What do you get when you take a young Sri Lankan chef, (Dolly) who studied under a master of Italian cuisine, (Ruggero Milano, of Milano ristorante in Tiburon), an obsession with fresh pastas, imported desserts and gelatos and add one of the best wine lists in the East Bay and a giant authentic Permesano Regiano cheese wheel?
You get my new favorite Italian place in the Bay Area.
In and out of the way location, one block from the Rialto theaters in El cerrito, this area is mostly known for its Asian cuisine which I have covered extensively, but lo and behold! An authentic Italian ristorante, with a real trained Italian chef, and a casual laid-back setting and unassuming vibe.
Following my patented strategy of emulating success, I asked the guy next to me, (Who turned out to be a baseball scout, and looked super happy with what he was eating) what to order, and he recommended the Smoked salmon Fettuccine Alfredo.
I ordered it and I watched the careful preparation of perfect pasta ending with a generous toss in a Parmesan cheese wheel, and a glass of Daou Cabernet.
Dolly really knows what she's doing, and has set a new standard for my fettuccine enjoyment, and while the dish was so rich I felt guilty eating it alone, she still gave me a spoonful of REAL Italian spumoni, flown in recently.
This place is a kind of restaurant we need more of in the East Bay. Unassuming, friendly, homie, first class Italian food for the people. I cannot recommend this place highly enough if you want to have an actual Italian food experience but need to stick close to the east bay.
And by real Italian I don't mean some shishi spot that's going to charge you $100 to bring out three olives and a single slice of veal, I'm talking about real, hearty, delicious Italian food for the people.
Thanks Dolly.
Strategy: go see a movie at the Rialto, one block away, and arrange to have some Italian food afterwards. You'll be glad you did
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Speechless, best little place to hang out and socialize while having a sip of the best wine or beer and some very unique and tasty food! Thank you Dolly and family! 🙏❤️
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Smoked Salmon Shrimp Salad
We visited Dolly's two weeks ago and were so impressed that we returned with our family for a second visit. We absolutely loved the pasta dishes and the wide variety of wines available. However, what truly stole the show were their desserts; they were simply the best. Make sure saving room for dessert when dining at Dolly's😊
Excellent service! The staff were incredibly friendly, and the service was top-notch. Highly recommend.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
This place is an absolute Gem! The whole vibe feels great the owner who is always there running the joint has a great energy and lots of enthusiasm ✨with a story for each item on the menu. The food is excellent👌 I’m heading back this Friday to try the famous cheese bowl fettuccine. They have traditional Italian with modern twist. I’ll be back time after time to try it all. Kudos to a rad new spot in the neighborhood.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Meatablls
Amazing all around friendly beautiful inside and out pasta was great
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Smoked Salmon Shrimp Salad
