Montecatini is a stable for Walnut Creek as it opened October 17, 1989, the day of the Loma Prieta earthquake in California. Since then, Montecatini Ristorante has become a place for "regulars" to enjoy a true Italian dining experience. We are a loud and bustling environment where many have come to say we're like family. All our dishes are meticulously prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients. Our pastas and entrees are served piping hot from our kitchen to your table. Montecatini has been awarded "Best of East Bay" for Best Italian Restaurant in the East Bay Area by Diablo Magazine for several years. As of January 2022 our chef, Ermes Paulin, has passed ownership down to two of Montecatini's long-time employees, Terrance and Taylor George. They plan to keep Montecatini thriving on its "old school" vibe while enhancing the cocktail and wine program. So come in and experience Montecatini for yourself and see what a true hidden gem we are!
“I’m the owner and the chef, so I’m always here,” he says in his lyrical Mediterranean accent. “It’s nice to do business with locals.”Jacifi describes his menu as a blend of new and old: “You get old-school tastes with a modern presentation.” The restaurant specializes in northern and southern Italian standards like saltimbocca, chicken cacciatore, and risotto. But the eighteen-year-old Luna takes these familiar dishes very seriously. Redoune, partner and co-chef Hafid Tadri, and co-chef Habib Jacifi don’t so much replicate the old standards as define them.Take the fettuccini with Bolognese sauce. Many restaurants make a Bolognese; few do it well. Like the sly smile on the lips of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous lady, this brick red sauce reveals a depth of character beyond its simple appearance. Carrots, celery, and onions add a layer of sweetness, while bacon contributes a sultry, meaty backbone.
