Best Authentic Restaurants in Walnut Creek

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

Wow! I feel like it's so cliche to call a restaurant a "hidden gem" just because it's in the suburbs or not upscale or something like that. I'll refrain from using the term especially since the place was packed when we went for Valentine's Day. Add in the eye-catching building it's located in and this place is anything but hidden. That being said, Burmese cuisine in general is a bit of a hidden gem. Not very commonly found in the western world but so delicious. Our dinner at Burma 2 was oh so delicious! We started with samosas and chicken lettuce wraps. The sauces that came with the two dishes were great accompaniments however the dishes were great on their own. For salads, I had heard that their tea leaf salad was something of a specialty and it didn't disappoint. It has some common traits to an ordinary salad except kicked up a notch with nuts for a crunchy texture and the actual tea leaf itself provides a unique bitterness that I've never had in a salad before. My partner got the mango salad which he preferred because of the fresh, bright, sweetness of the salad. Our entrees were the Burmese shrimp and the basil and chile beef. I swear I could eat both of these dishes everyday for the rest of my life. The words: Depth. Of. Flavor. The shrimp had an incredible combo of sweetness and umami that came out so savory and mouthwatering. Also, I have to give props to the kitchen for perfectly cooking the shrimp. I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor of the beef as well. I thought it would be overly sweet like something from a Chinese takeout place however the flavor was so much more complex and savory. The chile came through beautifully and pairing it with the basil made it all taste very well spiced. Finished with a fried banana and ice cream for dessert. My bet is they don't make the ice cream in-house but regardless it was a perfectly sweet pairing with the banana which was beautifully fried. The lychee martini is decent; the wine list is better. I'll be back.

We love this place- a nice hidden gem in downtown WC. We love sitting at the bar and Lucas is great- very knowledgeable and an experienced bartender. They had a three course prefix for Valentines Day which was a little pricey but delicious nonetheless. We just wish they still offered their delicious homemade bread during the prefix. One of our favorite date night locations- we’ll be back!

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

Waiters were polite and always around when we needed something. The meatballs were amazing! The tzatziki was amazing as well!