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C'era Una Volta Reviews List
C'era Una Volta
C'era Una Volta - Italian Restaurant
This sun-splashed location is a hidden treasure on a quiet tree-lined cobblestone promenade. Our Italian restaurant brings a Taste of Italy to the Island of Alameda with delicious Tuscan, regional Italian dishes and an extensive Italian wine list.
From the day we opened our doors in 2004 we have received numerous awards for our food, ambiance, service, and wine selection. Chef Rudy Duran is one of only a handful of Bay Area chefs recognized by the Academia Italiana della Cucina for his authentic Italian cuisine. C'era Una Volta, voted Best Italian Restaurant in Alameda 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011.
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This sun-splashed location is a hidden treasure on a quiet tree-lined cobblestone promenade. Our Italian restaurant brings a Taste of Italy to the Island of Alameda with delicious Tuscan, regional Italian dishes and an extensive Italian wine list.
From the day we opened our doors in 2004 we have received numerous awards for our food, ambiance, service, and wine selection. Chef Rudy Duran is one of only a handful of Bay Area chefs recognized by the Academia Italiana della Cucina for his authentic Italian cuisine. C'era Una Volta, voted Best Italian Restaurant in Alameda 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011.
63 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 63 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(30)
- fit for foodies(29)
- romantic(21)
- special occasion(21)
- notable wine list(18)
- good for groups(12)
C'era Una Volta Reviews List
Review 1 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We'll be back! The spicy spaghetti that was a special was outstanding as well as the eggplant. The Barbera wine instantly became our new favorite. :) Excellent dining experience."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Transporting
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There were 5 women for brunch. We ate outside and it felt like we were on a European holiday i.e. Paris or Rome. Very interesting menu I had polenta toast with a basted egg and a fresh side salad and a blood orange prosecco mimosa. We all loved the setting and the waitress was attentive and professional.
We all would return to this lovely spot."
We all would return to this lovely spot."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for a special date!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took the new lady in my life out for a nice dinner, and couldn't have been happier with this restaurant. OK, would've been happier if it was half the price, but hey, it's a swanky place and I knew what I was getting myself into.
Our waiter was great, very knowledgeable, gave us wine recommendations and even slyly prevented me from making the inferior choice of sauce for my pasta. Great, intimate ambience. Small, but not tiny. Quiet, but not empty. Excellent lobster ravioli (for me), butternut squash ravioli (for her), and really amazing caprese salad on special (for us).
Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a nice dinner in Alameda. It is a little pricey, so probably better for special occasions."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was terrible. The restaurant has a lot of people running around, but service was slow and poor. We had to ask for our drink order three times. The restaurant needs a paint job. Food was not remarkable."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 5 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good ambiance and very good service, but sadly the food was quite pedestrian. Bolognese was not very tasty, and the seafood marinara was blah and not spicy despite its claims. Desserts were quite nice, but all in all very disappointing."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 6 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Warm & Inviting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a lovely restaurant! A Great way to end the week, with a fantastic dinner. The menu is filled with many excellent dishes but the daily specials are outstanding! The waitstaff is friendly ,professional and helpful with the all Italian wine list. We highly recommend!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
3 for 6
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"3 of 6 dinners left something to be desired. The bass had bones in it, when server specifically said it was de boned, 2 dinners had prawns which were overlooked and rubbery. None of the entrees were salted, which is the job of the chef to taste. We wouldn't be eager to do e there again."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 8 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Second time here and disapponted. First time here was pretty good but felt that it was pricy. this time, disappointed at the menu selection and food quality and service. No water refill, etc."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 9 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a romantic lunch!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hubby and I stopped by for Sunday lunch. We were lucky enough to have live music during our stay. The food was so good I cleaned my plate completely! I had the spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce with cubed pancetta. Yummy!!!! DH had the filet mignon cooked medium rare perfectly! Great restaurant, we will be back again and again when we're in the neighborhood."
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We really enjoyed the menu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We really enjoyed the menu with the possibilities for aranging a multi-course meal on your own with the salads, antipasti, prima piatti and secondi piatti. The small plates were meant for one person but we were quite full at the end of a meal in which we shared a salad, an antipasti dish and a prima piatti, then ordered our own secondi piatti and our own desserts. The ingredients were all within the realm of the expected but so well-prepared, fresh and flavorful, rich and satisfying. The fondue is dream-worthy. The service was friendly and comfortable, helpful but not overwhelming. I thought the seating could have been a little more private and a little more comfortable but it's not at the level of a complaint. We'll be back for sure."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 11 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great people.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food, great people. The people are actually Italian so everything is authentic. Chef is from Livorno I believe."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
There were two large groups
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There were two large groups filling half the space. Small groups (we were 3) did not have a chance. We asked to be moved upstairs, which was empty and they were very obliging. But I would not go there again unless with a group of 12 or more."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 13 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
First time there, enjoyable
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time there, enjoyable experience. I ordered bass that was baked over tomatoes and potatoes and it was delicious and a huge portion. My friend ordered the eggplant parmesan which was good but a little on the small side and not much cheese. They are a little weak in the salad dept. I ordered a salad and it was fresh and just fine, but almost no flavor in the dressing, disappointing. They need to amp up the flavor in the salad dressings. We sat in a lovely little alcove 2 top table which was very nice. I would go back, but not get the salad. We also had a good bottle of wine for around $28 dollars, not bad. Our waiter was attentive and let us taste 2 wines before making our choice."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
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Review 14 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is my second trip to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my second trip to C'era and I continue to be impressed. The food is always exceptional. This time the wait staff for our table was too busy socializing with friends to pay as much attention as she should- I had to ask for the wine we ordered after our entree had arrived and we began eating with no acknowledgment from the wait staff that she had forgotten something. I'm assuming this is a training issue which will be rectified and the food was too good to dwell on it."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
For Alameda, this place was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For Alameda, this place was good. Our food was okay, the spinach was beautifully prepared, everything was simple which can be really nice. A very typical italian restaurant for Italy, which was fun to find in the middle of Alameda. It was a nice evening! Our italian waitress was phenomenal. :)"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 16 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
pasta excellent, salads unimpressiv
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"pasta excellent, salads unimpressive, 2nd courses generous but not outstanding, nice service"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 17 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food , good environment!!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"When getting there , made a reservation they were a bit late in seating us. Reservation was at 815 , we didnt sit down till 840. The manager was very apologetic and when we were seated we did have a great experience. We were given bread and drinks. The bread is amazing with the dijon mustard and oil combination they give you. There italian soda's were awesome as well. Food came out quick and very hot. The italian sausage is very good, they have some amazing pasta's there. Had desert and were given some amazing choices , my group we had hazel nut gelato, raspberry creme bru le which all was great. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a real Italian food, and not the macaroni grill or olive garden."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The service was good, but
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was good, but the food was not to our liking. It was very basic/simplistic and something we could have easily cooked at home, but ours would have been with more flavor."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2005
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Review 19 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food and Even Better Service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my first visit to C'era Una Volta. it was lunchtime, and I had a side salad, the pasta of the day, a glass of chianti, and an affogato for dessert. The salad was a delicious mixture of greens and a light, perfectly balanced dressing. The house made pasta with spicy sauce and pancetta was amazing. And the dessert was delicious. Beat of all, the service was fantastic! Both the hostess and the server were polite, professional, and very helpful. I will definitely return."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food, great service. A nice place for a date. I will return."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 21 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love Italian food; and this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love Italian food; and this place is a gem. Beautiful decor. Pleasant and helpful wait-staff. We were a rambunctious group and Chad, our server was fantastic! A bit expensive but the food and experience was worth it. Not an everyday kind of meal, but we will definitely return."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 22 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Usually very good but this
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Usually very good but this was not one of those nights."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 23 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Luckily the food was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Luckily the food was very good. The service was just sad. Everything took forever. They were kind enough to keep serving us their wonderful bread, but when we asked for the olive oil/mustard dipping sauce the person we asked disappeared never to return. Then when we flagged down our server to ask again she told us to flag down someone else... hmmmm....
When our dinner finally came, they brought me the wrong entree... afraid that requesting the correct entree would take another 20 minutes I just ate what they brought. Luckily, as I said earlier, the food was good.
Dinner was not cheap. It's a toss up whether I'd go back. Probably not."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2002
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Review 24 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Visited for lunch before going
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Visited for lunch before going to the USS Hornet. Attractive and bright venue with a varied brunch menu. The staff was very pleasant and efficient. The pannini sandwiches were excellent."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2000
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 25 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
I took my wife there on Valenrines
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my wife there on Valenrines Day and before we got there I asked my wife what to select on their online special menu. She selected the Osso buco and when we got there the server said they didn't have it. He said that they made a mistake posting it online menu. That's why I'm never going back there again specially their servers are inexperience."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 26 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I made a Valentines Day Reservation
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I made a Valentines Day Reservation for my folks and they came back with RAVE reviews. Especially loved the wine list :)"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was not familiar with C'era
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was not familiar with C'era Una Volta, but chose it from Open Table site. The setting, the food and the ambiance exceeded our expectations, and we were very pleased. Particularly enjoyed the live guitarists throughout the meal, the carefully prepared food.
We will gladly return to this restaurant."
We will gladly return to this restaurant."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 28 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous, absolutely fabulous.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fabulous, absolutely fabulous. My first time but not my last!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 29 for C'era Una Volta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
very nice restaurant. good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"very nice restaurant. good food .will come back again..."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for C'era Una Volta
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic