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Locanda Amalfi
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Locanda Amalfi
8.4
Three Italian owners bring authentic Neapolitan thin-crust pizza and handmade pasta to downtown Pleasanton. Wood-fired pizzas show proper technique with quality ingredients, while the gnocchi and mamma's meatballs consistently earn praise from regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Tartufo, Gnocchi with Truffle Sauce, Mamma Carmela's Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Authentic Italian hospitality from three owners with Naples roots
Who should go: Date nights and families seeking genuine Italian flavors
When to visit: Weeknight dinners avoid weekend crowds, book ahead
What to order: Any wood-fired pizza, gnocchi, zeppoline for dessert
Insider tip: Owners Francesco, Emanuele, and Enzo often share limoncello with diners
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St (metered until 6pm) or public lot behind restaurant off Angela Street - free evenings/weekends
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work fine, no need to overdress
Noise level: Moderate buzz - can hold conversation but gets lively during peak dinner
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait possible, but usually seats available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including margherita pizza, pasta primavera, and vegetable-forward small plates
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese and request marinara-based pastas
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pizza available in small size only, ask about pasta options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate but not stuffy, sharable pizzas break ice naturally, and reasonable prices ($25-40/person with wine) keep it relaxed. Request a table away from bar area for quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Friday/Saturday dinner absolutely book ahead - they fill up. OpenTable shows real-time availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very welcoming to families - kids love the wood-fired pizza watching, and owners are known for being warm with children. Best for ages 4+ who can sit through meal. Go before 7pm to avoid date-night crowd.
How long does dinner take? Plan 75-90 minutes for full dinner experience. Pizzas come fast (15-20 min), but pace is relaxed Italian style - not rushed but not slow either.
Can I just grab a drink and appetizer? Absolutely - bar area welcomes this, especially during happy hour. Small bites menu and wine by the glass make it perfect for casual meet-ups.
Best For
Better for: Most authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Pleasanton with true Italian ownership, more modern/trendy vibe than old-school trattorias, excellent for groups who want to share multiple dishes
Skip if: You want red-sauce heavy Italian-American classics, need large gluten-free pizza options, or prefer quiet traditional ambiance over buzzy modern energy
Locanda Amalfi
8.9
This sophisticated Neapolitan pizzeria brings authentic Italian hospitality to downtown Pleasanton with wood-fired pizzas crafted by a certified Master Pizzauiolo from Naples. The trendy, warm atmosphere features both intimate indoor seating and a charming patio perfect for romantic evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Tartufo with Truffle, Mamma Carmela's Meatballs, Gnocchi al Pesto
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Authentic Neapolitan pizzas from a certified Master Pizzauiolo
Who should go: Couples seeking upscale casual Italian dining
When to visit: Friday evening for date night ambiance
What to order: Pizza Diavola 2.0, Gnocchi, Zeppoline Amalfi dessert
Insider tip: Request limoncello with owners Francesco and Emanuele
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St fills up after 6pm, public lot behind Rose Ave has spots, 2-3 minute walk
Dress code: Smart casual recommended - nice jeans with a blazer works, sundresses perfect for patio dining
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but intimate enough for date conversation, quieter on the patio
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, Friday/Saturday often fully booked by 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including Margherita variations, veggie pizzas, and pasta primavera
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, ask about dairy-free dough availability
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF pizza dough available for 12-inch pizzas only, $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to relax, sharing pizzas creates natural conversation, patio adds romance without feeling too intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 6:30pm usually ok, weekends require reservations or expect 30+ minute wait, bar seats sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate good pizza, no kids menu but they'll make plain pasta, high chairs available but atmosphere skews adult after 7pm
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza that rivals SF spots, more romantic atmosphere than other Pleasanton Italian restaurants, actually Italian-owned with genuine hospitality
Skip if: You want hefty portions or heavy red sauce Italian-American fare, need a quiet setting for business discussions, or dining with young children
Locanda Amalfi
8.6
This Neapolitan gem brings authentic Italian flavors from the Amalfi coast with wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta, all served in a sun-drenched patio setting. Owner Enzo Rosano and his mother Mama Carmela craft traditional recipes that transport diners straight to Naples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-fired Margherita Pizza, Zeppoline Dessert, Handmade Gnocchi al Pomodoro
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Authentic Neapolitan recipes from a Naples-raised chef
Who should go: Pizza purists and Italian food enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend evenings for the lively patio atmosphere
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, Zeppoline
Insider tip: Request the back patio for a quieter experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St, free after 6pm; public lot behind restaurant off Rose Ave
Dress code: California casual to smart casual - nice jeans welcome, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate on patio - conversation-friendly except peak Saturday nights
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked Fri-Sat
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza and pasta options, plus appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, ask about pasta
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pizza crust available, some naturally GF appetizers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the back patio is intimate but not too quiet, lighting is flattering, and sharing pizzas breaks the ice naturally
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-20 min wait; weekends very difficult - try bar seating or early (5:30pm) or late (8:30pm+)
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during early dinner (5-7pm) - kids love watching pizza ovens, but after 7:30pm becomes more date-focused
Best For
Better for: Most authentic Neapolitan pizza in Pleasanton with proper 900°F oven; better outdoor ambiance than competitors
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining (try De La Torre's) or traditional American-Italian red sauce dishes (try Pasta's Trattoria)
Locanda Amalfi
7.9
This upscale Italian restaurant brings Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas crafted by a certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples alongside house-made pastas and small plates. Part of the Locanda restaurant group, it offers authentic Italian hospitality with a full bar and charming patio dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, Prosciutto e Arugula
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples
Who should go: Date night couples and Italian food purists
When to visit: Weekend evenings for the full experience
What to order: Neapolitan pizzas, antipasti, house limoncello
Insider tip: Make reservations - popular spot fills quickly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St challenging evenings, public garage behind restaurant free after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - nice jeans acceptable but most dress up for date night
Noise level: Moderate buzz inside, patio perfect for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, often booked solid Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for walk-ins, business lunch crowd fills up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, pastas, and antipasti options
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify marinara pizza without cheese
Gluten-free options: No GF pizza dough, but GF pasta available with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting, shareable antipasti, impressive wine list, and the patio creates perfect ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins. Otherwise expect long waits - they're booked 2 weeks out for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate real Italian food. The upscale vibe and prices aren't ideal for young families.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza with proper char and ingredients - the only certified pizzaiolo in town plus full Italian menu beyond just pizza
Skip if: You want hearty portions or budget prices - pizzas are personal-sized at $18-24, go to Gay Nineties for family-style value
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 9:30pm
Friday11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm