Desco Donato Scotti THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Desco

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Desco Awards

Solid Italian classics in an historic Old Oakland building, tailor-made for downtown lunch hours.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Features


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Desco Restaurant Review:


A mellow copper-topped bar, vintage brick wall, wood-fired oven, Italianate mosaic and tiled floor, and sidewalk seating outside an historic 1867 structure combine to create the setting that makes a cozy home for executive chef Donato Scotti's pizza, either the signature Neapolitan-style, or the puffy, planked "stretched" pizza. (Both can be made with whole-wheat flour for a small extra charge.) No fusion-y topping combinations here: margherita, mushroom, anchovy and sausage are friendly and familiar; sliced cured bresaola with crescenza cheese is deservedly popular. Risotto, wine-sauced pork chops and other wholesome, seasonal main dishes are not unlike those an Italian grandma might make. Salads and sides such as caponata and orzo e farro are fresh and abundant, but pasta portions can be smaller than you might expect. Order creamy zabaglione for dessert and (especially if it's happy hour) browse the substantial, all-Italian wine/aperitivi/digestivi list, augmented with strong cocktails such as the gin-lime-curaçao Pegu Club.