Via del Corso

A dear friend took me to Via del Corso for my birthday. We came early thinking it wouldn't be crowded, but at 5:30 it was packed. We sat at a counter overlooking the kitchen, which was fun. Isabel, the hostess, was so gracious. Keith, the GM, was functioning at every position (other than chef) extraordinaire, and delivered our cocktails. Claudia, our server was amazing. Altogether it was like watching a beautifully choreographed rapid-fire modern dance where everyone worked together to make sure the food and service were impeccable. We shared warmed olives, marinated, thinly sliced zucchini with ricotta and pine nuts, fresh stuffed pasta with herbs, butter and parmesan, and pan seared duck breast with cherries and sauteed spinach. We finished off with an almond cake with mascarpone and gelato and a lemon pudding, expresso and cappuccino with coffee liqueur. altogether an amazing dinner.

We absolutely love this restaurant, been there several times never had a bad experience with customer service, our server Noelia is amazing!! the menu is great. The food is really good. I just had a birthday dinner there and brought friends who were new to the restaurant and loved it.

Food was absolutely incredible, would highly, highly recommend the pork chop (highlight of the dinner) and the tuna tartar and grilled toast was really good as well. The almond cake was nicely dense and almondy and paired well with the sweet strawberries and light whipped cream. Our server was amazing and the atmosphere was cozy yet elegant.

Absolutely phenomenal place to have birthday dinner! Caring and kind staff, incredible cocktails, and some of the best pasta I've had in the Bay!!

The branzino was excellent! The combination of the slightly sweet corn puree with the pickled onions & cucumbers, with the salty delicate fish with crispy skin worked very well together. Excellent dish with an unexpectedly delicious combination of flavors and textures that didn't feel heavy. The steak was also very good - great flavor, cooked perfectly. Nice outdoor patio with heaters. Service was great. Cocktails were good as well.

From the moment I made my reservation at this very special place, I knew that me and Shannon would have a wonderful time. The waiter we very kind and showed her attention, she appreciates having a wonderful time when we go to dinner. Thank you for making our dinner meaningful.

Had a great meal and the service was very attentive and friendly. The owner was a very friendly gentleman. Had a nice chat with him. Would come back again when we are in the area.

The food was pretty good. The best was the steak and the whole grilled sea bass. The service was wonderful. We went on my friends birthday and the hostess took special care of all our requests.

This place never disappoints. Absolutely one the best places to eat in the Bay Area. Go and try it!! Have some pasta and a pork chop!!

+2

Via del Corso is a gem that consistently delivers excellence across the board. From the moment you walk in, the warmth and professionalism of the staff set the tone for a stellar experience. The customer service here is truly superior—attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without pretense, and always genuinely welcoming. The drink program is nothing short of masterful. Craft cocktails are thoughtfully composed and expertly executed, showcasing both creativity and balance. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold and spirit-forward or light and refreshing, the bartenders will guide you to something exceptional. The wine selection is equally impressive, offering a well-curated list that highlights both local standouts and distinctive international varietals. The menu is a beautiful blend of comforting staples and innovative seasonal offerings. Longtime favorites like the house-made pastas and perfectly roasted meats continue to shine, while the rotating seasonal dishes bring fresh perspective and excitement. You can taste the care in every bite—the ingredients are top quality, and the execution is consistently flawless. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or settling in for a long, leisurely dinner, Corso is a place that gets everything right. A true neighborhood treasure.

The food is great! The waiter is really good at listening and understanding your needs. The atmosphere is very nice and relaxing. Had a great dinner. Thank you. See you again soon.

I had Spada. The highlight of my dish was the escarole, which is lettuce. It was grilled and that brought out some fabulous smoke flavor that would have been absent otherwise. Not that anything else was bad, because the swordfish was perfectly flaky and tender, with a pesto like topping that complimented it well. And the butter beans were perfect texture. The escarole was just that damn good! And vanilla gelato with house made limoncello . The liquor was too strong to drink on its own, but poured over the dense creamy vanilla it was well balanced and had a great bite! The service was attentive. Not a quiet restaurant and the tables are close together. Come prepared to see what other guests are eating. Everything looks fabulous!

We came here almost by accident because we thought it was a different place 🫢 but it was a totally pleasant surprise! Our meal was delicious, and each course was timed just right for us to be relaxed but not impatient. We didn’t try the wine, but cocktails were great. Impeccable, warm service too! A total hit. It’ll now be part of our regular rotation!

Had an amazing dinner and time at Corso during my visit to CA last year. I had dinner and drinks and everything was exceptional from start to finish. Very luxurious atmosphere but friendly and welcoming at the same time. Their staff, from the hostess who greeted us, to the bartenders who served us, were all very caring and attentive. Nothing was overlooked. I really enjoyed my visit, it's a very special spot. I look forward to coming back and having another drink at the bar soon :)

Went for my birthday and it was the best meal of my life. Vito was extremely attentive and friendly. The food was divine. Pictured is my EVOO Martini with vermouth. It was delicious.

Why 5? 1. Food - 5 2. Ambience - 5 3. Sleed of service - 5 Please reserve in advance. They are busy and generally pre-booking is highly recommended!!

+2

I hadn’t dined this well in a long time! We had a celebration of autumn ingredients with delicious squash and mushrooms. Squash tortelli was incredible, with the homemade apple mostarda for a unique and authentic flavor. Mushroom tagliatelle was just perfect, both the pasta itself and the sauce were superb. We also had the steak which was also perfect, and the fresh arugula and Parmesan side made it delightful. Excellent wine list, classy service and elegant atmosphere. Perfect place for a special dinner.

The food was incredible, crostini and the pasta were my favorites. The potatoes and eggplant were a pass for me personally. It was very loud and crowded inside the restaurant, we had reservations and were seated late. Also had to wait a long time for waters so I would recommend a reservation for sure on a weekend. $200 for everything pictured including tax + tip.

We really enjoyed every bites of their food and the moment we interacted with the attentive staffs. It became our favorite in the area. During our 4 nights visit to Berkeley, we came here for dinner twice. The wooden patio in the nice North Berkeley made our dinning experience even more special!

My husband and I enjoyed an incredible multi course meal last month with our dear friends! The service was AMAZING! We felt cared for, with thoughtful gestures from the moment we entered the restaurant. The Chef and his team created mouth watering dishes that absolutely delighted our senses! Cocktails were perfect! My God what a wonderful experience! We WILL BE BACK!

Our dining experience at Via del Corso was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism. The meal started with an array of delectable appetizers that set the tone for what was to come. The steak was cooked to perfection, the pork chops were tender and full of flavor, and the seafood pasta was simply outstanding—each dish a masterpiece in its own right. To top it all off, the chocolate dessert was the perfect sweet ending to a flawless meal. What truly elevated our evening, however, was our server, Emma. Her attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and friendly demeanor made the experience even more memorable. Emma went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for better service. If you’re looking for a restaurant that delivers on both food and hospitality, Via del Corso is a must-visit!

This restaurant is one of our top choices for date nights and special celebrations! We've returned many times, and each visit confirms why we love it. The food is fantastic, and the servers are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Due to its popularity, the place is always bustling, and the tables are a bit too close together, but the experience is well worth it.

Still the best staff, the best drinks, the best vibe, and hands down the best Florentine steak in Northern California, all coming from a open-air kitchen with a heartbeat, and chefs and administration that know what people want and keep everything on point. Highly recommended for your next special day. Place is kind of small, so I would recommend bringing an intimate date there as opposed to a huge family. Justin who works the bar makes some of the best drinks in the East Bay. All in all 10 of 10. So good in fact, that I utterly forgot to take pictures. And there it is! Maybe when I dig up some of my old Florentine pictures from when I went there a couple of years ago I will post them

Menu is outstanding. The rockfish was perfectly cooked. The bartender is better than both of those.

Very good food, true Italian flavors, and a great wine selection. Don't be fooled by the name, this place used to be bad when it was just Corso - but it now has a new ownership, and is definitely worth a visit! I was pleasantly surprised by the menu, service, and overall quality of the food. Definitely one of the best Italian places in the area.

Super high quality meal! My family walked in on a Sunday night after my graduation, and this did not disappoint! The broccoli was the pleasant surprise of the evening: well-seasoned, great texture, and just bursting with flavor. I got the sole which had a rich buttery, zesty base with capers that complemented the rest of the dish. Cozy without feeling stuffy, knowledgable servers: a great place for a slightly more upscale dinner!

If you’re looking for a gluten free pasta experience, come here! We had multiple pasta dishes and all were fantastic. The staff was incredibly kind, made great recommendations and really looked out for our needs. The ambiance is unbeatable. It’s a great spot for taking friends or family. Their wine list by the bottle has a good selection of affordable options.

Wonderful restaurant with a great bar and relaxed atmosphere. The rockfish and grilled bread were absolutely amazing — full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Great spot for a casual meal or drinks. Will definitely be coming back!

Massimo Costetti

I hadn’t dined this well in a long time! We had a celebration of autumn ingredients with delicious squash and mushrooms. Squash tortelli was incredible, with the homemade apple mostarda for a unique and authentic flavor. Mushroom tagliatelle was just perfect, both the pasta itself and the sauce were superb. We also had the steak which was also perfect, and the fresh arugula and Parmesan side made it delightful. Excellent wine list, classy service and elegant atmosphere. Perfect place for a special dinner.

Artemis Huntsman

The food was incredible, crostini and the pasta were my favorites. The potatoes and eggplant were a pass for me personally. It was very loud and crowded inside the restaurant, we had reservations and were seated late. Also had to wait a long time for waters so I would recommend a reservation for sure on a weekend. $200 for everything pictured including tax + tip.

Minjeong C

We really enjoyed every bites of their food and the moment we interacted with the attentive staffs. It became our favorite in the area. During our 4 nights visit to Berkeley, we came here for dinner twice. The wooden patio in the nice North Berkeley made our dinning experience even more special!

Margie Morris

My husband and I enjoyed an incredible multi course meal last month with our dear friends! The service was AMAZING! We felt cared for, with thoughtful gestures from the moment we entered the restaurant. The Chef and his team created mouth watering dishes that absolutely delighted our senses! Cocktails were perfect! My God what a wonderful experience! We WILL BE BACK!

Luis Sanchez - Realtor

Our dining experience at Via del Corso was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism. The meal started with an array of delectable appetizers that set the tone for what was to come. The steak was cooked to perfection, the pork chops were tender and full of flavor, and the seafood pasta was simply outstanding—each dish a masterpiece in its own right. To top it all off, the chocolate dessert was the perfect sweet ending to a flawless meal. What truly elevated our evening, however, was our server, Emma. Her attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and friendly demeanor made the experience even more memorable. Emma went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for better service. If you’re looking for a restaurant that delivers on both food and hospitality, Via del Corso is a must-visit!

Hanna Kang

This restaurant is one of our top choices for date nights and special celebrations! We've returned many times, and each visit confirms why we love it. The food is fantastic, and the servers are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Due to its popularity, the place is always bustling, and the tables are a bit too close together, but the experience is well worth it.

P. I.

Still the best staff, the best drinks, the best vibe, and hands down the best Florentine steak in Northern California, all coming from a open-air kitchen with a heartbeat, and chefs and administration that know what people want and keep everything on point. Highly recommended for your next special day. Place is kind of small, so I would recommend bringing an intimate date there as opposed to a huge family. Justin who works the bar makes some of the best drinks in the East Bay. All in all 10 of 10. So good in fact, that I utterly forgot to take pictures. And there it is! Maybe when I dig up some of my old Florentine pictures from when I went there a couple of years ago I will post them

Giorgio M

Very good food, true Italian flavors, and a great wine selection. Don't be fooled by the name, this place used to be bad when it was just Corso - but it now has a new ownership, and is definitely worth a visit! I was pleasantly surprised by the menu, service, and overall quality of the food. Definitely one of the best Italian places in the area.

Zachary T Zhu

Super high quality meal! My family walked in on a Sunday night after my graduation, and this did not disappoint! The broccoli was the pleasant surprise of the evening: well-seasoned, great texture, and just bursting with flavor. I got the sole which had a rich buttery, zesty base with capers that complemented the rest of the dish. Cozy without feeling stuffy, knowledgable servers: a great place for a slightly more upscale dinner!

Cara & Sam Katz

If you’re looking for a gluten free pasta experience, come here! We had multiple pasta dishes and all were fantastic. The staff was incredibly kind, made great recommendations and really looked out for our needs. The ambiance is unbeatable. It’s a great spot for taking friends or family. Their wine list by the bottle has a good selection of affordable options.

A S

Wonderful restaurant with a great bar and relaxed atmosphere. The rockfish and grilled bread were absolutely amazing — full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Great spot for a casual meal or drinks. Will definitely be coming back!

One of my favorite restaurants. I always enjoy the different rotating pastas and the steak is always delicious. The staff is very attentive and kind. Ask about their off menu mocktails if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

We have been here a couple of times and they make you feel like family from the moment you arrive. The service is wonderful and the food is amazing. The whole experience is special. When I am there I feel like I am in Rome, that’s how good it is. It’s not trendy, it’s real, real people and real food with a lot of thought and passion put into it.

The food was delicious. Especially the veil. We had a wonderful experience and our server Natalie M. Was amazing, she made our experience even better

Lovely and popular Italian restaurant. We’ve been coming here for years, and even though they changed ownership post-pandemic, there is a very thoughtful attention to quality food that has allowed the restaurant to thrive. Good cocktails. Seating available at the small bar or tables. Reservations recommended.

Adrian Espinoza

The food was delicious. Especially the veil. We had a wonderful experience and our server Natalie M. Was amazing, she made our experience even better

Geoff Smick

Lovely and popular Italian restaurant. We’ve been coming here for years, and even though they changed ownership post-pandemic, there is a very thoughtful attention to quality food that has allowed the restaurant to thrive. Good cocktails. Seating available at the small bar or tables. Reservations recommended.

nicci woodward

We have been here a couple of times and they make you feel like family from the moment you arrive. The service is wonderful and the food is amazing. The whole experience is special. When I am there I feel like I am in Rome, that’s how good it is. It’s not trendy, it’s real, real people and real food with a lot of thought and passion put into it.

Samia Husain

One of my favorite restaurants. I always enjoy the different rotating pastas and the steak is always delicious. The staff is very attentive and kind. Ask about their off menu mocktails if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

Jennifer Curtin

The branzino was excellent! The combination of the slightly sweet corn puree with the pickled onions & cucumbers, with the salty delicate fish with crispy skin worked very well together. Excellent dish with an unexpectedly delicious combination of flavors and textures that didn't feel heavy. The steak was also very good - great flavor, cooked perfectly. Nice outdoor patio with heaters. Service was great. Cocktails were good as well.

Good food with good service but the a bit pricey in this area.

Overall a pretty good restaurant, but flavors could be a bit more balanced. Rabbit dish was a bit over seasoned while the the caprese and tartare dishes could've done with a bit more balsamic vinegar / acidity. Good selection of food, for dessert we got the Cannoli which was a bit too heavy, but the pistachio flavor was able to bring a nice punchy flavor. Service no real complaints, but also nothing too standout. Restaurant did feel a bit too crowded and a bit more spacing between tables might be better, but good for them filling up tables! Would visit again to try some more dishes, but likely won't be a regular here.

Staff goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great time! The things that we liked - Tagliatelle: the meat sauce was solid. Wanted more! - Pork Chop: just a good big pork chop, not chewy, just right! - Aperol Spritz (different name) The things I did not like: - the almond cake: super dry and almost burnt on the edges - potatoes: difficult to cut and eat, consistency was all over the place. All in all, a good place. Will try other places before returning.

A lively place with indoor and outdoor seating. Food was good, but the ravioli portion was very small. Expensive for what you get. Wine by the glass is expensive for the light pour.

Pedro Vicente

Staff goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great time! The things that we liked - Tagliatelle: the meat sauce was solid. Wanted more! - Pork Chop: just a good big pork chop, not chewy, just right! - Aperol Spritz (different name) The things I did not like: - the almond cake: super dry and almost burnt on the edges - potatoes: difficult to cut and eat, consistency was all over the place. All in all, a good place. Will try other places before returning.

An awakening: decades ago, the then-owners of the slightly fabulous Rivoli decided to open a second venue, Corso. We tried it early on and were very disappointed. Years passed with us dining elsewhere. Seeking an easy short drive to New Year's Eve 2025 dinner, we looked at Corso's menu and thought to give it one more try. A winner! Why: quick, polite & attentive service, despite the very full house; very nice salad opener; the quail was prepped & presented perfectly; the tagliolini con granchio had that perfect lightest of touches with lemon, garlic, oil & herbs that gave full flavor while allowing the real flavor of the generous lumps of crab to come thru in each bite. The cannoli dessert was the best cannoli I've had in the last 3 decades -- the candied fruits, chocolate nibs, and mascarpone/ricotta filling burst with true cannoli flavors. And the amarena cherry gelato was perfectly tangy. Thanks, Corso -- we'll happily return. ;-)

Dave Mandel, Stony Broke Music & Records

An awakening: decades ago, the then-owners of the slightly fabulous Rivoli decided to open a second venue, Corso. We tried it early on and were very disappointed. Years passed with us dining elsewhere. Seeking an easy short drive to New Year's Eve 2025 dinner, we looked at Corso's menu and thought to give it one more try. A winner! Why: quick, polite & attentive service, despite the very full house; very nice salad opener; the quail was prepped & presented perfectly; the tagliolini con granchio had that perfect lightest of touches with lemon, garlic, oil & herbs that gave full flavor while allowing the real flavor of the generous lumps of crab to come thru in each bite. The cannoli dessert was the best cannoli I've had in the last 3 decades -- the candied fruits, chocolate nibs, and mascarpone/ricotta filling burst with true cannoli flavors. And the amarena cherry gelato was perfectly tangy. Thanks, Corso -- we'll happily return. ;-)

daivd

Overall a pretty good restaurant, but flavors could be a bit more balanced. Rabbit dish was a bit over seasoned while the the caprese and tartare dishes could've done with a bit more balsamic vinegar / acidity. Good selection of food, for dessert we got the Cannoli which was a bit too heavy, but the pistachio flavor was able to bring a nice punchy flavor. Service no real complaints, but also nothing too standout. Restaurant did feel a bit too crowded and a bit more spacing between tables might be better, but good for them filling up tables! Would visit again to try some more dishes, but likely won't be a regular here.

Great service and ambience! Limited vegetarian options though, probably not worth it.

Food was okay, a bit underwhelming. We got the butter-basted chicken, which was good but not really “revelatory”. Mostly what I would expect to get if I cooked chicken breast in a stick or two of butter. We also got the steak, ordered medium, but it came out medium-rare if not rare. Also got a few appetizers and pasta which were also fine, nothing special. Dessert was very good, especially a mascarpone gelato.

Came here because of the reviews and was disappointed. First off the service was not good. We stood at the greeting podium for a good ten minutes before anyone even acknowledged us while staff ran to and fro. After we sat down it was a solid 15 to 20 minutes before we were asked for our order. I understand the not rushing but at least come say hi? We ordered only water and were never offered refills. We did notice other tables had bottles of water at their table to refill themselves but our table was not given one. I had to ask someone to please refill our water. Just felt neglected. The food was decent. We started with a salad that was crunchy and well seasoned. My husband had the grilled shrimp. He said it didn’t taste right. It was slimy too. Perhaps it was pre cooked? I had the beet ravioli which to my taste was undercooked. I think al dente is great but when it is hard no bueno. It was only hard at the folded end. The other end was cooked fine.

Kristine

Came here because of the reviews and was disappointed. First off the service was not good. We stood at the greeting podium for a good ten minutes before anyone even acknowledged us while staff ran to and fro. After we sat down it was a solid 15 to 20 minutes before we were asked for our order. I understand the not rushing but at least come say hi? We ordered only water and were never offered refills. We did notice other tables had bottles of water at their table to refill themselves but our table was not given one. I had to ask someone to please refill our water. Just felt neglected. The food was decent. We started with a salad that was crunchy and well seasoned. My husband had the grilled shrimp. He said it didn’t taste right. It was slimy too. Perhaps it was pre cooked? I had the beet ravioli which to my taste was undercooked. I think al dente is great but when it is hard no bueno. It was only hard at the folded end. The other end was cooked fine.