What is the best Italian restaurant in Walnut Creek?

Montecatini Ristorante is our top pick for Italian restaurants in Walnut Creek, scoring 8.6/10. Decades-strong kitchen led by Chef Ermes Paulin with meticulous classics.

Any insider tips for Montecatini Ristorante?

Ask for a corner banquette and linger over grappa post-dessert.

What should I order at Montecatini Ristorante?

Lasagna Casalinga; gamberi scampi; tiramisu

When should I visit Montecatini Ristorante?

Weeknights after 7:30pm for the calmest room

Who should go to Montecatini Ristorante?

Couples and traditional Italian loyalists

Any insider tips for Original Joe’s Walnut Creek?

Counter seating by exhibition kitchen gets you seated faster

What should I order at Original Joe’s Walnut Creek?

Chicken parm, Joe's burger, warm butter cake

When should I visit Original Joe’s Walnut Creek?

Friday-Saturday for late-night dining until 11pm

Who should go to Original Joe’s Walnut Creek?

Families, Italian comfort food lovers, nostalgia seekers

Any insider tips for Massimo Ristorante?

Use the Lesher Center garage across the street for easy parking.

What should I order at Massimo Ristorante?

Frutti di mare; veal; zabaglione

When should I visit Massimo Ristorante?

First seating Fri–Sat for smooth pacing

Who should go to Massimo Ristorante?

Fans of classic Italian comfort and service

Any insider tips for Slice House by Tony Gemignani?

The Detroit style is the sleeper hit - crispy cheese edges

What should I order at Slice House by Tony Gemignani?

Detroit deep dish, any slice by the slice

When should I visit Slice House by Tony Gemignani?

Late evening for fresh slices without crowds

Who should go to Slice House by Tony Gemignani?

Pizza purists, late-night snackers, families

Any insider tips for Melo’s Italian Table?

Ask about half-portion pastas for easier kid sharing.

What should I order at Melo’s Italian Table?

Vodka rigatoni; arugula pizza; tiramisu

When should I visit Melo’s Italian Table?

5:00–6:15pm or after 8pm to avoid waits

Who should go to Melo’s Italian Table?

Casual family dinners and mixed-age groups

Best Family Friendly Italian Restaurants in Walnut Creek (94596)

5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick

Montecatini Ristorante

Decades-strong kitchen led by Chef Ermes Paulin with meticulous classics.

Notable Picks

#1 Montecatini Ristorante

8.6

$$$ Civic Park / Downtown Core

Vibes: Date Night Magic Luxury Dining Elite Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players

White-tablecloth Northern Italian mainstay since 1989 with precise pastas and gracious pacing. Locals book it for anniversaries and classic, unhurried dinners where the kitchen still executes old-school favorites with care.

Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna Casalinga (beef & veal, tomato-cream), Gamberi Scampi, Tortellini Montecatini

What makes it special: Decades-strong kitchen led by Chef Ermes Paulin with meticulous classics.

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#2 Original Joe’s Walnut Creek

8.5

$$ Broadway Plaza / South Main

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Birthday & Celebration Central Family Friendly Favorites Late Night Legends

San Francisco's beloved 88-year-old Italian-American institution makes its first East Bay expansion with signature booth seating, exhibition kitchen, and classic comfort dishes. The third-generation family operation brings nostalgic favorites like Joe's Famous Hamburger Sandwich and Chicken Parmigiana to Broadway Plaza.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Joe's Famous Hamburger Sandwich, Joe's Spicy Rigatoni

What makes it special: SF institution's first East Bay location with 88 years of legacy

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#3 Massimo Ristorante

8.3

$$ Locust Street Corridor

Vibes: Date Night Magic Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings

Old-school Italian with warm service across from the Lesher Center, serving generous pastas and veal with steady execution. A reliable pick for pre-theater dinners and relaxed date nights.

Must-Try Dishes: Frutti di mare, Osso buco (when offered), Zabaglione

What makes it special: Long-running supper-club energy with generous portions and hospitality.

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#4 Slice House by Tony Gemignani

8.2

$$ Broadway Plaza / Mt. Diablo Blvd Corridor

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven

From 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, this fast-casual spot serves New York, Detroit, Grandma, and Sicilian style pizzas using ancient grain dough. The counter-service format with limited seating makes it ideal for quick late-night slices or whole pies to-go until 11pm on weekends.

Must-Try Dishes: Detroit Deep Dish, New York Cheese Slice, Margherita Pizza

What makes it special: World champion pedigree with multiple pizza styles under one roof

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#5 Melo’s Italian Table

8.0

$ Locust Street Corridor

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players

Local family operation with shareable pies and pastas in a lively room. Kids get crowd-pleasers, adults get a cocktail and solid classics without formality.

Must-Try Dishes: Vodka Rigatoni, Prosciutto-Arugula Pizza, Meatballs

What makes it special: Buzzy, share-friendly menu from a long-running local restaurant family.

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