Belotti Ristorante e Bottega

“Belotti Ristorante e Bottega in Oakland is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for authentic Northern Italian cuisine in the East Bay. The kitchen operates with a level of precision that is rare to find, and the consistency from start to finish is excellent. The handmade pasta is the clear highlight of the menu. Their Casoncelli, prepared Bergamo-style with beef, prosciutto, pork shoulder, and Grana Padano, is a masterclass in balance. The dough is rolled perfectly—thin and delicate, but with enough bite to stand up to the savory butter and sage sauce. The addition of chewy smoked pancetta adds just the right amount of texture to the dish. For starters, the Uovo Asparagi e Tartufo is a standout and a great example of layering textures. The egg has a perfectly crisp exterior that yields to a rich, molten yolk, and they aren't shy with the fresh truffle shavings. It’s an earthy, savory dish that works incredibly well with the fresh asparagus and creamy, savory fonduta underneath. The Vitello Tonnato—slow-roasted, grass-fed Piedmontese beef with a delicate yellowfin tuna sauce—is equally precise, with the caper essence and lemon zest providing a bright, clean finish. Even while dining in the outdoor parklet, the experience was great. It’s well-designed and comfortable, making the most of the natural light while keeping the atmosphere quiet and enjoyable. I also appreciated that they serve imported Italian MoleCola rather than standard sodas; it has a crisp, refreshing bite that cleanses the palate effectively between heavier courses. Dessert service was exceptional. The Affogato al Caffe is excellent on its own, but adding a splash of Grand Marnier gives it a sophisticated, citrusy complexity that pairs perfectly with the espresso and vanilla gelato. The Bunet Piemontese was also a highlight—a rich, velvety pudding of cocoa and crushed amaretti cookies, encased in a 60% dark chocolate shell and topped with soft, unsweetened whipped cream. It is intense but not too heavy, which is exactly how a dessert like this should be. There isn't a weak link in the experience at Belotti. It is officially one of the best spots in the East Bay for anyone seeking high-quality, authentic Italian food.”

“Fell in love with this place. Everything was so delicious. I rarely eat Northern Italian food. The flavors were such a treat. The weather was perfect for the parklet outdoors. Everything combined for a perfect meal. Can't wait to come back!”

“Such a great surprise! My boyfriend and I made reservations for an early dinner. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by staff. They were very attentive and helpful. Items on the menu are meant to be shared, so every dish was split between the two of us. We brought our own bottle of wine ($30 corkage) and it paired well with our meal. We all definitely come back!”

“We had an incredible lunch at Belotti Ristorante in Rockridge, Oakland. We tried the Pappardelle Al Funghi, Spaghetti Pomodoro with Burrata, Bruschetta, and Panna Cotta for dessert. Everything was outstanding, but the Pappardelle Al Funghi was truly unforgettable – rich, earthy, and perfectly balanced. The panna cotta was divine! Staff is welcoming and service is great.”

“Great food and good service. The bread in the beginning was hard and crusty. The tiramisu was very 3/5 at best. Pasta dishes were excellent and memorable, worth going back for.”