I knew I wanted a tattoo, and knew some of the basic elements I wanted, but I'm not an artist and couldn't quite imagine how it'd all come together. Some highly inked friends referred me to the artists they worked with, and those artists referred me to Lorenzo at Ritual Tattoo. I sent him my ideas and he went wild with them. The end result was so, so much better than I could've hoped for. I gave him full creative control and I'm thrilled with the result! I've sent other friends to Lorenzo since then. Side note: My first "grown-up job" was as a surgery tech. When I tell you that Ritual Tattoo is spotless and hygienic, I mean it. read more

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Unprofessional Work, No Price Disclosure, Zero Accountability I have rarely ever left a bad review for any place or service- but I'm compelled to do so for this experience. I paid $4,000 to Laura Taylor at Ritual Tattoo for a custom piece over two sessions (5.5 hours total between August and September 2025). The work was for a frame and details surrounding an older tattoo from a different artist. The experience was deeply disappointing on every level. The Work: I showed Laura a specific piece from her own portfolio as reference - fine linework and dotwork with minimal shading. What I received was completely different: heavy shading throughout that was never discussed or approved beforehand. In the final session, she changed design elements without consultation. She never once asked if the tattoo was going in the direction we'd discussed. No Price Disclosure: Laura never disclosed her rates upfront. * Session 1: $2,000 for 4 hours (I was shocked at the expense but already invested) * Session 2: She told me it would be "about 2 hours." After only 1.5 hours, she charged her full $2,000 day rate * During session 2, when I asked about adjustments, she kept insisting I "let it heal and decide" - meaning another paid session for her Complete Lack of Accountability: * I emailed Laura about my concerns - no response * I emailed owner Matt with detailed feedback - he promised to look into it * After 5 weeks and follow-up emails, he finally responded to say Laura is an "independent contractor" so he's not responsible, and he won't offer any resolution I have a $4,000 permanent reminder of an unprofessional experience and a really disappointing tattoo that I'll have to invest more money in with another artist to fix. Save your money and find an artist who communicates clearly, honors their portfolio style, and stands behind their work. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Left side is directly from Laura's portfolio given as reference before first session. Right side is final product - completely different. - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Lorenzo Boldini have me the most incredible tattoo, he is a master! The color & detail is amazing and it healed beautifully. Absolutely recommend. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've had great experience getting tattooed at Ritual. The space is beautiful. The artists interpersonal energy is kind, welcoming, and cheerful. The work itself has also been tremendous. I've been inked by Matt and Dylan, specifically, and there are plenty of other impressive artists to choose from. Heartily recommended. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Great tattoo with Dylan. Just got a touch up on the original from August. Super happy with my tattoo and the experience read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

I completed multiple sessions with Laura Taylor at Ritual Tattoo totaling $13,000, including $10,000 in tattoo fees, $2,000 in tips, and a $1,000 Covid cancellation fee. Both the studio's and artist's posted policies state that deposits are applied to the final session. My original $500 deposit was not applied. At my final session, Laura offered to hold the $500 to keep my place in her queue if I wanted to continue work, and said she would refund it if I did not continue. I later declined additional work and requested the refund. She refused, citing a general "nonrefundable" policy. I contacted Matt, the studio owner, and he declined to assist, citing independent-contractor status. My deposit remains unreturned. While Laura is an independent contractor, my experience was conducted under the Ritual Tattoo name and its actual posted universal deposit policy. I've attached a screenshot of the studio's deposit refund policy from the studio's website. When the deposit was held, no time limit, expiration, or other conditions were stated. There was no notice that the deposit would be forfeited after a period of time or under any specific circumstances. The fact remains that deposits are refundable per written policy and mine was not. You can decide for yourself if these are honest business practices and if this business values its customers. I've filed complaints with multiple consumer-protection agencies. I will update this review if the matter is resolved. read more

This was my first experience getting a tattoo and I cannot say enough good things about Wryly Fable! I came to her with an idea and she really helped me to evolve it into an amazing design. She was super attentive throughout the session (I have a needle aversion) and I would recommend her to anyone looking for amazing line work and botanicals! read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Likely the best shop in Berkeley, one of the best in the East Bay. The work that comes out of here is amazing. The artists are super chill. The space is intentional. I'm working with Matt on a sleeve that involves a blackout coverup portion used really creatively. He did amazing freehand work so far for the abstract coverup portion and I couldn't be happier with it. Excited to finish the sleeve. This is the type of place that a) you get work done that you'll love for your whole life, and b) once you go to, you'll keep going to. Will add photos once I remove the second skin. Definitely check out their social media accounts! read more

Great experience all around. Lorenzo worked with me and my designs to come up with a beautiful piece. Welcoming environment and down to earth. read more

Great experience through and through! I had an old stick and poke I wanted to get covered up and Lorenzo did an amazing job coming with and executing a design based off the idea that I gave him. He's very talented and will definitely come up with something that fits anyone's style and design preferences. The entire process in general was very straightforward and relaxing- the interior of the shop itself was a vibe for sure read more

I have gone to Ritual for 3 different tattoos and could not be happier with my results. I worked with Lorenzo. He is an extremely talented artist, as well as very kind person. He is meticulous in his work and did an incredible job turning my ideas into tattoos. He is fantastic at detailed line work and complex color work. Vibes are very fun and friendly in the studio. It's such a cool atmosphere with house plants in every corner. Highly recommend this place!!!! I live in Chicago but waited until I was going to be visiting family in the Bay Area to get my tattoos, specifically so I could go to Ritual. read more

Really nice people, very welcoming community. Super cool interior, pricey but worth it. The tattoo I got looks fantastic. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Lorenzo finished my tattoo in record time and did a great job - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I can't say enough great things about Lorenzo. Every time I come to him with an idea for a tattoo, he is incredibly thoughtful and creative about what would work - both image and story-wise. He is really patient when it comes to figuring out the design, the placement, and how it will look as the years pass. The last three tattoos he has done for me are all very different in image and style and they all look amazing (if I do say so myself). Lorenzo is a great artist. The space itself is both interesting and calming and everyone there is super nice. read more

This tattoo came out better than I envisioned it. Dazhi was really patient with me when we were testing out different placements on my arm. Gave valuable feedback on what would look best when I asked for an honest opinion. I'm glad I asked because I would've regretted my original choice so much, now that I see how this came out. The whole session was roughly 3-3.5 hours with a quick break in the middle. Dazhi was so thorough and kept checking every little detail to ensure it matched the scene that I provided. I felt like this was NOT rushed at all. The amount of thought and care that went into this piece made it worth it the 2 hour round trip to the shop. Aside from Dazhi being professional and friendly, the shop's aesthetic was so pleasing. It was clean, spacious, and had a ton of cool decor. Plenty of parking even on a Saturday. Another artist was also there doing a session with their own client but was friendly and welcoming as well. I definitely recommend any anime/manga lovers (or anyone who wants quality tattoo with fine lines done) to check out @dazhi_tatt on Instagram and book with him. My very strict, frugal, and conservative Vietnamese mom compliments the tattoo every time she sees it, so that says a lot because she rarely expresses that she likes something. read more

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APPOINTMENT ONLY What an incredible shop! I had the pleasure of working with Wryly on a new tattoo I had been planning for years. Wryly worked with me on design, ensuring we were both pleased with the progress before we began tattooing. Everyone at the shop was incredibly kind and made me feel welcome and at home as I arrived early for my appointment. The shop has great aesthetics and a really chill vibe going for it. I felt comfortable and at ease during my entire 7 hours at the shop. Wryly is incredibly talented and their line work is out of this world. I would recommend anyone visit here and make an appointment for their next piece! I will be back in June to finish the tattoo Wryly and I started. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Shop entry - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Had a great experience with Matt. He was patient, down to earth, and really easy to work with. He took my idea board into account, designing within my vision while adding his own creative touch. I also appreciated that he allowed me to make minor edits along the way. The process felt smooth and collaborative, and the final result exceeded my expectations. The studio vibes were great too--you can tell the space was put together by artists. It has a creative, welcoming energy that enhances the experience. Would return for my next piece. read more

Just got my second tattoo with Pei here! Beautiful and unique space! Very clean! Also love working with Pei, awesome to chat with and so mindful of your input. Very happy with my experience at Ritual! read more

piece by Dylan. I came in with a rough idea of what i wanted and it's more gorgeous than i could've ever imagined. also super relaxing environment to get tatted at, really chill inviting atmosphere, good music and great conversations with the artists!! 100/10 recommend checking out the artists here read more

Ritual Tattoo - Chest piece by Dylan Orbock - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Loved getting a tattoo here- worked with Lorenzo to design it. I wanted him to be able to create a piece of art from a photograph I took when I hiked half dome. He did such an amazing job and was able to fit the placement perfectly in between my other tattoos which I didn't think was even possible. He is very talented and I am beyond happy with how it turned out, such great fine lines and shading/detail. The owner of the shop is super nice and all of the staff I met is very welcoming and friendly. It's got a great aesthetic and is very clean and easy to get to. highly recommend. read more

I came to Ritual Tattoo to get a coverup/full sleeve and have been nothing but pleased and impressed. Matt runs a shop full of talented artists and the vibe/atmosphere is top notch. Great music. Better art. Convenient location. Super chill spot with talent for days. 10/10. Would smash again. Thanks! read more

The shop: I'm so glad I found this tattoo shop! What attracted me was the perfect 5 stars overall review, and then visited the shop, and it's a beautiful hidden gem! The shop is modern, crisp clean, has good natural lighting, and so many beautiful real plants. It does not feel like your typical tattoo shop. I felt so zen and relaxed there. The artist: I worked with Simon Chisum and he's such a great tattoo artist - patient as I asked all the many questions as it was my first tattoo; collaborative as we worked on creating the right stencil of my idea; and overall kind and provided a great customer experience that it made me feel comfortable and excited about my experience. The experience: Overall the tattoo didn't hurt and it was such a calm experience, There were a few moments where I felt so relaxed I was ready to fall asleep. Simon has a very gentle technique that I didn't feel pain at all; even when he would wipe the tattoo it didn't feel like too much pressure or uncomfortable. And the best part is the line work on the tattoo is perfect! Couldn't it have asked for an overall better experience. Thank you Simon! Tattoo: combination of my own writing and Simon edited it to make the letter the same thickness and have it flow. So overall, if you've made it this far, go check out Ritual Tattoo! You won't regret it and there's a reason their rating is a 5.0!! read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo in inside arm, near wrist. - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great atmosphere and artists here. I'm relatively new to getting tattoos and have seen both Alper and Dylan now for two different pieces. I really liked the process and the work done here is of really high quality. I've seen the work from the other artists here as well and would feel comfortable going to any of them and knowing I'm going to get something I'll really like. Unique styles and feels like they've got something for everyone read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo by Alper - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I celebrated my bday with a couple of girlfriends as pre-scheduled walk-ins. You can tell the pride taken on the aesthetic and care of their studio. I love the vibe. So many things to call out! Lorenzo was at our service. He did an amazing job on our tattoos! It has been 20+ years since my last (first) tattoo and I plan to come back to add on to the baroque picture frame Lorenzo spent time on with all the details. read more

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This is an awesome studio! It is so clean and comfortable. The space is extremely inviting. I had Alper design and tattoo not only myself but 2 family members. There may be a long wait to get a studio session but it was totally worth it. The studio owner and tattoo artist was friendly and has done an incredible job making his space inviting. Everyone was friendly and fun to chat with. If your spending the day here, there are quick and delicious food options in every direction. Highly recommend this place! I wish I took more pictures of the space! read more

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I wanted to get a very special tattoo. I called Ritual Tattoo and spoke with Dylan, who agreed to see me the same evening. Dylan was very kind, precise, and patient in designing the exact piece I wanted. He worked methodically and accurately, and he explained every step. He did an excellent job and the outcome was exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend Dylan Orbock and will definitely go to him for more work in the future. Also, the shop is beautiful and every aspect is artistically stunning and very clean. read more

Malvi has done three pieces for me and I love them. I always get so many compliments on them. She's super easy to work with, has a light hand, and does awesome work. I'm looking forward to getting more from her! read more

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This shop is actually the best !! They staff is super friendly and the place is literally such a vibe. Me and my sister booked an appointment with Lorenzo, not only do we absolutely love our tattoos he was super sweet and easy to work with. 10/10 experience. read more

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I highly recommend Wryly Fable! I'm super picky when it comes to tattoo, and I'm so fortunate that I got to work with her. She has amazing talent, creativity, depth, contrast, detail and very much real-like (if you're going for that!) Go check out her IG page, she has amazing stuff! I got a fern read more

Ritual Tattoo - This was the beginning of shading! - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

My first tattoo. It was a great experience honestly. Got a tattoo back in October (sorry for the delayed, much well-deserved 5 star review) and I couldn't be happier. My husband followed Matt's work for awhile, wanting to get his own. I gifted him a tattoo that will happen later this year, then thought, why not give it a go for myself? I've contemplated this tat for awhile and finally made it to the chair. This was done by none other than Matt's apprentice, Taylor. Took about 20-30 minutes in the chair in a slightly weird position.. but hey worth it. I would definitely go back to her. Will again soon actually :) Til next time! read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ritual has been by far the best place I've gotten a tattoo. Dylan Obrock was my tattoo artist. Let me tell you, he will deliver. He had so much patience when it came to placement. He took his time to perfect the tattoos. My next tattoo will be with Dylan. read more

Ritual Tattoo - My tattoo.... - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

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So so pleased with a deeply Collaborative Process with Dylan on a blackwork sleeve and another very integrated leg piece. Dylan was very open to me being highly involved in the design, allowing for a slow process over weeks before we proceeded with the final piece. This is all very rare for tattoo artists ~ i searched for this for over a year !! He's so lovely to team with, easy to talk to, and a great listening with all that arises as you're going through all the pain during those hours. i recommend him in a heartbeat !!!! Thank you .. Thank you .. Thank you Dylan ~ you're a gem !! read more

Got mother/son tattoos of a parsnip ( not a turnip!) and was very happy with the result. Dylan Orbock was our artist and were really happy with his exquisite attention to detail, patience and overall sense of artistry. We welcomed his suggestions for shading and shadowing which each time was an improvement from original design. Owner Matt runs a (super clean) great shop with a beautiful leafy ambiance and happy appearing staff and customers. Would def. recommend. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Mother and son tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Spent six hours recently under the needle in Matt Mattik's awesome crow's nest at Ritual Tattoo the other day --- which gave me some time to take in the scene in this new shop on Solano. Matt himself is a mastermind tattoo artist who, off the back of his well-deserved success at Form8 in SF, and with the other artists he's brought together in the shop, are behind this open, brighty, airy, chill space for body art. Along with some cool merch (like t-shirts and jewelry), there's a nice space for hanging out while you check out the artists' portfolios or wait for your appointment. At the back of the shop is a spot to get coffee, tea, or a handful of snax if you get hungry (but def eat before you go in for any tattoo anywhere). What I observed during my session was artists and apprentices working with a diverse clientele to create a variety of styles of tattoo art. The environment was upbeat with good music. I drove the 80 miles from Santa Cruz for Matt and was rewarded not only with his outstanding art but also with a comfortable, enjoyable shop experience from start to finish. read more

Mattmatik is a patient, detail oriented and friendly artist who made me feel comfortable the entire time I was at Ritual tattoo. I scheduled my first ever tattoo appointment with Mattmatik. It was easy to set up and I chose a date really far out in the future. In the interim I ended up getting a few other tattoos elsewhere, which gives me some context on my experience with him at Ritual. I was getting a geometric tattoo full of straight lines, which can be hard to do accurately. He took the time to make sure everything was aligned and sized perfectly on my arm. As he was getting set up he made sure I felt relaxed in his studio, and even explained that he uses a quieter machine to help with the calm environment. The end result is great. It has healed well without any blowouts or leaking ink. I'll definitely be back. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo on forearm - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

I got my first tattoo with Matt at Ritual Tattoo this week and my experience was even better than what I had hoped for. The space is bright, inviting, clean, and well-designed. It's an atmosphere that makes you feel welcome and comfortable. The people, of course, make you feel the same way. I was a little nervous about getting my first tattoo but Kelsey and Matt put me right at ease. I appreciated the consultation that I had the night before my appointment and the fact that Matt came up with three different designs for me to choose from. Matt willingly worked with me on the size and placement of my tattoo and the actual tattooing was quick and almost painless. I love the finished product; it's exactly what I wanted. I couldn't recommend Ritual Tattoo and Matt enough! Schedule your appointment now to get on the books, there is a wait. But it's worth it. read more

I've come to see dylan a few times and always leave the shop happy as fuck. He knows how to capture a vision and make it into a reality. Super charming, super talented, super friendly. 7 hours went by very quickly and painlessly. He drew up the perfect design, worked with me until i loved every inch of it and was very flexible with my schedule. He's worth coming to check out especially if you're interested in his style of art. @orb_ink read more

I've gotten two tattoos here, one last year and one today, both designed by Alper -- an awesome artist who transformed my ideas into unique and very cool designs. The space itself on Solano is clean, professional, and just really beautiful: lots of lush plants, interesting artwork and decor, the nicest fish tank I've ever seen, and a gorgeous brick wall on one side and a wall with a sprawling black-and-white geometric design on the other. Even the ceiling fan and design accents on the stairs up to the loft are cool. It's these little touches that really make the space, and I think that care and attention to detail is also reflected in each artists' work. I'd recommend this place to anyone, whether for their first or fifth or fortieth tattoo. read more

First time coming here and I was blown away by how big and decorated the interior was. I appreciate the effort put into making the space look nice. This was honestly the nicest shop I've been to and appreciated the safety measures they did as well. My tattoo was done by Malvi and it was a great experience. She is kind and considerate when it comes to her clients. Overall I have nothing negative to say about this shop. Parking was also easy and free. Plus there are places to eat around the shop and a small dog park. read more

Ritual Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Matt is the Absolute Best, I am so grateful that I found him. I'd have a really hard time seeing anyone else after my experience at Ritual Tattoo. I took my tattoo very seriously as it was my first, and it was a memorial tattoo to honor and remember my mom. Matt is an incredibly talented artist. His style and precision absolutely caught my attention, but what really solidified it for me was his sensitivity and understanding regarding all of my expectations, fears, anxieties and concerns. I was flying across the country from Washington, D.C going into the appointment with no idea what I would come out with. From the minute I sat down with him he made me feel at ease and said all of the things I wanted to hear without me even asking. He really stressed that it should be something we build together and that even if I had flown all the way out there and we had worked on a design all day; if I wasn't fully comfortable or satisfied I could come back another time. I really believed he meant what he was saying and I didn't feel rushed through the process at all. He booked me for 6 hours, I ended up staying for 12 with a few breaks. He is ridiculously giving of his time and of course I put my absolute trust in him and walked away with a beautiful tattoo. Not to mention it was really not very painful which I attribute to his skills. His shop looks and feels like a high end salon with unique and interesting decor that he designed and built himself. The heating pad on the seat which fully reclines was a really nice touch. I don't know how he does it, but I really felt like he put as much thought and care into my tattoo as if I was his very first client, although I know he's been doing this for years. He checked in with me afterwards to follow up and give me tips on how to safely wrap and care for my arm as I had to take a 6 hour flight home a couple days after. It healed wonderfully with absolutely no itching. I've had my tattoo for a little over a year now and if I had a dollar for every compliment I got on it, it would probably have paid for itself by now. Given that my tattoo was unique and special regarding my loss he told me he wouldn't post it on social media so no one could copy it. I know that nobody else has anything like it and that was really thoughtful of him. I will definitely be seeing Matt again. read more

This place is amazing. The scenery and vibes inside are very relaxing yet very intriguing. Great friendly staff. I called with an idea and came in the same day to get it done. Dylan was my tattoo artist and he made the experience very relaxing yet memorable. He told me everything he was doing so I would be in the know. He's a very very very talented artist and I truly thank him for such a wonderful tattoo. I will most certainly come back for more! read more

Ritual Tattoo - My brain/heart tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California