Perbacco

We had a 50th birthday party for my wife based on a suggestion I received on this Board. Thank you so much for the suggestion. The party was fantastic and the staff at Perbacco were, obviously, responsible for how well things went. We had 16 people in the Barolo room which is a great space for that size party. Although it was a little tight during the cocktail reception, it was perfect for...+READ We had a 50th birthday party for my wife based on a suggestion I received on this Board. Thank you so much for the suggestion. The party was fantastic and the staff at Perbacco were, obviously, responsible for how well things went. We had 16 people in the Barolo room which is a great space for that size party. Although it was a little tight during the cocktail reception, it was perfect for dinner. For the cocktail hour we had three hors d'oeuvres - shrimp with salsa verde, crudo (hamachi) and the suppli (wild mushroom risotto croquettes with truffle aioli). Each portion was beautifully presented on a single, square glass plate. They were perfect bites to eat with our prosecco. For dinner we had the spinach ravioli with egg. This was perfectly sauced and cooked with the egg running out from the center and flavoring every bite. Second course was either the fish of the day (sea bass) or shortribs. I did not see a morsel of food left on anyone's plate. We had the warm gianduca (like nutella) for dessert. It was a really yummy version of the ubiquitous molten chocolate cake. We had Emer as our designated server. She was the model of professionalism, overseeing everything with skill and a sense of humor. I also met Davide (from Venice) who seemed to be overseeing events in other parts of the restaurant and (Mauro - I think) who seemed to be in charge downstairs. I was told the owners were not in the restaurant that evening. Ordinarily, especially because one of them is the chef, that would have been a disappointment but the kitchen did not miss a beat either. Final thanks and kudos for a job well done to Nicole Bautista, private event planner. Nicole was responsive to my every request and always in an extraordinarily timely fashion. I had never heard of this restaurant before. My wife and I came up from LA and hosted the party for former friends from the Bay Area whom we had become close to during our 10 years in Orinda. I am sorry I had not heard of Perbacco during our time there. What a great event! Thanks again for the recommendation and once more to the Perbacoo staff who made my wife's birthday party a truly special event indeed.-COLLAPSE / REPLY (15 Replies) (by lebdog, created March 14, 2011)

»love it!

we'll Bart into the City just to dine at Perbacco. Been here late on weekends, early weekdays, and for lunch. Every experience has been a real pleasure. Good, knowledgeable service. Sophisticated atmosphere. At the end of the day, really good Italian food. Fish, game, desserts, and a darn good wine list. Love this place! (by syringa, created December 4, 2010)

I hit Perbacco on Tuesday and it was PACKED!!!! That said, I still enjoyed a very good meal. I had the salumi plate to start which didn't live up to previous experiences. Maybe I'm just spending too much time at Boccalone? Anyway, on to truffles. I had the tajarin with prosciutto, soft boiled farm egg and white truffles. The truffle was weighed and shaved tableside. It was a very generous portion...+READ I hit Perbacco on Tuesday and it was PACKED!!!! That said, I still enjoyed a very good meal. I had the salumi plate to start which didn't live up to previous experiences. Maybe I'm just spending too much time at Boccalone? Anyway, on to truffles. I had the tajarin with prosciutto, soft boiled farm egg and white truffles. The truffle was weighed and shaved tableside. It was a very generous portion and, by weight, more than advertised on the menu. The meal itself was very good. Very truffle-y but with balance. Outstanding and I wouldn't hesitate to order it again. $43 IIRC-COLLAPSE / REPLY (10 Replies) (by openhelix, created November 11, 2010)

»Pork Trotter to die for

Had an amazing meal with everything from service to food being perfect. Pasta cooked aldente and with just the right amount of sauce.
But the standout of the night was the Pork Trotter on lentils!!! Amazing! Taken off the bone and with a panko crust on it. Can't stop wanting it again! (by Joe Colombo, created March 18, 2010)

»Perbacco: Fantastic Modern Italian Eatery in the FIDI

What can I add that several reviewers haven't already stated? Not much other than to say that dinner last night at Perbacco was lovely! The food was awesome and service was across the board attentive and gracious right from the front of the house to our server! We were a party of three and requested a table upstairs and that is exactly what we received. We started with three appetizers: the...+READ What can I add that several reviewers haven't already stated? Not much other than to say that dinner last night at Perbacco was lovely! The food was awesome and service was across the board attentive and gracious right from the front of the house to our server! We were a party of three and requested a table upstairs and that is exactly what we received. We started with three appetizers: the AVIOLO FILLED WITH TRUFFLED RICOTTA, the FRITTO MISTO OF ROCK SHRIMP, and ROASTED D"ANJOU PEAR SALAD. The Aviolo was my absolute favorite. The Fritto Misto was very light - perhaps a few too many fried olives for my liking. For our main entree, we shared three pastas ($18 per person for the entire table). We had the RABATÒN (TRUFFLE-HERB RICOTTA GNOCCHI / ROASTED MUSHROOM SUGO), the PACCHERI (LARGE PASTA TUBES with ALBACORE TUNA RAGU / TOMATO / CAPERS / CHILI PEPPER), and my usual favorite, the PAPPARDELLE with SHORT RIB RAGU. My absolute favorite last night was the pasta with tuna. I thought the portions were quite ample as well. I probably would have preferred that we had the option to have the food served family style as opposed to pre-divided into three piles on a long rectangular plate. I think it would have been a bit warmer. Also, as a person who now lives and works in the Peninsula, I loved the $10 valet parking as parking is impossible in the FIDI. Even lukewarm, the pastas were delicious. Sad to say we skipped dessert and coffee as we were stuffed! I really can't wait to go back again and I definitely want/need to check out Barbacco next door.-COLLAPSE (by SanMateoFoodie, created January 28, 2010)

»Amazing. Just Amazing.

Risotto to die for, and the most succulent duck I've ever eaten.
My mother doesn't eat red meat, and they cooked her risotto to order, *Great* service.
Definitely a special occasion restaurant, pricey for sure, but you don't feel cheated by small portions or impossible food.
Perfect portions and a large enough menu that anyone could find something. the rabbit pasta was excellent, the first time...+READ Risotto to die for, and the most succulent duck I've ever eaten.
My mother doesn't eat red meat, and they cooked her risotto to order, *Great* service.
Definitely a special occasion restaurant, pricey for sure, but you don't feel cheated by small portions or impossible food.
Perfect portions and a large enough menu that anyone could find something. the rabbit pasta was excellent, the first time I've ever had rabbit, but definitely not the last.
I went on my birthday, and no stupid singing, but a very tasteful note on the table wishing me well, and a delightful desert with happy birthday piped in chocolate. Low-key, and exactly what I wanted.
I can't wait to go back, and I can't wait to try the rabbit main course.
Seasonal and wonderful, five stars!-COLLAPSE (by AxolotlJones, created November 28, 2009)