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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lafayette, San Francisco Bay Area

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18 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Montesacro Walnut Creek restaurant
1. Montesacro Walnut Creek
4.7
Exceptional(662)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek
Booked 21 times today
Montesacro Walnut Creek is a true gem in the heart of Walnut Creek, offering an exquisite taste of Contemporary Italian cuisine that is second to none. Renowned for its "delicious authentic Italian food," Montesacro captures the essence of Roman culinary traditions with its standout pinsa, a lighter alternative to pizza that has diners raving. The restaurant's "homemade pasta" and mouthwatering dishes like porchetta and Cacio e Pepe transport you straight to Italy. The ambiance is "cozy and chic," with "attentive and friendly" service that enhances every dining experience. Montesacro is a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Italian flavor.
A photo of Melo's Italian Table restaurant
2. Melo's Italian Table
4.8
Exceptional(516)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek
Booked 43 times today
Melo's Italian Table in Walnut Creek is not only a haven for authentic Italian cuisine, but it also boasts a standout Cocktail Bar that has diners raving. Patrons consistently highlight the "yummy cocktails" and the "refreshing and strong" strawberry margaritas that accompany their meals. The bartenders craft each drink with precision, ensuring that every cocktail complements the vibrant flavors of the Italian dishes. The restaurant's modern and eclectic ambiance creates the perfect setting for enjoying these delightful concoctions. With a reputation for excellent service and a lively atmosphere, Melo's Italian Table promises a memorable cocktail experience that keeps patrons coming back.
A photo of North Italia - Walnut Creek restaurant
3. North Italia - Walnut Creek
4.3
Awesome(184)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek
Booked 103 times today
Using only the season’s best ingredients, our chefs create a variety of modern Italian dishes including pastas made from scratch daily, hand-tossed pizzas like the classic Margherita but make it Tie Dye, and savory lunch and dinner entrees like Prime New York Tagliata, Tortelloni al Pomodoro, and Hot Honey & Proscuitto Pizza that deliver flavors that go above and beyond the expected as well as a full-bodied wine and beer list accompanied by an array of handcrafted cocktails including a Sicilian Margarita and the Pomegranate Mule. For more information, visit northitalia.com.
A photo of Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek restaurant
4. Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek
4.7
Exceptional(953)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek
Booked 16 times today
Montecatini Restaurant in Walnut Creek is a beacon of authentic Contemporary European cuisine that consistently delights its patrons. This cherished establishment has become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences, where "the food always does a fantastic job" and leaves diners eager for more. The restaurant's commitment to using "the finest and freshest ingredients" ensures that every dish is a masterpiece, from their renowned tortellini to the divine tiramisu. Known for their "old-school vibe" and lively ambiance, Montecatini offers an unforgettable atmosphere that feels just like home. With accolades like "Best of East Bay" under its belt, this gem is a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant
5. Creekwood Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1169)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Berkeley
Booked 19 times today
Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is a delightful gem that specializes in exquisite American cuisine, artfully intertwined with California-Italian influences. Known for its warm and cozy atmosphere, Creekwood has become a beloved neighborhood spot, celebrated for its "excellent wood-fired pizzas" and "innovative, freshly delicious" dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing" pastas and "exceptional" service, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s commitment to using seasonal ingredients ensures that every meal is a fresh and flavorful experience. Whether you're indulging in their "fantastic" brunch or a delightful dinner, Creekwood guarantees a culinary experience that will leave you coming back for more.
A photo of Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar restaurant
6. Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar
4.5
Awesome(2077)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Oakland
Booked 3 times today
Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar saves some tables for walk-ins, please call Bellanico directly for large party reservations.Bellanico is a continuation of Chris Shepherd & Elizabeth Frumusa’s successful restaurant in San Francisco, Aperto in Potrero Hill. Bellanico is a neighborhood restaurant located in the Glenview district of Oakland. The name Bellanico is derived from their daughters’ nicknames, Bella & Nico.The Bellanico staff take great pride in food, service and wine. We serve rustic Italian cuisine that changes seasonally. We are dedicated to serving the best seasonal, local, sustainable and organic products that they can find. Bellanico features Pitman Farms Chicken, Duroc Pork and only wild caught fish and seafood. It also features a wine bar offering Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian wines. There are more than 25 wines by the glass.
A photo of La Connessa restaurant
7. La Connessa
4.7
Exceptional(609)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Potrero Hill
Booked 42 times today
La Connessa is a modern Italian trattoria in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill that brings together bold design, vibrant energy, and a contemporary approach to Italian dining.The space is striking yet welcoming, defined by a slate blue and gold palette, an expansive illuminated bar, and refined art deco-inspired details. High ceilings and layered lighting create an elevated atmosphere that feels equally suited for celebratory evenings and casual meals.The menu highlights Italian cuisine through a modern California lens, using carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients. Piping hot pizzas arrive blistered and crisp, while house-made pastas, bistecca, and local seafood reflect a balance of tradition and innovation. Each dish is crafted to feel familiar yet thoughtfully reimagined, with a focus on simplicity, quality, and depth of flavor.La Connessa is a neighborhood gathering place where design, hospitality, and food come together in a confident, contemporary expression of Italian dining.
A photo of donato&co. restaurant
8. donato&co.
4.6
Exceptional(1904)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Berkeley
Booked 23 times today
At donato&co. in Berkeley, diners are treated to an authentic Farm-to-table experience that elevates rustic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant shines with its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, crafting house-made pastas and exquisitely prepared seafood and meats cooked over a live fire. This dedication to quality is echoed in numerous reviews, with patrons lauding the "exceptional food and service" and the "creative, delicious choices" that define every meal. Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner or a festive gathering, donato&co. promises a dining experience that is both genuinely Italian and innovatively fresh, making it a must-visit culinary gem.
A photo of Trabocco restaurant
9. Trabocco
4.8
Exceptional(3665)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Alameda
Booked 26 times today
Trabocco in Alameda is a standout destination for authentic and exquisite Pizzeria cuisine. Chef-owner Giuseppe Naccarelli masterfully crafts pizzas that transport diners straight to Italy with every bite. Guests rave about the exceptional quality, asserting that "any pizza" is a must-try, with each surpassing the last in flavor. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere, highlighted by its reclaimed wood ceilings and dramatic copper fireplace, creates a perfect setting for enjoying these culinary masterpieces. The service is consistently praised as top-notch, making every visit memorable. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Trabocco promises an unparalleled dining experience.
A photo of Back to Back restaurant
10. Back to Back
4.7
Exceptional(191)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill
Booked 35 times today
Back to Back in Nob Hill, San Francisco, is a standout destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine, artfully blending Italian and Californian flavors. Known for its "incredibly tasty and balanced" wood-fired pizzas, which are among the best in the city, this vibrant eatery brings authentic Italian tastes with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" and "amazing" shared plates, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. The curated selection of natural wines and creative cocktails enhances the culinary experience, while the ambiance, complete with a live DJ spinning vinyl, makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Steve
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Good thing we got there early because it was packed when we left and this is on a Tuesday! I can’t imagine how busy this place gets on the weekend so reservations are recommended.
    More info
    Montesacro Walnut Creek$$$$• Italian• Walnut Creek
    •
    4.7
  • SherylGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Best pasta I’ve had in a long time and I just got home from Italy! Can’t remember the name of the dish but it was a rigatoni with spicy sausage and vodka sauce-outstanding!
    More info
    North Italia - Walnut Creek$$$$• Italian• Walnut Creek
    •
    4.3
  • DudleyGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was my second time at Creekwood. Both times the food was exceptional. I like to say the food was caringly prepared which is very unusual, even at better restaurants. No cocktails but modest wine list of excellent choices mostly from Europe. Just a great place to go.
    More info
    Creekwood Restaurant$$$$• Italian• Berkeley
    •
    4.8
  • Anne
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food and great service every time. This restaurant is our go to. Love the vibe of the place - very lively and bright.
    More info
    Melo's Italian Table$$$$• Italian• Walnut Creek
    •
    4.8
  • JohnGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •89 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 6, 2026
    Frequent visitor. Never a bad experience. Last trip was a lunch date with the wife. Delicious salad/ shrimp app to start. Followed with two spectacular pastas ... Carbonara (best around) and Pappardelle Verdi. WOW !! Great service as well. Put this on your list !!
    More info
    donato&co.$$$$• Italian• Berkeley
    •
    4.6

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