WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – For months, we walked by the future site of Walnut Creek’s new, massive, fancy Italian spot and saw nothing but activity.
Not diners, mind you, but construction workers.
For months, the workers systematically gutted the interior of the future restaurant. The front draped in giant plastic tarps, they set about building the exterior and outdoor dining area too.
Sometimes, they left the door to the construction site open, and the Bay Area Telegraph snuck a peek inside!
Now, Walnut Creek’s brand new Italian spot is ready to open! And we have an official opening date.
The new spot is North Italia. It’s taking over the former Tilly’s space in Plaza Escuela — right in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek. It’s by the movie theatre and the Cheesecake Factory (in fact, the two restaurants are owned by the same group).
North Italia has built a big following for upscale-casual Italian food — think housemade pastas, artisanal pizzas, and an Italian-leaning cocktail program — with the kind of polished, date-night-friendly vibe Walnut Creek keeps attracting.
Cheesecake Factory is the casual, family vibe. North Italia will be family friendly too, but it aims more for white tablecloth, upscale kind of dining.
So when does it actually open its doors?
North Italia’s official website now lists its Walnut Creek location as “Opening 3/25”, with an address of 1179 Locust St., Walnut Creek (94596).
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Given the extent of the construction, that’s sooner than many people thought. Of course, dates can always get pushed back. But this is a big step forward for North Italia to open its doors and add more Italian options to Walnut Creek’s restaurant scene.
That scene is growing fast.
Down the block, Original Joes recently opened with a similar style of Italian Fare, albeit more old-school San Francisco Little Italy than Northern Italian dishes.
Stereo41 opened its doors just a few weeks ago, too. And the former Walnut Creek Yacht Club is being redeveloped, too. It’s a big year for WC restaurants!
I’ll be sure to share a review as soon as North Italia opens. Make sure to join my free 925 News newsletter so I can keep you in the loop.
