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C'era Una Volta

4.0
4
766 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
800 West Tower Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
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 L'Associazioni Cuochi Fiorentini. C'era Una Volta: Recognized by the Academia Italiana della Cucina for authentic Italian cuisine; Voted Best Italian Restaurant in Alameda, Notable Wine List and Neighborhood Gem.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Vegetarian / Vegan, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–4:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Rutilio Duran
  • Catering
    C’era Una Volta Italian Restaurant catering is a superb way to enjoy the time-tested culinary traditions of Italy in the comfort of your own home or office. One day advanced notice required for parties larger than 20. Delivery available throughout the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Our chef and catering department here in Alameda can also tailor a menu to fit your specific needs or help you plan ahead for special events, receptions, weddings and conferences. Schedule a consultation or place an order by calling 510.769.4828 anytime during our regular business hours!
  • Neighborhood
    Alameda
  • Cross street
    Alameda Avenue
  • Parking details
    Free weekend and weekday parking after 5 pm in private lot located directly beside our Alameda Park Avenue entrance on Redwood Square. Ample street parking; some is metered.
  • Public transit
    C'era Una Volta Italian Restaurant in Alameda, one block from AC Transit Bus lines O, OX, 20, 21, 51A. BART connections available for each bus line. Bus 51A from Berkeley to Alameda via Downtown Oakland. Bus 20 & 21 from Fruitvale BART Station to Downtown Alameda in 10 min.
  • Entertainment
    Live Music most Sundays for Brunch and Dinner. Our Alameda restaurant location hosts semi-annual Flamenco Dance performances , live music most Sundays for brunch and dinner. Check the C'era Una Volta website calendar for Events and Entertainment. http://www.ceraunavolta.us/
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 766 people are saying

C'era Una Volta reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0
4 based on all time ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 1.3Value

NoiseModerate

766 Reviews
  1. loyalfoodie

    New Orleans18 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We have dined at C'era Uni Volta several times and enjoy the dining experience. But, this last time we were seated in the worst possible location. We made reservations through Open Table two weeks in advance. I asked for another table since there were several tables available for two people, but the hostess refused. Our backs were to the open door of the restaurant making the experience less than enjoyable. The food courses and choices of wine were good, but I would ask for a better table next time we dine at this restaurant.

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  2. Nancy

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    C'era Una Volta is always excellent. Food and service the best.

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  3. KatieN

    San Francisco27 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We had the beef florentine for two. It was ok. Flavorful where we could get a bite but really wish the cut had been trimmed, big pieces of meat were really just a mess of inedible (to us, at least), unappealing-looking fat. Pasta that came with it was similarly just-okay, service was friendly but a little spotty---sometimes slow (for example, waiting for someone to notice our drinks were empty). It is a very nice-looking, inviting space. Wouldn't bother going back at this price point when there are so many better restaurants in the area.

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  4. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Atlanta6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 27, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was fab service not so much

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 24, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstandingly delightful experience. Will go back every opportunity I get. Can’t wait to share with my wife.

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  6. Maxey VIP

    San Francisco46 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 9, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dinner with out of town friends! They loved it, and the owners always are most welcoming and caring! Good outstanding as always!

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  7. PeggyM

    San Francisco11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 1, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is such a lovely restaurant for New Years Eve. The food is wonderful and they have live music for fun dancing. We’ve gone for several years and will be back again.

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  8. Oaklandia

    San Francisco8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on January 1, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    New Year’s Eve celebration for our anniversary (early seating at 6:30). The food is delicious. Lovely 4 course meal with perfect portions. Live jazz guitar duo set the tone and did not impede our conversation at a balcony table. We will definitely be back and want to sit in the balcony again!

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  9. DerrickT

    San Francisco17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 1, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a "jewel". My wife and I love this restaurant.

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  10. CelesteH

    San Francisco1 review

    2.0

    Dined on December 25, 2019

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    TOOK MY BOYFRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL ,HAD TO WAIT TO LONG TO BE SEATED ,HAD TO GET UP AND ASK FOR SERVICE ALTHOUGH THE ROOM WAS NOT CROWDED, BREAD CAME WITH SOME WEIRD MUSTARD SAUCE.

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FAQs

C'era Una Volta offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 769-4828.

C'era Una Volta is rated 4 stars by 766 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for C'era Una Volta

800 West Tower Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Alameda Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Alameda
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–4:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Vegetarian / Vegan, Pizzeria
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Free weekend and weekday parking after 5 pm in private lot located directly beside our Alameda Park Avenue entrance on Redwood Square. Ample street parking; some is metered.
  • Public transit
    C'era Una Volta Italian Restaurant in Alameda, one block from AC Transit Bus lines O, OX, 20, 21, 51A. BART connections available for each bus line. Bus 51A from Berkeley to Alameda via Downtown Oakland. Bus 20 & 21 from Fruitvale BART Station to Downtown Alameda in 10 min.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Rutilio Duran
  • Entertainment
    Live Music most Sundays for Brunch and Dinner. Our Alameda restaurant location hosts semi-annual Flamenco Dance performances , live music most Sundays for brunch and dinner. Check the C'era Una Volta website calendar for Events and Entertainment. http://www.ceraunavolta.us/
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    C’era Una Volta Italian Restaurant catering is a superb way to enjoy the time-tested culinary traditions of Italy in the comfort of your own home or office. One day advanced notice required for parties larger than 20. Delivery available throughout the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Our chef and catering department here in Alameda can also tailor a menu to fit your specific needs or help you plan ahead for special events, receptions, weddings and conferences. Schedule a consultation or place an order by calling 510.769.4828 anytime during our regular business hours!
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