LoCoCo's Restaurant & Pizzeria

06/13/2008 Posted by OaktownDad

I have to pile on here. I've been going to Lococo's on Piedmont for years (I'm going to eat there tonight, as a matter of fact), and this review makes no sense to me at all. First, "cash or check only" is posted clearly by the front door. If you didn't see it, that's your fault. I don't think restaurants need to warn every customer at every meal - it would be annoying. Second, in my experience, the service there has always been warm, friendly, and efficient. They get busy at times, and it's a small joint, but it's family run and they act like it. Third, the pizza is excellent. In my opinion they have some of the best thin-crust pie in the bay area, and as someone who used to live in New York, I am picky. (The other food, especially the pasta specials and the cannoli, are also outstanding.) This place is a neighborhood institution that has earned its reputation. When my wife gave birth to my first child, this is where she wanted her post-delivery dinner to be from. I can't think of a better endorsement.

Pros: Great food, friendly service

Cons: Small room, not fancy, lengthy waits on busy nights

05/03/2008 Posted by paywong

I'm sorry. I think your comment is just totally ridiculous. I'm not saying this just because I'm a regular there, but have you read those comments before you? Every single one of them loved the food and enjoyed their whole dining experience there. You said you didn't like the pizza? Do you know how many people have gone to Lococo's from far away just for their killer pizza? In addition, you said the waiter didn't tell you in advance that they only take check or cash? I'm sorry, I just think it's your responsibility to check that and they have stated that on the window by the front door and the menu. Also, you left the waiter 76 cents for tip? How terrible is that? I can't believe you had the guts to even write that out. Don't you think it's disrespectful to that waiter? And you said the waiter followed you and yelled at you? I don't believe that. Their waiters are all friendly and welcoming. I think the problem of your experience there was not the food or the service, it's you.

04/25/2008 Posted by TimHill2

We decided to try Lo Coco's after a few friends recommended it and reading the reviews, however our experience was significantly less than satisfying. First, the salad had a sour vinegar taste and the leaves (literally parts from the bottom of the head) were cut so large you would have thought a child had cut them. Then the pizza came, which was worse than a frozen pizza. They put too much cheese and it was not cooked properly. When the check arrived, I handed my credit card to the waiter, he promptly placed it in the tray and said that they accept check or cash only and rudely walked away. When a restaurant only accepts cash, and a few do, they always tell you in advance when you are seated, the Lo Coco waiter did not. So I walked down to the 7-11 to get some cash. I returned and left a .76 cent tip, equitable for the type of service I received and when we left the waiter followed us outside and threw the coins in the street and yelled at us. We were shocked and actually scared. You can bet none of my friends will be eating at Lo Coco's and I will be taking this up with the owner later today.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Scary Service

07/06/2007 Posted by byoung3rd

We've been coming here for over 25 years (its hard to believe that Maria is that old...she still seems young to me!).....it's not for the impatient crowd...there's often a wait (sometimes a long wait). We drive 30 miles round trip to eat here.....and we come here often...that should tell you something. Everything is good or great, and yes, if I had their recipe for bread, I would go into the business myself....but the really great world-class dish here is their saute calamari...do yourself a favor and order it the next time you are here....don't chicken out and get the fried calamari...you can get that anywhere....

Pros: Food, service and atmosphere (true Piedmont Ave neighborhood place)

Cons: parking...always a challange

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/10/2006 Posted by bevymcmanus

For the freshest, most delicious hand-made pasta in the Bay Area, don't miss LoCoco -- it is really one of the best Italian restaurants around. The Canneloni are worth the trip -- filled with a mixture of cheeses, veal, and artichoke hearts, and surrounded by a flavorful sauce that makes you want to lick the plate so you don't miss one drop. The Ensalada Imancipata is incredible -- tender greens in a light vinaigrette dressing, with pecans, blue cheese, currants, and olives. Don't miss the Pizza Paradiso -- it is a hand-tosssed crust, lively sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese, simple but absolutely mouthwatering. We sometimes order it at the end of our meal "to go" so we can have it the next day. Above all else, save room for dessert -- the Cannoli are incredible -- Maria's aunt makes the authentic crisp shells, and they are filled with a wonderul blend of zabaglione, ricotta, and chocolate shavings -- there is really nothing like them anywhere else. The house-made Tiramisu is also wonderful, and entirely unlike the tired frozen varieties so often served elsewhere. The restaurant is relatively small, perfect for 2-6, but somewhat difficult for larger crowds unless you go in off-hours and definitely make prior arrangements. The house-made bread is wonderful. Service is attentive and excellent -- a very warm welcome awaits your LoCoco's visit.

Pros: Don't miss the incredible Canneloni, Pizza Paradiso, Cannoli

Cons: Street parking can be tight, so allow extra time

09/05/2006 Posted by ceriddle

LoCoco has that small town, neighborhood restaurant feel to it. The food is tasty; service is friendly and familiar. I ordered the LoCoco Special Pizza and will probably order it again next time. Glad we went here instead of the restaurant across the street, again, which I found mediocre, despite the hype.

Pros: Pizza selections, half bottles of wine, service

Cons: Don't take credit cards...only cash or check

07/24/2005 Posted by nazcalito

really wonderful staff -- good food, especially the pizzas, which are far better than others for the same price --- restaurant is very small and crowded. arrive early.

Pros: service, food

Cons: small size, noisy

06/02/2005 Posted by waggore

I just fell upon this place by accident and ordered a pizza and was absolutely wowed by it. Each time I go back I try something different and it's all been delicious. It is a small family run business. The wait staff are amazingly friendly, fun and kind. They give excellent wine selections. The only downside is they only take cash and it's a small restaurant, so there is often a wait. But it's well worth it!

Pros: wonderful staff, even better food, authentic setting

Cons: parking is difficult, cash only, sometimes a wait

05/25/2005 Posted by llegarda

Line of folks waiting to have pizza that is the best in the area. fresh ingredients and wondrful service.

08/28/2004 Posted by jigoku

I have always been treated very well at Lococo's, and made to feel comfortable and welcome. Often have servers sat with us and chatted briefly. The Italian entrees are very good and unpretentious and the pizzas are quite unique without trying too hard. Berkeley has more seating but I like the coziness of the Oakland site. At both places I almost always experience stellar service. I am reluctant to recommend this place because it gets crowded enough as it is but felt compelled to due to it's low score. The pies are excellent, good appetizers, very good entrees all at decent prices and a family biz atmosphere.

Pros: Plenty of street pkng, service & ambiance, great food/value