There’s a running joke that Pleasanton has two seasons: perfect weather and slightly less perfect weather. Whether you see that as boastful, accurate, or enviable, it shapes the dining scene here. Italian restaurants aren’t just for special occasions—they’re where we gather year-round, from cozy winter evenings with steaming bowls of pasta to summer nights on vine-covered patios.
And while you can find decent pizza anywhere, the real pride of Pleasanton’s Italian scene is the handmade pasta, a tradition worth seeking out across town.
Porky’s Pizza Palace
$ | (925) 417-1600 | WEBSITE
Porky’s Pizza Palace’s atmosphere is always sort of buzzing, which is what you’d expect from a place that has an adjacent game area chock-full of upbeat music and sports on the TVs for Friday nights. Their family-owned menu lets you build a meal, but the move is the pizza with the flavorful crust and fresh toppings if you just need to feel something during the Pleasanton evening.
Or, you can settle for the spaghetti and meatballs if you’re wanting a classic comfort dish that won’t require any adventurous palate. When it’s nice out, pick a table closer to the front windows which are actually letting in that lively, energetic vibe from the street outside.
Gay Nineties Pizza Co
$ | (925) 846-2520 | WEBSITE
With its long-standing presence and cozy atmosphere, Gay Nineties Pizza Co has become a Pleasanton Italian dining staple. Order one of the signature pies that are always available, like the Gay Nineties Specialty Pizza with its thicker crust, garlic cheese bread, or the veggie pizza for vegetarian options. The outdoor seating area with heating and covering is a perfect way to enjoy both the pizza and the ambiance.
Summertime is ideal for relaxing on the patio after walking the Alameda fair grounds, but cooler evenings mean grabbing a slice and warming up inside with the entertaining decor and coin games. The friendly staff provides prompt service, and while parking might require extra steps on busy nights, it’s worth it for this kid-friendly spot with ample seating and wheelchair accessibility throughout.
New York Pizza Pleasanton
$ | (925) 484-4757 | WEBSITE
Lunch at New York Pizza Pleasanton feels like a casual backyard barbecue without any of the cleanup. The slices go big on flavor and start with options like the BBQ Chicken Pizza, praised for its light and crispy crust and generous toppings. Then, you can add sandwiches, salads, and drinks from the menu to round out your meal. The friendly staff definitely makes it worth it, but you also can’t go wrong with the lively downtown Pleasanton atmosphere.
It’s a nice spot that feels comfortable and probably won’t be interrupted by that chaotic errand you were supposed to run after eating.
Chianti’s Ristorante
$$ | (925) 484-3877 | WEBSITE
Chianti’s is a genuine old-school Pleasanton treasure. This family-run Italian spot has been serving the community for decades and is cherished by generations of locals who appreciate authentic cuisine. We’ve heard it’s one of the most welcoming restaurants in the area—though we haven’t measured hospitality with rulers—and some regulars even still recognize the friendly manager who greets everyone by name.
The walls are decorated with vintage Italian posters and wine bottles, adding to the classic trattoria feel of the place. Be sure to try the superb lobster ravioli served with house pesto sauce and the hand-made tortellini loaded with fresh ingredients. Yes, the ambiance shows some wear, but the service remains excellent and tables turn over at a pleasant pace.
De La Torre’s Trattoria
$$ | (925) 484-3878 | WEBSITE
An evening at De La Torre’s Trattoria is the comforting escape you’ll want after the most draining week at the office. While waiting for your order of the delicious Tagliatelle Bolognese, settle into the restaurant’s quiet, uncluttered space with its warm lighting—the serene atmosphere is a welcome break from the chaos that was your inbox all week.
Then, you can move on to the special Pork Shoulder with marsala mushroom sauce, the crisp primavera salads with flavorful apples, or other beautifully presented dishes. Their service is attentive and well-paced, particularly the professional wait staff who know their business.
Garlex Pizza and Ribs
$ | (925) 484-4540 | WEBSITE
The parking lot at Garlex might be packed, but don’t let that deter you: the staff is genuinely helpful and the massive calzones really are that satisfying. It’s the familiar lineup of pizza and ribs with creative twists like Indian-inspired toppings, but the real standout comes from the BBQ Chicken thin crust pizza that has just the right drizzle of garlic olive oil and Parmesan sprinkles. For a lighter option, try the vegetarian Indian pizza, and for heartier fare, go with the spare ribs.
The melt-in-your-mouth texture, fresh ingredients, and customizable fillings combine so much flavor you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve finished.
Strizzi’s Restaurant – Pleasanton
$$ | (925) 484-9600 | WEBSITE
Strizzi’s Restaurant wears a lot of hats—it’s laid-back enough to be a comfortable family-friendly destination, but it will impress a special occasion thanks to the fancier flourishes like warm wood accents and soft, inviting lighting.
The owner Ray Bartemolucci grew up in the restaurant business, so the food draws from that experience while blending reliable favorites that work well together: like rigatoni bolognese with rich marinara sauce or wood-grilled salmon that shines with seasonal Copper River salmon, a particular highlight. You’ll see similar themes with the service, including the opportunity to interact with Ray and his son, who provide a special dining experience.
New York Pizza and Pasta
$ | (925) 463-0280 | WEBSITE
The exceptional pizza crust is the foundation of New York Pizza and Pasta’s menu, with that top-notch dough carrying everything from pies to pasta dishes. Order the pasta with garlic bread for perfectly cooked noodles paired with that surprisingly good complimentary bread. Anything with cheese is also essential, especially the cheesecake that gets a rich creamy texture from quality ingredients.
The compact dining room feels welcoming with friendly staff that match the generous portions, and don’t miss taking home leftovers in their togo packaging that keeps food hot for hours. Friends waiting back at the car won’t mind because they’ll be busy nibbling bits of leftover garlic bread from the container.
Pastas Trattoria
$$ | (925) 417-2222 | WEBSITE
Pastas Trattoria is a cozy retreat from the bustle of Main Street and the ideal spot for a relaxed dinner any night of the week. There are warm wooden tables, soft lighting, and what feels like a steady flow of regulars enjoying heartfelt celebrations and quiet conversations. Begin with the chef’s selection of butternut squash ravioli and then savor the lobster and shrimp ravioli with its delicate, creamy sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the birthday dessert specials or the well-proportioned dessert from the price fix menu are wonderful for a satisfying finish. Stay for the attentive service and experience the gracious, prompt care from servers like Oscar.
Baci Bistro and Bar
$$ | (925) 600-0600 | WEBSITE
Pleasanton might conjure visions of tech campuses and suburban sprawl, but one of its best restaurants is all about embracing classic Italian-American indulgence. Think dishes like the Ferrari entrée during a nice romantic dinner. The Ferrari is a perfect example of Baci’s vision: it’s a delicious balance of surf and turf thanks to the perfectly grilled ribeye, with skewered lobster meat and shrimp thrown in for extra luxury.
A last-minute dinner reservation for the dining room is hard to come by, but you can try grabbing a seat on the first-come, first-served patio. You’ll get an excellent view of Pleasanton’s lively downtown and the energetic atmosphere, a spot that has social significance for date nights and family celebrations.
Pizza Bello
$ | (925) 264-5996 | WEBSITE
For a quick and delicious meal, head to this East Bay favorite for pizzas, calzones, and pasta dishes. Their Pleasanton location might feel like a cozy neighborhood spot with a few family-friendly tables and simple decor, but the chain pizza joints have nothing on the thin, crispy crust made with East Coast ingredients. That’s always worth trying, along with the perfect pesto sauce and their veggie-packed pizza brightened up thanks to some fresh, high-quality toppings.
Locanda Amalfi
$$ | (925) 249-5484 | WEBSITE
Locanda Amalfi’s Mediterranean decor with those hand-painted tiles is so vibrant you might worry it’s one of those spots where the service doesn’t live up. But it absolutely does—they take hospitality seriously, even if your lively evening is all laughter while navigating the noise. Our heart belongs to the sugo bolognese, simmered with impeccable depth before being paired with wonderful gnocchi.
The wine selection leans into Italian classics, but drinks are still balanced, especially the espresso martini mixed with just the right kick. When it comes to starters, the beet salad with its bright flavors and complementary textures is worth saving room for.