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Strizzi's Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Strizzi's Restaurant
8.0
Casual Italian favorite known for approachable pastas, cioppino, and kid-friendly portions. Street-side seating and quick pacing make it easy for family meals downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cioppino, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Reliable Italian comforts with quick, family-friendly pacing.
Who should go: Parents with kids and mixed appetites
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm for shortest waits
What to order: Cioppino, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi
Insider tip: Request half-orders on some pastas for smaller eaters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and nearby cross streets is free but fills quickly after 6pm; nearby city lots behind Main are reliable backups.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, polos, and sundresses all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—busy family energy inside but quieter conversation possible on the patio.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of options like Capellini Pomodoro, Eggplant Parmigiana, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable pastas and salads if ordered without cheese or cream sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request, but kitchen shares prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more of a casual comfort spot than a romantic destination—ideal for a relaxed, low-pressure dinner rather than a formal first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or before 6pm. For weekend dinners, reservations are recommended to avoid a 30-minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, booster seats, and kid-portion pastas make it easy for families with children of any age.
Best For
Better for: Quicker, more casual family dinners than upscale Italian spots nearby; dependable service and crowd-pleasing portions.
Skip if: You’re seeking a romantic or chef-driven Italian experience—try Locanda Amalfi instead.
Strizzi's Restaurant
8.3
Neighborhood Italian spot known for a hearty house-made lasagna layered with ricotta and meat sauce, plus reliable pastas and friendly, efficient service. Locals use it for weeknight dinners and downtown strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Made Lasagna, Rigatoni Bolognese, Chicken Piccata
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic, generously layered lasagna that holds up for takeout.
Who should go: Downtown families and Italian comfort seekers
When to visit: Early evenings 5–6:30 to avoid waits
What to order: Lasagna, rigatoni Bolognese, garlic bread
Insider tip: Ask for extra marinara on the side for the lasagna.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street and nearby lot parking on Main Street and behind the restaurant; fills quickly after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and polos are fine, some guests dress up slightly for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation-friendly with occasional livelier weekend buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; easy seating between 11:30am and 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta and salad options like eggplant parmesan and caprese.
Vegan options: Limited – marinara-based pastas and salads can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available, but kitchen shares prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy booths, warm lighting, and friendly service create a relaxed but polished setting ideal for a low-pressure first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays, but reservations are recommended on weekends after 5:30pm to avoid 30+ minute waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – kids’ menu available with smaller pasta portions, and staff are welcoming to families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Better for classic Italian comfort dishes and relaxed family dinners than trendier downtown spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a modern fine-dining experience or extensive wine program.
Strizzi's Restaurant
7.9
Third-generation family restaurant rooted in 1920s Italian deli heritage from Abruzzo. Wood-grilled seasonal fish and pan-tossed pasta prepared in an open kitchen define the menu, with no corkage fee sweetening the deal for wine enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Grilled Salmon, Smoked Pork Chops, Spaghetti & Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Three generations preserving Abruzzo village traditions since 1920s
Who should go: Families and groups seeking generous portions, relaxed vibe
When to visit: Early dining menu 4-6 PM offers value
What to order: Wood-grilled fish with house-made toppings, any pasta
Insider tip: BYO wine with zero corkage fee at all locations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St (metered until 6pm) and nearby public lots - corner location offers easier access than mid-block restaurants
Dress code: Casual family-friendly - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Lively and energetic - open kitchen adds to buzz, great for groups but not intimate quiet dining
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday, popular with families so book ahead
Weekday lunch: Usually seats available, 10-15 min max wait during peak lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pasta dishes can be made vegetarian, customizable options, veggie-forward sides available
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with marinara-based pastas and vegetable dishes, call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes, grilled fish naturally GF with proper sides
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd-3rd date than romantic first impression - lively family atmosphere and open kitchen create energy but not intimacy. BYO wine perk helps budget though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins welcomed but reservations recommended for dinner, especially weekends when families fill tables. Lunch typically easier. OpenTable or call ahead (925) 484-9600.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - one of best Italian options for families in Pleasanton. Generous portions, accommodating staff, relaxed vibe. All ages welcome, high chairs available. Locals bring multiple generations here.
What's the BYOB situation? Zero corkage fee at all Strizzi's locations - huge value for wine lovers. Bring your favorite bottle and save $20-40+ on wine markup. This alone makes it stand out from competitors.
What's the early dining special? Early dining menu 4-6 PM offers value pricing on select items. Great for families with young kids or seniors who prefer earlier hours. Best deal in the house.
Good for large groups? Excellent for groups - spacious layout, accommodating staff, generous portions perfect for sharing. Can handle large parties and picky eaters. Popular for family celebrations and reunions.
What about weekend brunch? Saturday & Sunday brunch 10am-2pm offers breakfast and lunch items. Good for post-farmers market dining or family weekend gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Best no-corkage Italian in area (bring your own wine free), superior for large family gatherings and groups with mixed tastes, generous portions appeal to hearty appetites, three-generation Abruzzo heritage adds authenticity, most accommodating for picky eaters and kids
Skip if: You want romantic intimate date-night setting, prefer innovative modern Italian over traditional family-style, seeking ultra-refined fine dining experience, or want cutting-edge small plates over generous classic portions
Strizzi's Restaurant
7.9
Three generations of the Strizzi family bring authentic Abruzzo traditions with wood-grilled seasonal fish and pan-tossed pastas made to order. The corner location offers al fresco dining with no corkage fee for your own wine, creating an affordable date night option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Grilled Sea Bass, Rigatoni Bolognese, Chicken Pesto Cream
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Wood-fired grill, no corkage fee policy, family recipes since 1920s
Who should go: Budget-conscious couples who appreciate tradition
When to visit: Early dining 4-6pm for special menu deals
What to order: Daily fish special, small plates menu, shared desserts
Insider tip: Bring your own favorite wine to save on drinks
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Corner lot entrance on Main St, additional street parking, easier than other downtown spots, rarely full except Saturday nights
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, workout clothes to business attire all normal, family restaurant vibe
Noise level: Family-friendly buzz - open kitchen adds sizzle sounds, easier conversation than typical family restaurants, patio quieter
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical without reservation, longer waits rare due to larger capacity
Weekday lunch: No wait, popular with business crowd but turns tables quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pastas, salads, veggie sides, can modify most dishes to be vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited - pasta marinara, salads, grilled vegetables, not their specialty
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, GF pasta available, wood-grilled fish naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for casual dates - BYOB wine policy keeps costs down, relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off, but lacks romantic ambiance of pricier spots
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes - larger capacity than other downtown spots, multiple dining areas, only need reservations for groups of 8+ or peak Saturday nights
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for families - kids menu, crayons, high chairs, tolerant of noise, open kitchen entertains kids, early dining specials perfect for family dinners
Best For
Better for: Best value Italian date night with BYOB wine, superior wood-grilled fish, most accommodating for large groups, reliable quality without pretense, faster seating than trendier spots
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy ambiance, seeking innovative cuisine, celebrating major milestone, prefer intimate romantic setting, want extensive wine list and sommelier service
Strizzi's Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Three generations of Italian tradition come alive at this wood-fired grill specialist known for fresh fish and house-made pasta. The Strizzi family's Abruzzo heritage shines through pan-tossed pastas made to order in their open kitchen concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Grilled Seasonal Fish, Cajun Alfredo Pasta, Smoked Pork Chops
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Three-generation family recipes from Abruzzo, Italy
Who should go: Families and business lunch crowds
When to visit: Weekday lunches for quick service
What to order: Fresh grilled fish, pan-tossed pasta, pork chops
Insider tip: No corkage fee for bringing your own wine
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St, metered until 6pm; easier parking on side streets Neal/Angela
Dress code: Casual to business casual - jeans standard, shorts acceptable for lunch
Noise level: Moderate to loud - open kitchen adds energy; patio quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, up to 45 min for large parties without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon, 10-15 min during 12-1:30pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta and pizza options, can modify most dishes
Vegan options: Limited - marinara pasta, salads, ask about dairy in pizza dough
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF options marked on menu, dedicated prep for pasta
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples - the open kitchen and family vibe are casual rather than romantic; try early week dinner for quieter atmosphere
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially for parties under 4; call 30 min ahead for groups of 6+ or use their call-ahead seating list
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids fascinated by open kitchen, dedicated menu, quick service keeps them happy, and noise level means no one minds active children
Best For
Better for: Best grilled fish selection in Pleasanton, fastest lunch service, ideal for large groups/families, BYOB with no corkage saves money
Skip if: You want intimate romantic atmosphere (try Chianti Reserve) or cutting-edge modern Italian (try Locanda Amalfi)