Marzano - Oakland (CA)

1 /5 Al Allen: We made a reservation and traveled over 1,000 miles, round trip, to try this restaurant for a birthday dinner with a group of friends. First red flag was when I informed the “manager,” a person in a plain t-shirt, that my wife was celebrating a birthday, I was informed that they offered no birthday dessert to guests, but they were “happy to put a candle on any dessert off of our menu.” Since this was a $500 dinner, it is the first restaurant I have experienced this in, worldwide. The two servers at our table for six appeared to be learning, as another server was training them. When the Pizza Puttanesca was described as a “pizza made without cheese…” but was extremely strong without it, and “extra cheese” was recommended, I was stunned. So “extra cheese” was put on the order. The first overwhelming taste impression was salt. Portion size at the restaurant is petite. The meatballs were fine, but four were served, the size of quarters. The rigatoni was visibly blackened by the oven. The Malfadine pasta was almost too spicy, unnecessarily, with no mention of heat in the description. One dessert, served in a jar with chocolate and nuts, was the best item on the menu. An expensive and unevenly balanced experience that I cannot recommend. We will never return.

5 /5 Emilia brk: I had one of the most memorable meals in quite a while at Marzano. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and relaxed. The staff greeted us like regulars, and their attentiveness never wavered over the evening. To start, I couldn’t resist trying their Artichoke Pizza (a longtime recommendation). The crust was beautifully wood-fired and slightly charred on the edges, chewy yet crisp where it mattered and the artichoke, garlic, and olive touch was delicate but bold enough to shine without overwhelming the base. It’s now firmly an all-time favorite pizza of mine. For my main, I chose the Sea Bass special. It arrived perfectly cooked: flaky, tender, with a crisp skin and a light sauce that accentuated (not masked) the natural flavor of the fish. Every bite felt balanced, with clean flavors and just enough brightness. On the drinks side, I opted for a nice bottle of Italian wine (their wine recommendations were spot-on), which paired beautifully with both the pizza and the fish. And to close out, I enjoyed a rich espresso that was smooth, and bold, exactly what I needed after the meal. Service was impeccable: friendly, knowledgeable, and never intrusive. The pacing of courses was well judged; the ambiance felt cozy and intimate. I left feeling delighted and already drafting my mental plan for a return visit. If you’re considering Marzano, do yourself a favor, try the Artichoke Pizza, the Sea Bass special, pair with a good wine, and let the night unfold.

4 /5 Krishna Shah: They have a vegan pizza and we were able to veganize the Brussels sprouts. I wish they had more vegan options but I would rather a place have few vegan options than none. Vegan pizza with the chillio oil and the brussel sprouts both were pretty good!

4 /5 Kiet Le: If youre looking for an unforgettable dining experience, you have to check out Marzano! This amazing Italian restaurant is run by the talented Manna, an Eritrean woman who brings a unique twist to traditional Italian cuisine. The flavors are absolutely explosive—get ready for some delightful surprises as many dishes pack a spicy punch that will tantalize your taste buds! Dont miss out on the must-try dishes: the octopus is a showstopper, the beet salads are refreshingly vibrant, and the meatballs are simply divine. And trust me, you cant go wrong with any of the white pizzas—theyre all out of this world! The atmosphere is welcoming, with servers who are not only professional but also incredibly friendly and attentive. It truly makes for a perfect spot to enjoy a night out with friends or family. I wholeheartedly recommend Marzano for a memorable culinary adventure!

5 /5 Robert Barnes: Amazing Italian restaurant in Park BLVD Oakland. The chicken was perfectly balanced red sauce spicy traditional Italian. The Cod appetizer was small but delicious and the Marzano Chapped Salad was a pleasant surprise a blended salad with Chic pea, salami, broccoli, carrots, romaine, radish, egg, snap pea and pumpkin seeds. Had a great server. The overall experience was fantastic.