Best Italian Restaurants in Walnut Creek
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Montecatini Ristorante
Decades-strong kitchen led by Chef Ermes Paulin with meticulous classics.
Notable Picks
8.6
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.
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
8.3
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.
8.2
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.
From 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, this fast-casual spot serves New York, Detroit, Grandma, and Sicilian style pizzas using ancient grain dough. The counter-service format with limited seating makes it ideal for quick late-night slices or whole pies to-go until 11pm on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Deep Dish, New York Cheese Slice, Margherita Pizza
What makes it special: World champion pedigree with multiple pizza styles under one roof
8.0
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.
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
7.6
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.
#9
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.