19 Best Restaurants in Walnut Creek, CA
This article was written by local contributor Gianna O'Neal & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As a resident of Walnut Creek, California, I've had the pleasure of exploring the diverse culinary scene that this beautiful city has to offer.
From tantalizing Asian cuisine to scrumptious Italian dishes, there's something for every palate.
In this article, I'm excited to share with you some of the best restaurants in Walnut Creek, California, where you, too, can delight in mouth-watering meals and create unforgettable dining experiences.
So, grab your appetite, and let's dive into the best of Walnut Creek's culinary treasures!
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
I've been a resident here for quite some time now, and there's no doubt in my mind that when it comes to a top-notch dining experience, Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse in Walnut Creek is a must-try.
I've been to this place a few times, and each visit has been nothing short of amazing.
The food at Galpão Gaucho is simply delicious, and the meats and buffet items offer a decent variety to choose from.
I particularly loved the fried cheese and honey on my last visit – it was so good, I'd go back just for that alone!
Besides that, their plantains, potatoes, and salad bar were also outstanding.
The meat selection was an experience in itself, and I enjoyed trying their spicy steak, pork ribs, ribeye steak, and lamb chops.
But the highlight of my meal at Galpão Gaucho has to be the grilled pineapple.
It was so good, it made me want to shout!
I even brought home a to-go plate for my son, and he's already excited to visit this place with me next time.
All in all, the food at Galpão Gaucho makes you feel like you've gone to heaven, and I can't wait for my next visit to this fantastic Brazilian steakhouse.
Benvenuti Ristorante
Living in Walnut Creek has its perks, and one of them is definitely having access to great Italian food at Benvenuti Ristorante.
Nestled in a quieter part of downtown, this family-style Italian restaurant offers a warm and cozy dining experience with homemade meals and a wide selection of wines.
Their outdoor dining area is particularly lovely, perfect for enjoying a meal with your furry friend, as they are dog-friendly and accept reservations.
Their food is absolutely worth the price, with delectable appetizers like the lightly breaded calamari, roasted cauliflower, and the unforgettable garlic bread – warm, soft, and perfectly balanced in flavor.
The entrees never disappoint either; their Truffle Fettuccini with Prawns, Linguini with roasted tomatoes, Steak with broccolini and potatoes, and Salmon over orzo pasta are beautifully plated and taste phenomenal.
Their Happy Hour also offers unique cocktails like the Lavender Moscow Mule.
Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar
One of my favorite spots for a night out in town is Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar. The restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
The outdoor area is particularly perfect for a date night, thanks to the romantic lighting.
Although I did notice that not all outdoor seating has heat lamps, so it's better to dress warmly if you choose to sit outside at night.
The menu at Va de Vi is eclectic and features small plates and wines from around the world.
I love the variety and freshness of the dishes, and I have never been disappointed with any of the food I've tried here.
The wine selection is also impressive, so there's something for everyone's taste.
They always make you feel welcome and are more than happy to offer recommendations on dishes and wines.
The service here is always exceptional, even on their busiest days.
I've celebrated special occasions here and have taken my partner on date nights as well.
Gem of IKOI Sushi
If you're anything like me, finding a great sushi spot is always a pleasant surprise.
That's exactly what happened when I stumbled upon IKOI Sushi in Walnut Creek.
At first glance, the restaurant might look unassuming, but don't let that fool you.
The food is simply fantastic, and their sushi is some of the best I've ever had.
One of the things that really stands out about IKOI is the quality of its ingredients.
The salmon belly, yellowtail belly, and scallop nigiri are so sweet and fresh that they practically melt in your mouth.
Their real crab maki roll is another standout dish, and the unagi in their Rock n' Roll roll has such a great texture that you can't help but crave more.
Not only is the food top-notch, but the atmosphere is also bright and welcoming.
It's the perfect place for a casual lunch or dinner with friends or family.
As a regular, I've brought several of my loved ones here when they were craving sushi or Japanese cuisine, and they've all left impressed.
Montesacro Walnut Creek
I've been a resident of Walnut Creek for over a decade and a regular diner in both San Francisco and Oakland.
But I've been desperately waiting for a restaurant that puts as much care into craft, ingredients, experience, and creativity as Montesacro does.
The Italian food here is truly outstanding and very authentic - it reminds me of my time spent in Italy.
Their pizza crust takes me back to Rome, and their Cacio e Pepe is absolutely spot on.
But don't go in expecting Italian-American food like spaghetti and meatballs!
Montesacro offers a genuine Italian dining experience with amazing service and a beautiful interior that makes me feel like I'm in Italy again.
It can be a bit pricy for the portions of pasta they serve, but the overall experience is worth it.
If the food wasn't so good, I'd have taken more pictures during my visits!
Massimo Ristorante
Massimo Ristorante has always been one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the area.
Their website doesn't do justice to the fantastic food, excellent service, and romantic ambiance that this place offers.
It's also great for dinner with friends and family.
On a recent visit, we didn't have a reservation, but the maitre d' graciously welcomed us on a busy night.
We started our meal with the Caprese salad, scallops, and carbonara, all of which were absolutely amazing.
We also couldn't resist trying the panna cotta, and it was fabulous!
I'm definitely coming back to try their porcini and black truffle ravioli.
I also attended my office Christmas party at Massimo Ristorante, and the atmosphere was relaxing yet fun.
The dim lighting provided a warm and comfortable atmosphere, but it wasn't stuffy at all.
It can get a little loud with everyone enjoying themselves, but it only adds to the overall vibe.
One thing to note is that everything is ordered à la carte, so the total price can vary depending on your selections.
Mixed Grain
One of my favorite spots to grab a meal in downtown Walnut Creek is this Korean restaurant called Mixed Grain.
I am a big fan of Korean cuisine, and this place never disappoints me.
Every time I go there, I always order the Kalbi ribs, which are incredibly tender and flavorful.
The presentation is always impressive - my dish comes out sizzling, making it even more mouthwatering.
Another dish that I enjoy sharing with friends is the crispy chicken wings with sweet and tangy sauce - they are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
In addition to the main dishes, I also appreciate the variety of side dishes offered, although I would love to see a few more options, like anchovies with jalapeño and spicy potatoes.
My vegetarian friends have praised the bibimbop, which is packed with a variety of ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts, making it a great option for those who don't eat meat.
The service at Mixed Grain is always friendly and attentive, ensuring that our water cups are always filled and giving us great recommendations on what to order.
It's a perfect spot for a warm and inviting meal, especially during the winter months when I crave a comforting bowl of ramen.
Veggie Grill
Finding a great vegan restaurant in the area can be quite a challenge.
But a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon Veggie Grill in Walnut Creek, and I have to admit, it's been one of my favorite spots ever since.
Their website provides excellent information about their menu and location.
Another time, I brought a friend along, and we decided to try their Steakhouse Burger.
I wasn't expecting much, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise of flavors!
We also enjoyed their outdoor seating area, which overlooks Locust Street, making it a great spot for people-watching and soaking in the pleasant atmosphere.
I'm a huge fan of their house Impossible Burger with Black Beans and Mushrooms.
We also can't resist their Tempura Cauliflower Nuggets and a refreshing Ginger Beer to wash it all down.
House of Sake
For many years, I've tried quite a few sushi places around the area.
But one place that never disappoints is House of Sake.
They offer a good selection of teriyaki, udon, and sushi, not to mention a variety of sake choices.
My personal favorites are the Warrior Roll and the Dragon Roll.
The Dragon Roll always tastes fresh, with the shrimp still hot when it arrives.
The Warrior Roll is not only delicious but also very visually appealing.
What sets House of Sake apart from other sushi spots around here is their custom roll option.
I've had a few custom rolls made, and they've all been fantastic.
The quality is consistently excellent, and their tea actually has flavor, which is quite rare.
House of Sake is also reasonably priced.
You can expect to spend around $20-50 per person, making it an affordable option for those sushi cravings.
Plus, they stay open when most other sushi places close around 3 pm, which is a great advantage.
Broderick Roadhouse
I recently decided to give Broderick Roadhouse a try after hearing some mixed reviews from friends.
I always appreciate a good neighborhood bar and grill, so I was excited to see what they had to offer in terms of American comfort food and drinks.
When we arrived, I was pleased to find that they offered both indoor and outdoor seating.
We chose to sit outside, which was a great decision as the atmosphere was lively and enjoyable.
For my meal, I decided to go with their boar burger, the Johnny Cash, while my partner ordered the Gorgonzola burger.
The garlic fries were a hit and complemented the burgers.
The true highlight of the night was the deliciously sweet drink I tried.
I'm a sucker for a good cocktail, and this one did not disappoint.
It was nice to see that they offered a variety of beverages, including beer and boozy shakes.
La Sen Bistro WC
I recently dined at La Sen Bistro WC, a sophisticated French restaurant that boasts Californian and Vietnamese twists in their cuisine.
The ambiance was perfect for a romantic night out with my partner, and the cozy atmosphere made us feel right at home.
We started our meal with escargot and crab cakes, both of which were absolutely delectable.
For our main courses, we chose duck breast and lamb, and I cannot recommend them enough!
The French onion soup was also a standout dish, with its incredibly flavorful broth and perfectly golden brown cheese crust.
I believe that La Sen Bistro WC offers great value for the quality of food you receive.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
I recently celebrated my anniversary at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Walnut Creek, and I have to say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional.
The moment we arrived, we were greeted with a hand-signed card at our table, which made the celebration feel even more special.
The food at Fleming's was mouth-watering, with my personal favorite being the filet from the kid's menu.
I've been to many steakhouses in the area, but the quality and taste of the steak here were unparalleled.
Another dish that left a lasting impression on me was their crab cakes. I consider myself a foodie and have tried crab cakes at various Bay Area restaurants, but Fleming's truly takes the crown.
What truly stood out during our visit was the impeccable service.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was elegant and cozy, perfect for an intimate evening.
Do Sit Thai Cuisine
I absolutely love dining at Do Sit Thai Cuisine.
As someone who's always looking for authentic Thai comfort food, this elegant restaurant, with its serene ambiance, has become one of my go-to places.
The lunch portions are generous, and I appreciate how affordable they are.
One of my favorite things about their lunch special is the coconut soup with chicken.
The large chicken pieces make it quite filling and full of flavor.
The decor and ambiance at Do Sit Thai are perfect for a quiet dinner or even just dessert. I've always experienced good and fairly fast service.
Plus, no reservations are needed, and I never had to wait for a table.
Their menu features classic Thai dishes like pad thai and bbq pork, which taste amazing.
I do find the yellow chicken curry to be a bit bland sometimes, but that's just a minor gripe.
What steals the show for me are their desserts.
The coconut ice cream and fried bananas are simply divine, and I can never resist their classic sweet sticky rice with mango.
Havana Restaurant
One of my favorite spots in town for a night out has to be Havana Restaurant.
I recently went there to celebrate a friend's birthday, and the atmosphere was fantastic for our group gathering.
As soon as we walked in, I could tell that we were in for a treat with the lively energy filling the room.
Their menu offers a unique California-influenced Cuban cuisine, which is a refreshing change from the usual Latin flavors we're used to in California.
Their mojito options are endless, and I must say, their Single Barrel Rum mojito was a game-changer.
As for the food, I was extremely satisfied with the Prosciutto-Wrapped Airline Chicken plate - it was simply mouthwatering.
They were incredibly knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations, making our experience even more enjoyable.
Hick'ry Pit
I recently decided to visit The Original Hick'ry Pit for a family dinner, and I must say, it was worth every penny.
We chose to sit outside as it was a beautiful April day with blooming flowers all around.
The food came relatively quickly and tasted good.
The coffee was also really nice – a medium to light roast that was refilled promptly.
The highlight of our visit was definitely the dessert.
We tried their coconut cream pie, and it was absolutely scrumptious!
The pie crust was flaky, it wasn't overly sweet, and the ratio of coconut and cream was just perfect.
I've also had their pecan and lemon meringue pies during previous visits, and they are equally delicious.
Pokeatery
I've been to Pokeatery several times, as it is one of my favorite spots for Hawaiian Poke.
The laid-back cafe offers a generous selection of made-to-order pokes, side salads, and desserts.
I love their pokecado toast, which comes in two delicious flavors.
The combination of avocado toast and poke is simply irresistible!
Their menu also includes customizable poke bowls, allowing me to choose from various proteins, toppings, and sauces.
The freshness of the ingredients and fantastic flavors keep me coming back.
Burma 2
Recently, I decided to give Burma 2 a try, and it did not disappoint!
This was my first time trying Burmese cuisine, and I must say, the flavors were quite unique and delightful.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately drawn to the contemporary surroundings and open-air patio, which added a nice touch to the overall ambiance.
We started our meal with some samosas, which were perfectly crispy and flavorful.
For our main dishes, we ordered Burmese fried chicken and Burmese lamb curry.
Both dishes were absolutely delicious, but I must mention that the curry did not come with rice or bread, which was a bit surprising.
Telefèric Barcelona Walnut Creek
As a fan of Spanish cuisine, I decided to check out Telefèric Barcelona Walnut Creek with a friend.
The place was buzzing and had a modern vibe to it - perfect for a tapas night out.
We started with a kebab appetizer, which was delicious, especially because of the sauce that came with it.
For our main course, I tried the daily special - braised short ribs with apple puree, while my friend went for the salmon.
We ordered two, and the rice pudding tres Leches was absolutely heavenly.
It felt like eating a cloud with a surprising touch of rice pudding. I could have eaten two more of those!
The other dessert, a chocolate cookie, was a bit too rich for my taste and lacked ice cream.
I've heard great things about their paellas and will definitely come back to try them.
La Fontaine Walnut Creek
I've been a resident of Walnut Creek for years now, and every once in a while, I like to treat myself to a night out at La Fontaine.
This unique French-Italian restaurant has a clean and modern decor, making it a perfect spot for both casual and special occasions.
I remember this one time I went there with my family and had one of the best Caesar Salads I've ever tasted.
The food was delicious, and the portions were generous.
My parents loved their Branzino and Bouillabaisse, while I appreciated the vegetarian-friendly options on the menu.
The Pollo d'Angelo pasta was especially noteworthy, with a sherry wine cream sauce that was flavorful without being overly rich.
What particularly stood out during that visit was the live music from the Mirage Band, which added a beautiful ambiance to our dinner.
Final Thoughts
Each of Walnut Creek's fabulous restaurants offers their own unique flavors and experiences that make eating out in this city such a pleasure.
I've had many memorable meals at these establishments, and I'm always excited to discover new favorites.
It's hard not to fall in love with the diverse culinary scene in Walnut Creek, and I feel fortunate to have access to such an incredible array of restaurants right in my backyard.
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