WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – When Montesacro Walnut Creek opened its latest post on social media with “Ciao Walnut Creek!”, at least one regular thought they were saying goodbye.
“Whew! When I saw ‘Ciao’ I thought you were leaving! Scared me, as we thoroughly enjoy your restaurant…” Marilyn B. (Cervato Circle) wrote.
Montesacro’s reply: “BOO 👻 We would never leave you hungry!”
That pretty much captures the tone. After three years in downtown Walnut Creek, Montesacro isn’t going anywhere. In fact, they’re doing the opposite — reintroducing themselves to the neighborhood, reminding locals that what they’re building on Locust Street is meant to feel like family.
A Roman cafe, not just “another Italian place”
Montesacro describes itself as an Italian cafe and restaurant inspired by the working class spirit of Rome’s Montesacro district. The team says they believe in “good food, good wine, and good company, all shared without pretense.”
That vibe comes through in person, according to neighbor after neighbor.
“We are a loyal customer and LOVE Montesacro! The ambiance, the vibe, service and of course, the food and libations are incredible! We always make a reservation and leave there feeling happy we chose to have date night there! If you haven’t been, you’re missing out!” Kelly F. (Jackson Way/Via Don Jose) said.
Another called it “Best Italian in Walnut Creek hands-down,” in the words of Lori P. (Lafayette Woodlands).
A third kept it even simpler: “Our favorite!” said Cathy Y. (El Pintado).
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Multiple people described the staff as warm, appreciative and genuinely happy you’re there. “They are so appreciative of their customers and you feel their hospitality. We are so glad to have them as part of our community. Please patronize them so their business can thrive,” said Penny C. (Woodlands).
The specialty: pinsa Romana
The dish that gets mentioned again and again is their pinsa Romana.
Pinsa is not quite pizza. Montesacro calls it “a lighter, crispier cousin of pizza” made with a blend of organic rice, soy and wheat flour. People who say they “can’t do normal dough” swear they can eat this.
“I love the Pinsas! No wonder I tolerate the dough, it’s because it’s part rice. I love everything you make!!!” said Gloria C. (Downtown Danville).
Another commenter, Kit T. (Moraga Country Club), kept it to two words: “We love Montesacro!” followed by a heart.
Even kids are into it. Phil C. (Larkey Park) said his 8 year old asked at dinner, “Daddy, are we in San Francisco?” He called the experience “veramente autentica” — truly authentic — and said, “La pinsa perfetta!”
And if you’re not in a pinsa mood, regulars shouted out the pasta, the branzino and even the sandwiches. “The best food — so authentic!” said Mary M. (Murwood). “We enjoyed pizza and a sandwich and would definitely recommend,” said Penny C. (Woodlands).
It’s not just dinner
Montesacro isn’t only doing evening service. On Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 11 a.m., they run a true Italian-style morning cafe out of the same space.
Think espresso, cappuccino, cornetti, Italian pastries, and yes, bomboloni — Italian filled doughnuts that people get a little emotional about.
“Love Montesacro for both dinner and the Italian pastries on the weekends!!” said Lynette B. (Scottsdale – Walnut Creek).
“Whoa, you guys have bombolonis! Daily?” asked Pawel D. (Downtown Walnut Creek).
Answer: not daily. Only weekends, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and yes, they are proud of them.
Locals say the weekend pastry service is part of why this place doesn’t feel generic. “Love Montesacro for both dinner and the Italian pastries on the weekends!!” Lynette B. (Scottsdale – Walnut Creek) said.
Gluten free and take-home focaccia
Several people also asked about dietary options. Montesacro says the Walnut Creek location offers many gluten free choices among pasta, pinsa and proteins, but can’t guarantee zero cross contamination.
If you need a fully gluten free setup, they pointed to their Marina District location in San Francisco, where the kitchen is 100 percent gluten free and celiac safe.
Another question came from a repeat customer who asked, basically: can I just buy your focaccia to take home?
Answer: yes. With 24 hours’ notice, they’ll bake focaccia to go. They said to call Tuesday through Sunday and ask for Lucas, their general manager.
Locals are treating it like “their” spot
Over and over, the comments did not sound like people talking about a place they go once a year. They sounded like people talking about their place.
“Even our 17 year old teenage son requests going there for dinner,” Kelly F. (Jackson Way/Via Don Jose) said. “The ambiance, the vibe, service and of course, the food and libations are incredible!”
“We just celebrated a friend’s birthday about 8 days ago. We are repeat customers and the birthday friend chose Montesacro. We like to try different dishes every time we dine there,” said Lea J. (Diablo Shadows). She even had a special request: please sell focaccia to go.
“I have eaten there with friends — food was yummy and staff friendly. Easy parking. I would go again,” said Pauline L. (Greenwood).
“See you this Thursday for lunch,” said David G. (Diablo Hills).
“See you soon ❤️,” said Michael D. (San Miguel – Walnut Blvd).
People from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Rossmoor, Moraga, Danville and beyond chimed in to say they’re already customers, they’re about to be customers, or they’re returning this week.
Montesacro answered almost every single person by name, in a mix of English and Italian, and in classic Italian restaurant fashion, made sure to add at least one heart emoji and sometimes a pasta emoji.
Where to find them
Montesacro Walnut Creek is at 1686 Locust Street in downtown Walnut Creek, near Giammona Drive. Locals described it as right next to Katy’s Kreek and Residual Sugar.
They’re open for lunch and dinner, plus that Roman-style cafe service Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 to 11 a.m.
And they really want you to feel comfortable walking in — not just for a full dinner, but even just for “a glass of wine, or a cappuccino and cornetto.”
As they put it: “Our goal is simple, to make you feel at home, like family.”
Based on the neighborhood response, that part seems to be working.
Wow! Quite an article on Montesacro. Glad they’re reinventing. Quite honestly, when we were there, last year , it needed a change in menu. Best of luck , the people there have always been very nice and gracious.