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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Berkeley

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant
1. Creekwood Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(966)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Berkeley
Booked 21 times today
Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is an exemplary showcase of American cuisine, delivering a menu filled with heart and soul. Diners rave about the "excellent Beef Short Rib and Crab Ravioli" and the "delicious, unique choices" that keep the local community coming back for more. The thoughtful use of "seasonal ingredients" in dishes like the praised "corn and asparagus pizza" and "brussel sprouts with a very light sweet praline crust" highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviews consistently highlight the "attentive and friendly" service, making Creekwood not just a meal, but an experience. As one review puts it, this is a "wonderful neighborhood spot" where every dish is "beautifully prepared," making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of American dining in Berkeley.
A photo of Trabocco restaurant
2. Trabocco
4.8
Exceptional(3488)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Alameda
Booked 39 times today
At Trabocco in Alameda, the Pizzeria cuisine is nothing short of spectacular, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and quality offerings. Chef-owner Giuseppe Naccarelli expertly crafts pizzas that are both classic and imaginative, ensuring every slice is a bite of heaven. As one glowing review puts it, "Get the pizza. Any pizza. They're all fabulous!" The favorite among many is the 'Rapini e Salsiccia', which features spicy Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and fior di latte, all atop a perfect tomato sauce base. The ambiance complements the dining experience, with a warm, welcoming yet modern setting inspired by the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, Trabocco offers a consistently delightful Pizzeria experience that makes it a beloved gem in Alameda.
A photo of Back to Back restaurant
3. Back to Back
4.7
Exceptional(48)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill
Booked 20 times today
Back to Back in Nob Hill, San Francisco, offers an exceptional Pizzeria experience where Italian flair meets Californian vibrancy. Guests rave about the wood-fired pizzas, describing them as “absolute must-try’s” with a crust that is "perfectly fired.” The flavor of each pie, from the "hot honey pizza" to the "Salsiccia pizza," is consistently praised for being "distinct and well balanced." Diners are not only enchanted by the food but also the ambiance, highlighted by a collection of vinyl records that add a unique, creative touch to the dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that each pizza not only tastes authentic but also celebrates California’s rich produce. This culinary gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Pizzeria in San Francisco.
A photo of Bocconcino restaurant
4. Bocconcino
4.7
Exceptional(88)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Beach
Booked 15 times today
Bocconcino, nestled in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco, offers an authentic Italian dining experience that delights locals and visitors alike. With its blend of traditional and innovative Italian dishes, Bocconcino stands out for its use of high-quality local ingredients, creating mouthwatering handmade pastas and gourmet entrées. Patrons rave about the "best pasta I've ever had" and commend the "charming and fresh" atmosphere, highlighting the cozy and intimate setting. The engaging owner, often mentioned in glowing reviews, adds a personal touch that enhances the dining experience, making guests feel like family. Whether it’s the "perfectly al dente" risotto or the "utterly sophisticated" lasagna, Bocconcino consistently impresses with its exceptional cuisine and vibrant ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine taste of Italy in San Francisco.
A photo of The Fly Trap restaurant
5. The Fly Trap
4.6
Exceptional(1426)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • SOMA
Booked 9 times today
At The Fly Trap in SOMA, San Francisco, guests are treated to an exemplary Californian cuisine experience, making it the ideal spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant's proximity to the Moscone Center and its vibrant atmosphere are complemented by a menu that highlights the freshness and innovation synonymous with Californian culinary artistry. Reviews rave about the quality of dishes like the "crisp apple cider and super tasty burger with fresh fries" and the "decadent mushroom soup," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its eclectic decor and warm hospitality, The Fly Trap stands out as a jewel in Californian cuisine, offering a "fantastic experience" that guests eagerly recommend.
A photo of Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959 restaurant
6. Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959
4.6
Exceptional(269)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Beach
Booked 3 times today
Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar, nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco since 1959, offers a slice of Italy with its authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Renowned for its thin-crust pizzas, each dish is a testament to traditional Italian flavors, earning glowing reviews like it's "the best Italian food I've ever had" and a "hidden gem" of the area. Guests rave about the homemade style and genuine taste, with one diner exclaiming, “The pizza and gnocchi paired with a Chianti reserve... had a real great experience, food was really good." Luisa’s commitment to quality and her presence ensures every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Join the many who have found a piece of Italy in San Francisco at Luisa’s.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ron
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food was delicious. Well prepared and a great selection. We will be going back, soon.
    More info
    TraboccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Alameda
    •
    4.8
  • Deborah
    San Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Nice spot! It was our first time in, we've been meaning to go for ages. Initially, the arrival experience was definitely lacking, but at the table service was lovely and attentive. The menu is smaller, and more California Italian than traditional Italian, but everything we ordered was tasty, and the portions are very generous. The noise level was much louder than expected - it's not a great choice if you're looking to enjoy a quieter conversation - but it seems great for younger families or other groups or 3 or more.
    More info
    Creekwood RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Berkeley
    •
    4.7
  • Frank
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    Great neighborhood place. Great people run it, great food and service.
    More info
    Back to BackPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Nob Hill
    •
    4.7
  • Sandy
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    I visited this restaurant with my girlfriends, and we ate so much that I had to order an entire meal for two to take home for tomorrow night. The food was delicious, and I loved the atmosphere. It was casual, relaxed, and unpretentious. The young woman who served us tonight knew her food and her drinks so well, and the server guy was very attentive. Every dish was carefully designed and cooked with a lot of joy and attention to details. All the desserts were made in house and to their perfection. What a great modern Italian restaurant that we discovered tonight!
    More info
    BocconcinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Irisvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Love the food and service. In my opinion serving beverages in tiny glasses for $19 is overpriced. I don’t see the value there. That’s why I gave it four stars instead of five. Love the Pinsa but stay away from the artichoke and potato one. It’s just not a good combination. All the other Pinsa‘s are delicious as well as the rest of the food on the menu.
    More info
    Montesacro Walnut CreekPrice: Expensive• Italian• Walnut Creek
    •
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Berkeley

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in Berkeley's vibrant dining scene, located in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Renowned for its innovative fusion of Italian techniques with local Californian flavors, Berkeley offers a variety of restaurants that cater to those seeking a modern twist on classic Italian dishes. Each establishment in this area showcases a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish bursts with flavor and authenticity. The dining environments range from casual chic to sophisticated elegance, providing perfect settings for both relaxed meals and special occasions. Patrons can expect exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, reflecting Berkeley's reputation for culinary excellence and innovation. Whether you're craving artisanal pizzas, handcrafted pastas, or inventive Italian entrees, Berkeley's contemporary Italian restaurants promise a memorable gastronomic experience. Explore these culinary gems to satisfy your palate with top-tier Italian cuisine right in the heart of the East Bay.

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