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LITA
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
LITA
8.3
Modern Latin-Caribbean restaurant brings Miami's diverse art scene to downtown Walnut Creek with vibrant interiors and bold flavors. The oxtail tacos and jerk chicken showcase Caribbean traditions while the cocktail program features tropical creations like the Chica-LITA flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Tacos, Jerk Chicken, Ceviche Trio
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Miami-inspired Caribbean vibes in downtown Walnut Creek
Who should go: Caribbean food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, groups
When to visit: Happy hour 2:30-5pm weekdays for Lime specials
What to order: Oxtail, salt cod fritters, flaming Coco-Naut cocktail
Insider tip: 90-minute dining experience policy - plan accordingly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Bonanza St, paid garages within 2 blocks - Locust St garage closest, can be challenging on busy weekend nights
Dress code: Stylish casual to dressy - the Miami-inspired vibe invites colorful, fashionable attire. This is a see-and-be-seen spot where guests dress up
Noise level: Moderate to loud - vibrant atmosphere with music, conversation flows but expect energy especially on weekends
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation - reservations strongly recommended, especially Thursday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typically, easier to walk in for lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate - warm brassicas, Caribbean street corn, plantains, and some shareable sides work well
Vegan options: Limited - some vegetable sides and salads can accommodate, but Caribbean cuisine uses butter and cream liberally
Gluten-free options: Moderate - many dishes naturally gluten-free including jerk chicken, rice and peas, and grilled proteins, staff can advise
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great choice - the Instagram-worthy Miami decor impresses immediately, tropical cocktails spark conversation, and the shareable format encourages interaction. The vibrant energy keeps things fun without being too loud for conversation. Just note the 90-minute dining window so you're not rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch works for walk-ins. Dinner requires planning - this is one of downtown's hottest spots. Without a reservation expect 45-60 minute waits on weekends. Bar seating sometimes available faster. Happy hour (2:30-5pm) is easier to snag a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - the trendy atmosphere, craft cocktail focus, and 90-minute dining policy suit adults better. No kids menu, and the Instagram-worthy aesthetic appeals to the date-night and girls-night crowd. Families with older teens could work for lunch.
What's the 90-minute dining policy? Reservations come with a 90-minute dining window to keep tables turning at this popular spot. It's enough time for drinks, apps, and mains, but don't plan on lingering for hours. Come hungry and ready to order - the pacing works if you're prepared.
What makes it Instagram-worthy? Miami art-scene inspired interiors with bold colors, neon accents, and tropical motifs create backdrop gold. The Coco-Naut comes flaming tableside, cocktails are beautifully garnished, and the plating is colorful and photogenic. Come camera-ready.
Best For
Better for: Most Instagram-worthy dining in downtown Walnut Creek - the Miami-Caribbean aesthetic is unique locally. Best for trendy date nights and girls nights where atmosphere matters as much as food. The Caribbean menu stands alone in the area.
Skip if: You want leisurely, linger-all-night dining - the 90-minute policy keeps things moving. For relaxed pacing try Havana's Cuban vibes, for more refined Caribbean-adjacent try Limón's Peruvian, for late-night without time pressure go to Vanessa's Bistro.
LITA
8.0
Chef-driven Latin-Caribbean restaurant with a lunch-only coconut curry chicken burrito. Polished room, strong cocktail program, and crisp execution elevate a non-traditional take.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coconut Curry Chicken Burrito, Jerk Chicken Tacos, Oxtail Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Elevated, Caribbean-leaning burrito available at lunch in a stylish setting.
Who should go: Upscale lunch and cocktail crowd
When to visit: Lunch opening 11:30–12 for easiest seating
What to order: Coconut curry chicken burrito; jerk tacos; ceviche
Insider tip: Request bar seats for quickest service and full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and nearby garage parking along Locust and Bonanza; evening meters free after 6 pm. Valet often available on weekends through neighboring plaza.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts, dresses, or elevated jeans fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch, livelier at dinner but still conversational at most tables.
Weekend wait: 40–60 minutes without a reservation during peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately if arriving before noon; short wait after 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly small plates and salads, though burrito options are limited.
Vegan options: Limited – a few shareable sides or can modify dishes by request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – labeled options available and kitchen can adjust some entrees; no dedicated fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the chic Caribbean aesthetic, polished cocktails, and open patio lighting make it an impressive but relaxed choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or early dinner, but evenings fill quickly. The bar is your best bet for walk-ins with full menu access.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – the menu and ambiance cater more to adults and business diners. Teens may be fine, but younger children may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Latin fusion and creative cocktails in a refined downtown setting – more stylish than typical taquerias.
Skip if: You’re craving a traditional or value-driven burrito spot; this is a chef-led restaurant experience, not fast casual.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm