Seemor
Lo Coco'sA-Worth Trying
1400 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
· Italian restaurant, Pizza restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (335 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
A cozy, old-school Sicilian spot loved by locals for handmade pastas and distinctive pizzas; expect a lively room, friendly hospitality, and solid value for quality.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Lo Coco's delivers exceptional food quality anchored in handmade Sicilian pastas and well-executed pizzas, supported by strong service attentiveness and genuine hospitality that keeps regulars returning for decades. The grade reflects solid neighborhood excellence—competitive with the area's better dining destinations—though occasional consistency variation and modest ambiance polish prevent the higher distinction of grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a compact North Berkeley classic where regulars trade greetings with staff and plates of pasta glide past. One diner summed it up: "We were welcomed like neighbors and left happily full." The vibe skews old-school cozy rather than polished, and at peak the chatter can rise, but the hospitality stays genuinely friendly. In the kitchen, the approach is traditional Sicilian with house signatures: handmade ancient grain pastas, San Marzano sauces, and specialty pies like the eggplant-forward Giovanni’s. Expect comforting flavors dialed in with quality ingredients, not theatrics. It suits diners who want well-executed classics, from ravioli con sugo to rigatoni alla Norma, with portions generous enough for leftovers. Families do well here thanks to familiar kid-pleasers like margherita-style Tricolore pizza, simple spaghetti with sugo, and pesto pastas. There is no explicit kids menu, but the straightforward pizzas and pastas fit younger palates; adventurous specials can wait until they are ready.
At a Glance
- Handmade pastas and Sicilian specialties earn consistent praise
- Cozy, lively neighborhood favorite with warm hospitality
- Generous portions provide solid value for quality ingredients
- Can get loud and slow during peak dinner rush
- A few notes of variable execution (dry cannelloni, charred crust)
What Sets It Apart
- handmade_ancient_grain_pastas
- locally_loved_since_decades
- sicilian_specialties_with_premium_ingredients
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed like regulars
- Ravioli and pesto made with care
- Eggplant dishes that melt in the mouth
- Distinctive specialty pizzas beyond the basics
- Leftovers from generous portions
Points of Concern
- Service can slow when the room is packed; some report longer waits
- Occasional inconsistency on specific dishes (dry cannelloni, extra-charred crust)
- Pricing feels high to a few diners despite handmade quality
- Review patterns show strong local favoritism; perspectives may skew toward regulars
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarians: Eggplant Parmigiana ($24) and Giovanni’s Special pizza ($28/$36).
- Pescatarians: Broiled Salmon ($36) or Spaghetti with Clams ($26).
- Sharing pair: Tricolore pizza + Rigatoni alla Norma for balance of flavors.
Perfect For
- Casual date night with comforting pasta
- Family dinner with pizza and pasta to share
- Weeknight neighborhood meal
- Catching up with friends over hearty Italian classics
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, food-centric corridor known as the Gourmet Ghetto; mix of locals, students, and food lovers.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic in evenings.
Nearby: Near specialty markets, cafes, and destination eateries; close to campus-adjacent residential streets.
Downtown BerkeleyThe dining scene in Downtown Berkeley is diverse, featuring a range of casual eateries, ethnic restaurants, and trendy cafes. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of academic influence and local community engagement, attracting a youthful and culturally curious crowd.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday16:00–21:00
Thursday16:00–21:00
Friday16:00–21:00
Saturday16:00–21:00
Sunday16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →