donato&co.

4.5

1708 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines

Rustic Italian cuisine w/ a contemporary twist, featuring house made pastas & locally sourced seafood & meats cooked over a live fire.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(510) 838-1131
Website
http://www.donatoandco.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Gianluca Guglielmi

Location
2635 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhood
Berkeley
Cross street
College Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Uovo$13.00
organic ruby red frilly streak local greens, crispy fried egg, caramelized walnuts, watermelon radish, grain mustard & honey dressing
Castelfranco$14.00
radicchio salad, Grana Padano cheese, Swanton Farms strawberries, herbed focaccia crostini, creamy garlic dressing
Gamberi$21.00
grilled all-natural prawn tails (4), wild arugula salad, Italian cannellini beans, roasted almonds, lemon dressing
Tartra'$20.00
imported Parmigiano-Reggiano, warm savory milk & egg flan, creamy broccolini sauce, crispy fried onion, fresh parsley leaves, fresh Summer black truffle
Bruschetta$16.00
crispy house grilled pugliese bread, garlic oil, San Marzano tomatoes, basil, Sicilian oregano, wild arugula, Italian burrata cheese
Arancini$16.00
saffron, peas & provolone cheese crispy fried risotto balls (3), spicy pepper sauce, sweet fennel salad

Salt & Water

Cured or Brined Appetizers

Vasetto$12.00
Mary's chicken livers, butter, sage & Marsala wine mousse, housemade Bosc pear spicy italian "mostarda", crispy crostini bread
Prosciutto$17.00
Parma aged 18 months, Taleggio "vero" cheese & housemade mini piadina bread, balsamic golden raisins
Pizzelle$15.00
"le montanare", 3 small neapolitan-style fried pizzas, Italian tomatoes, whole milk fresh mozzarella, oregano, Tuscan extra virgin olive oil
Ricotta$15.00
homemade ricotta cheese, yellow beets, ruby red grapefuit, roasted pumpkin seeds, mint, fig's saba reduction
Salumi$22.00
board of homemade assorted charcuterie, served with pickled vegetables, housebaked breadsticks
Baccalà$20.00
creamy salted cod Venetian-style "baccalà" & olive oil mousse, crispy fried polenta, "powdered" parsley oil

Pasta & Co.

All pasta are home made

Pappardelle Verdi$22.00
homemade egg & nettle noodles, wild mushroom medley, garlic oil, Grana Padano cheese
Spaghetti Neri$24.00
squid ink, Monterey Bay calamari, garlic, Calabria spicy peppers, oven-dried Roma tomato, bottarga
Cacio e Pepe$20.00
tonnarelli pasta, pecorino Romano & Grana Padano cheesy creamy sauce, Sarawak black pepper
Cappelletti$23.00
prosciutto di Parma & house made ricotta ravioli, walnut sauce, zante currants, fig's "saba" reduction
Spaghettoni$29.00
imported semolina wide spaghetti, all natural shrimps, spring red onion, plum tomatoes, fresh basil
Bolognese$22.00
traditional beef & pork "sugo", fresh tagliatelle egg noodles, Italian tomatoes, Grana Padano cheese
Tortelloni$22.00
egg pasta ravioli, roasted eggplant, mozzarella & Grana Padano cheese, creamy tomato emulsion, basil
Risotto$26.00
imported carnaroli rice, Grana Padano, Jacopi Farms fava beans, crispy pork belly, "burro acido"

Iron & Fire

Main Courses

Calamari$34.00
grilled Monterey Bay calamari, Spanish octopus, Sicilian caponata, "salmoriglio" dressing, fresh parsley
Branzino$43.00
pan seared imported Mediterranean sea bass, organic heirloom tomatoes, yukon gold potatoes, Taggiasca black olives, fresh basil, Soave wine
Pescatrice$40.00
sous-vide & seared monkfish, saffron & Soave wine sauce, lemon thyme, parsnip medley, carrot's umami
Bistecca$45.00
16oz. grass fed, dry aged grilled rib eye steak, roasted Amarosa potatoes, sautéed garlic oil broccolini
Maiale$35.00
grilled all natural Duroc pork chop, sous vide, grilled polenta & roasted summer squash medley, Marsala sauce
Agnello$38.00
Colorado lamb leg sous-vide, pan roasted, Romanstyle sautéed chicory, mint, lamb & raspberry reduction
Cavolfiore$24.00
whole herb stuffed & roasted cauliflower, spicy "puttanesca" olive-caper sauce, aromatic herbs

Sides

$10

Seasonal Mista Salad
Grilled Polenta & Grana Padano
Roasted Amarosa Potatoes
Garlic Broccolini
Sicilian Caponata
Sautéed Summer Squash
Sautéed Roman Chicory

Our Wines by the Glass

Bollicine - Bubbles

Lambrusco di Sorbara "Piria" Rosé DOC 2020 Paltrinieri - Emilia Romagna$12.00
70% Sorbara - 30% Salamino. Charmat Method. Red fruit and floral notes with a light ruby tone
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Brut Azienda Agricola Drusian - Veneto$13.00
100% Glera - Charmat tank Method. Green apple and floral notes combine with a cream texture
Trento Doc Dosaggio Zero Millesimato 2016 A. Agricola Revi - Trentino (Zero Sugar)$16.00
70% Chardonnay-30% Pinot Noir Champagne Method for 40 Months on yeast. Fragrant with notes of fruit and flowers
Trento Doc Brut Rosé Millesimato 2016 Azienda Agricola Revi - Trentino$16.00
80% Pinot Nero - 20% Chardonnay, Champagne Method for 40 Months on yeast. Fragrant with notes of red berry fruit

Bianchi, Rosato & Ramato - Whites, Rosé & Copper

Bianco dei Muni 2019 (Pinot Grigio, Durella & Chardonnay) Piccinin - Veneto**$14.00
Falanghina del Sannio "Taburno" 2020 Fattoria La Rivolta - Campania$13.00
Vermentino "Canayli" DOCG 2020 (Vermentino) Cantina di Gallura - Sardegna$14.00
Mille Uve 2019 (Chardonnay & Malvasia) Borgo del Tiglio - Friuli Venezia Giulia$15.00
Trebbiano Spoletino "Il Padrone delle Vigne Bianco" IGT 2020 Tabarrini - Umbria$13.00
Friulano "Blanc di Simon" 2019 (Friulano) Simon di Brazzan - Friuli Venezia Giulia$14.00
Sauvignon Blanc "Nymphae" 2020 Tenuta Montemagno - Piemonte$15.00
Pinot Grigio "Ramato Polin" 2020 Azienda Agricola Pravis - Trentino*****$14.00
Nebbiolo Rosé 2020 Cascina Ca' Rossa - Piemonte$12.00

Rossi – Reds

Muni Rosso 2018 (Valpolicella Blend & Merlot) Piccinin - Veneto**$13.00
Etna Rosso "Passione" 2019 (Nerello Mascalese) Theresa Eccher - Sicilia$16.00
Chianti Classico "L'Aura" DOCG 2018 (Sangiovese) Querceto di Castellina - Toscana$14.00
Copertino Riserva 2012 (Negroamaro) Cantina Copertino - Puglia$12.00
Pinot Nero "Madruzzo" DOC 2018 (Pinot Noir) Azienda Pravis - Trentino$15.00
Aglianico "Cretarossa Campi Taurasini" DOC 2013 Az. Vit. I Favati - Campania$17.00
Bolgheri DOC "Volpolo" 2019 (Cabernet Sauv, Merlot, P. Verdot) Podere Sapaio - Toscana$20.00
Barolo "Altenasso" DOCG 2016 (Nebbiolo) Cavalier Bartolomeo - Piemonte$23.00
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2016 Corte Fornaledo - Veneto$25.00
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 (Sangiovese) Caprili - Toscana$28.00

Birre – Beers

Non-Alcoholic - Erdinger - Germany, 0.5%
- 12oz$7.00
Pranqster Belgium Ale - North Coast, Fort Bragg, 7.6%
- 12oz$8.00
The Truth Imperial IPA - Flying Dog, Maryland, 8.9%
- 12oz$8.00
Boo Koo IPA - Mother Earth, Vista, 6.8%
- Pint - Draft$8.00
Bo Pils Pilsner - East Brother, Richmond, 5.0%
- Pint - Draft$8.00
Amber Premium Lager - Menabrea, Biella, Piemonte, Italy, 5.0%
- Pint - Draft$8.00
Italian IPA - Mastri Birrai Umbri - Gualdo Cattaneo, Umbria, Italy, 6.5%
- 10.14oz$8.00
Blonde Premium Lager - Menabrea, Biella Piemonte, Italy, 4.8%
- 11.2oz$8.00

Bibite - Drinks

Aranciata, Limonata, Pompelmo & Chinotto - San Pellegrino - Lombardia$4.00
"Molecola" & "Molecola Zero" - Italian Natural Cola - Piemonte$4.00
Italian Sparkling Water - Lurisia - Piemonte$5.00

What 1,708 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Donato&Co. delights with "creative pasta dishes" and "phenomenal service." Its menu offers "interesting variations" of traditional Italian fare, including standout dishes like Cacio e Pepe and pappardelle with mushrooms. Guests appreciate the "great cocktails" and "friendly, accommodating staff," making it a top choice for special occasions and memorable dining experiences.

1,708 Reviews

L
Lara
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Service was wonderful from the moment we walked in the door, and the restaurant space is busy and buzzing but somehow quiet and inviting nonetheless. Despite how full it was, we had no trouble hearing each other. It is a very lovely, welcoming space. Our server, Kathryn, was attentive yet unobtrusive. The food and drink, however, was almost comically bad. The wine I initially ordered was unavailable so I chose something else, listed as "light" on the menu. I think they must have meant "light yellow" because that is as close to light as it got. It was thick and syrupy, like a heavy European dessert wine. We asked for a recommendation for an appetizer, selecting the Sotto Terra. The "crispy parmesan cheese basket" was thick, undercooked, chewy, and heavy. The "seasonal root vegetable medley" inside was an oily coleslaw of uncooked grated vegetables that probably couldn't have identified themselves. The beet puree beneath was a smear of intriguing earthy and lightly acidic bright pink while the ricotta and fig dollops made the dish look like an embarrassing finger painting. We tried the tortelloni next, the past was good and perfectly cooked. The flavors worked well together and the filling was perfectly packed and balanced precisely to the pasta wrapping. This was all, however, doused in a deep pool of greasy and flavorless butter. The risotto was well beyond mediocre: perfectly toothy but utterly flavorless. It lacked fattiness and depth, seeming to have been cooked in water rather than the more common broth and wine mixture. It lacked cheese entirely and was topped, as if lightly garnished, with a radicchio and pear mostarda consisting of two exceedingly thin slivers of limp pear and some unrecognizable strands of wet and bitter radicchio. The description of this dish was so far from what we received that we left off eating it just a few bites in. The server didn't notice. We chose not to try dessert.
Is this helpful?
T
Tony
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service. The Spaghettoni alla Grigia were delicious. Highly recommend the Tartino dessert.
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L
Laura
VIP
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My first time here and it was just amazing. Great cocktail menu, wait staff and reception staff were kind and attentive. The food was authentic, tasty and beautifully presented. I did the prefixe menu and everything was fantastic. Highly recommend and I will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
A
Adrian
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Good food, nice kids menu. Nice inside environment / ambiance and location. Patient and attentive waiting on our table.
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L
Linda
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was fantastic. The drink and the glass of red wine recommended by our server were impeccable. Our server was very attentive and helpful, with a happy demeanor, one of the best I can recall in many years. Grazie. Staff filled my request for seating away from the front door. We had a wonderful, festive time with friends, and we will return. Soon.
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Sacramento
17 reviews
3.0
17 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
I was excited to try this place as it was in a decorated area of Berkeley during the holidays and menu looked authentic. Upon arriving early for our reservation, the restaurant was empty, and we were sat in the very back by the kitchen where the staff was having a meeting. It was pretty awkward and distracting. The service was a bit awkward as well. The branzino was beautifully plated, the risotto was good, the pork chop had lots of meat on the bone. The strawberry dessert was VERY good. We enjoyed the Amari tasting. I liked that they had a variety of biodynamic, sustainable, and organic wines. There were gluten free options.
Is this helpful?
A
Aileen
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a work lunch and our waitress was incredibly attentive and the food was DELICIOUS.
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B
Bill
San Francisco
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent innovative Italian food. Great, thoughtful service. Not your usual over-spiced spaghetti and meatballs joint. This Italian-American's favorite in the Bay Area.
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P
Patrick
VIP
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Service was so bad the night we went there we had to leave (30 min to take our initial order)
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A
Allen
VIP
San Francisco
58 reviews
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places to eat in Berkeley where the food is consistently excellent and the service as well
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FAQs

donato&co. offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. donato&co. also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 838-1131.

donato&co. is rated 4.5 stars by 1708 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2635 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
College Ave
Neighborhood
Berkeley
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Gianluca Guglielmi
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.donatoandco.com/
Phone number
(510) 838-1131

donato&co.

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Spaghettoni

Spaghetti Neri

Tortelloni

Farm & Fields

Uovo$13.00

Castelfranco$14.00

Gamberi$21.00

Tartra'$20.00

Bruschetta$16.00

Arancini$16.00

Salt & Water

Vasetto$12.00

Prosciutto$17.00

Pizzelle$15.00

Ricotta$15.00

Salumi$22.00

Baccalà$20.00

Pasta & Co.

Pappardelle Verdi$22.00

Spaghetti Neri$24.00

Cacio e Pepe$20.00

Cappelletti$23.00

Spaghettoni$29.00

Bolognese$22.00

Tortelloni$22.00

Risotto$26.00

Iron & Fire

Calamari$34.00

Branzino$43.00

Pescatrice$40.00

Bistecca$45.00

Maiale$35.00

Agnello$38.00

Cavolfiore$24.00

Sides

Seasonal Mista Salad

Grilled Polenta & Grana Padano

Roasted Amarosa Potatoes

Garlic Broccolini

Sicilian Caponata

Sautéed Summer Squash

Sautéed Roman Chicory

Our Wines by the Glass

Bollicine - Bubbles

Lambrusco di Sorbara "Piria" Rosé DOC 2020 Paltrinieri - Emilia Romagna$12.00

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Brut Azienda Agricola Drusian - Veneto$13.00

Trento Doc Dosaggio Zero Millesimato 2016 A. Agricola Revi - Trentino (Zero Sugar)$16.00

Trento Doc Brut Rosé Millesimato 2016 Azienda Agricola Revi - Trentino$16.00

Bianchi, Rosato & Ramato - Whites, Rosé & Copper

Bianco dei Muni 2019 (Pinot Grigio, Durella & Chardonnay) Piccinin - Veneto**$14.00

Falanghina del Sannio "Taburno" 2020 Fattoria La Rivolta - Campania$13.00

Vermentino "Canayli" DOCG 2020 (Vermentino) Cantina di Gallura - Sardegna$14.00

Mille Uve 2019 (Chardonnay & Malvasia) Borgo del Tiglio - Friuli Venezia Giulia$15.00

Trebbiano Spoletino "Il Padrone delle Vigne Bianco" IGT 2020 Tabarrini - Umbria$13.00

Friulano "Blanc di Simon" 2019 (Friulano) Simon di Brazzan - Friuli Venezia Giulia$14.00

Sauvignon Blanc "Nymphae" 2020 Tenuta Montemagno - Piemonte$15.00

Pinot Grigio "Ramato Polin" 2020 Azienda Agricola Pravis - Trentino*****$14.00

Nebbiolo Rosé 2020 Cascina Ca' Rossa - Piemonte$12.00

Rossi – Reds

Muni Rosso 2018 (Valpolicella Blend & Merlot) Piccinin - Veneto**$13.00

Etna Rosso "Passione" 2019 (Nerello Mascalese) Theresa Eccher - Sicilia$16.00

Chianti Classico "L'Aura" DOCG 2018 (Sangiovese) Querceto di Castellina - Toscana$14.00

Copertino Riserva 2012 (Negroamaro) Cantina Copertino - Puglia$12.00

Pinot Nero "Madruzzo" DOC 2018 (Pinot Noir) Azienda Pravis - Trentino$15.00

Aglianico "Cretarossa Campi Taurasini" DOC 2013 Az. Vit. I Favati - Campania$17.00

Bolgheri DOC "Volpolo" 2019 (Cabernet Sauv, Merlot, P. Verdot) Podere Sapaio - Toscana$20.00

Barolo "Altenasso" DOCG 2016 (Nebbiolo) Cavalier Bartolomeo - Piemonte$23.00

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2016 Corte Fornaledo - Veneto$25.00

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 (Sangiovese) Caprili - Toscana$28.00

Birre – Beers

Non-Alcoholic - Erdinger - Germany, 0.5%

Pranqster Belgium Ale - North Coast, Fort Bragg, 7.6%

The Truth Imperial IPA - Flying Dog, Maryland, 8.9%

Boo Koo IPA - Mother Earth, Vista, 6.8%

Bo Pils Pilsner - East Brother, Richmond, 5.0%