PASSIONE EMPORIO
Passione Emporio – A Hidden Gem
"Passione is an unassuming looking place off the beaten path. Inside, it feels lively and welcoming." – [Rob Riley]
Authentic Italian Cuisine, Made Fresh
"Great restaurant, serves Italian cuisine. All pasta and pizza dishes are handmade, with gluten-free and dairy-free versions available upon request, also handmade." 🤙 – [Yuli Fershtat]
A Hidden Gem of Italian Flavor
"Nice little tucked-away Italian restaurant. Came in with no expectation and was blown away by the good food and service. The pizzas are great, and they give you this delicious spicy olive oil for the pizza." – [andy to]
Authentic, House-Made Italian Pasta
Our pasta is made fresh in-house, following time-honored Italian techniques that bring rich flavors and perfect textures to every plate. At Passione Emporio, we use only the finest ingredients, from high-quality durum wheat to locally sourced produce and imported Italian cheeses. Our menu includes classic pasta dishes, as well as weekly specials inspired by Italy’s diverse culinary traditions. With options like gluten-free and whole-grain pasta, we’re dedicated to offering an authentic, satisfying experience for every taste.
Artisanal Gelato by Passione
At Passione Emporio, we serve handcrafted gelato made with traditional Italian methods and the finest ingredients. Our gelato is produced in small batches to ensure a rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavor in every scoop. With a variety of classic and seasonal flavors, each serving of Passione gelato offers an authentic taste of Italy, crafted with passion and expertise. Indulge in a true Italian experience, right here in Berkeley.
Handcrafted Italian Pizza in Berkeley
At Passione Emporio, we specialize in authentic Italian pizza, made with passion and the highest quality ingredients. Our pizzas are crafted from hand-stretched dough, produced in small batches to ensure a light, flavorful crust. We offer a variety of options to suit every preference, from classic Neapolitan-style to unique offerings like Pinsa Romana, known for its airy, crispy texture. Whether you’re seeking traditional flavors or gluten-free alternatives, every pizza is created with care, using locally sourced ingredients and imported Italian products to bring a true taste of Italy to Berkeley.
THE team
Fabrizio Cercatore
Pizzaiolo Fondatore
talian-born Fabrizio Cercatore brings a legacy of authentic Italian pizza-making to Passione Emporio. After studying culinary arts and founding his first pizzeria, La Tavernetta, in Italy’s Cinque Terre, Fabrizio introduced California to true Italian craftsmanship. As the founder of Hot Italian and Passione Brands, Fabrizio blends his Italian roots with California’s best ingredients to create a unique pizza experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Blanca V.
Lead Line Cook
With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, Blanca brings her expertise in pizza baking and fresh pasta-making to Passione Emporio. Skilled in crafting traditional pasta like ravioli and tagliatelle, Blanca’s culinary journey includes exceptional training in Italian cooking techniques. Her dedication to authentic flavors and her skill in the kitchen make her an invaluable part of our team, ensuring every dish is crafted with precision and passion.
Fernando
Dinner Lead Server
With a dedication to exceptional service, Fernando Juoung leads our front-of-house operations at Passione Emporio. Fernando’s focus is always on the customer, ensuring that each guest feels welcomed and attended to with the highest level of care. His commitment to providing a memorable dining experience means he goes above and beyond to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. With an eye for detail and a passion for hospitality, Fernando seamlessly balances efficiency with genuine customer care, making each visit to Passione Emporio special.
Belen
Front of House Support Assistant
Belen plays an essential role in supporting our front-of-house team at Passione Emporio. With her attentive and proactive approach, she ensures that every guest has a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. Belen’s commitment to customer care and her dedication to keeping operations running seamlessly make her an invaluable asset to the team.
alessandro campitelli
Chef De Cuisine
Originally from Rome, Italy, Chef Alessandro Campitelli brings a wealth of Italian culinary expertise to Passione Emporio. Alessandro is the founder of two notable Northern California restaurants, Chiaroscuro in San Francisco and Contrasto in Oakland, where he built a reputation for his authentic Italian cuisine and dedication to quality. His cooking philosophy is rooted in his Roman heritage, blending traditional techniques with a commitment to using the finest ingredients. At Passione Emporio, Chef Alessandro continues to share his passion for Italian flavors, crafting dishes that highlight the essence of Italy with every plate.
Paola V.
Line Cook
Paola brings speed, precision, and attention to detail to her role as Lunch Line Cook at Passione Emporio. Known for her efficiency and focus, Paola ensures that every dish meets our high standards, delivering a consistently excellent dining experience for our lunchtime guests. Her commitment to quality and eye for detail make her an essential part of our kitchen team.t
lizeth
Lunch lead Server
As the Lunch Shift Leader at Passione Emporio, Eleisabet brings dedication and warmth to every service. Her commitment to excellence and genuine connection with guests have made her a favorite among regulars, who appreciate her friendly, attentive approach. Eleisabet ensures that the lunch service runs smoothly and efficiently, creating a welcoming atmosphere and memorable experiences for each guest. Her passion for hospitality and consistent professionalism make her an invaluable member of our team.
Walter
Kitchen Support Assistant
Walter is a vital part of the Passione Emporio kitchen team, providing essential support to keep our operations running smoothly. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Walter ensures that the kitchen remains efficient and organized. His dedication to assisting the culinary team allows us to deliver high-quality dishes with consistency and care. Walter’s commitment behind the scenes contributes to the success of each service.
Edgard Paredes
Operations Coordinator
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Edgar Paredes brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to our team. As a former Assistant General Manager at Mezcalito, Edgar managed both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations, ensuring smooth service flow while overseeing inventory and labor costs. His background spans roles from Manager at Tubby’s Restaurant to Event Manager at Bartender’s Unlimited, showcasing his skills in staff coordination, customer service, and operational efficiency. Known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail, Edgar excels in creating positive dining experiences and fostering a collaborative team environment.
Walter
Primo Pizzaiolo
Walter a skilled pizzaiolo and cook with extensive experience in the pizza and culinary industry. His expertise spans years of crafting authentic, high-quality pizzas and dishes, making him an invaluable asset to Passione Emporio. Walter’s dedication to the art of pizza and his deep industry knowledge contribute to the authentic Italian experience we proudly deliver.
Alonso
Lunch/dinner Server
Alonso is a valued member of our team, serving lunch guests with warmth and attentiveness two to three days a week. Known for his friendly and sweet demeanor, Alonso ensures each customer feels welcome. In addition to his role as a server, he also takes on direct delivery responsibilities, bringing the same level of care and customer focus to each order. Alonso’s dedication to excellent service makes him an integral part of the Passione Emporio experience.
Yensie
Kitchen Hygiene Coordinator
Yensie is an exceptional asset to Passione Emporio as our Kitchen Hygiene Coordinator. Known for her dedication and meticulous attention to detail, Yensie goes above and beyond to ensure our kitchen meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Her commitment to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment not only supports our team but also enhances the quality of every dish we serve. Yensie's passion and work ethic make her an irreplaceable part of our kitchen operations.
