2. LoCoco's Restaurant & Pizzeria

LoCoco's is by far one of the greatest italian experiences in berkeley. The bread should seriously be illegal it is so delicious, the olive oil I found to be great, and if you like pizza, I recommend as much as possible the "fire-eater" absolutely epic definitely worth every dollar.

The olive oil was horrible, the service bad. the food was presented with no imagination,and the taste was so far below par, that it merits a 'UGH' RATING.

We went at 12:30 on a fri. We stood at the door for along time, looking at a dirty kitchen shirt hanging over a the back of a chair, when the chief/cook finally noticed and sorta waved us in. First impretion- the place is a llittle run down. It was pretty empty (three tables filled), but still the waitress took a long time to get to us. I had planned to order their specialty the canelloni but they were out of it (one hour after opening?). The salad was sime iceberg lettuce one small mushy tomatoe wedge and some really boring vinigrette. the coffee came in chipped cup. I ended up ordering the mushroom & cheese calzone (dispite the fact the waitress couldnt tell us what kinda mushrooms, and didnt offer to check. I was going to ask the women wondering around in her sweats and very dirty apron who appeared to be th manager or owner but... The calzone was very eh, very mediocore. I have had much better at a local coffee house. My guest ordered a coffee which took forever after we finaly asked about it, the waiterss let us know w/ a bit of an attitude that it was still brewing- ahh comman paractice is to let a customer know if what they are ordering is going to take extra time.

I have been going to LoCoco's for almost 9 years now and the wonderful taste has only gotten better. Known as a pizzeria to many but I would kill for the pasta recipes. From the pesto to the linguine with clams, everything at LoCoco's is to die for. I recommend this fine Sicilian experience to everyone with a craving for authentic recipes and a family environment. Gilbert Lo Coco is a jewel of a chef and his love for his food shows with each plate delivered.