Il Pavone

Great food,service and atmosphere.

By far the most delicious authentic Italian food I've ever eaten. Everything is made in house and fresh from the meats to the sauce. The owners and staff are supper friendly, and with just one bite of the food it felt like I was transported to Italy! I highly recommend the pepper corn steak with bourbon cream sauce!

The meatballs were so good! I really enjoyed the spaghetti carbonara. Everyone was happy with their meals and the service. We're looking forward to coming back soon!

Everything was great. We were a party of 5. We had cocktails, Caesar salad, dinner, wine, dessert & cappuccino. We were in no rush and had plenty of time to talk. FYI~ there is a 3.5% charge for using a credit card.

We live about 15 miles away and still try to get there every couple of weeks. My wife is Italian and loves the food and the people, as I do. If you like authentic Italian food and friendly people, I highly recommend IL Pavone.

I’ve been eating at Il Pavone regularly for eight years and it’s been an unadulterated heavenly experience each time. True Italian fine dining, prepared with care and excellence. The house made raviolis are elegant pillows, the pasta carbonara is TDF. Entrees such as Petrale Sole or their daily specials rival any Italian restaurant. Friendly staff, excellent wine list and full bar make for a memorable meal. AND their freshly made pizza was a pleasant surprise. MOLTO BENE!

Excellent service, food was great! I definitely recommend this place. Shout out to the owner Nick for excellent wonderful experience he really made me feel like family. Definitely coming back.

What a great find near Rossmoor! Went with my dad for an early dinner thanks to the EVgo charger across the street behind the Texaco. Dad had spaghetti and meatballs while I had the Carbonara. Both were delicious! Service was friendly and quick and we had a very nice dinner. Will definitely go often!

This is one of my favorite Italian restaurant and I have been to this place a few times now. I am vegetarian and this place has many options for starters and entrees. I love pesto dishes and I like my food very spicy. They can make the dishes the way you like it. It’s very tasty food. Friendly service. It’s mostly crowded whenever I have been there for dinner (generally on a weekend). The clientele is mostly local and that’s adds to the charm of the place.

We found this gem of an old school family restaurant on our way back from visiting an ill friend at Stanford Hospital. After an emotional afternoon & an hour on the road traffic was starting to back up & we were getting quite hangry! A quick Google search brought us to IL Pavone! We walked in & were immediately greeted by Angela, the very friendly bartender & an owner Nick. We were early on a Monday so had our choice of seating, we mentioned the bar & Nick quickly said the bar chairs are the most comfortable in the house & they absolutely are! We enjoyed a couple of cocktails, one being my go to a Kettle One, Cointreau cosmopolitan & it did not disappoint! Nick was excited to recommend the porcini mushroom ravioli’s with a great story of his brother harvesting the porcini’s & how the rosemary reduction sauce was made. The dish was out of this world, it is a fall seasonal special so they may only have it for a couple more weeks. He also recommended the Basa fish & said it would be my new favorite, right again Nick! The potato leek soup and the pot roast dinner were also both amazing! Angela was knowledgeable, warm & we really enjoyed chatting with her at the bar during our meal. We are looking forward to enjoying the piece of bread pudding with vanilla ice cream at home later! If you already know IL Pavone then ya know! If ya don’t just go you we love it! Thank you for a fabulous meal & friendly wonderful service. See you again soon, Steve & Sarena

MY family has been coming to this Italian place for many years. We were surprised that the quality, quantity and price of their food have not changed much even during these few crazy years. In oppose to some other reviews, we had an amazing and friendly waitress who checked on us every so often and gave me a slice of tiramisu when she realized it was my birthday. We went pretty late and there was no waiting at all for dinner.

Outstanding service and food. Traditional Italian food passed down from one generation to the next. Italian Pot Roast and Clam Fettuccine are incredible. Also a big fan of the Chicken Picatta.

Linguine vongole with clam in white sauce, it was delicious, the clams were very fresh not over cooked, Fettuccini Tutoo Mare were also awesome, fresh sea food, shrimp, fish and clams, noodles were cooked perfectly, ordered 1/2 size portions for both since it was late and didn’t want to eat heavy before bed. Staffs were very friendly, great atmosphere, nicely decorated for Halloween!

We are local and had been disappointed by Il Fornaio, Tomatina, Melo's, etc. We used to go to Mary's Pizza Shack in Napa after they closed in Walnut Creek. Il Pavone was a big pleasant surprise. The food is really good and I could taste the garlic in the sauce.👌🏻 The soup of the day lentil soup. It was delicately spiced by the celery. Overall a great experience. We are definitely going here and saving on a long trip to Napa.

Wine and cocktails were delicious! The good were so tasty, and the desserts were to die for!! Even though the food hit the mark in every way...the very vest part of our experience was the service!! Feel like it's hard to come by family owned restaurants with such a great atmosphere and amazing service!!! Would recommend to any and every one!!!

Amazing Experience!!! Absolutely must if you're looking for REAL Italian food.

S Polo

We found this gem of an old school family restaurant on our way back from visiting an ill friend at Stanford Hospital. After an emotional afternoon & an hour on the road traffic was starting to back up & we were getting quite hangry! A quick Google search brought us to IL Pavone! We walked in & were immediately greeted by Angela, the very friendly bartender & an owner Nick. We were early on a Monday so had our choice of seating, we mentioned the bar & Nick quickly said the bar chairs are the most comfortable in the house & they absolutely are! We enjoyed a couple of cocktails, one being my go to a Kettle One, Cointreau cosmopolitan & it did not disappoint! Nick was excited to recommend the porcini mushroom ravioli’s with a great story of his brother harvesting the porcini’s & how the rosemary reduction sauce was made. The dish was out of this world, it is a fall seasonal special so they may only have it for a couple more weeks. He also recommended the Basa fish & said it would be my new favorite, right again Nick! The potato leek soup and the pot roast dinner were also both amazing! Angela was knowledgeable, warm & we really enjoyed chatting with her at the bar during our meal. We are looking forward to enjoying the piece of bread pudding with vanilla ice cream at home later! If you already know IL Pavone then ya know! If ya don’t just go you we love it! Thank you for a fabulous meal & friendly wonderful service. See you again soon, Steve & Sarena

Karenand3

MY family has been coming to this Italian place for many years. We were surprised that the quality, quantity and price of their food have not changed much even during these few crazy years. In oppose to some other reviews, we had an amazing and friendly waitress who checked on us every so often and gave me a slice of tiramisu when she realized it was my birthday. We went pretty late and there was no waiting at all for dinner.

Tim Rantala

Outstanding service and food. Traditional Italian food passed down from one generation to the next. Italian Pot Roast and Clam Fettuccine are incredible. Also a big fan of the Chicken Picatta.

Young Kim

Linguine vongole with clam in white sauce, it was delicious, the clams were very fresh not over cooked, Fettuccini Tutoo Mare were also awesome, fresh sea food, shrimp, fish and clams, noodles were cooked perfectly, ordered 1/2 size portions for both since it was late and didn’t want to eat heavy before bed. Staffs were very friendly, great atmosphere, nicely decorated for Halloween!

Sunit Katkar

We are local and had been disappointed by Il Fornaio, Tomatina, Melo's, etc. We used to go to Mary's Pizza Shack in Napa after they closed in Walnut Creek. Il Pavone was a big pleasant surprise. The food is really good and I could taste the garlic in the sauce.👌🏻 The soup of the day lentil soup. It was delicately spiced by the celery. Overall a great experience. We are definitely going here and saving on a long trip to Napa.

Alysia Santos

Wine and cocktails were delicious! The good were so tasty, and the desserts were to die for!! Even though the food hit the mark in every way...the very vest part of our experience was the service!! Feel like it's hard to come by family owned restaurants with such a great atmosphere and amazing service!!! Would recommend to any and every one!!!

Pray Motion

Amazing Experience!!! Absolutely must if you're looking for REAL Italian food.

Great little Italian place in Walnut Creek. The staff deal well with groups and the more senior set. We had a great multi-generational family meal to celebrate summer birthdays.

The salmon was perfectly cooked. What was notable, however, was that the mixed vegetables (zucchini, squash, carrots, cauliflower) were so delicious. What is often a bland and generic dish stood out as truly delightful here. We couldn't figure out what made those simple vegetables so tasty, but they were far more than a "side dish." Atmosphere and service were impeccable.

Excellent food. My wife and I came across this place online we were looking for Italian food to take out. We ordered Alfredo with shrimp add on, Caesar salads and calamari. Food was ready within 15 minutes for pick up. The place was quiet and had a good atmosphere from what I saw. Definitely worth eating it was all delicious.

If you want an extremely LOUD atmosphere, overpriced food, and modern vibe, go to Original Joes on Broadway Plaza. If you want Old School dining, attentive service, comfort Italian food, and a quiet restaurant in which to visit, go to Ill Pavone. We had never been there and will go back. White linen table clothes, quiet dining room, many older people enjoying a meal out and kind servers.

Delicious authentic Italian food with old world atmosphere. Intimate setting. Large menu with small size options as well. Great for celebrations!

At the end of a long day, my son, his wife, and I decided to have dinner at the Pavone Restaurant. That was a very good decision. As Italian Americans, we loved the food and the service! And the atmosphere was warm and friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Classic Italian restaurant near Rossmoor. Tons of seniors taking advantage of the early bird prix fixe (which is actually pretty good). Authentic Italian food, cheap strong drinks, and vintage Naugahyde. What’s not to love?!

Maggie Romero

Delicious authentic Italian food with old world atmosphere. Intimate setting. Large menu with small size options as well. Great for celebrations!

Oak Leaf D

If you want an extremely LOUD atmosphere, overpriced food, and modern vibe, go to Original Joes on Broadway Plaza. If you want Old School dining, attentive service, comfort Italian food, and a quiet restaurant in which to visit, go to Ill Pavone. We had never been there and will go back. White linen table clothes, quiet dining room, many older people enjoying a meal out and kind servers.

Susan Dupuis

The salmon was perfectly cooked. What was notable, however, was that the mixed vegetables (zucchini, squash, carrots, cauliflower) were so delicious. What is often a bland and generic dish stood out as truly delightful here. We couldn't figure out what made those simple vegetables so tasty, but they were far more than a "side dish." Atmosphere and service were impeccable.

City Shading Ltd

What a great find near Rossmoor! Went with my dad for an early dinner thanks to the EVgo charger across the street behind the Texaco. Dad had spaghetti and meatballs while I had the Carbonara. Both were delicious! Service was friendly and quick and we had a very nice dinner. Will definitely go often!

Dan Wright

Great little Italian place in Walnut Creek. The staff deal well with groups and the more senior set. We had a great multi-generational family meal to celebrate summer birthdays.

Richard Valverde

Excellent food. My wife and I came across this place online we were looking for Italian food to take out. We ordered Alfredo with shrimp add on, Caesar salads and calamari. Food was ready within 15 minutes for pick up. The place was quiet and had a good atmosphere from what I saw. Definitely worth eating it was all delicious.

We've done takeout here a couple of times now, it's a nice little restaurant in a standalone building with good parking out back. Outside dining is pretty limited, is mostly indoors with a homey feel. The spaghetti was overcooked when we got it, however the chicken press was excellent.

Il Pavone is a charming Italian spot in Walnut Creek with warm service and consistently delicious food. The pasta was fresh, the sauces were rich, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. The ambiance feels cozy and old-school in a good way, ideal for date night or a quiet dinner. The only downside—and the reason for deducting one star—is the noticeable old carpet smell that slightly detracted from the overall experience. A refresh of the interior would elevate the atmosphere to match the quality of the cuisine. Still, a great place for a satisfying Italian meal.

Praneet Raj

Il Pavone is a charming Italian spot in Walnut Creek with warm service and consistently delicious food. The pasta was fresh, the sauces were rich, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. The ambiance feels cozy and old-school in a good way, ideal for date night or a quiet dinner. The only downside—and the reason for deducting one star—is the noticeable old carpet smell that slightly detracted from the overall experience. A refresh of the interior would elevate the atmosphere to match the quality of the cuisine. Still, a great place for a satisfying Italian meal.

It was mediocre, and prices are not indicative of the quality of food that you get. At best it felt like I was eating store bought pasta, instead of home made, which is what I was expecting considering the prices. The staff was very friendly, the owner on the other hand was rude over the phone, and our table was not ready for a good 40 minutes. Not sure what the reservations are for if you’re going to be waiting that long regardless.

A Mixed Bag of Great Flavors and Disappointing Service I recently visited Il Pavone, an Italian restaurant I had been looking forward to trying for a while. The overall experience left me with very mixed feelings—while the food and ambiance were delightful, the service was unfortunately disappointing. Let’s start with the good. The ambiance at Il Pavone is charming. From the moment I walked in, I appreciated the tasteful decor, warm lighting, and relaxed atmosphere. It had that classic, cozy Italian restaurant feel that makes you want to settle in for a long, satisfying meal. To top it off, there was no wait time when I arrived, which was a pleasant surprise. The food itself was fantastic. Every dish we tried was full of flavor and made with high-quality ingredients. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauces were well-balanced and authentic. I had no complaints about the taste or presentation. It was, in fact, one of the best Italian meals I’ve had in the city. But here’s where things took a turn. Despite the restaurant being far from crowded, our server vanished after taking our initial order. We had planned to order more food, maybe a second round of appetizers or a dessert but the opportunity never came. After our dishes were served, no one came to check on us, refill water, or ask how things were. We sat waiting for quite some time, trying to flag someone down, but no one seemed to notice or care. Eventually, we gave up on ordering anything else and just left. To make matters worse, the portion sizes were surprisingly small considering the steep prices. For a restaurant charging at this tier, I expected either more generous portions or a more upscale service experience, preferably both. Unfortunately, neither was delivered. Value for money felt way off the mark. The most frustrating part was the server’s attitude. Not only was she inattentive, but when we did interact briefly, her tone came off as dismissive and even condescending. At one point, she tried to explain something to us about a dish in a way that sounded more like a lecture than helpful information and unfortunately, she didn’t even seem to know the correct details. It left us with a bitter taste after what could have been a lovely meal. Final thoughts: Il Pavone has the potential to be a standout Italian spot thanks to its food and ambiance, but it falls short due to poor service and a lack of attentiveness that makes guests feel unwelcome. I sincerely hope they work on their service training and pricing structure because otherwise, they’re wasting a great kitchen. Until then, I’m hesitant to return or recommend it. Good food alone isn’t enough when the overall experience doesn’t make you feel like a valued customer.

pankaj

A Mixed Bag of Great Flavors and Disappointing Service I recently visited Il Pavone, an Italian restaurant I had been looking forward to trying for a while. The overall experience left me with very mixed feelings—while the food and ambiance were delightful, the service was unfortunately disappointing. Let’s start with the good. The ambiance at Il Pavone is charming. From the moment I walked in, I appreciated the tasteful decor, warm lighting, and relaxed atmosphere. It had that classic, cozy Italian restaurant feel that makes you want to settle in for a long, satisfying meal. To top it off, there was no wait time when I arrived, which was a pleasant surprise. The food itself was fantastic. Every dish we tried was full of flavor and made with high-quality ingredients. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauces were well-balanced and authentic. I had no complaints about the taste or presentation. It was, in fact, one of the best Italian meals I’ve had in the city. But here’s where things took a turn. Despite the restaurant being far from crowded, our server vanished after taking our initial order. We had planned to order more food, maybe a second round of appetizers or a dessert but the opportunity never came. After our dishes were served, no one came to check on us, refill water, or ask how things were. We sat waiting for quite some time, trying to flag someone down, but no one seemed to notice or care. Eventually, we gave up on ordering anything else and just left. To make matters worse, the portion sizes were surprisingly small considering the steep prices. For a restaurant charging at this tier, I expected either more generous portions or a more upscale service experience, preferably both. Unfortunately, neither was delivered. Value for money felt way off the mark. The most frustrating part was the server’s attitude. Not only was she inattentive, but when we did interact briefly, her tone came off as dismissive and even condescending. At one point, she tried to explain something to us about a dish in a way that sounded more like a lecture than helpful information and unfortunately, she didn’t even seem to know the correct details. It left us with a bitter taste after what could have been a lovely meal. Final thoughts: Il Pavone has the potential to be a standout Italian spot thanks to its food and ambiance, but it falls short due to poor service and a lack of attentiveness that makes guests feel unwelcome. I sincerely hope they work on their service training and pricing structure because otherwise, they’re wasting a great kitchen. Until then, I’m hesitant to return or recommend it. Good food alone isn’t enough when the overall experience doesn’t make you feel like a valued customer.

The atmosphere is nice, although outdated, but the food is sorely lacking in flavor, quantity and temperature. Especially for the horrific prices. Sad decline and takeover of a new careless generation.

The food is pretty greasy and gross. I ordered the garlic shrimp and they were incredibly overcooked and practically DROWNING in the garlic. The wine was pretty awful, it was stale and tasted like humidity. The waiters were actually pretty friendly, but you would have a waiter ask you what you wanted and before you could finish the waiter would bolt out as fast as possible to put in the order. The overall feel of the restaurant was, well, old. However, that is something you can expect with it being so close to Rosmoor. In the end, I definitely would not recommend this restaurant, none of the food options are made well and the waiters themselves aren't enough to make this place worth it. It is my Grandma's favorite though, so at least there's that!

We had a 7:00 dinner reservation. Had to wait 10 mins. Then was sat down had wait for water and bread. The waitress can over took our order. We had salad ,garlic bread ( delicious). Then waited for our food when came out it was wrong. My sister order salmon with rice and got potatoes. When brought it to waitress she said we are busy and that is the way the put it out. But if we sent it back another 15 min. So brought to Mangers attention he gave a free dessert. She didn't even apologize for getting smart. And then she lied and said she didn't say anything. Manger did make her. I felt because so disgusting and disrespect 😤. So I will NEVER GO BACK!!!!

I only came to this restaurant because I was charging car across the street. The restaurant is lovely, though the menu is extremely dated and not particularly healthy. There's one Vegan entry and it was marginal. So Vegans, stay away. There's also no gluten free options. I would highly, highly, highly recommend that this establishment join in the current cuisine reality.

Their website said two Cesar salad sizes. When ordering they said no way… only one size, large. Okay… I’ll take the large. $14 bucks. Then the photo is what I get. I don’t know man…. Inflation I guess. 🤷🏻‍♂️

L'Ann Bingham

I only came to this restaurant because I was charging car across the street. The restaurant is lovely, though the menu is extremely dated and not particularly healthy. There's one Vegan entry and it was marginal. So Vegans, stay away. There's also no gluten free options. I would highly, highly, highly recommend that this establishment join in the current cuisine reality.

Brian Santilena

Their website said two Cesar salad sizes. When ordering they said no way… only one size, large. Okay… I’ll take the large. $14 bucks. Then the photo is what I get. I don’t know man…. Inflation I guess. 🤷🏻‍♂️

After two previous sub-par experiences within the past two years at Il Pavone, we decided to give it one last try. We will not return. Upon arrival for our 6:00 reservation, we were seated immediately. Within 10 minutes, water was served to our table of two. We then waited at least 15 minutes for someone to return to take a drink order. It then took another 15+ minutes for drinks. The restaurant was at least 85% full. There were only two wait-staff people for the entire restaurant; with no explanation or apology. My husband's $56 Pepper Steak was ordered to be prepared medium-well. It was served medium-rare and gristly! We didn't dare send it back in the midst of their short-handedness. There is a 3% surcharge if paying with a credit card. Three percent added to the $56 dollar medium-rare gristly steak and incredibly slow service due to under-staffing? Arrivederci, Il Pavone.

Deb

After two previous sub-par experiences within the past two years at Il Pavone, we decided to give it one last try. We will not return. Upon arrival for our 6:00 reservation, we were seated immediately. Within 10 minutes, water was served to our table of two. We then waited at least 15 minutes for someone to return to take a drink order. It then took another 15+ minutes for drinks. The restaurant was at least 85% full. There were only two wait-staff people for the entire restaurant; with no explanation or apology. My husband's $56 Pepper Steak was ordered to be prepared medium-well. It was served medium-rare and gristly! We didn't dare send it back in the midst of their short-handedness. There is a 3% surcharge if paying with a credit card. Three percent added to the $56 dollar medium-rare gristly steak and incredibly slow service due to under-staffing? Arrivederci, Il Pavone.

The place looks nice from the outside, and it was crowded which is norlally a good sigh. However, the room is so packed with tables and people, that we felt uncomfortable. My glass had spots of red lipstick, which was disgusting. And they barely said sorry and replaced my glass, and didn't offer any compensation. We had to leave then and there, but we were curious about the food. The food was ok, but definitely not as good as it cost. More than that, their online menu had about 30% lower prices than what we had to pay. Yeah, I was a little overwhelmed with the crowds and didn't check the prices on the menu, after all, we made our selections using the online copy. I'm wondering if they have several sets of menus, where patrons from Rossmoor get the lower, online pricces, and strangers like us get the inflated-price copies. To me, $150+ is a little steep for 2 entrees, a pasta and 2 appetisers, when only the entrees tasted above average. Never again.

BEWARE!!! THIS IS NOT A FAMILY RESTAURANT!! We are visiting family in California and we are from New York so we wanted to go out somewhere nice. This restaurant was chosen because of good experiences in the past. We have a 1 year old little boy who got a little cranky, as any child would get when hungry. We asked for a table a little far from everyone else for this specific reason. Not only did we wait for our child to get his juice but we had a very unpleasant visit from the manager asking us to get our child to “be quite” because he was being too loud. He then proceeded to mention that most people go outside until they can calm they’re children down. And that if they don’t calm down then it’s when it starts to become a problem. Families, if you have children please do not come here. This is not a family restaurant. If I could I would give them a negative 100 stars. RUDE. UNPROFESSIONAL. RASIST. STAY AWAY!!!!

This place is disgusting 🤢 I don't know what the locals are talking about, but if this is what they're used to being as good food, I'd hate to see what they consider as bad food. My first time there today 07/13/25, came from out of town to try this place, and YUCK, they could learn a thing or two about real Italian food! I ordered a chicken fettuccine alfredo, it wasn't pasta but a soup! I really would like to get my money and time back, this was a waste of both.

I used to go here often until this past Monday I called in the afternoon to place an order for a pick up. When the elderly lady picked up the phone and I told her it was a pick up she rudely said we are to busy right now call back in an hour and literally hung up on. Didn’t even give me a chance to speak. Little did she know it was an order for just myself. I will never eat here again.

The 1 star is a generous rating and that's only because I thought the menu had a nice selection of items. The elderly waiter was loud, obnoxious and actually "tossed" the menu to my mother. He wasn't very professional and he was very overbearing. The tablecloths and linen napkins did not make up for the poor decor and bland, "overpriced" food. The bread should have been warmed. We got cold bread with even colder butter. I'm a mediocre cook but my Italian food is much better than this. If you're curious about this place like we were...don't bother checking it out. It will disappoint you too.

I went in to order takeout being brand new to the area. The door said masks required which I appreciated, though when I entered and was reviewing the menu 2 men were at the bar very near without masks and talking loudly about how their preferred politician lost because of women and how they should have never been given the right to vote. They loudly decried their lack of ability to think “right”. I left immediately unable to tolerate the environment to order. I was not sure if one of the guys was the owner, but his gesticulated and spoke as if he owned the place. Whoever the owner is was not enforcing the mask rule and the fact that these guys felt so comfortable being openly misogynistic means it is not a place I will visit again.

$148 and I that's not enough to feed 4 people. Hostess was great but portion sizes are embarrassing. Also, only 2 pieces of bread for 4 pasta dishes....never go again

Renee Tang

$148 and I that's not enough to feed 4 people. Hostess was great but portion sizes are embarrassing. Also, only 2 pieces of bread for 4 pasta dishes....never go again

Nathan Sidhu

This place is disgusting 🤢 I don't know what the locals are talking about, but if this is what they're used to being as good food, I'd hate to see what they consider as bad food. My first time there today 07/13/25, came from out of town to try this place, and YUCK, they could learn a thing or two about real Italian food! I ordered a chicken fettuccine alfredo, it wasn't pasta but a soup! I really would like to get my money and time back, this was a waste of both.