This popular spot has charmed pizza lovers since its debut in 1971, attracting crowds for its comforting Italian food. Now, the Piccolo family is expanding their footprint again, introducing a new concept, Melo's Italian Table, to Walnut Creek. Erin Piccolo, partner and spouse to Chef JP, says the menu features classic hits, but with an elevated twist to match the restaurant's modern ambiance.

Fan favorites like Fuji apple salad, meatball subs, and eggplant parmesan join new dishes such as Acqua Pazza—a fennel, garlic, and tomato broth teeming with fresh cod and prawns—and Sicilian Cauliflower sprinkled with raisins and pistachios, on the revamped menu. 

The centerpiece is Chef JP's new square pan pizza, a labor of love two years in the making. Erin describes it as a trifecta of Detroit, Sicilian, and Roman al Taglio styles, with a focaccia-like crust. As for the vibe, look for a spacious lounge, full bar, and soft-serve ice cream sundaes. Opening September 12 at 1360 Locust Street. 

Two fresh faces are setting up shop on the ground floor of The Waymark, Walnut Creek's BART transit village. First up, Luna Sea Lounge. This Santa Cruz-based vodka purveyor is bringing a taste of the ocean to 121 Pringle Avenue. Decked in lush velvety seating and adorned with an orca mural, it's a cool spot to try owner Deven Wek's award-winning vodka, Beyond vodka, the lounge features a full bar with future plans to introduce a seafood-centric small plate menu. Opening any day now. 

Already a Bay Area favorite with seven locations, High Wire Coffee Roasters is opening its eighth location at The Waymark, adjacent to the Great Hall. No details yet on when you can expect to grab a caffeinated drink coming or going on BART.  

Crate & Barrel just upped Walnut Creek's home decor game with the grand opening of its artfully designed store at 1201 Main Street. Unlike your average Crate & Barrel, this one-story location makes shopping for every room in your home an inviting experience. But good design wasn't the only thing on the menu. Local business owner, Raquel, treated guests to bites of her Honey + Brie charcuterie. Consider it a sneak peek at her soon-to-open downtown wine bar, Chateau by Honey & Brie. Stay tuned for its launch date.

With over 730 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, fast-casual Mexican chain QDOBA made its Bay Area debut, landing in Walnut Creek at Ygnacio Plaza. Led by local entrepreneur Karan Gogri, the eatery offers customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos. Food is flavorful and fresh, but the real show-stopper is the three-cheese queso dip, it's bound to become your new guilty pleasure.