Vacaville is buzzing with energy, and you’re thrilled to dive into its vibrant dining scene. Yet, maybe you’re craving something more intimate than the usual bustling trattoria. After years of quiet meals, the thought of navigating crowded pizzerias can feel overwhelming. But authentic Italian comfort awaits—here are 14 spots where you can savor la dolce vita at your own pace.
Slanted Tree Kitchen & Taproom
$$ | (833) 566-3037 | WEBSITE
Slanted Tree Kitchen & Taproom is a solid Italian spot in Vacaville with two distinct seating areas that feel like you’re choosing between a lively bar scene and a cozy dining room. There certainly will be other diners there, but even when it’s busy (which happens around dinner time), the whole space has a welcoming energy to it that’ll make you relaxed and ready for another Gold Rush cocktail and some more of those delicious Irish Nachos.
Vicini’s New York City Pizzeria
$ | (707) 425-2600 | WEBSITE
Thanks to the never-ending stream of cars and shoppers, the Riley’s / CVS shopping center right off Route 80 exit 48 is one of the busiest stretches of Fairfield. In the heart of it is Vicini’s, a tiny pizzeria open with a clean and lively environment that feels worlds away from the chaos. The small indoor space can be a little tight, but the place is praised for its friendly atmosphere, making it a great option for grabbing a quick slice during the day and escaping the crowds.
The appealing menu is filled with authentic New York-style pizza with a thin crust (the pizza with vodka sauce is a standout), delicious garlic knots, and a fresh, crunchy salad for when you’re in need of a satisfying meal. Many visitors appreciate the homemade cheesecake and cannoli for dessert, which are flavorful and perfect for those craving something sweet after that perfect slice.
Mary’s Pizza Shack
$ | (707) 422-2700 | WEBSITE
Mary’s Pizza Shack is a bustling, family-friendly spot in Vacaville that’s the perfect place to grab a pie and a cold beer after a soccer game or a day out hiking. There’s a straightforward menu full of crunchy-soft crust pizzas with creative toppings like pineapple and jalapeño, but the restaurant also offers a build-your-own option that lets kids craft their personal pizzas.
Nothing on the menu reinvented the wheel, but Mary’s dependable dishes are made with fresh ingredients that consistently hit the spot.
Johnny Carino’s
$$ | (707) 438-1801 | WEBSITE
Not only does Johnny Carino’s serve some of our favorite Italian food in Vacaville, but this welcoming spot also has a comfortable, indoor dining room perfect for family gatherings. Sure, you’ll have to navigate past the separate BBQ counter, but if enjoying rich, comforting pasta within sight of friendly servers isn’t on your Things I Enjoy In Life list, perhaps you need to reconsider some things.
The menu stays consistent with classic favorites, but just know that whether it’s ribbon firework spicy pasta or house lasagna with spicy marinara, you’ll be in great hands. Plus, their complimentary bread and dipping sauces are fantastic.
Cenario’s Pizza of Cordelia
$ | (707) 864-6400 | WEBSITE
Cenario’s Pizza of Cordelia is a family-owned option in Vacaville’s continually crowded pizza scene. While their pizzas are very good and reason enough to head to their Cordelia location, we also love hanging out in their spacious dining room. Located right in the neighborhood, the comfortable space is quiet, well-lit, and the perfect spot to sneak in a quick slice during lunch.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (707) 448-2715 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Vacaville right now, so under no circumstance should you come to this family-friendly spot expecting to have the place to yourself. That said, even at capacity, Olive Garden’s dining room is incredibly welcoming. Warm lighting glows overhead and all the tables are nicely arranged, allowing you and your party to settle in, relax, and enjoy fresh pasta and quality dishes in comfort.
Evelyn’s Big Italian
$ | (707) 421-9000 | WEBSITE
Evelyn’s Big Italian is a family-friendly Italian spot in Vacaville that’s perfect for almost any occasion, but really shines when you’re looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. The order-at-the-counter restaurant has a focused menu with standout dishes like the giant 32-inch pizza, Chicken Alfredo, New York Stromboli, and meat ravioli, but whether it’s the family spaghetti or a classic New York-style slice cooked in their passage oven, know that everything is going to be satisfying.
Also, the most expensive item is around $25, so if you can’t decide what to order, just grab a few things to share.
Cenario’s Pizza of Vacaville
$ | (707) 449-1900 | WEBSITE
A meal at this cozy pizza spot in Vacaville will certainly satisfy your cravings (the medium one-topping pizza deal with breadsticks and drinks runs about $15-20), and if you’re looking for that kind of value, Cenario’s delivers on its promise. You’ll eat things like pepperoni pizza with Pesto sauce, Buffalo wings with mango habanero sauce, and freshly made pizzas that are hot and tasty.
The small interior also only has a handful of tables to go around, making the entire experience feel like you’re grabbing a quick meal in your own private nook even though you’re at a restaurant waiting for an appointment.
Pizza Guys
$ | (707) 452-1200 | WEBSITE
If you like the idea of devouring pizza in the comfort of your own living room, call Pizza Guys. The reliable delivery from this Italian spot feels like it’s always ready to satisfy a last-minute craving. The pizza arrives fresh and hot, the pasta is tasty and comforting, and a sweet message on the box is waiting to make your night a little brighter. So order from here when you want to feel like you’re treating yourself, but without any fuss.
Have some sausage pasta with cheesy bread, a slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake for dessert, and maybe watch a little too much TV before wondering why you don’t do this more often.
Cenario’s Pizza of Fairfield
$ | (707) 425-1000 | WEBSITE
This pizza spot sits in a strip mall in Fairfield, and if you weren’t paying attention you might mistake it for just another takeout joint. Order any of their delicious pizzas (we love the bacon, pepperoni, or chicken toppings), grab your box to go, find a quiet spot at home, and pretend you’re discovering the best-kept secret in California. The veg pizza here is truly special—fresh, flavorful, and worth every penny of the reasonable $18 price.
Mona, the owner, greets everyone with genuine warmth, and the whole operation has that unpretentious, friendly vibe where you feel like you’re getting a homemade meal without the hassle. Since the ownership change, everything from the crust to the service has stepped up its game, making this the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to whenever that pizza craving hits.
Fuso | Fusion Italian Restaurant
$$ | (707) 447-5560 | WEBSITE
This downtown Vacaville fusion Italian spot opened its doors a few years back and quickly became one of our favorite destinations for vibrant vegetables and generous plates in Solano County. The menu features everything from classic eggplant parmigiana to inventive lamb lollipops and hearty spaghetti with Salsiccia, and most dishes hover around the $15-$25 range.
Plus, there’s a warm and welcoming dining room filled with colorful accents, soft lighting, and comfortable booths, each table set with crisp white linens and fresh flowers.
Pietro’s No. 1
$$ | (707) 446-1771 | WEBSITE
Authentic Italian spots in Vacaville are about as rare as a quiet Friday night on Main Street, but Pietro’s No. 1 is here to change that. Occupying a cozy corner downtown, this family-run restaurant has a big menu filled with hearty pastas, generous burgers, and classic starters—most of which come with that homemade touch. But it’s the atmosphere that makes this place a standout.
There are enough rustic touches and warm lighting to provide the illusion that you’re tucked into a trattoria in Tuscany—not right off I-80.
Pietro’s No.2
$$ | (707) 448-4588 | WEBSITE
Pietro’s No.2 has been around for years, but this welcoming Vacaville spot remains one of the most satisfying Italian restaurants in town. Their menu is consistently reliable, but they specialize in thick-crust pizza, homemade pasta dishes, plus a standout Tuesday/Wednesday family special that will keep you fed for days as you bask in the warmth of your group gathering. Their outside seating is available whenever the restaurant is open.
La Borgata Italian Deli
$ | (707) 685-9406 | WEBSITE
La Borgata Italian Deli is one of our favorite Italian spots in Vacaville. The family-owned deli on the main strip has a cozy, clean interior that feels like you’re grabbing lunch in a classic North Beach deli from the ’80s, and the food is excellent across-the-board. As its name suggests, sandwiches are the specialty here, and while the meatball sub soaked in marinara on a French roll is very good, don’t even think about leaving until you’ve tried both the Isola Capri and the Sottomarino.