Pizzaiolo

Servers really make you feel special here. Beautiful details in the art, dried wreaths and rustic interior. Great date night away from kids. All food items feel like they were made with love of ingredients. Puntarelle and margherita pizza recommended. Crab was also delicious.

Absolutely amazing food. Really carries Chez Panisse like care for detail and ingredients. Service is also great and a nice casual atmosphere.

I recently dined at this establishment that a friend raved about... While there were some notable issues, it was ultimately redeemed by the owner's personal touch, and the wonderful waiter's charm. Firs, I must address the burnt pizza, which was quite disappointing. As someone with a background in the restaurant industry (owned and ran restaurants for 20+ years) I understand the importance of attention to detail, and burnt pizza is something I have rarely encountered. It left me wondering if there was some truth to my friends excuse that this is a preference style among Americans. However, my Italian companions, who hails from Genova, and the other from puglia, they also found it unusual. In any case, for a meal costing over $200, I expected a higher standard. Another point I wanted to discuss was the antipasto, which deviated from traditional expectations. For example, the Tonnato dish featured a Kaki Farm egg but lacked the expected abundance of tonno. The focaccia also differed significantly from the familiar version. Nevertheless, when we had the opportunity to chat with the owner, Charlie, he explained his desire to put his own spin on these dishes and make them his signature creations. While I appreciate creativity, I do hope it remains rooted in the traditional palate to some extent. What truly elevated the dining experience was Charlie himself. His warm and charming personality, along with his American approach to culinary innovation, added a unique dimension to the evening. His willingness to engage with us, explain his vision, and even sit down for a conversation was a gesture that made the overall experience quite enjoyable. Plus I can't say enough about our waiter...Latino with an American name, not sure what his mother was thinking. In summary, my visit to this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. The burnt pizza and unconventional antipasto were disappointments, particularly given the price point. However, the personal touch and creative aspirations of the owner, Charlie, made the evening memorable. It's a place where traditional expectations meet modern reinterpretations, and with a little refinement, it has the potential to offer a truly exceptional dining experience.

Servers + food + music

Wonderful food but horrible neighborhood. Your car might be victimized with a "smash and grab" while having dinner. Oakland and this neighborhood sucks.

Always delicious and a vibe!