Best Italian Restaurants in Pleasanton (94566)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.4
Three Italian owners bring authentic Neapolitan thin-crust pizza and handmade pasta to downtown Pleasanton. Wood-fired pizzas show proper technique with quality ingredients, while the gnocchi and mamma's meatballs consistently earn praise from regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, Prosciutto e Arugula
What makes it special: Certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples
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
What makes it special: Chef trained in Bologna and Tuscany creates authentic regional dishes
8.2
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:
Chicken Piccata, Linguine alle Vongole, Penne alla Vodka
What makes it special: Downtown mainstay with a broad menu and steady, accommodating service.
8.1
Historic 1864 building houses Pleasanton's first pizzeria since 1959, winning Best Pizza from Tri-Valley Herald since 1997. Hand-pounded sourdough crust aged slowly distinguishes pies made entirely from scratch, including sauces and dressings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Specialty Pizza, Gourmet Combination, Classic Pepperoni
What makes it special: 65-year legacy with award-winning sourdough crust
Worthy Picks
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:
Cioppino, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi
What makes it special: Reliable Italian comforts with quick, family-friendly pacing.
7.8
California cuisine with Italian accents defines this bistro serving fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta in an intimate Main Street setting. The award-winning cioppino and weekend brunch draw regulars, though the lively atmosphere runs loud during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti Carbonara, SF-Style Cioppino
What makes it special: Broad, family-friendly Italian menu with brunch and dinner service.
7.7
Husband-and-wife team blends Argentinian roots with Italian heritage and Northern California ingredients at this patio-focused eatery. Homemade pasta joins Latin American favorites like lomo saltado and empanadas in a seasonal, organic-driven menu established in 2019.
Must-Try Dishes:
Empanadas, Rigatoni bolognese, Lomo saltado
What makes it special: Heater-equipped garden patio tucked behind Main Street.