Stella Nonna, Starring in Berkeley

Stella Nonna
1407 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
Phone: (510) 524-3400
Web: stellanonna.com
Status: Opened today

Northwest Berkeley has a new restaurant as of today: Stella Nonna, in the former Wilderness Exchange space at Gilman and San Pablo, has opened its doors, according to Berkeleyside. Owners Tim Carlon and Sarah Nasgovitz have been running an East Bay catering firm, also called Stella Nonna, for 15 years, and they're now trying their hand at a full-service restaurant. The 50-seat space has exposed wood beams, concrete floors an outdoor patio, and a glass case displaying old-fashioned treats from pastry chef Mitchell Hughes (Spun Sugar).

Though the name suggests Italian food (it's named for the chefs' grandmothers), the menu is more generic American comfort, with fried chicken both Southern and Korean, carnitas with mac-and-cheese-stuffed chiles rellenos, housemade pappardelle in porcini sauce, salmon, and a burger. Kids are welcome, and have their own menu. Cocktails are simple and classic, like a dark and stormy, a French 75, and a sidecar, and there are six draft beers (mostly local) and 11 wines by the glass (mostly global). Desserts, like brownies and carrot cake, are also homey. Their website has the food and drink menus.

Initially, their hours will be 5-10 pm daily (save Tuesday, when they'll be closed). As things progress, they plan to add lunch and brunch service.

· Stella Nonna restaurant opens in NW Berkeley [Berkeleyside]

Photo: Tina D./Yelp