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Chianti Reserve
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Chianti Reserve
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Chef Bilardi Carteli brings 30 years of Italian training from Bologna and Tuscany to this refined downtown trattoria. Daily off-menu specials reflect market availability, while homemade pasta and fresh seafood anchor a menu praised for authenticity and technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilean Sea Bass with Risotto, Homemade Cannoli, Daily Chef Specials
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef trained in Bologna and Tuscany creates authentic regional dishes
Who should go: Couples and celebrators wanting upscale Italian experience
When to visit: Ask about daily specials featuring seasonal ingredients
What to order: Whatever the chef recommends that day from market
Insider tip: New upstairs banquet room with balcony opened 2024, ADA accessible
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St (metered) or free lot behind restaurant off Rose Ave - easier access than most downtown spots
Dress code: Smart casual - button-down and slacks work best, jeans acceptable if paired with nice top, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - refined without being stuffy, ideal for business discussions or romantic dinners
Weekend wait: Reservations essential Friday/Saturday - walk-ins unlikely after 6pm, book 3-5 days ahead
Weekday lunch: Usually seats available for walk-ins, 10-15 min max wait during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - chef creates excellent vegetarian pastas and risottos, can customize daily specials
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - chef willing to prepare plant-based dishes with advance notice, marinara pastas available
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, chef trained in proper handling, several naturally GF seafood and meat dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for 2nd-3rd date when you want to impress - romantic without being over-the-top, excellent wine list and food quality justify the $$$ price. Maybe too formal for casual first meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually fine as walk-in. Dinner strongly recommend booking - they're popular for special occasions and fill up, especially weekends. OpenTable shows availability or call directly.
Is it kid-friendly? Welcomes families but atmosphere skews adult - best for well-behaved kids 10+ who appreciate quality food. Not ideal for toddlers or picky eaters. Earlier dinner times (5-6pm) more family-appropriate.
How's the wine selection? Excellent - maître d' is a wine expert who helps pair wines with your meal. Focus on Italian and California producers. Don't be shy to ask for guidance, they're known for thoughtful recommendations.
What's the private room situation? New upstairs banquet room (opened 2024) seats up to 65, has balcony and full bar, ADA accessible via elevator. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, corporate events, milestone birthdays. Book well in advance.
Should I order off-menu specials? Absolutely yes - Chef Bilardi's daily specials showcase what's fresh from market and his creativity. Server will describe them in detail. This is where his Bologna/Tuscany training really shines.
Best For
Better for: Most refined Italian dining in Pleasanton with chef-driven authentic regional cuisine, best for impressing clients or celebrating milestones, superior wine knowledge and pairing service, homemade pasta quality exceeds other local spots
Skip if: You want casual family-style portions or Italian-American comfort food, budget is under $50/person, prefer trendy/modern ambiance over traditional refined setting, or need quick in-and-out meal
Chianti Reserve
8.5
Chef Bilarddi Carteli, trained in Bologna and Tuscany, brings 30+ years of Italian expertise to this downtown establishment. Daily off-menu specials highlight market-fresh ingredients, while the new upstairs banquet room offers elevated private dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Ravioli with Pesto, Veal Scallopini with Mushrooms, House-made Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef-owner with 30+ years Italian training creates daily specials
Who should go: Special occasion diners and wine enthusiasts
When to visit: Saturday evening with reservations
What to order: Daily specials, Chilean Sea Bass, homemade pasta
Insider tip: Wine expert maître d' will pair selections perfectly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St between Angela and Rose, small lot behind restaurant off Rose Ave, easier parking before 6:30pm
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts preferred for men, no athletic wear, many diners dress up for special occasions
Noise level: Refined ambiance - quieter than typical Italian restaurants, perfect for business discussions or intimate dates
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely seated on Friday/Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: 10-20 min for business lunch rush (12-1:30pm), immediate seating otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Chef Carteli creates vegetarian versions of daily specials, excellent eggplant and mushroom dishes
Vegan options: Very limited - chef will modify dishes on request but not a strength
Gluten-free options: Yes - homemade GF pasta available with advance notice when reserving
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for impressing - upscale without being stuffy, wine pairings create conversation starters, intimate lighting but not overly romantic if things don't click
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends, bar seats sometimes available, best chance weekdays before 6pm or after 8:30pm, always call ahead as they accommodate regulars
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, formal atmosphere, better for well-behaved teens who appreciate fine dining, high chairs available but rarely used
Best For
Better for: Traditional Italian techniques with California ingredients, wine pairings superior to any Pleasanton Italian spot, daily specials you won't find elsewhere, best for impressing clients or celebrating milestones
Skip if: You want casual family dining, prefer predictable chain-restaurant portions, on a tight budget, or need quick turnover for pre-theater dining
Chianti Reserve
7.9
Chef Bilarddi Carteli brings 30 years of Bologna and Tuscany training to downtown Pleasanton with homemade pasta prepared daily. This intimate restaurant features a covered ivy-lined patio perfect for romantic dinners and special celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Tagliatelle Bolognese, Osso Buco, Fresh Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef trained in Bologna brings authentic Italian techniques
Who should go: Traditionalists seeking authentic Italian
When to visit: Quiet weeknight dinners for intimate atmosphere
What to order: Homemade pasta, osso buco, cannoli
Insider tip: The ivy-covered patio stays warm with heaters
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St or behind restaurant off Rose Ave; easier than other downtown spots
Dress code: Smart casual recommended - nice jeans ok but lean dressier for dinner
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - designed for intimate conversation, never loud
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical, often has availability when others are full
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, rarely more than 10 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - housemade pasta with various sauces, risottos, appetizers
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify some pasta dishes, call ahead to confirm
Gluten-free options: Limited - risottos and some meat/fish dishes naturally GF, no GF pasta
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, quiet enough for conversation, and the ivy-covered patio creates romance without trying too hard
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially weeknights - smaller capacity means less competition; bar seats usually available for impromptu visits
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - intimate atmosphere better suited for ages 12+ who appreciate fine dining; no kids menu
Best For
Better for: Most authentic traditional Italian preparation, quietest atmosphere for conversation, best for intimate celebrations or proposals
Skip if: You want lively atmosphere (try Baci Bistro), need extensive kids options (try Strizzi's), or prefer modern Italian (try Locanda Amalfi)