C'Era Una Volta Kitchen & Catering — Restaurant in Alameda

We haven't patronized C'Era Una Volta for over a decade, for good reason. We have high expectations with Italian food and unfortunately they did not improve with time. The best part of the meal was probably the bread, served with a warm, mustardy aioli that was both smooth and pungent, creamy but not spicy. The beet salad was so uninspiring, we could have done better putting a few pkgs from Trader Joes in a bowl and assembling something ourselves. Our daughter's kids' sausage pizza was served with mushrooms (wasn't mentioned on the menu), husband's melanzane Parmigiana was decent, but my Tagliolini alla Senese was a let-down. There was a giant clump of uncooked, unseparated noodles, and the sauce was supposed to be a chianti beef sauce but all I could get was tons of herbaceousness from a heavy hand (I forgot if it was thyme or rosemary, it wasn't pleasant). The service was very lackluster (took a while to take our order, arms reaching across the table instead of going around to serve/clear, no one checked on us after our main courses were delivered). I truly wish they would improve because I would throw my money at a good Italian reataurant without a second thought (yes, we've been to Italy, from Roma up to Venezia) but it...

If I could give C'Era Una Volta Kitchen & Catering 10 stars, I would without hesitation! From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with the kind of warmth and hospitality that only a true Italian gentleman like Rudy, the owner, can provide. Meeting Rudy was a highlight in itself—he's not just passionate about his craft, but also genuinely cares about his customers' experience.

But let’s talk about the food because it’s nothing short of spectacular. I put my trust in Rudy and let him choose my lunch, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He crafted a salad with toast points that were both fresh and flavorful with fresh Mozzarella and tomatoes with a balsamic dressing that was amazing, setting the stage for the main event: ravioli with a meat sauce that was simply out of this world. Every bite was a testament to Rudy’s dedication to authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine.

The service was impeccable, the atmosphere cozy and inviting, and the food—oh, the food! Rudy is an absolute gem, and his restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves great food and an even greater dining experience. This place is an instant favorite, and I can't wait to return! It's a small space for dining in but worth the...

I don't offer 5 stars much if at all, but here we are. Wait staff, preparation, ambiance were all spot on. Our waiter was attentive and caring. I was a bit overwhelmed by the wine list and asked for help with a huge selection of Italian and other European reds. So our waiter called in the de facto wine steward. That person asked a couple of simple questions, made her recommendation and nailed it. Gluten free options for my dining partner, the Tortelloni Ai Porcini for me. As the place filled up we never felt rushed. Our waiter constantly reminded us through dinner, wine, dessert and coffee to "take our time."

On top of everything else, there was a medical emergency. Other diners stepped in to care for a person that had passed out and hit the floor*. Seeing that the person was being cared for, staff seemed to monitor the situation but did not attempt to rush in and "direct traffic" unnecessarily.

*The diner that lost consciousness was helped back into their chair, city paramedics were called, came and attended and took the diner out on a gurney. Throughout, staff kept the rest of us informed and offered a calm that was well...