Passione Emporio

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

The Story Behind the Dough

Passione Emporio on Berkeley's Fifth Street is the project of Italian-born Fabrizio Cercatore, a pizzaiolo who began his craft at La Tavernetta in Italy's Cinque Terre before bringing his methods to California. As the founder of Hot Italian and Passione Brands, Fabrizio's guiding idea is straightforward: authentic Italian food, made fresh, at prices that bring guests back week after week. That philosophy earned Passione Emporio recognition from Gambero Rosso in 2025 — one of the most respected Italian food guides in the world.

The Kitchen

The culinary team reflects the same seriousness. Chef de Cuisine Alessandro Campitelli, originally from Rome, founded two well-regarded Northern California restaurants — Chiaroscuro in San Francisco and Contrasto in Oakland — before joining Passione Emporio. His cooking is rooted in Roman tradition and a commitment to using the finest ingredients. Alongside him, lead line cook Blanca brings over a decade of Italian cuisine experience, with particular skill in fresh pasta — ravioli, tagliatelle, and beyond.

What's on the Plate

The menu is built around things made by hand. Pasta is produced in-house using time-honored Italian techniques, with high-quality durum wheat, locally sourced produce, and imported Italian cheeses. Weekly specials draw from Italy's diverse regional traditions, and gluten-free and whole-grain options are made fresh on request — not an afterthought.

The Italian pizza program covers classic Neapolitan-style pies as well as Pinsa Romana, a Roman variety known for its airy, crispy texture. Hand-stretched dough is made in small batches. Guests have noted the house spicy olive oil served alongside — a small touch that tends to leave an impression.

To finish, Passione makes its own gelato in small batches using traditional Italian methods, with both classic and seasonal flavors rotating through.

The Space

The room is lively and welcoming without being loud about it. Passione Emporio accepts indoor and outdoor reservations, and the private Emporio Room seats up to 45 guests for events, celebrations, or corporate gatherings — with a curated Italian menu and a wine list spanning Italian, Californian, and European bottles. A larger Co-Ro Room accommodates up to 60. The restaurant also operates a portable wood-burning oven available for off-site events.