Best Italian Restaurants in Pleasanton
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
De La Torre's Trattoria
A family-owned neighborhood trattoria operating continuously since 1992 — rare staying power in any restaurant market. The daily rotating specials menu is built around seasonal, locally sourced produce and naturally raised meats, meaning the menu is genuinely different visit to visit
Essential Picks
9.1
This under-the-radar neighborhood trattoria has been Pleasanton's best-kept Italian secret since 1992, with a daily-changing special menu showcasing locally-sourced produce and handmade pasta. The family-owned spot delivers authentic Italian comfort with zero pretense and remarkably fair prices for the quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Gamberoni Saltate, Scalloppine di Vitello
What Makes it Special: A family-owned neighborhood trattoria operating continuously since 1992 — rare staying power in any restaurant market. The daily rotating specials menu is built around seasonal, locally sourced produce and naturally raised meats, meaning the menu is genuinely different visit to visit
Notable Picks
8.4
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
8.3
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.
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
Italian–Argentine plates served on a leafy rear patio with partial cover and heaters. Empanadas and house pastas lead the way alongside approachable mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Empanadas, Rigatoni bolognese, Lomo saltado
What Makes it Special: Heater-equipped garden patio tucked behind Main Street.
8
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.
Worthy Picks
7.9
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.
7.9
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