Best Casual Restaurants in Walnut Creek

My wife didn’t want a big spectacle on her 60th birthday, so we decided to have a quiet lunch at Rooftop. She ordered a salad topped with a grilled salmon. I had the sea bass with risotto, and my daughter had the spicy rigatoni with chicken. We also ordered the shrimp tacos (4 tacos). All of the dishes we ordered were delicious. The grilled salmon that came with the salad was cooked just right. The sea bass was as good as and the melted cheese in the risotto was just right and not overpowering the overall flavor of the dish. And my daughter had no complaints on the rigatoni as she cleaned up her plate. And saving the best for last was the shrimp tacos. The shrimp tasted so delicious and fresh that I wished we had more, but with all the food we had, the shrimp tacos outshined them all. And not to forget our server, (I forgot his name God bless his soul) he was very sweet and personable, with a happy demeanor. Hope they pay him well because he was very attentive to our needs. Overall, my wife’s birthday celebration, even though it wasn’t elaborate, it was a very nice experience and we will definitely will come back if we’re in the area. I highly recommend this restaurant.

If you're on the hunt for an Italian spot that really knows how to deliver the goods, Mello’s Italian Table is where it’s at. This restaurant has nailed the whole Italian dining vibe, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance hits you just right. Think cozy, yet classy—it's got a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The decor strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern flair, making it the ideal backdrop for a chill night out with friends or a date that could lead to something serious. The soft lighting and smooth Italian tunes will have you feeling like you’ve just stepped onto a picturesque street in Florence. Now let’s talk about the menu. Mello’s Italian Table serves up a killer selection of Italian classics that will have your taste buds singing. Kick things off with their homemade bruschetta or creamy burrata—both are loaded with flavor and perfectly shareable (if you’re feeling generous). For your main dish, while they don’t make their own pasta, the options they offer are fantastic—think rich sauces and fresh ingredients that hit all the right notes. And we can’t forget about the drinks. Mello’s has an awesome wine list that pairs beautifully with whatever you choose to chow down on. The staff is super knowledgeable and can hook you up with the perfect recommendation. Plus, their crafted cocktails are a vibe—each one is a creative mix that’ll elevate your dining experience. Speaking of the staff, the service here is top-notch. The waitstaff is friendly and genuinely passionate about what they do, making sure you feel like a valued guest rather than just another table. They’ve got a way of making you feel at home while keeping things professional—a true balance that’s hard to find. In a nutshell, Mello’s Italian Table is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in

Great food and great service. Louisa was a great server.

We had not been to La Fontaine for 6+ months, so were reminded how excellent this restaurant is. Food was delicious and portioned well since we were able to split the daily special appetizer with buratta, prosciutto, tomato and toast. Then each had a main. My wife enjoined the sole involtini with asparagus rolled inside the fish and a buttery caper sauce. I loved the spicy pasta with roasted eggplant. A glass of wine each topped off an enjoyable meal. Wait staff are incredible, friendly and knowledgeable.

The food and service here is excellent! I recommend not eating the day of your reservation as there is a lot of delicious food to be had!