Best Family Friendly Favorites Italian Restaurants in Walnut Creek
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Original Joe’s Walnut Creek
SF institution's first East Bay location with 88 years of legacy
Notable Picks
8.5
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
8.0
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.
Worthy Picks
#3
Tomatina
7.5
Casual, family-friendly spot for personal pies, pastas, and salads with quick service. Central downtown location and broad menu make it a convenient meet-in-the-middle pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Pepperoni pizza, House salad
What makes it special: Broad, family-oriented menu with efficient pacing downtown.