Situated in the former 54 Mint space on N Locust Street, Montesecaro feels like it’s been a Walnut Creek staple for years. And in some ways, it has been. Owner Gianluca Legrottaglie partnered with Danielle Carsano to transform his Walnut Creek restaurant into a neighborhood trattoria, similiar to those found in the suburbs of Rome. 

The open and airy space features a bar, comfortable seating, and plenty of outdoor tables. A lively staff has easy rapport with guests—who range from couples on dates to groups of friends and families. 

Dinner begins with a wonderful selection of antipasti that complement the robust wine list. A cauliflower, olive, and caper salad pairs well with incredibly tender Polpo (grilled octopus), and Risotto Croquettes, accompanied by an Italian white, Anthium Bellone by Casale Del Giglio.  

While pinsa gets most of the hype, the menu is full of well-executed classics like creamy carbonara and cacio e pepe made with house made pasta and grilled meats. Crispy pinsa comes topped artichoke, prosciutto, mushroom, olives, hardboiled egg. For dessert, there's a flourless chocolate torte, artisanal gelato drizzled with aged balsamic, and Maritozzo con la Panna, a decadent Roman sweet bun bursting with whipped cream. Wash it all down with an espresso martini—the bar makes excellent cocktails.

Legrottaglie first introduced San Francisco and Brooklyn to Italian hand-pressed pizza or pinsa in 2015. His new restaurant already feels like a Walnut Creek institution. Open daily for dinner and weekend brunch. 1686 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, montesecaro.com.