WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – A Walnut Creek newcomer has inspired local residents to share the restaurants they consider the area’s absolute best.
Randi P. of Parkmead II said in an online discussion that she and her husband have spent the past several months trying a different Walnut Creek area restaurant nearly every Wednesday.
When Randi asked neighbors to help expand her list, diners responded with recommendations covering everything from dumplings and sushi to seafood, Italian cuisine and elaborate Spanish dinners.
Here are some of the restaurants locals called out as especially unique and delicious.
Va de Vi
Va de Vi was one of the most frequently repeated Walnut Creek recommendations. Everyone loves this spot!
Kim C. of Canterbury Village suggested requesting a seat on the restaurant’s back patio, though she cautioned that reservations are not accepted specifically for that outdoor area.
Marnie C. of Hidden Valley also included Va de Vi among her favorite restaurants.
The downtown bistro serves eclectic small plates alongside wine and a full bar. It is open daily for lunch and dinner at 1511 Mount Diablo Boulevard.
Il Pavone
Several residents singled out Il Pavone, the longtime Italian restaurant near Olympic Boulevard and Tice Valley Boulevard. It’s a stealthy spot–not as flashy as other, newer Italian places closer to downtown.
Vickie W. of Gregory Gardens listed it as one of her Walnut Creek favorites, while Angie S. of Rudgear Estates called it her “number one choice” for Italian food.
Angie praised the food, servers and family ownership. The restaurant says three generations of the Bigotti family are involved in the business, which serves Tuscan-style food for both lunch and dinner.
Telefèric Barcelona
Diane K. of Parkmead recommended Telefèric Barcelona in downtown Walnut Creek, particularly for a Wednesday visit.
She said the restaurant can become crowded and noisy on weekend evenings, making a midweek meal a potentially more relaxed option.
Telefèric opened its first United States location in Walnut Creek in 2016. The second-floor restaurant specializes in Spanish tapas, paella, sangria and an extensive collection of Spanish wines. It is open daily for lunch and dinner.
It’s also the basis for a $60 million CA restaurant empire.
Benvenuti Ristorante
Benvenuti emerged as another strong contender for the area’s favorite Italian restaurant.
Estella E. of Foothill included it among her top local picks, while Karen D. of Diablo Shadows described Benvenuti as her favorite Italian restaurant.
Karen said the family-owned establishment is “consistently delicious,” although she noted that it is not open for lunch.
The downtown restaurant operates at 1627 Broadway and was previously known as Salvatore Ristorante before reopening under the Benvenuti name.
Elia
Sheila D. of Danville Station recommended Elia for its Greek cuisine, service and lively atmosphere.
“Elia in Walnut Creek is one of our favorites,” she wrote, praising its food and overall vibe.
Located at 1520 Locust Street, Elia presents its menu and dining experience as a celebration of the Aegean and Greek hospitality.
We second this one–and especially appreciate the live music they feature many nights.
Montesacro
Kathryn S. of Walnut Heights called Montesacro “really delicious,” highlighting the restaurant’s Italian small plates, pasta and pinsa.
Pinsa is a Roman-style flatbread with a lighter, airy crust. Montesacro operates a Walnut Creek location with a menu built around Roman cuisine, including pinsa, pasta and other Italian dishes.
Sunrise Bistro
For diners looking specifically for breakfast, brunch or lunch, Diane K. of Parkmead recommended Sunrise Bistro.
She described it as a popular Walnut Creek establishment where customers order and pay at the counter before the food is delivered to their table.
Sunrise Bistro operates at 1559 Botelho Drive and serves comfort-food-inspired dishes with an emphasis on healthier ingredients.
It’s also a popular choice for catering and box lunches for corporate events locally. Try the brownie!
Oak Grove Cluster – The French Spot, 88 Bao Bao and Tanoshi
Elizabeth T. of Walnut Heights highlighted a small cluster of restaurants and food businesses along Oak Grove Road.
She recommended The French Spot for decadent baked goods and coffee, 88 Bao Bao for dumplings, and Tanoshi Japanese Bistro for sushi and combination meals. Tanoshi is our favorite WC lunch place.
Elizabeth said the restaurants are within walking distance of one another, making the area an appealing destination for diners who want to explore beyond downtown Walnut Creek.
Tanoshi is located at 2280 Oak Grove Road and specializes in Japanese cuisine. It’s a bit of a stretch to call it walkable from French Spot and 88 Bao Bao, but the latter two are definitely very close together.
Beyond WC Itself
The discussion quickly expanded beyond Walnut Creek itself.
Lise C. of Parkmead II recommended Xenia in Alamo for its food, staff and convenient parking. She also praised Silk Road on Main Street for Mediterranean cuisine.
Janet X. of Sycamore made perhaps the boldest declaration in the conversation, calling Tides in Danville the “best restaurant in East Bay.”
Tides is a family-owned seafood restaurant specializing in modern, seafood-focused dishes. It operates at 312 Railroad Avenue in Danville and opens for happy hour and dinner. We reviewed them before too.
Marnie C. of Hidden Valley supplied an extensive Danville-area list that included Esin, The Courtyard, Zaya Thai, The Peasant & The Pear and Bridges.
Esin has served farm-to-table American cuisine with Mediterranean influences since 1998, while The Peasant & The Pear offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in downtown Danville. Zaya Thai describes itself as a casual, family-friendly Thai restaurant.
Other suggestions included Wence’s, WiseGirl, Jack’s, Pizzalina, Luna, Melo’s, Olympic Cafe, Fiore, Kung Fu Kitchen, Tacos El Patron, Three Brothers Express and Caspers Hot Dogs.
Francine H. of Sky West said Jack’s remains a reliable choice for groups because its broad menu offers “something for everyone.” We agree.
Randi shared that her spreadsheet is already 70 entries long! We’re lucky to live in a place where one can identify 70 restaurants to try, all within a 10-15 minute drive.
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