Spaghettini: "a pasta thinner than spaghetti but thicker than vermicelli "(Merriam-Webster). Not at Italian Colors! Their house-made spaghettini is THICKER than spaghetti, like vermicelli or bucatini without the hole. Craving that thinner pasta, and unaware of IC's idiosyncracy, we ordered... House Made Spaghettini Broccoli, feta cheese, kalamata olives, bell peppers, garlic, e.v.o.o., crushed red pepper flakes 24... and were disappointed by diameter. Otherwise, it was a wonderful meal. The focaccia with olive oil dip remains the best around. Beet salad, pear salad, eggplant parmesan, tiramisu, and service (!) were all excellent. Live music was a nice touch. We recovered from our capellini craving and will return.
We've been going here of decades. We've arranged NYE gatherings, we've joined friends, and taken new friends. Never disappointed. We're going there NYE 2024.
A Perfect Oakland Celebration Every so often, you stumble upon a dining experience that reminds you why Oakland is so special--and this was one of those nights. From start to finish, the meal was flawless. This is an updated review- 8 years later since my earlier review is from 8 years ago and I don't know why I haven't reviewed since because I have been back but not a notable occasion. The calamari starter set the tone, crisp and tender. The Brussels sprouts, elevated with Parmesan, were an absolute standout. The pear salad was perfectly tossed, fresh and balanced. For mains, the pizza with mushrooms and fennel sausage delivered on every level, and the linguine vongole was a dream--light, flavorful, and brimming with clams. I brought my 21 year old Jordan Cabernet so I didn't order wine but they have a very good wine selection. Dessert was the ultimate ending: a ricotta cheesecake with a key lime twist, accompanied by pomegranate sauce and whipped cream--simply divine. The service was everything you'd hope for: top-notch, welcoming, and delightfully cheery. This is a family friendly place. There were folks of all family dynamics here tonight; the restaurant decor festive for the occasion. And plenty of parking that feels secure and safe. Special shoutout to our magnificent server, Conor, who made our visit feel extra special. This meal was a beautiful reminder of how extraordinary Oakland is and always will be, a city full of incredible food, community, and vibrance. A true celebration of everything Oakland has to offer.
Delicious food, friendly, fast service, and cozy, welcoming space! The live music guitarist made it extra special! Our party was attending an evening event at the Chabot Space & Science Center...this place started our night off perfectly!
The best eggplant Parmesan ever! Family owned and employees have been there since it opened. Really great atmosphere and right here in the heart of Montclair
Food is wonderful. Service is great , Couldn't have been happier with the whole meal. Thank you
We've been coming to Italian Colors off and on for something like 20+ years and it never disappoints! One of our favorite go-to places for special events with family and friends. I love the ambience which is spacious, relaxed but upscale, excellent service, broad and modern menu, with often guitar musician playing, and large outdoor patio seating too. This time we stopped for drinks after a hike and enjoyed the calamari, fried perfectly, the beet salad and a delicious cauliflower manchego soup.
What a gem near the Montclair village! We recently moved from the City to the east bay hills and we have been used to some great food in the Noe Valley area, almost being "snobbish" in a way. When we researched our new home we looked up all the restaurants we wanted to try and Italian Colors was one of them. The restaurant decor is a bit like 80's/90's Italian modern, but it's cozy and family friendly. There was live music playing up near the bar with two TV's playing the Warriors game. A little something for everyone! Food wise, it was really good! I ordered the Risi E Bisi soup and the Linguine Vongole. Both were outstanding! The soup was exceptional! The Vongole was really good too. My wife ordered the Beet salad and the Ahi and she loved both dishes. Service was very friendly and pleasant. Overall, top notch spot and will probably be one of our GO TO restaurants in the new hood!
This is the perfect place to dine with the family. The food is super delish and the service is fantastic. They are super accommodating for kids!! On Saturday nights, an awesome guitarist plays live music starting at 5:45. Everything is delicious. But their bolognese sauce is just TO DIE FOR. My 11 year old can eat an entire entree of it with spaghetti!! Give it a try and get addicted as well!!!