Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek

4.7

749 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Great for fine wines

Montecatini is a stable for Walnut Creek as it opened October 17, 1989, the day of the Loma Prieta earthquake in California. Since then, Montecatini Ristorante has become a place for "regulars" to enjoy a true Italian dining experience. We are a loud and bustling environment where many have come to say we're like family. All our dishes are meticulously prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients. Our pastas and entrees are served piping hot from our kitchen to your table.

Montecatini has been awarded "Best of East Bay" for Best Italian Restaurant in the East Bay Area by Diablo Magazine for several years. As of January 2022 our chef, Ermes Paulin, has passed ownership down to two of Montecatini's long-time employees, Terrance and Taylor George. They plan to keep Montecatini thriving on its "old school" vibe while enhancing the cocktail and wine program. So come in and experience Montecatini for yourself and see what a true hidden gem we are!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary European, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(925) 943-6608
Website
http://www.montecatinirestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Ermes Paulin
Catering
Please email us directly for a catering menu at MontecatiniR@gmail.com
Private party facilities
Please email us directly to inquire about private events at MontecatiniR@gmail.com

Location
1528 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Neighborhood
Walnut Creek
Cross street
Between Main and Locust
Parking details
We suggest parking at the Lesher Center for the Performing Arts Parking Garage on Locust St. and Civic Drive. (Rates most of the time:1st hour free, $0.50/hr afterwards.)
Public transit
Walnut Creek Bart Station
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Offers

Daily Happy Hour from Open - 6:30PM
Multiple dates available
Wed - Thu - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Montecatini offers a daily Happy Hour featuring marked down wine and cocktails! Make your reservation through our website MontecatiniRestaurant.com or give us a call 925-943-6608

Mozzarella, Pomodori & Basilico$15.00
Fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil
Carpaccio$18.00
Thinly sliced premium beef, served with capers, Montecatini's special sauce
Escargot$18.00
Garlic, Cognac and butter. Please allow ~ 15 min
Prosciutto Antipasto$16.00
Zuppa di vongole$20.00
Pancetta Wrapped Prawns$19.00

Minestre-Insalate / Soup-Salads

Minestrone Toscano$10.00
Vegetable Minestrone soup
Insalata della Casa$12.00
Butter lettuce, Italian peppers, frittata
Caesar Salad$13.00
Hearts of Romaine with Gorgonzola$14.00
Radicchio and Arugula$14.00
Two bitter Italian lettuces, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
Insalata di Spinaci$15.00
Fresh spinach, wilted by hot sautéed dressing with fresh mushrooms, pancetta, red onion
Calamari Vinaigrette$16.00
Shrimp Vinaigrette$15.00
Insalata di Pesce$18.00
Bay shrimp, calamari, baby clams, butter lettuce

Pasta & Italian Specialties

Capellini al Pomodoro$23.00
Fettuccine Bolognese $25.00
Fettuccine Primavera$25.00
Fresh vegetables, feta cheese, garlic, pesto
Panzotti di Formaggio$26.00
Large, house‐made three‐cheese ravioli, fresh tomato sauce
Tortellini Montecatini$26.00
Veal‐filled, w/ prosciutto, peas, light cream sauce
Fettuccine alla Carbonara$27.00
Pancetta, onion, white wine, cream sauce
Lasagne Casalinga$26.00
Chef's special recipe. Please allow ~ 25 min
Gnocchi$25.00
Chef‐made in‐house, choice of sauces: Pesto cream, pomodoro, Bolognese, ETC
Linguine alle Vongole$29.00
Fresh clams, baby clams, choice of red / white sauce
Fettuccine alla Viareggina$30.00
House specialty: with large scallops, prawns, bay shrimp, fresh mushrooms, tomato cream sauce. Voted Best Pasta 2016 by readers of Walnut Creek Magazine
Melanzane (Eggplant) Parmigiana$25.00
Fresh eggplant, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses, tomato cream sauce

Pesce / Seafood

Calamari Saltati$30.00
Baby squid sautéed, fresh tomato, capers, garlic
Seppia Dore$32.00
Calamari steak abalone style, white wine, lemon
Gamberi Scampi$31.00
Large prawns, white wine, garlic, parsley, lemon
Scallops al Limone$33.00
Large scallops, lemon, white wine sauce

Pollo / Chicken

Pollo alla Piccata$29.00
Breast of chicken, capers, lemon, white wine. Awarded Best Chicken Piccata 2016 by editors of Diablo Magazine 100 Best Bites of San Francisco East Bay
Pollo Scaloppine con Funghi$29.00
Breast of chicken, fresh sautéed mushroom, rosemary, brown sauce
Pollo alla Parmigiana$29.00
Breast of chicken with mozzarella & parmesan cheeses, tomato cream sauce
Pollo alla Schiacciata$30.00
Brick pressed baked half chicken with fresh rosemary, garlic. Please allow ~ 30 min

Carne / Veal - Steak

Vitello Piccata$31.00
Veal with capers, lemon, white wine sauce
Vitello Scaloppine con Funghi$31.00
With fresh mushroom, white wine, rosemary, demi‐glace brown sauce
Vitello alla Parmigiana$31.00
With mozzarella & parmesan cheeses, tomato cream sauce
Vitello Saltimbocca$32.00
With prosciutto, mozzarella, sage, demi‐glace brown sauce
New York Pepper Steak$38.00
Choice New York steak, black peppercorn, demi‐glace brown sauce
Pork Cutlet Sorrento $34.00
Bone in pork rack, mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, reduction sauce

What 749 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

East Bay
Great for fine wines
East Bay
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Montecatini Restaurant in Walnut Creek offers a "fantastic dining experience" with "phenomenal food" and "incredible service." The atmosphere is lively, making it a perfect spot for celebrations. While it can be noisy, the "authentic Italian recipes" and "outstanding" menu options ensure you're in for a treat. Highly recommended for Italian cuisine lovers.

749 Reviews

V
Victoria
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent! Chicken parmigiana and bolognese gnocchi are out of this world! We will be returning often !
Is this helpful?
J
Jeannie
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Montecatini is always a fun night out. It’s not fussy or stuffy but it’s always delicious with great service
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E
Emily
VIP
San Francisco
110 reviews
4.0
110 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We went for Valentine's Day so expected a crazy scene, it was not, thankfully. Super busy and the kitchen was keeping up, and the place was packed. Lively atmosphere, and the bar area was full but not loud. Waiter was excellent, not pushy, prompt attention and very nice. Food was excellent, started with the romaine and gorgonzola, main entree veal piccata was thinly sliced, nice sauce and pasta and vegetable sides. Generous portions. Veal saltambuca was also excellent. Had the raspberry sorbet for dessert which was nice and not super sweet. Classic Italian restaurant!
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N
Nicole
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding all around! One of our favorite special spots!
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C
Chris
VIP
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was the first time we visited this place, and it was one of the best Italian restaurants in the east bay/solano/sac area! The food and the service did not disappoint! Love that they were able to change one of orders to be light on the sauce and their special risotto with lobster was to die for. Even their vegetables has a very nice seasoning without being mushy and bland Great wine selection as well and the wine bottles not marked up too much that it was worth getting a bottle (we got a Cab) We told the server that we wanted to slow roll the experience and she allowed us to enjoy our time without being pushed out,even on a busy time Would strongly recommend !!!
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N
Nancy
VIP
San Francisco
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Excellent food, nice ambience, loud, decent but not fabulous service. I had to ask for things a few times, including drinks.
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j
justin
VIP
Las Vegas
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From the moment I stepped into Montecatini, I was transported to a culinary haven reminiscent of a cozy Italian countryside eatery. The warm, inviting ambiance, paired with the friendly staff, set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. One dish that truly stood out was the Chicken Parmesan. This masterpiece was a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The chicken was tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection, coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. The rich marinara sauce, delicately seasoned, complemented the chicken beautifully, while the melted mozzarella added a creamy, indulgent layer that elevated the dish to new heights. The portion was generous, and each bite was a delightful symphony of taste. The accompanying pasta was cooked al dente and tossed in a light garlic butter sauce, making it the ideal side to the star of the show. Montecatini not only exceeded my expectations with their Chicken Parmesan but also with their exceptional service and charming atmosphere. This restaurant is a gem that I will undoubtedly visit again and again. Highly recommended!
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M
Maria
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was fabulous and the food was excellent. The only problem was the cioppino was served scalding hot. Far too hot to eat and as a result overcooked the calamari somewhat. Perhaps a shallow bowl service might solve this problem.
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D
Dennis
VIP
Los Angeles
49 reviews
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was very good, but food was just average. Expected a richer sauce for pasta. Seafood in Cioppino was good but broth was very light except for chili flake spiceness.
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R
Roberto
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The menu has not changed much for more than 30 years and each menu section has gotten smaller however the care taking into preparing each dish comes in the flavor your experience in your taste buds.
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FAQs

Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (925) 943-6608.

Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek is rated 4.7 stars by 749 OpenTable diners.

Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek

1528 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Additional information

Cross street
Between Main and Locust
Neighborhood
Walnut Creek
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary European, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We suggest parking at the Lesher Center for the Performing Arts Parking Garage on Locust St. and Civic Drive. (Rates most of the time:1st hour free, $0.50/hr afterwards.)
Public transit
Walnut Creek Bart Station
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Executive chef
Ermes Paulin
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.montecatinirestaurant.com/
Phone number
(925) 943-6608
Catering
Please email us directly for a catering menu at MontecatiniR@gmail.com
Private party facilities
Please email us directly to inquire about private events at MontecatiniR@gmail.com

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Daily Happy Hour from Open - 6:30PM

Antipasti / Appetizers

Mozzarella, Pomodori & Basilico$15.00

Carpaccio$18.00

Escargot$18.00

Prosciutto Antipasto$16.00

Zuppa di vongole$20.00

Pancetta Wrapped Prawns$19.00

Minestre-Insalate / Soup-Salads

Minestrone Toscano$10.00

Insalata della Casa$12.00

Caesar Salad$13.00

Hearts of Romaine with Gorgonzola$14.00

Radicchio and Arugula$14.00

Insalata di Spinaci$15.00

Calamari Vinaigrette$16.00

Shrimp Vinaigrette$15.00

Insalata di Pesce$18.00

Pasta & Italian Specialties

Capellini al Pomodoro$23.00

Fettuccine Bolognese $25.00

Fettuccine Primavera$25.00

Panzotti di Formaggio$26.00

Tortellini Montecatini$26.00

Fettuccine alla Carbonara$27.00

Lasagne Casalinga$26.00

Gnocchi$25.00

Linguine alle Vongole$29.00

Fettuccine alla Viareggina$30.00

Melanzane (Eggplant) Parmigiana$25.00

Pesce / Seafood

Calamari Saltati$30.00

Seppia Dore$32.00

Gamberi Scampi$31.00

Scallops al Limone$33.00

Pollo / Chicken

Pollo alla Piccata$29.00

Pollo Scaloppine con Funghi$29.00

Pollo alla Parmigiana$29.00

Pollo alla Schiacciata$30.00

Carne / Veal - Steak

Vitello Piccata$31.00

Vitello Scaloppine con Funghi$31.00

Vitello alla Parmigiana$31.00

Vitello Saltimbocca$32.00

New York Pepper Steak$38.00

Pork Cutlet Sorrento $34.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek restaurant rated?

Does Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek offer gift cards?

Is Montecatini Restaurant - Walnut Creek currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card