Passione Emporio/ Hot Italian — Restaurant in Berkeley

Stopped in after a long walk around 7:30 for a quick bite and glass of wine. One other large party was there enjoying a birthday, so it was just us and them. Based on our short visit, I am not sure why this place isn't packed, but it was a Thursday night and the location is a bit hidden, so perhaps just not enough foot traffic to make it so.

Regardless, we enjoyed the Polenta Fritta e Gamberetti appetizer and a glass of wine each. The wine list is heavy on European (especially Italian, obviously) choices and we were very happy with our Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. The food was delicious - creamy polenta fried to a light crisp, a simple, bright sugo with fresh whole baby Roma tomatoes lightly stewed in the sauce and a drizzle of really nice olive oil. Topped with microgreens and a heavy portion of shrimp, this is easily subbed in as a main dish on the lighter side.

The only slight improvement I'd say to be made is that the shrimp were just on the right side of being overcooked - a few seconds longer and they would've been rubbery. It seemed as though they were blanched first (as if from frozen) and then flash seared before serving, as opposed to being peeled fresh right there, if that's important to you.

Service was simple and unobtrusive, and in the European style. It is a nice contrast to what we're used to here and makes you feel as if you really are in some little piazza in Italy. The chef is visible behind the low counter leading to the kitchen, everything smells amazing, decor is nice, and again, staff is pleasant, just not "American." Meaning, we are used to our servers being overly friendly to get good tips - they just do their jobs well and hope you tip accordingly. Somehow, this is turning into me wanting everyone to support their local restaurants, but please do try this place. It is refreshingly not your typical...

Dude, amazing place. It looks small from the front but behind the scenes they are quite busy handcrafting absolutely every food item on their menu. From the handmade pastas to the specially crafted sauces, and again to the unique and fresh gelato flavors, this place has got it going on. They're mostly regular ITALIAN entre dishes, however, the back part of the menu are their designer pies. And people, I'm talking about the zaaahhh (PIZZA, duh!). As if this spot hadn't already started calling to you, I almost forgot to mention the complete modesty of the menu s pricing. Realistically, I've seen places of this caliber charge much more than even the most expensive things on the menu. They also have a lunch menu averaging slightly less as well. Everything here is going to be around the $20.00 and below mark. Where you may end up coming out of pocket slightly is going to be on the appetizers or your wine selection...both of which, pared with the perfect dish, absolutely will make your dining experience here something to brag about, especially if you are the first of your friends to find this gem and...

This place used to be a gem. I live a few blocks away. I used to take my friends here and also order pizza take away very often. Unfortunately at some point the quality of the food changed for the worse. The frequency at which I would visit the place declined. It was really a shame. Over a year ago my girlfriend and I had an amazing time here one evening. Yesterday we were feeling nostalgic and went back. We had a very disappointing experience. They got my order wrong, and my girlfriend left her pasta unfinished after just a couple bites. When it was time for the bill the waiter asked how everything was, I managed to inform him that we were disappointed. He said he hopes that next time will be better. We paid the hefty bill and left dissatisfied and still hungry. I strongly believe I will not be visiting again. Later I learned that the business was sold at some point in the past year or so. I think the new ownership is probably the reason for the decline in the quality of the restaurant. Once great, but...