We were recommended to Via from friends and we're riding high from a fabulous gift card we received for here. We had been to Italy just a year ago and were told this restaurant would be a close fit to a local Florence or Rome establishment. The that description was spot on from the lovely lit cafe tables outside, to the warm lighting and constant murmur of happy customers inside, but mostly with the truly delizioso food! We were early and asked to wait by the bar, which was also packed with those drinking and having a meal. I had The Ruse which was this over the top concoction of bourbon, bitters, honey, lemon, almond orgeat and orange bitters. It was beautiful and addicting. My husband had lemonade which looked to be made fresh by our bartender. We went all out and had prosciutto and melon- served very reminiscent of our Roma Christmas dinner, with slices of very high quality, subtly smoked, prosciutto over sweet cantaloupe, and a crostini with tuna and cannellini beans with sweet red onion. So good! I had the thin pasta with calamari and my husband had the thick noodles with a meat ragu. The pastas were definitely home made, and the sauces delicate and hardy at the same time. The calamari was so tender, which is a tell for the way it's cooked, and there was a lot of it with my noodles. I tasted my husband's and the sauce was creamy and light, if you can imagine. They also served just enough to enjoy, where you truly can indulge without feeling bloated. We had the ricotta cake and affogato with chocolate gelato for dessert. The cake was not overly sweet, but soft crumb and sweet cream and berries on the plate to bathe each bite in. I've been looking for a recipe to recreate it at home since we ate there. Lastly, I splurged on a dessert wine called Recioto della Valpolicella, to settle my meal. It was the perfect accompaniment to the meal and the dessert. What an experience! It was like walking into Rome. Our waiter was fantastic, as well. He was very prompt and could make easy suggestions when asked. I'm already fantasizing of when we can go back. It wasn't the least expensive meal we've had out, but a lot cheaper than hopping a plane to Italy! Bellissimo!!

Actually debating between three and four stars so it's more 3.5 but grading up to give them a benefit of doubt. Maybe it was an off night? Go easy with that salt shaker or the vinegar jar spout, will you? Food : We started with 3 salads/appetizers shared by three of us: zucchini starter; little gem lettuce salad; and their seasonal watermelon salad. Zucchini and lettuce salads were dressed way too tart. Too much vinegar which was regrettable. To offset our disappointment, watermelon salad turned out to be a win- it was refreshing and dressed perfectly. Mains - we each ordered our own dish - (1) grilled pork chop with figs - a bit salty but luckily the sweetness of figs apparently worked to offset. The green pea snaps were very tasty cooked just right. (2) tagliatelle al ragu; simple basic and tasty pasta (3) taglioni with fish slices folded in. This was my order and as much as I wanted to like it more, it was a bit off. Pasta and fish seemed overcooked to my taste; flavors too spicy. There's no need for red pepper in my humble opinion. Overall the flavors lean towards the salty and I prefer a style that enhances and showcase the natural flavors of the ingredients. The waiter was friendly and charming- and observant to offer another basket of bread which was eaten more probably to accompany the tart and a bit salty dishes. We don't normally eat desserts but as it's a birthday dinner, we each ordered a dessert anticipating a birthday recognition as I shared this when I made the reservation. While highlight for our dinner was the dessert, they appeared to have forgotten to add the birthday touch - learning a lesson here that perhaps one needs to remind them as there appeared to be few other birthday dinners being celebrated. Desserts were excellent. They have a full bar with array of drink options- and I realize if you drink alcoholic beverages, accompanying foods tend to be flavored with a more punch to better match. Perhaps the restaurant caters more to those who have a glass of sweet Riesling or sherry to pair with their supper, thus theorizing our impressions.

The ambiance, food and service at this place was amazing! I went with 3 other friends and Noelia our server was just the best. She recommended the best of the best in the menu and we were so happy with the food and drinks. I am definitely coming back to try everything else I didn't try. This place is a gem.

Service was friendly and the food was very good. A few of us ordered the pork chop and we all loved it. It was cooked perfectly and was very flavorful. It also came with Romano beans which were good. The pastas looked good too. Others in our party had the pesto or meat sauce pasta and it was clean plates at the end of dinner. I'd come back to try other items.

Essentially, a neighborhood Italian eatery. Not a huge menu, but a number of items that piqued my interest. Had the spinach salad to start, and it was excellent. Generous portion. About fresh bread: Too many places bring overly-buttery bread, or buttery-cheesey sticks, or something that one is trying to pass off as garlc bread. This was just great, Bay Area sourdough. The way we used to have it all over the Bay Area (less is more, people, less is more). I had the house negroni to start. Wow, did I pick right. Great drink, not cloyingly sweet, with more than a touch of amaro. Would order again. My main was the cod, which included a thick, generous portion in a large dish of Italian beans and peppers and other vegetables. I also ordered the rosemary patates side dish at 10; while very good, just too much food. My one complaint is the noise level. Hard to hear the people with whom I was dining. It was comedic as we frequently mis-heard each other and needed repeats and do-overs all night. Outdoor seating next time. -- workingman's gourmand

Went there last night with another couple. Beautiful neighborhood and we found parking around the block quite easily. Service is on point! Everybody was attentive and gave us the best advice when the right time comes! We tried as many dishes as we could and the chef didn't disappoint. Everything was delicious and tasty. Fresh ingredients is what you will get here. Our favorites are their pastas, especially the ragu tagliatelle! You have to give it a try. I would 100% come back! One of the best Italian restaurants in Berkeley!

Food is excellent, and ambiance relaxing and foody-ish. Dinner served was great but the dinner server moved my drink by covering my drink over the top and touched five fingers on the rim of my martini. Meh. Come on... I had to wipe it clean. That guy could use better training.

This is a small neighborhood Italian restaurant with outdoor seating in a curbside parklette, a nice carryover from the pandemic. Mike was our server. He was a good guy, but stretched between indoor and outdoor tables he was responsible for, so service lagged from time to time. We started with cocktails and a few appetizers. The complimentary fresh bread and salted butter (5/5) was terrific. The small charcuterie (3/5) was pretty good, but the tuna crudo(1/5) wasn't fresh enough and was fishy, with the avocado was a starting to turn brown and should have had more lime juice. It appeared to have been made a few days days ago. Our main course was much better. I had the grilled pork chop (5/5) with asparagus and finished with a drizzle of balsamic. Nice grilled flavor cooked to the right temperature. Amazing! My wife enjoyed her gnocchi(4/5)...and so did I. Soft, well made potato pasta with a brown butter-tasting sauce. The other diners in our party had the braised lamb with polenta, papperdelle (sp?) with meat sauce, and the pesto pasta dish. All said they enjoyed their main courses. Desserts were almond cake, cannoli, and affogatos. All were very tasty. Generally we really enjoyed Via del Corso. I would recommend having a salad for a starter and definitely order the pork chop. Give them a try if you are in the Berkeley area.

Vito was our server tonight and he was amazing. Could see "super worn out, in need of a stiff cocktail" mama mode and I really appreciated being able to just tell him I like gin and he brought something perfect out. He also recommended the tuna appetizer when I said I have decision fatigue and that was super delicious. Also appreciated being able to call ahead and pre order the steaks since we have been here a few times before and I know it takes a while and I had hangry kids that devour steak. Thank you!

Been here multiple times and this Italian gem continues to impress, maintaining unwavering quality that show their dedication to excellence. During our most recent visit, we had their the crab meat salad. Even though it's slightly pricey, the generous portion of crab meat ensures the satisfying feeling of having a mouth full of crab meat in each bite. The ragu tagliatelle was another standout dish - with layers of flavors and textures, it's a dish that leaves a lasting impression, lingering on the taste buds long after the meal is over. Don't forget to leave room for dessert, as the true star of the show was the panna cotta. With seasonal flavors that elevate this classic dessert to new heights, this is the best panna cotta in the Bay Area. They have the perfect silky smooth texture, holding its shape without being too firm or too loose. Looking forward to dining here again soon.