OVERVIEW
In the East Bay’s city of Alameda. Home to the USS Hornet. Close to the intersection of Alameda Ave and Park Street resides C’era Una Volta restaurant (offering pet-friendly eats), known for authentic Tuscan Italian cuisine served in an European-inspired environment and offering full service to pets and their people in a sheltered outside pet-friendly area.
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to EAT, go do the CANGO at C’era Una Volta!
One of the nice things about the layout of the outdoor area where you can sit with your pet(s) is that it feels like part of the overall restaurant instead of an area just tacked on as an after-thought, you know like places where there are a few chairs and a table thrown out front on the sidewalk. You can find a nook to sit so that you don’t have to worry about your dog disturbing others, which I like, but you do not feel like an outcast. I never felt “forgotten” by the wait staff and they were all receptive to Lovie. In terms of the food, it is worth noting that the head chef, Rudy is really Italian, an immigrant from Livorno which is in the Tuscany region with Florence. His attention to detail reveals his roots with decisions to import the olive oil he uses from Italy- I found this out when I tried to find out what kind they used. Man! And I was hoping to pick some up for myself, so much for that.
IS THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT/SERVICE WORTH A VISIT?
My recs include the pesto which I normally order but wanted to let Rudy serve up his favorites for the review. I also would recommend the VEGETARIAN GOURMET PIZZA ROMANO Gorgonzola | Caramelized Onion $17.00 for the crust that doesn’t sit like a rock in your stomach or taste burnt in order to achieve crispiness. I have had the INSALATA C’Era Una Volta Romaine Lettuce & Mixed Greens | Fennel | Mozzarella | Pistacchi | Orange | Balsamic Reduction $11.00 a few times and consistently enjoy the contrast of flavors that the pistachios and citrus oranges add. And the TORTELLOINI PORCINI ALLA SENESE Porcini Mushroom filled tortelloni with all beef Chianti meat sauce $18.50 were al dente and tasted like fresh, homemade pasta. I also like dessert wines so I did enjoy the ZIBIBBO italian dessert wine: Notes of apricot, citrus blossoms & dried fruits, Full bodied – long finish. Served with Almond Cantucci 4 oz. $8.00 because it had a layered and unique taste like a traditional wine that could be savored. It is a little strong, so don’t be fooled by the dessert classification; you will want to leave time to digest before you get behind the wheel.
HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?
The outdoor area at C’era Una Volta is nicely decorated with a truly Italian feel, based on my travels to Italy. It is casual classy. I have eaten both inside and outside, with and without pets and the service is equally prompt, informative, and friendly in either area.
Comfort level of the pet-friendly environment is very good: it is located on a pedestrian pathway with a fair amount of foot traffic. It is enclosed enough to provide a degree of privacy from people passing by, but open enough to enjoy people watching and fresh air. They do provide outdoor lighting and heaters, and the times I have been there I have felt comfortable. Yet, I would not recommend a really cold day without proper clothing as it is not fully enclosed.
They do not have any special dog rules for well-behaved dogs. They do not offer dog amenities like water bowls, special pet menus or treats.
IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?
The surrounding area includes residential on one side and the popular Park Street shopping district on the other side, both of which are very welcoming to pets and pedestrians. I would be surprised if any pet owners did not feel comfortable walking around with a pet, in fact, I think most would enjoy the stroll full of window shopping opportunities.
There is a small parking lot in the back that is shared with multiple businesses, including the Post Office, and ample safe street parking.
It is extremely easy to find a convenient a proper place to dispose of waste like doody bags with trash bins located within 10 feet from the outdoor seating area by the Post Office.
There is a popular segregated dog park about 2 miles away on the Base side of the Island in Lower Washington Park near the beach (but not an off-leash beach). There are separate areas for small versus big dogs. There is a lot of puppy activity in the small area and senior dogs seem to feel more relaxed on that side too. The rowdier dogs that can take a hit or two tend to gravitate to the big dog side.
The closest 24-7 emergency vet is the OakVet Animal Specialty Hospital located on 7th St in Oakland roughly 5 miles or a 12-minute drive.
