In a city better known for its oil fields than olive groves, finding authentic Italian cuisine might seem as likely as spotting a gondola on the Kern River. Yet Bakersfield holds delicious surprises for those craving handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas—if you know where to look.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (661) 832-1278 | WEBSITE
The Bakersfield location of the nationwide chain, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant focuses on consistently good Italian-American classics. You can get crowd-pleasing dishes like the praised chicken Alfredo, which comes with soup and salad for a complete meal, along with always-reliable fresh salad options and other familiar pasta and entrée selections.
While some dishes might occasionally be oversalted, the overall experience remains positive and enjoyable, with quick, attentive service from genuinely helpful staff in a great atmosphere that can get busy but doesn’t leave you waiting long.
Pasta Bowls
$$ | (661) 412-7573 | WEBSITE
Pasta Bowls is a tremendous Bakersfield spot with a massive menu of tasty and affordable American Italian dishes. You can check their drive-thru for a quick meal, but they’ve usually got around a dozen options on their straightforward pasta menu, including a few different kinds of creamy Alfredo, six or seven different spicy penne variations, and tons of generous, well-portioned plates.
They also have popular appetizers, if you don’t feel like a full meal – any of the pesto pasta dishes are excellent, as is the artichoke spinach dip.
Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen
$$ | (661) 322-0926 | WEBSITE
Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen might serve the most authentic Italian food in Bakersfield. This cozy spot occupies what feels like a whole block of downtown (it’s probably more like a storefront). They carry classic options like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and wild mushroom ravioli with brown butter sage, along with some much more adventurous choices like the pickled tongue appetizer.
You can try the Thursday specials, or just do what we do and wander in during the noon rush without a reservation until a table opens up.
Sorella Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (661) 396-8603 | WEBSITE
Sorella Ristorante Italiano has long been our favorite spot for authentic Italian comfort food, so when they expanded their menu to include more dietary-friendly options last year, we knew they’d maintain their quality. They’ve kept it up since – their pasta selection rotates seasonally, but you can always count on their classic spaghetti and meatballs, heavenly minestrone soup, and those divine desserts. Order ahead for takeout.
Rosa’s
$$ | (661) 872-1606 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for authentic Italian comfort food, look no further than Rosa’s. This charming Bakersfield spot is running “Customizable Classics,” named for their signature approach where the chef prepares dishes to order. That means chicken cacciatore, fresh cannelloni, starter salads, and decadent desserts like creme brulee. Call for the daily specials – the steak with shrimp scampi is always perfect.
Caesar’s II Delicatessen
$ | (661) 832-6112 | WEBSITE
If you know one thing about Caesar’s II Delicatessen, it’s probably that they make their own sandwiches. And even though they’ve been a family deli for years, they’ve still got a great selection of freshly made options to choose from. It varies based on what they’ve prepared that day, but might include the grilled chicken with pepper jack cheese, the Venice cold sandwich, or the vegetable sandwich that’s a real standout. If you’re stopping by, order the Roma sandwich and some ice cream.
Mama Tosca’s Italian Restaurant Fine Dining Est.1982
$$ | (661) 831-1242 | WEBSITE
Mama Tosca’s might be a fine dining establishment that’s been around since 1982, but stepping inside still feels like visiting a family-run Italian trattoria. They have a menu full of both classic and inventive dishes – like clam linguine, steak, chicken, pasta purses, squash blossoms filled with ricotta, and the famous Mama’s Special – and their warm spiked cappuccino also makes for a perfect ending, especially after trying the sea bass or fettuccine Alfredo.
Cataldo’s Pizzeria Riverwalk
$ | (661) 587-7888 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite Italian spots in Bakersfield, Cataldo’s Pizzeria Riverwalk remains a go-to for families and pizza lovers alike. From the individual antipasto salad to the giant pizza slices, they’ve got you covered. They are also – literally – the only place in town where you can get the Queens pizza with potato & wedges, served piping hot with that incredible garlic white sauce. The pizzas come out perfectly crisp outside and chewy inside, though some might wish for just a bit more sauce.
Order ahead for pick-up or enjoy their family-friendly dining room with the separate kids’ section.
Slice of Italy
$ | (661) 328-9000 | WEBSITE
A top Bakersfield Italian spot, Slice of Italy serves up fresh and delicious pizza and wedges, plus popular dishes like the chicken fettuccine with sun-dried tomatoes. This family-friendly restaurant has great value with their Family Specials and Pepsi products featuring free self-serve refills that have perfect carbonation and syrup ratio. They’ll also happily recommend their best dishes at no extra charge.
Caesar’s Deli
$ | (661) 588-7004 | WEBSITE
It’s impossible to ignore Caesar’s Deli’s classic storefront that’s been a Bakersfield landmark for 45 years, but what happens inside that space is just as memorable. They’re known for their comforting Italian classics – order the beloved Caesar’s Special sandwich or the fresh lasagna – but you can also get catering for events, like weddings and school functions. They’ll also provide wonderful service at no extra charge.