From Berkeley to Danville: Isola Sicilian Osteria Italian Restaurant

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You know those “go-to” restaurants you fall in love with? The ones that always deliver on fun, delicious food, and that feeling of home? For us, that place was Trattoria LaSiciliana on College Avenue in Berkeley. Tucked away in the lively Elmwood neighborhood, this two-story, casual, and often raucous spot was a beloved institution, just a hop away from the CAL campus. Back then, there were no reservations, so you always had to plan for a little wait time—perfect for getting to know the restaurant’s lively and charismatic owner, Angelo Dalo.

Meals at Trattoria were family-style, which meant sharing was not only encouraged but almost mandatory. We’d gather friends and dive into dishes like the tri-colored salad, mushroom ravioli, and seafood pasta (this was in my pre-vegan days). Of course, we always left room for fresh bread, served with an irresistible blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. And we rarely missed an opportunity to share our brought-from-home wine with Angelo—it was a little tradition we’d grown to love.

Like many restaurants, Trattoria LaSiciliana closed its doors during Covid, but Angelo and his family took their culinary magic to Agra Dolce, a new spot in Berkeley. Though we tried it a few times, it was a bit farther away, and, for whatever reason, it just didn’t stick.

Fast forward to now: Angelo has launched a new place, Isola Sicilian Osteria in Danville, and we couldn’t wait to visit. When we popped in recently, the restaurant was buzzing with activity, and Angelo, ever the host, greeted us with a warm smile and a glass of limoncello. We chatted for a bit, made promises to return soon, and left feeling excited about the new adventure.

A New Beginning: Visiting Isola Sicilian Osteria

True to our word, we came back this weekend with friends who were fellow fans of Angelo’s former hotspot, Trattoria. Now, if you’re familiar with downtown Danville, you know the drill: parking can be an adventure of its own. But hey, the lively evening scene is worth a few minutes of circling for a spot (especially if you’re part of the “seasoned party crowd” of Contra Costa!).

The evening had a pleasant outdoor guitarist playing, and the weather was mild, but we chose the cozy indoor dining option. While the ambiance was laid-back and charming, we couldn’t help but smile with a pang of nostalgia for Trattoria’s frenetic energy.

Vegan Delights on the Menu: More Than Just Olive Oil and Bread

As soon as we sat down, I made sure to let our server know about my vegan preferences. Angelo had assured me, both in person and by email, that I’d have plenty of options. And sure enough, the team delivered. We kicked things off with Isola’s famous fresh bread and flavored olive oil, along with a delightful caponata and a couple of salads to whet our appetites.

Green salad on plate topped with melon slices with watermelon radish slices and tomatoes surrounding it.

For my main course, I ordered spaghetti marinara with a mix of mushrooms, kale, and peas—simple, fresh, and delicious. And for my next visit, I’ve already got my eye on the Zuppe di’Fasoli minestrone and the Norma pasta (sans ricotta, of course).

Caponata appetizer with sliced toast on top accented with greens.

Midway through dinner, Angelo made his usual rounds, visiting each table like an old friend. When he got to ours, we were thrilled to pour him a glass of our wine and catch up. He even promised that next time, the kitchen would whip up a vegan risotto just for me. That’s the kind of chef-to-diner relationship that keeps me coming back!

Spaghetti pomodoro with mushrooms, kale and peas on a white plate.

A Sweet Finish and Looking Forward

By the time dessert rolled around, I was far too full to indulge in the pistachio cheesecake or the chocolate soufflé, though I had a little room left for that delicious limoncello that Angelo brought us! But if there had been a non-dairy sorbetto on the menu, I would’ve gladly found the space!

I genuinely appreciate when restaurants go the extra mile to accommodate vegan dishes, and I’m excited to see what Angelo and the team come up with next. One thing’s for sure: that caponata is a must-order every time! Here’s to many more cozy, delicious evenings at Isola Sicilian Osteria in Danville.

Sharing the Good!

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