43 Best Italian Restaurants near Lafayette

“Recently enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Postino's The food was wonderful, and the service excellent. It was a perfect al fresco dining experience“

“Great ambiance, service, and cuisine!“

“Excellent pasta! Freshly made! Great ingredients! The espresso and ice cream was amazing“

“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!“

“The food was great, the service was excellent, I was very satisfied“

“Montecatini in Walnut Creek is one of those old-school Italian spots that never disappoints. The ambiance has a “Goodfellas” vibe—classic, cozy, and full of character, with a timeless feel that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a traditional Italian trattoria. The food here is outstanding, with rich flavors and great attention to detail.

Their specials are always worth trying, especially the swordfish and duck—both are standouts that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality. The portions are generous, and every dish feels like a true labor of love. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Montecatini is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates authentic, delicious Italian food in a warm, inviting atmosphere.“

“Food: The pasta was fantastic! Tasted fresh and we enjoyed the mushrooms. The appetizers were just okay in my opinion- the grilled halloumi was not crisp and didn't taste fresh off the grill. If I were to go back, I would probably just stick to the pastas.

Service: waiting in line for a bit was understandable, but I agree with other reviewers that they felt understaffed. They didn't really check in on us after seating us, and they timed all the dishes to come out at the same time, which was difficult due to the small table (not everything fit easily on the table). They also charge a 4% fee to provide better wages and/or healthcare to the staff. However, all of the staff was courteous and friendly.

Atmosphere: we ate outside in their parklet, which was nice, although I wish their heaters were a bit stronger. The tables were very close together as well. I felt like I was a part of the conversations on either side of me because they were so close.“

“I came here for happy hour and dinner. Decent selection on the HH menu which is from 3-5. We ordered the shrimp and fried ravioli which was $8 per appetizer. We considered ordering the Kobe sliders but opted for a $35 prime rib dinner which came with a loaded baked potato and sautéed veggies. I split this and 2 happy hour appetizers with my friend and it hit the spot! Just when I thought I didn’t have room for dessert I made room. The butter toffee cake was delicious and I highly recommend it!

It was slow on a Tuesday night. Service was friendly and attentive. Def worth a visit!“

“great food, ambiance and service and wine list.“

“Best fried chicken in the bay“

“Wonderful staff, food is fresh and delicious. Consistent quality and warmth of environment. - Don Dikun“

“Haven’t been in a while. Long overdue cause the food is fantastic. Does anyone know if they have puttanesca sauce dishes?“

“Very tasty and carefully seasoned. All dishes were perfection“

“The food is the best place to start. We ate lightly and didn't order main courses. The gnocchi were outstanding and shouldn't be missed. Also exceptional were the aroncini and the calamari salad. Having been to Italy several times, our group was reminded by the closeness to the authentic tastes of Italy. The dining area is simple but comfortable, and the wooden benches seats and chairs would benefit by having cushions on them. The lengthy wine list is exclusively Italian, and we enjoyed our selections. Our server was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant was busy, but we were seated promptly, and we weren't rushed.“

“Fabulous Food, Drinks and Ambiance! Love this place!!! Five Stars!!!“

“Had the Brussels sprouts, polpa, cacio e pepe and a pinsa with broccoli and spicy sausage (forgot name)
We’ve been traveling yearly to Italy for over 15 years and sometimes twice a year.
The polpo rivals the one I had in santa margherita ligure and forte de Marmi. The cacio was as good as in Rome and the Brussels sprouts were amazing. I prefer Napoli pizza but the pinsa crust was amazing. Recommend“

“The food is excellent and employees are friendly and professional. We had a very pleasant time.“

“Oh all the varieties of Pizza and Pasta! You must come back and try it all! Went there on a weekday dinner without reservations, and got seated instantly, thanks to the sweet staff. While ordering, fresh focaccia was served in a easy pull apart form. The staff was nice enough to tell us all the specials and recommendations. We decided to order a Pizza (Guido), Eggplant Parmiagania, and Pappardelle Bolognese. Each dish was uniquely delicious, couldn't pick a favorite. Portions were perfect for three people. Super tasty and flavorful. They sell Mole Cola, the Coke-cola of Italy, only much better. The staff and service couldn't be any more outstanding. You can also tell the food was good when they're constantly getting Uber/ Door dash orders. Love the restaurant/ Italian store look. This place could be easily crowded during weekend dinner, but still great for parties more than 2. Try also their cocktails and dessert. Their canoli was a chocolate kind! Definitely will come back and try their different pizza and pasta flavors. Street parking only. Memorable dinner.“

“Good food, friendly server.“

“Excellent food, excellent service. More than adequate portion size- we took half of two entee home. The other two entres were too good to leave any.The Gnocchi with mushrooms were the best I have ever had- including in Italy. The Cannoli for desert were perfect. Obviously filled when ordered. The shells were crisp and the filling delicious. The piano in the background was unobtrusive- you could carry on a converstaion. Prices was moderate but worth it for this qulity of dining.“

“Best Italian food anywhere! Wonderful lasagna, fabulous cioppino, to die for lemoncello sponge cake with lemon sorbet. We have never had a bad meal here.“

“I was introduced to this restaurant by my other “foodie” friend Maria Vargas. I have been there about 4 times now. I appreciate the fresh pasta, the fresh veggies and the excellent service. Will be back again soon.“

“Wonderful food and great service!“

“Great tasting food and excellent service…“

“This restaurant is no doubt one of the most attractive place in the region. Anytime I visit this place I am so glad. They always keep their high standard service and the highest level of food they offer. You definitely will enjoy this this restaurant. Highly recommended.“

“I've been coming to Pancoast for 10+ years: by far my favorite pizza with the best sourdough crust, fresh ingredients and the people are wonderful. Everyone is very community oriented and the new management is keeping everything the same so it's still the Pancoast I know and love!“

“Took my friend here for a Mother’s Day lunch. She was feeling blue because her kids didn’t show up. Panini’s was the closest and most convenient since I had to go back to work. I hoped it wouldn’t disappoint and it didn’t. She had a turkey avocado and she said it was just right. The service was spot on&she cheered up a bit. Thanks for that Panini crew.“

“Forever fabulous. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Food is delicious and great service.“

“Excellent food, and the patio dining offered perfect weather. Plenty of excellent wines available to accompany the meal. And the staff- wonderful as always“

“the New England clam chowder was off the hook no longer do I have to drive all the way to San Francisco have a good piece of sourdough bread dipped in the delicious clam chowder thank you Great Impasta“

“My wife and I dropped in for dinner last night and were greatly impressed. The calamari fritti appetizer was perfect. I had the spaghetti de Mare and my wife had the Eggplant Parmigiana. Both entrees were wonderful. The prices are reasonable. The Pinot Grigio was very good, but I hope, that with time, they will be able to expand their vine list.Chef Roberto is a treasure. We left with smiles and will be back.....soon!“

“love the food and the family“

“So good tried a classic & a square pizza Recommendation from our Genna server. Definitely be back soon.“

“Wonderful dinner experience with wonderful friends“

“Excellent dining experience. Top notch food as well as a wonderful staff. Great ambiance too!“

“This was our first time. Food was authentic Northern Italian. My family are from Le Marche’. The pizza & polla Parmagano was loved by our teenagers. And the Gnocchi was cooked to order per my request. Definitely adding this to my top 3 restaurants“

“Good pizza !!! Also affiliated with Haddon Hill Cafe. Nice local businesses“

“We went to a baby shower last Saturday. We sat outside which was lovely. The service and food is ALWAYS so good! They do not skimp on their portions! We have been coming here since 1985. Thanks Tony, you know how to do it right!“

“Had a great meal, Chicken Parm was on point! Kid had Shrimp Pomodoro and loved it! The Peach hard lemonade was delicious!!“

“Food is great, loved the chicken fettuccine, the bread. the place is clean, the servers are friendly and the service is fast. The price is just right. It’s my first time to be here and loved it.“

“We have eaten here several times it’s soo yummy.. We brought friends tonight they loved it also“