Any insider tips for Gay Nineties Pizza?

Adjacent parking lot makes downtown visits convenient

What should I order at Gay Nineties Pizza?

Sourdough specialty, combination pizza, vintage sodas

When should I visit Gay Nineties Pizza?

Weekday lunches for easy reservations

Who should go to Gay Nineties Pizza?

Families and traditionalists seeking classic pizzas

Any insider tips for Pastas Trattoria?

Ask for the side room for easier stroller/booster seating.

What should I order at Pastas Trattoria?

Chicken Piccata, Linguine Vongole, Penne Vodka

When should I visit Pastas Trattoria?

Weeknights before 6:30pm or late after 8pm

Who should go to Pastas Trattoria?

Families wanting classic Italian downtown

Any insider tips for Strizzi's Restaurant?

Request half-orders on some pastas for smaller eaters.

When should I visit Strizzi's Restaurant?

Early dinner 5–6:30pm for shortest waits

Who should go to Strizzi's Restaurant?

Parents with kids and mixed appetites

Any insider tips for Locanda Amalfi?

Make reservations - popular spot fills quickly

What should I order at Locanda Amalfi?

Neapolitan pizzas, antipasti, house limoncello

When should I visit Locanda Amalfi?

Weekend evenings for the full experience

Who should go to Locanda Amalfi?

Date night couples and Italian food purists

Any insider tips for Baci Bistro & Bar?

Check brunch—kids often enjoy the breakfast-Italian crossover.

What should I order at Baci Bistro & Bar?

Chicken Parm, Carbonara, Cioppino

When should I visit Baci Bistro & Bar?

Weekend brunch 10:30am–12pm or weeknights early

Who should go to Baci Bistro & Bar?

Families wanting varied Italian choices

Best Family Friendly Italian Restaurants in Pleasanton (94566)

5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Gay Nineties Pizza

8.4

$$ Historic Downtown

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics Group Dining Gatherings

Serving Pleasanton since 1959, this Tri-Valley Herald award winner crafts sourdough specialty pizzas from scratch in a vintage-themed parlor. The family-friendly restaurant combines six decades of tradition with consistently fresh ingredients and that distinctive sourdough tang locals have loved for generations.

Must-Try Dishes: Sourdough Specialty Pizza, Gourmet Combination, Classic Pepperoni

What makes it special: 65-year legacy with award-winning sourdough crust

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#2 Pastas Trattoria

8.3

$$$ Downtown Pleasanton

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Outdoor Dining Oasis

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

What makes it special: Downtown mainstay with a broad menu and steady, accommodating service.

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#3 Strizzi's Restaurant

8.0

$$ Downtown Pleasanton

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics Outdoor Dining Oasis

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

What makes it special: Reliable Italian comforts with quick, family-friendly pacing.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Locanda Amalfi

7.9

$$$ Downtown Pleasanton

Vibes: Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis Trendy Table Hotspots

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

What makes it special: Certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples

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#5 Baci Bistro & Bar

7.9

$$$ Downtown Pleasanton

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics

Italian-leaning bistro with pastas, chops, and cioppino; brunch and kids-friendly options make it versatile for families. Service is welcoming and the menu spans mild to adventurous.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti Carbonara, SF-Style Cioppino

What makes it special: Broad, family-friendly Italian menu with brunch and dinner service.

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