Desco opened in Old Oakland in August. Photo: Emilie Raguso
Desco opened in Old Oakland in August. Photo: Emilie Raguso

Come along with Nosh as we explore the East Bay food scene in photographs. This week we focus on Desco, at 499 Ninth St., in Old Oakland. The restaurant, which emphasizes seasonally fresh, ingredient-driven regional Italian cuisine, is overseen by executive chef Donato Scotti, who grew up in Italy. The 50-seat dining room has rustic wooden furnishings and a vintage brick wall, which contribute to a comfortable, old-world feel. Outdoor sidewalk seating and a copper-topped bar add to the decor. Desco is open daily: Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 3-9 p.m. If you’ve tried the spots we feature, please let us know about your experience in the comments below. (Photographs by Emilie Raguso.)

Piatto della casa: Smoked duck, roasted porchetta and rabbit terrine ($10).
Piatto della casa: Smoked duck, roasted porchetta and rabbit terrine ($10).
Polpettine: Medley of ceci, eggplant and Iacopi farm garbanzo and pea fritters ($7).
Polpettine: Medley of ceci, eggplant and Iacopi farm garbanzo and pea fritters ($7).
Polipette: Crispy baby octopus and wild arugula ($8), left, and prosciutto di parma with farinata and pickled beans ($9).
Polipette: Crispy baby octopus and wild arugula ($8), left, and prosciutto di parma with farinata and pickled beans ($9).
Casonsei: Pork and amaretto crumbs ravioli, brown butter & guanciale ($13).
Casonsei: Pork and amaretto crumbs ravioli, brown butter & guanciale ($13).
Desco opened in the former location of Borgo Italia in Old Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
Desco opened in the former location of Borgo Italia in Old Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
Speck: Smoked prosciutto, sweet onion and gorgonzola ($13).
Speck: Smoked prosciutto, sweet onion and gorgonzola ($13).
Angus loin tagliata with grilled potatoes and aceto balsamico ($19).
Angus loin tagliata with grilled potatoes and aceto balsamico ($19).
Sfogliatina allo zabaione (puff pastry with mixed berries and chilled zabaione), $8, and coffee two ways.
Sfogliatina allo zabaione (puff pastry with mixed berries and chilled zabaione), $8, and coffee two ways.

The menu changes seasonally; see the current dinner menu here. The restaurant invited Nosh to try its offerings with a complimentary meal for two.

Related:
Nosh on the town: Venga Paella in Oakland (11.12.13)
Nosh on the town: Homestead on Piedmont Avenue (09.24.13)
Nosh on the town: Dishcrawl in Jack London Square (08.28.13)
Nosh on the town: Build Pizzeria in Berkeley (08.13.13)
Italian restaurant Desco opens in Oakland (08.06.13)
Nosh on the town: Stella Nonna in Berkeley (07.30.13)
Nosh on the town: HS Lordships in Berkeley (06.25.13)
Nosh on the town: FuseBOX in West Oakland (05.20.13)
Nosh on the town: Pizza Moda in Berkeley (04.08.13)
Nosh on the town: Miss Ollies in Old Oakland (04.01.13)
Nosh on the town: Crixa Cakes (03.25.13)

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Emilie Raguso (former senior editor, news) joined Berkeleyside in 2012 and covered politics, public safety and development until her departure in 2022. In 2017, Emilie was named Journalist...