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 Benvenuti Ristorante?

Use the nearby library lot on Lincoln after 6pm for easier parking.

What should I order at Benvenuti Ristorante?

Lasagna; pappardelle al ragu; panna cotta

When should I visit Benvenuti Ristorante?

Mid-week after 7pm for easiest seating

Any insider tips for Montesacro Pinseria?

Split one pinsa per two if sampling appetizers and wine.

When should I visit Montesacro Pinseria?

Early evening golden hour on the patio

Who should go to Montesacro Pinseria?

Light-crust pizza seekers and patio sippers

Any insider tips for Il Fornaio Walnut Creek?

Reserve the patio edge tables for lower noise.

What should I order at Il Fornaio Walnut Creek?

Lasagna Ferrarese; tagliatelle Bolognese; tiramisu

When should I visit Il Fornaio Walnut Creek?

Weekdays 1:30–3pm for easy seating

Who should go to Il Fornaio Walnut Creek?

Business diners and polished dates

Best Italian Restaurants in Walnut Creek (94596)

6 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 Benvenuti Ristorante

8.2

$$$ North Broadway / Downtown

Vibes: Date Night Magic Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven

Family-run since 1996 with intimate booths and a traditional menu tuned for conversation. Sauced-right pastas and attentive pacing make it a dependable choice for relaxed, classic Italian dinners.

Must-Try Dishes: House Lasagna (béchamel & meat sauce), Pappardelle al Ragu, Veal Scaloppine

What makes it special: Conversation-first dining room with handmade pastas and steady execution.

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#5 Montesacro Pinseria

8.0

$$$$ Locust Street Corridor

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Outdoor Dining Oasis Quick Bites Champions

Roman pinsa—lighter, airy crust—baked to order with simple toppings and a compact wine list. Works for a casual date or a share-and-go patio bite.

Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pinsa, Amatriciana pinsa, Supplì (fried risotto)

What makes it special: Roman pinsa dough blend yields crisp edges and airy center.

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Worthy Picks

#6 Il Fornaio Walnut Creek

7.6

$$$ Mt. Diablo Blvd / Downtown

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis

Polished trattoria with regional pastas and professional service, suited for business lunches that stretch into white-tablecloth dinners. The Lasagna Ferrarese leans porcini and béchamel for a richer profile.

Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna Ferrarese (meat ragu, porcini, béchamel), Tagliatelle Bolognese, Gnocchi al Sugo di Cinghiale

What makes it special: Region-driven pasta program with polished service and patio options.

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