Situated in the congenial East Bay neighborhood of Rockridge in the Market Hall, at the foot of the Oakland hills, Oliveto Cafe & Restaurant has a twofold identity: as a familiar Cafe -- hub of a busy neighborhood (downstairs) -- which serves informal foods and is open all day, every day; and as a fine dining Restaurant (upstairs) known internationally for its traditional Italian dishes made from local, seasonal products with the clarity of a great chef, Paul Bertolli.

The dining room in the Restaurant upstairs at Oliveto is simple and uncluttered, adorned only with hand-wrought iron railings and sconces, olive-wood paneling, ample windows along two walls, granite counters, art by local artists, and large graceful arrangements of garden flowers.