1 Follower
Pastas Trattoria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Pastas Trattoria
8.3
Long-running downtown spot for classic Northern Italian pastas, steaks, and seafood with plenty of kid-friendly choices. Families use it for relaxed dinners where service is attentive and pacing is predictable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Piccata, Linguine alle Vongole, Penne alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Downtown mainstay with a broad menu and steady, accommodating service.
Who should go: Families wanting classic Italian downtown
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30pm or late after 8pm
What to order: Chicken Piccata, Linguine Vongole, Penne Vodka
Insider tip: Ask for the side room for easier stroller/booster seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street and adjacent lots; typically available before 6pm but fills quickly during dinner hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—families in jeans or polos fit right in, but button-downs are common for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—busy family energy with steady background chatter, but conversation at the table is comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak 6–7:30pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, walk-in friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas, salads, and appetizers are fully vegetarian, clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—request modifications for marinara-based pasta or grilled vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request; kitchen is careful but not a dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better suited for casual or family dates than romantic ones—warm lighting and attentive service, but the energy leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, early or late seatings are usually open. Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid the dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, booster seats, and a flexible kids’ menu. Staff are accommodating to families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Consistent service and family comfort—ideal for group dinners where everyone finds something familiar and well-prepared.
Skip if: You’re seeking an upscale or romantic setting—choose Rubys & Roses or Locanda Amalfi for that.
Pastas Trattoria
8.2
Downtown staple with a seasonal take on classics; the Summer Lasagna swaps pasta sheets for zucchini with spinach and goat cheese for a lighter spin. Warm service and a lively bar make it an easy Main Street choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Summer Lasagna (zucchini, spinach, goat cheese, pesto), Pappardelle Bolognese, Fried Calamari
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vegetable-forward lasagna that eats rich without feeling heavy.
Who should go: Lighter Italian and veggie-friendly diners
When to visit: Prime time 6–7 with reservation; lunch is calmer
What to order: Summer Lasagna, pappardelle Bolognese, Caesar
Insider tip: Ask to add a side of pesto to the lasagna for extra punch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour street parking along Main and in nearby public lots; fills quickly after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests wear nice jeans or casual dresses; slightly upscale vibe for Main Street.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar energy but still conversational at tables, especially near windows.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple meat-free pasta and salad options including the Summer Lasagna and Caprese.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable salads and some pasta dishes can be made dairy-free on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available; prepared separately upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, attentive service, and a cozy dining room make it one of Main Street’s most dependable date spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can sometimes snag a bar or patio table early evening, but reservations are strongly recommended after 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome, but the ambiance leans adult; families usually prefer early dinner hours before 6:30pm.
Best For
Better for: Creative seasonal spins on Italian comfort food and an energetic bar scene that outpaces most Pleasanton trattorias.
Skip if: You’re craving classic, red-sauce-heavy Italian—Strizzi’s may be a better fit for that style.
Pastas Trattoria
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family-owned since 1998, this Main Street corner spot offers updated Italian classics with prime downtown views. The restaurant balances tradition with modern technique, serving handmade pasta and fresh seafood in a warm atmosphere that appeals to multiple generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Halibut Special, Wagyu Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Prime corner location with 27 years of consistent quality
Who should go: Families and business lunchers seeking reliable Italian
When to visit: Saturday farmer's market mornings for brunch and people-watching
What to order: Daily specials showcase market-fresh ingredients best
Insider tip: Private banquet room seats 60 for special events
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St (metered until 6pm) or public lot nearby - easier than most downtown spots, especially at corner location
Dress code: Casual to business casual - anything goes from jeans to suits, popular lunch spot for professionals
Noise level: Moderate indoor buzz, quieter on patio - can easily hold business conversations or family chats
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday peak hours, reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait typically, maybe 10-15 min during business lunch rush 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - good selection including pasta primavera, eggplant dishes, and customizable pasta options
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with marinara-based pastas and vegetable dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, separate prep accommodations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual-to-mid level first date - not too formal, reasonable prices ($20-35/person), and corner location with windows makes it comfortable. Outdoor patio especially nice for relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch almost always fine as walk-in. Dinner varies - weeknights usually okay, but weekends book ahead. They've been around 27 years so locals know to reserve for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - established family spot with straightforward Italian classics kids love (pasta, pizza). All ages welcome. Weekend brunch particularly popular with families.
What's the outdoor seating like? Prime corner patio with best downtown views - perfect for people-watching, especially during Saturday farmer's market across the street. Request patio when booking for optimal experience.
Good for large groups? Excellent - private banquet room seats up to 60 for rehearsal dinners, corporate events, birthday parties. Also accommodates larger groups in main dining room. Call ahead for parties over 8.
What's the happy hour situation? Happy hour Sunday-Thursday 4:30-6pm in the cozy bar area - good for after-work drinks and lighter bites before dinner rush.
Best For
Better for: Most reliable all-around Italian in Pleasanton with 27-year track record, best prime corner location for views and people-watching, superior for multi-generational family gatherings and business lunches, excellent private event space for 60 guests
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian or experimental dishes, seeking ultra-romantic intimate ambiance, prefer smaller neighborhood spots over established downtown fixture, or need bargain-basement pricing
Pastas Trattoria
8.3
Family-owned since 1998, this corner trattoria offers updated Italian classics with the best view of downtown from both indoor and patio seating. The private dining room accommodates intimate celebrations while the cozy bar provides a romantic perch for couples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Milano with Artichoke, Lobster Cioppino, Snake River Farms Wagyu Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Prime corner location with best downtown views and 25+ year history
Who should go: Couples wanting classic Italian with ambiance
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live music atmosphere
What to order: Chicken Milano, weekend brunch specials, chocolate torte
Insider tip: Request corner window table for best people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public lot behind restaurant off Angela St, street parking on Main St tough after 5pm, Saturday farmers market blocks area until 1pm
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - anything from nice jeans to business attire fits, locals dress up more on weekends
Noise level: Lively with live music weekends - patio quieter for conversation, bar area loudest, request dining room for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical Friday/Saturday without reservation, up to 45 min during events
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak business lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta options, eggplant parmigiana, caprese, can modify most dishes
Vegan options: Limited - marinara pasta, salads without cheese, chef will accommodate with notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta available for $1 extra, several naturally GF entrees like risotto
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great choice - multiple ambiance options from cozy bar to romantic patio, moderate prices take pressure off, live music provides natural conversation breaks if needed
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually fine, weekend walk-ins can grab bar seats or wait 20-30 min, patio first-come during good weather, OpenTable shows real-time availability
Is it kid-friendly? Very family-friendly - kids menu, high chairs, crayons provided, families welcome until 8pm when live music gets louder, private room perfect for family celebrations
Best For
Better for: Best people-watching in Pleasanton, more relaxed than upscale competitors, live weekend entertainment, excellent happy hour 4:30-6pm, accommodating for large groups and celebrations
Skip if: Seeking cutting-edge cuisine or authentic regional Italian, want intimate quiet dining on weekends, looking for extensive wine list, prefer modern minimalist ambiance
Pastas Trattoria
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-owned since 1998, this corner trattoria offers updated Italian classics with the best people-watching view in downtown Pleasanton. Rick Ring's establishment has become a local institution known for its Saturday brunch and expansive patio overlooking the farmers market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Snake River Wagyu Burger, Capellini Pomodoro, Weekend Brunch Specials
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Prime corner location with best downtown views
Who should go: Families and brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Saturday mornings for farmers market views
What to order: Wagyu burger, fresh pasta, brunch items
Insider tip: Happy hour runs Sunday-Thursday 4:30-6pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking usually available on Angela St; public lot behind restaurant free on weekends
Dress code: Casual to business casual - anything goes from shorts to slacks
Noise level: Moderate - patio can get loud Saturday brunch with families; inside quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical Friday/Saturday; call-ahead list available
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min for business lunch rush 12-1pm; immediate otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, salads, veggie pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pastas with marinara, ask about dairy in bread
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta for $1 extra, marked menu items available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual first dates - patio is lively but not too loud, prices won't break the bank, and the corner location gives natural conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes except Saturday brunch (10:30am-2pm) and Friday nights; patio fills first so request inside if no wait matters more than ambiance
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, crayons provided, high chairs available, and servers are patient with large families; best before 7pm
Best For
Better for: Best brunch in downtown Pleasanton, most affordable Italian option with consistent quality, prime location for people-watching
Skip if: You want romantic intimate dining (try Locanda Amalfi) or high-end seafood focus (try Baci Bistro)