavor. We do not recommend. Food: 2 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 2

As for the salad, the leaves were far too large—like, not even sliced and bigger than the box the pasta came in. There were so few leaves that you could have fi... read more As for the salad, the leaves were far too large—like, not even sliced and bigger than the box the pasta came in. There were so few leaves that you could have fit them in a giant wallet if you had one. I get that serving whole leaf salads might be a trend, but they left the bitter parts on, and there wasn't enough dressing, croutons, or overpriced cheese to cover up the taste. At least the five croutons were decent.

The service here is exceptional! We had a wonderful time at this charming restaurant. We sampled the popular Parmigiano and Vasetto (chicken liver) and absolute... read more The service here is exceptional! We had a wonderful time at this charming restaurant. We sampled the popular Parmigiano and Vasetto (chicken liver) and absolutely loved them. The pasta was good, though it didn't blow us away. Next time, we’d like to try the Spaghetti Neri and Calamari. I also recommend making a reservation before you go.

The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was delightful! We discovered this restaurant by chance in the evening and decided to give it a shot. They have outdo... read more The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was delightful! We discovered this restaurant by chance in the evening and decided to give it a shot. They have outdoor seating with heat lamps, which was a nice touch. Our waiter welcomed us right away. I ordered the SPAGHETTI NERI (squid ink, calamari, garlic, spicy Calabria peppers, oven-dried Roma tomatoes, bottarga) and it was fantastic! You definitely need to enjoy seafood to fully appreciate this dish, as it packed a lot of flavor. We also tried a tomato appetizer, which was both healthy and tasty, along with their homemade pizza and biscotti. We left feeling satisfied and happy to have found such a great new restaurant.

The service and atmosphere at Donato and Co was wonderful. The food was delicious and quality as well. I was a bit confused by the bruschetta, traditionally it'... read more The service and atmosphere at Donato and Co was wonderful. The food was delicious and quality as well. I was a bit confused by the bruschetta, traditionally it's less of a sauce and more chunky with fresh tomatoes so that was a bit strange. I would havepreferred the more authentic style. The burrata saved it for me though because that combination was excellent. The Cacio e pepewas RICH! I guess I should know that. It was delicious nevertheless, but I might try something new next time with more veggies.The homemade spaghetti was perfectly Al dente. The fettuccine duck special, though really high quality, was missing an elementfor me. Perhaps tomato or a sauce to really tie it all together? The fresh pasta was delicious and the duck was cookedperfectly. Overall, it was just a little one note. All-in-all, the quality and the service cannot be beat. I'll have to give itanother try to see what else that have to offer. ???? Another note: please turn the lighting down. It was so bright in there.Gave off a strange vibe. Mood lighting is best.

Last night, we enjoyed an incredible meal to celebrate our 4-year anniversary! We opted for the prix fixe menu, and it was absolutely fantastic! Each course was... read more Last night, we enjoyed an incredible meal to celebrate our 4-year anniversary! We opted for the prix fixe menu, and it was absolutely fantastic! Each course was exceptional! From the homemade pasta with shrimp to the fried cod with artichokes, and finishing with the chocolate fudge paired with gelato for dessert, every dish was delightful! We strongly recommend this restaurant! The service was excellent as well.

The food is exquisite, and the service is warm and welcoming. We consistently have a fantastic experience when we eat here. If you're looking for exceptional It... read more The food is exquisite, and the service is warm and welcoming. We consistently have a fantastic experience when we eat here. If you're looking for exceptional Italian cuisine and a delightful meal, you should definitely pay a visit. We will certainly be coming back soon for more!

This was our second visit to Donato as we wanted to give it another chance after our initial experience on Valentine's Day, which was marred by some issues due... read more This was our second visit to Donato as we wanted to give it another chance after our initial experience on Valentine's Day, which was marred by some issues due to the holiday and a system failure. As a result, we ended up spending nearly three hours at the restaurant, mostly waiting and growing impatient for our meals. This time, we brought a friend along for a random Friday night dinner with a reservation. Unfortunately, the service was just as slow as before. It took about half an hour for our orders to be taken, and then we waited another hour for our food to arrive. To add to our frustration, we received a dessert menu before our last dish was even served. When we inquired about it, we were informed that it had never been put into the system and wouldn't be coming. I fail to understand the high ratings this place receives. The food is mediocre considering the prices, the service is sluggish, and it appears that the kitchen staff is overwhelmed and unable to deliver meals in a timely manner. I truly wanted to enjoy this restaurant given its glowing reviews, but it seems the only patrons who are appreciating it are older couples, which makes me think that if you don't fit that demographic, you might want to think twice about dining here. This will be our second and final visit.

The menu isn't the usual often found in Italian restaurants. The variations are interesting and we found the pasta dishes we had excellent. Service was phenomen... read more The menu isn't the usual often found in Italian restaurants. The variations are interesting and we found the pasta dishes we had excellent. Service was phenomenal.

At Donato&co., our waiter was patient with a picky guest who sampled two wines before choosing a third. The service was good, though slightly slow. The food was... read more At Donato&co., our waiter was patient with a picky guest who sampled two wines before choosing a third. The service was good, though slightly slow. The food was delicious, especially the Gambari. This was our second visit, and we look forward to returning to explore more from the menu.

Neither dish was satisfactory. The risotto was undercooked, and the meat on top was tough and inedible. The bruschetta lacked vegetables and consisted only of b... read more Neither dish was satisfactory. The risotto was undercooked, and the meat on top was tough and inedible. The bruschetta lacked vegetables and consisted only of bread, cheese, and marinara sauce. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience and the meal felt extremely overpriced.

The dessert of sbriciolona and cream has made my week so much better! read more The dessert of sbriciolona and cream has made my week so much better!

A bit on the expensive side, but absolutely worth every bite! I'm happy to indulge occasionally at Donato. The BOLOGNESE is amazing, and the chocolate mousse is... read more A bit on the expensive side, but absolutely worth every bite! I'm happy to indulge occasionally at Donato. The BOLOGNESE is amazing, and the chocolate mousse is always a hit. I decided to try the pizzelle, and it was fantastic!

Pasta wasnt even fully cooked. Not even Al dente, the noodles were crunchy read more Pasta wasnt even fully cooked. Not even Al dente, the noodles were crunchy

The grilled gambas were so delicious that we ended up ordering an extra plate. The Branzino was consistently excellent, and the pasta with meat sauce completed... read more The grilled gambas were so delicious that we ended up ordering an extra plate. The Branzino was consistently excellent, and the pasta with meat sauce completed the meal perfectly. The Italian wine selection was outstanding, and the knowledgeable waitstaff were more than happy to offer tastings. It was a fantastic family dinner!

The food was disappointing. My pasta did not match the description on the menu (there were no Calabrian chili flavors that I could detect, and fresh tomatoes we... read more The food was disappointing. My pasta did not match the description on the menu (there were no Calabrian chili flavors that I could detect, and fresh tomatoes were used instead of sun-dried tomatoes), and the dish was extremely salty, making it difficult for me to enjoy. I really wish I had sent it back.

The fresh pasta with sugo (Mezze Maniche) is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. We enjoyed the salad (Castelfranco) with the nectarines, creamy dressing, a... read more The fresh pasta with sugo (Mezze Maniche) is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. We enjoyed the salad (Castelfranco) with the nectarines, creamy dressing, and Parmesan but it needed something more acidic. The drinks were fantastic, especially my Paper Plane. Service was attentive in the most unassuming but professional way. Relaxed and pleasant atmosphere but . Worth it.

We had a wonderful experience at Donato & Co. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere was delightful, and the service was impeccable. read more We had a wonderful experience at Donato & Co. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere was delightful, and the service was impeccable.

We had two main pasta dishes; shrimp and pesto linguine and fig flavored ravioli and the tomato bread salad, each were very good. After dinner we had the cherry... read more We had two main pasta dishes; shrimp and pesto linguine and fig flavored ravioli and the tomato bread salad, each were very good. After dinner we had the cherry and meringue dessert w/whipped cream. Excellent

A truly authentic Italian pasta experience in a lovely, tranquil setting! My family and I love dining at Donato Co. whenever we get the chance. Thank you, Gianl... read more A truly authentic Italian pasta experience in a lovely, tranquil setting! My family and I love dining at Donato Co. whenever we get the chance. Thank you, Gianluca and Dayli, for the wonderful brunch!

Charming in a distinctly Berkeley manner, Donato is nestled at the end of Ashby Street before it reaches College Avenue. This restaurant offers a unique take on... read more Charming in a distinctly Berkeley manner, Donato is nestled at the end of Ashby Street before it reaches College Avenue. This restaurant offers a unique take on Italian cuisine that adds to its allure. It's a fantastic spot for lunch.

I spent a wonderful couple of hours at this restaurant, thanks to Christian, Casey, and Shaun, who made the afternoon truly enjoyable. The entire team is fantas... read more I spent a wonderful couple of hours at this restaurant, thanks to Christian, Casey, and Shaun, who made the afternoon truly enjoyable. The entire team is fantastic. The pizelles brought back memories of home, and the cocktails were creative and delightful. I can't wait to return; this place really knows how to please the senses!

I had a wonderful experience with both the appetizers and the main course. Our server, Glen, suggested our meals, and they turned out to be the perfect choice! read more I had a wonderful experience with both the appetizers and the main course. Our server, Glen, suggested our meals, and they turned out to be the perfect choice!

The food here is fantastic, and the atmosphere is delightful! We discovered this restaurant while out in the evening, and we decided to give it a shot. They off... read more The food here is fantastic, and the atmosphere is delightful! We discovered this restaurant while out in the evening, and we decided to give it a shot. They offer outdoor seating with heat lamps, which is a big plus, and we were promptly greeted by our server. I ordered the SPAGHETTI NERI (squid ink, calamari, garlic, spicy Calabria peppers, oven-dried Roma tomato, and bottarga), and it was absolutely delicious! You definitely need to enjoy seafood to fully appreciate this dish, as it’s packed with flavor. We also tried the tomato appetizer, which was both nutritious and tasty. Their homemade pizza and biscotti were great as well. We left feeling completely satisfied and thrilled to have discovered such a wonderful new restaurant.

My fiancée surprised me with a birthday dinner at this restaurant, and I must admit, I had my doubts since he doesn’t always choose the best places. I requested... read more My fiancée surprised me with a birthday dinner at this restaurant, and I must admit, I had my doubts since he doesn’t always choose the best places. I requested a spot that offered organic, high-quality, thoughtfully prepared, yet rustic dishes, and this restaurant exceeded my expectations. Every dish we tried was delicious. We started with the radicchio salad and then enjoyed the spaghetti Neri along with a calamari and octopus dish. The portions were medium-sized, so we decided to order the truffle ravioli as well. We paired our meal with some wine and left feeling very satisfied. The service was excellent—prompt and straightforward. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Do any of the faithful regulars miss the gamberi (shrimp) and arugula salad? Its new replacement is a deep-fried version that is more like snack food with a dip... read more Do any of the faithful regulars miss the gamberi (shrimp) and arugula salad? Its new replacement is a deep-fried version that is more like snack food with a dipping sauce. Fried seafood all tastes like fried anything. As a non-pizza/pasta eater, and Italian cuisine offering so much variety, this was a winner. Drinks and wine always good, amiable service, but new menu more conventional. I’ll still go back for the calamari main dish, but some freshness in the heavy appetizer category would be a plus. Glad they made it through the pandemic!

Honestly underwhelmed. Food wasn't bad, but felt overpriced. Service was sub-par. There's was a little over an hour between receiving appetizers and main course... read more Honestly underwhelmed. Food wasn't bad, but felt overpriced. Service was sub-par. There's was a little over an hour between receiving appetizers and main courses, and dessert drinks were completely forgotten. About a 5 minute pause between receiving the first main course and the last main course being delivered to the table, so plenty of polite staring at food. Maybe it's because we were a party of 6, but seeing as most the dishes were duplicates, that's not super acceptable. My dish was okay, but not amazing. Overall plating was pretty, not practical. The ribs dish was served on a massive bed of garbanzo beans, maybe a whole can's worth per plate. In general dishes were served a la carte, portion sizes were smaller than anticipated. I'm not known for my appetite, and I wasn't terribly hungry going to dinner. I did my part during appetizers, cleared my plate for the main and dessert and didn't feel like I over-ate. Those with a larger appetite may want an app and dessert to themselves. Speaking of desserts: they were the highlight of the show, a bit small to share, but absolutely delectable. I never got the chance to try the coffee as our order didn't take, but if I were to eat here, it would probably be for a coffee/dessert. In short, many Michelin starred restaurants are cheaper and in my opinion, more worth the cost.

The service is excellent! We had a great time in this beautiful place. We tried the popular Parmigiano and Vasetto, and we loved her. The pasta was good, but we... read more The service is excellent! We had a great time in this beautiful place. We tried the popular Parmigiano and Vasetto, and we loved her. The pasta was good, but we were not amazed. Next time you want to try the Spaghetti Neri and Calamari and recommend a reservation before the visit.

Really great food and love the ambience! We stumbled over this restaurant in the evening and decided to try it. They have tables outside with heat lamps (major... read more Really great food and love the ambience! We stumbled over this restaurant in the evening and decided to try it. They have tables outside with heat lamps (major plus) and the waiter welcomed us immediately. I have the SPAGHETTI NERI (Squid Ink, Calamari, Garlic, Calabria spicy paprika, oven-dried Roma tomatoes, Bottarga) and it was delicious! Must eat things from the sea to appreciate this dish as it is tasteful. We also have the tomato remover who was nutritious and tasty. And her homemade pizza and biscotti too. Left feeling satisfied. And happy to try a new great restaurant.

I think that's most of what a restaurant has ever profited from me. It was much overpriced for the quality and portions you receive, also for Berkeley. The squi... read more I think that's most of what a restaurant has ever profited from me. It was much overpriced for the quality and portions you receive, also for Berkeley. The squid ink pasta tasted literally like cooked noodles, which I could make in my Berkeley herd of 1934, that I also paid too much for it. I'm not even sure there was a full mini-octopus in my pasta that cost $24. The salad leaves were TOO BIG as in not even cut and as in larger than the box the pasta came in). In addition, there were so few sheets that you could fit them into your wallet if your wallet was HUGE. I know it may be trendy to serve full-sheet salads, but the bitterness remained, and there was not enough sauce, crumbs or overpriced cheese to mask the taste. at least the 5 crumbs were good.

Came here twice, the steak was decent, maybe cooked a little more than I hoped, but acceptable. The dessert was pretty good. read more Came here twice, the steak was decent, maybe cooked a little more than I hoped, but acceptable. The dessert was pretty good.

The service and atmosphere at Donato and Co was wonderful. The food was delicious and quality as well. I was a bit confused by the bruschetta, traditionally it'... read more The service and atmosphere at Donato and Co was wonderful. The food was delicious and quality as well. I was a bit confused by the bruschetta, traditionally it's less of a sauce and more chunky with fresh tomatoes so that was a bit strange. I would have preferred the more authentic style. The burrata saved it for me though because that combination was excellent. The Cacio e pepe was RICH! I guess I should know that. It was delicious nevertheless, but I might try something new next time with more veggies. The homemade spaghetti was perfectly Al dente. The fettuccine duck special, though really high quality, was missing an element for me. Perhaps tomato or a sauce to really tie it all together? The fresh pasta was delicious and the duck was cooked perfectly. Overall, it was just a little one note. All-in-all, the quality and the service cannot be beat. I'll have to give it another try to see what else that have to offer. ? Another note: please turn the lighting down. It was so bright in there. Gave off a strange vibe. Mood lighting is best.