Welcome to Il Pavone
At Il Pavone, Italian culinary traditions blend seamlessly with warm hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Nestled in Walnut Creek, this charming restaurant offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the rich flavors of Italy, from perfectly crispy Margherita pizzas to tender Roasted Lamb Rack basking in balsamic reduction. Families celebrate together, couples unwind, and every guest feels valued thanks to the attentive Bigotti family and their dedicated staff. With exceptional vegetarian options and a cozy, vintage ambiance, Il Pavone is not just about food—it's about creating lasting memories over shared meals, making every visit a cherished experience.
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2291 Olympic Blvd Walnut Creek, CA 94595 United States Hotline: (925) 939-9060
Welcome to Il Pavone, a gem nestled in the heart of Walnut Creek that transports you to the charming streets of Italy. This casual yet elegant Italian restaurant is more than just a dining destination; it’s an experience steeped in warmth, flavor, and authenticity. With its cozy ambiance and the friendly presence of the Bigotti family, dining here feels like a visit to a beloved Italian home.
At Il Pavone, you'll find a menu that celebrates the richness of Italian cuisine, offering a delightful array of dishes with something for everyone, including many vegetarian options. The restaurant prides itself on having a vibrant and accommodating atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy dinner for two.
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during busy evenings.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco with covered and heated seating available.
- Kid-Friendly: The menu is designed to cater to younger diners, making it an excellent choice for family outings.
- Delivery and Takeout: For those nights when you just want to savor Italian goodness at home.
As you explore the menu, you’ll find highlights like the Margherita Pizza, celebrated for its perfectly crispy crust and fresh, vibrant toppings. Customers rave about the Fried Calamari, enhanced with fried lemon slices and jalapeños, which add a unique twist to this classic starter. The Roasted Lamb Rack and Veal Piccata stand out for their impeccable cooking and flavors, each bite exemplifying the passion behind authentic Italian cuisine.
Don't forget to save room for dessert! The Budino di Pane—soft, warm bread pudding with a bourbon butter sauce—is a perfect finish to your meal. For something lighter, the Profiteroles filled with vanilla ice cream are a crowd-pleaser, as noted by many satisfied diners.
The testimonials from patrons emphasize the exceptional service and remarkable food quality that Il Pavone consistently provides. Whether it's a large family celebration or a casual dinner, the commitment to guest satisfaction shines through every interaction. It’s no wonder why regulars and newcomers alike are drawn to this delightful establishment.
Join us at Il Pavone, where every meal is a celebration of Italian heritage, and each visit feels like coming home. Don’t miss out on discovering why this restaurant is a treasured spot in Walnut Creek! For reservations, call (925) 939-9060.
Love this place! Great food, friendly staff. Everything I've eaten here is amazing. Great wine list.
Great food and great service. Family of 10 had dinner to celebrate a birthday and we were all very happy with our meals. Fried calamari were so good, it had fried lemon slices and fried jalapeños which gave it great flavor! Too many different entrees to comment on but my calamari steak was delicious. While we had a table for 10, we were nicely packed in!
We had a wonderful family dinner at this cozy restaurant. Food was delicious, service was friendly and efficient. Thank you Marcello and staff for a fabulous evening. We will be back!
The food was amazing, everyone in our party loved their food. The customer service was incredible. The waiters and staff were very accommodating and friendly. They checked on us all the time, making food conversation! It's a quiet spot. Good atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone !
Ambiance: Coming during the holiday season was the best! Nick, one of the owners, decorates everything so beautifully. It takes me back to my Italian home--vintage, cozy, and clean. Service: The Bigotti family is the best. They're so personable, and their employees truly take care of you. Dining here feels like being at home. FOOD: Starters: Margherita Pizza: The pizza was perfectly crispy with just the right amount of softness. It was very light, and the sauce and cheese were incredibly fresh. Gamberoni: These could've easily been my entrée. They were light and lemony, yet rich at the same time! I couldn't stop dipping my bread in the sauce. Fried Zucchini: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside--great for something simple. It paired perfectly with the marinara and ranch. Entrees: Carré di Agnello (Roasted Lamb Rack): We ordered this medium-rare, and it was to die for! The meat was cooked perfectly, and the flavor was phenomenal. It wasn't gamey, which I loved, and the balsamic reduction balanced the dish perfectly. Veal Piccata: Once again, cooked to perfection. It was sliced thin and tender. The piccata sauce had just the right amount of lemon, making it delicious. Lasagna: If you love lasagna, you must get this classic. The pasta was homemade, perfectly thin, and layered with the most pillowy bolognese and béchamel sauce combination. Pollo alla Diavola: A fantastic combination of mustard and spice, with the most tender chicken. Calamari Doré: This was a very thinly sliced calamari steak, battered and covered in a lemon butter sauce, served with rice and veggies. Delicious--none of that greasy, fried texture you find at other places. Desserts: Budino di Pane: Soft, warm, dense yet light bread pudding in a bourbon butter sauce. My favorite part was the golden raisins and cinnamon sugar on top. Profiterole: A giant, fluffy profiterole filled with delicious vanilla ice cream and fudge. Perfect for cream puff lovers. Zabaglione Basket: I think this was the name, and it was MY FAVORITE. A crispy, browned sugar basket filled with vanilla ice cream, seasonal berries, and beautifully torched light cream.
We chose Linguine Alle Vongole and Cesar salad. "Old school Italian" I agree absolutely. The genuine quality of linguine al dente. Plus lightly sauced Cesar salad up to our satisfaction. It has its own character for years that I respect. You'd better pay with cash to avoid a extra fee of 3 percent. The Proactive service offered by Jesus stands out which made the difference. Recognize his efforts pls!
Old school Italian! The entire team was so friendly and attentive. Plenty of vegetarian options and everything was delicious. Our daughter had the ravioli and finished the half order. My wife had the pesto spaghetti and loved it. I tried the linguini with house made sausage. It was all delicious. I had the full order and probably would have been fine with the half order it was so much food! They also brought out two kinds of bread and butter before and with the meal. The desserts all looked amazing but we had to try the profiteroles and it was amazing! We will be back to try more!