Chianti's is, at present, my favorite restaurant. We don't live in Pleasanton but about once a month we make the drive all the way from Tracy to have dinner here. We wouldn't be driving almost thirty miles each way if we didn't truly enjoy the experience. Why the accolade? The food is phenomenal. Simple as that. We always eat too much of the bread but it is delicious and comes with a house dipping sauce. The chef knows what he's doing. The dishes have flavor and nuance. You don't eat a meal here, you savor it. And, as you're finishing up, don't be surprised if the chef personally appears at your table to ask if you enjoyed your meal. The atmosphere is pleasant and a bit upscale. There is out door as well as indoor seating. We like the quiet and greater intimacy of indoor dining so we've not taken an outside table. There is plenty of free, on and off street parking close to the restaurant. We've been going to Chianti's about once a month for about three years now and we've never been disappointed. We find it remarkable that for about the same cost one might pay for a cookie cutter meal at Olive Garden. The difference in the dining experience is as dramatic as the distinction between an original painting by a gifted artist and a fairly good print. The desserts are varied enough to be interesting. The tiramisu is particularly good. It is rich but meltingly delicate on the tongue - about the best I've had. read more

We drove to Pleasanton for a trip to Nonni's for Scandinavian food. The menu just didn't look that exciting so we walked down the street to see what the options were. Across the street was a sunshade that said Chianti's Italian and seafood. Sounded good so we crossed the street an we were not disappointed! Appetizer was salmon with goat cheese pears an capers - delicious! Our main courses were lobster ravioli an Chilean sea bass. Both were delicious, served hot out of the kitchen. Strawberry gelato for dessert was pretty darn good too! The owner greeted us upon arrival an thanked us on departure....nothing better than a small town feel restaurant! read more

Been coming to this place the last several years when we are in Pleasanton for the dog show. Food is amazing... fun place to dine! This year we sat inside( I think I like outside better) will come back next year, with dogs in tow and enjoy our meal outside again! read more

Love the small intimate ambience and Italian authenticity along with cozy indoor/outdoor seating and jovial, fun loving staff. With that said, the mediocre bread with watery pesto sauce makes a poor first impression. The fresh petrale sole entree, however, was excellent complimented by fresh carrots and asparagus and a side of polenta with meat sauce. The lemoncello cake was also a nice dessert with a tangy citrus bite. Would like a bit more attentiveness to insure water refills. Overall a good experience; just get some real Italian bread and will be a step up! read more

Local eatery that we have never been to. Decent service and below average food....very uninspiring. Had the Chilean sea bass special at $40 and ended up with about 4.5 oz of fish..small portion relative to polenta and veggies on either side. Uggggg...likely not going back as there are too many options within 100 feet of here. read more

Everything tastes like microwaved frozen food from Trader Joe's. And it's ridiculously expensive. What a joke. Trader Joe's is probably way better, actually. Avoid. read more

I was deeply disappointed by who supposedly was the owner of this place who very obviously did not make us feel welcome right from the get go. The food was decent but the treatment at our table was at best indifferent. The owner was very friendly with all the non Asian looking people with not even a scant bit of interest in us (he did not even care to make a pretense). Also I think the place is overpriced though the quality of food was passably decent. Will definitely not go here again and nor will my friends or family. read more

I really don't understand why so many people like this restaurant. The food is mediocre at best for the prices they are charging. My salad was drowning in dressing and my veal was overcooked. There are plenty of much better restaurants in downtown Pleasanton. And if I want sliced bread to dip into the horrid green watery pesto juice, I can buy myself a loaf from the supermarket. What a waste of money and time. read more

Service was good. But food is below average. Not a single dish stood out. Not worth the $$$

Excellent restaurant! It's an especially great venue for a date -- the setting is intimate and warm. The staff and the food are first rate as well. We will be visiting Chianti Reserve again! read more

Chianti Reserve - Veal parm - Italian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Chianti Reserve is absolutely amazing ! The food has a distinguished taste that will make you feel as though you are in Italy . The food is so flavorful and rich ! There's no doubt that the food is authentic ! Ask for Micelanglo or Alberto to serve you ! There's service is adorned. The owner , Bilardi will is so thoughtful and warm . If you come here you're guaranteed a pleasant experience . Thank you Chianti Reserve !! read more

Chianti Reserve - Pasta Primavera with Chicken ! - Italian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Great Special Occasion Restaurant! We were here on Christmas Eve. Exceptional service. The food was outstanding. The Minestrone Soup, does not have beans or pasta, and is prepared Toscana style. My husband and father-in-law enjoyed ordered Veal Piccata and Veal Scaloppini. I had Pollo alla Veneziana, chicken breast, stuffed with asparagus, mozzarella and pesto,wrapped tightly, covered with a tasty cream sauce. All dishes were served with Polenta and fresh mixed vegetables. Of course you must finish a great dinner with dessert. We had Cannoli, Spumoni (large serving), and Tiramisu. Excellent meal, ambiance, and service. We will be returning. Make Reservations as it is a rather small venue inside. They can accommodate medium size groups. Outside seating is also available. read more

A small little family owned restaurant, what could go wrong? Absolutely nothing! The food and the service was amazing! Went there for a belated Valentines dinner with my wife. Good wine selection and fairly priced compared to other restaurants. The food was fresh and delicious. Cannot wait to go back read more

Enjoyed a fabulous birthday dinner here. The food was outstanding, the service was exceptional. Loved the atmosphere and will certainly return. read more

Had a lovely late lunch after my daughter's soccer game. Food was fabulous and the staff was just so welcoming and friendly. Definitely coming back. read more

Found this on yelp.. so pleased we went. We would go again. Charming, cozy and delicious! The host and staff were so kind and the food delicious! I had salmon and carpaccio.. very impressed! Looking forward to return! read more

Chianti Reserve - Italian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

We picked up a menu to check it out on 12/30. thought it was worth a try. Dined there on New Years Eve...they upped the prices over 50%. My husband's chicken parm was $28 and my chicken marsala was $27. The place is very noisy. We couldn't hear each other across the table. There is a short pony wall we were seated against, and the staff idled there, placed ice coolers and stacks of napkins etc right at our eye level. It was like a deck for them but they had no concern that we couldn't have a conversation with them plunking items down an d talking about the tables "table 21 doesn't want dessert" they need to install a lattice work block to allow a separation and be aware they are talking very loudly and spoiling a night out from the guests perspective. Only gets 2 stars as food wasn't spectacular but it was good. However the environment and setting were like negative five stars. read more

Delicious. Wonderful customer service. Very authentic, friends and family-friendly vibes. I recommend everything! I really, really enjoyed my vegetarian pasta. The waiters are attentive and give great food recommendations. We also enjoyed our bottle of Chianti wine :) read more

My wife and I were craving Italian and decided to take out from Chianti Reserve for the first time in a long time since the old owners sold. I was surprised how friendly and helpful the service staff was. As for the food she had Totto Mare and I had Pollo alla Gorgonzola. Both dishes were wonderful, tasty, packed with delicious seafood and chicken, oh and the sauces terrific. Our complements to all. Thank you Moreno and staff we'll be back! read more

Been here several times in the past 18 months since I purchased Restaurant.com coupons. For the most part its a decent experience but I wouldn't return without getting the $25.00 coupon as the prices are a bit high compared to the quality/consistency of the food. Most recently we arrived on a Sunday about 5:30 pm. No one was there but us the entire 90 minutes so service was excellent. I didnt find any wines by the glass that looked appealing so we brought in a bottle we happen to have in the car. $15.00 corkage fee was very reasonable. Bread and pesto dipping sauce were decent. Caesar salad was good and fresh. I ordered a veal with mushrooms in a brown gravy and it was good however the polenta was not good lacking flavor and the consistency was like paste. I only ate it since i was hungry. Kid got the seafood Tutto Mare $27.00 and he enjoyed it. Wife got spaghetti and meatballs the meatballs were tasty but the marinara tasted too much like Chef Boyardee sauce to me so I hated it thankfully it wasnt my dish. read more

Fresh italian flavors and lively, gracious servers make this a great place to visit. Food is excellent and staff are attentive and pleasant.

What a fantastic meal in a fantastic setting WITH fantastic service. From the moment we arrived to the hugs from the wait staff at the end, our experience was nothing short of wonderful. We were greeted by just about every member of the wait staff upon our arrival, who then promptly seated us and made us feel like we were sitting at the family table. The food was absolutely delicious. The lobster ravioli was decadent. The cod and polenta was spectacular. The Seafood Pasta was so good you that after you finish the pasta, you are going to want to dip the bread in the sauce just to prolong the experience. The service was spectacular! The food was brought out in perfect time and after dinner the waiter bought us a limoncello for us to sit and enjoy. What a great touch! And yes, I did say hugs at the end- as we started to leave, the waiter and the host came up to us and just as if we were leaving thier home, sent us off with handshakes and hugs for all of us. If you get the chance- do not miss out on this gem!! read more

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Avoid if you're vegan. The owner didn't seem very interested in catering to vegans and didn't make any suggestions for things that could be customized off the menu. read more

We arrived at about 9:30 on a Thursday night when all the other restaurants near by were already closed. Even though there was nobody else there, they were totally hospitable, did not make us feel like we were imposing by arriving so soon before closing. The food was delicious, especially the chicken parmesan. We would gladly visit here again. Great ambience, fast and friendly service, tasty food. read more

I feel as if I am being warmly welcomed by family! Service is attentive, personable and hospitable. The food is ALWAYS on mark. The fresh, home-made flavor is consistent and delicious. It is truly delightful dining...and everyone I've introduced to Chianti has been enchanted. I always look forward to visiting read more

Celebrated my birthday last night at Chianti with family. Not my first time at the restaurant. Everyone loved their food, friendly staff (love the Italian speaking owner) and atmosphere. We all ordered something different (a first). I had the homemade meat/fish Cannoli (OMG!), sister had Pesto Ravioli, son had the Salmon, and my husband had the Large Prawns. There was no food left to take home. Fabulous meals. They brought me a slice of Cheese Cake w/chocolate sauce and powdered sugar and candle. To die for. They sang "happy birthday" in Italian. LOVED IT! Sister also had the Tiramisu. Everything was outstanding. Our new FAVORITE restaurant. :) read more

We had an amazing meal! We will be back again soon! Thank you Michaelangelo for your hospitality. Ciao!

I don't understand why they have low reviews. I love the vodka sauce here and their mango martinis are delicious. The service is also great!

The best pasta I have had in such a long time! The white sauce was just right and the seafood was fresh and delicious! The owners and the staff was very friendly. Service was great. I would definitely come back and recommend this place... read more

Chianti Reserve - Italian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Cannot rave enough about how great the service was at Chianti's!! The drinks were great, the food was awesome, wait staff excellent and overall experience A+. Highly recommended! read more

Chianti Reserve - Italian Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Make a reservation for two and we were seated in the tiny bar area. When we were seated there was only one other table occupied in the restaurant. The waitress took over 5 minutes to greet us and take our drink order. I started with the minestrone soup. It was tasteless vegetable broth with carrots, celery, onion and spinach. My wife had a house salad drenched in dressing that had an odd flavor. The entrees came out and the presentation was like a Hungry Man frozen dinner! I thought the polenta was the apple pie that they used to include with those Hungry Man frozen dinners. Thankfully we had a $25 coupon!!! The wine cabinet is in the corner of the bar so if you are seated at this table beware as you are going to be interrupted a few times during your meal We had chocolate mousse cake for desert. I don't believe that is made there. We will not be back to this place. There are 5 other Italian restaurants on the same street one of them has to be better! read more

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I had an insulting experience having ordered the special 'chilean sea bass' and it was initially served uncooked. I returned it and it was then brought to me looking grey. My fork met a mushy consistency and the taste turned my stomach. When I told the manager (?owner) he told me that I didn't know about eating fish and that he had served other customers. The fish was not removed even though I didn't touch it again and I declined a replacement fish dish as my appetite was put off. We had to ask for our bill and were astounded that a $40 charge was there. The poor waiter apologized and said that he had argued with the owner and that it 'was't right.' We felt for him. I also wonder if it was indeed sea bass or a cheaper, non fresh fish. What an unpleasant experience! We will never return. read more

My FAVORITE place to eat in Pleasanton! Food is so delicious and everyone who works there makes you feel at home!

Was not thrilled about this restaurant Food is so so, pasta was not al dente Service- they took our bread plates while we were still eating First and last visit read more

I had the lobster ravioli special for lunch, which was very good. Service was very classy, just like in Europe. There were only 4 ravioli, though, so I requested another complimentary order if bread, which was granted, begrudgingly. I then proceeded to mop up the remaining pesto sauce with the beead, until I was full. And I had a machiado. The waitor insulted me by having the water boy deliver and take my check. read more

I have been dining here on a regular basis for the last two years since we moved to Pleasanton and have thoroughly enjoyed the food and the atmosphere albeit a couple of goofy things along the way, but chalked it up to COVID and the surrounding circumstances given the many related challenges. Tonight things changed as their stated closing time online reflects 10:00pm. We showed up almost an hour and a half prior and were asked if we had a reservation and were turned away as a result. They only had three tables seated so just believe that was an excuse. I get that there are issues on both sides, but no apology was given, instead just an emphatic "No." At the end of the day, neither myself nor anyone I'm my family will be going back, nor will we recommend them as a destination which we've also done on many instances. I guess that business owners, patrons, and COVID as well as Gavin Newsom will decide which businesses fail and which survive. I'm done with Chianti from my side! read more

The service is impeccable the food was very good and I enjoyed my time here on Valentine's Day

This place is a nice little spot. I think an amazing Italian restaurant starts with good bread, but the bread here is very disappointing. It's not warm and soft all around. Kind of a bummer. But their Chilean sea bass is super delicious. It comes with polenta, but with a topping that I think has paprika on top... Not too fond of the topping, but the rest of the dish is great. This restaurant can get pretty loud even though it's pretty small. So if you're looking for a quiet romantic spot, this probably isn't it. read more

Nice little place. Not too crowded on a Thursday evening. Between the 4 of us we had a pasta, veal, chicken and Salmon dish. All were delicious and portions were generous. Also the carpaccio and pesto shrimp and scallop appetizers were very good, too. Also, good bread and dipping sauce. We'll be back!! Went back recently. Food was phenomenal and the service was off the charts. SO friendly! SO attentive! Everyone was so happy!! read more

We went here for the first time to celebrate a family birthday and were so impressed! The service was superb!! I made a reservation and indicated we were there to celebrate. They knew and remembered and made it a memorable event. The entire restaurant sang for our daughter and they provided a complimentary dessert. Food was delicious and the service was outstanding. We will definitely be back. THANK YOU! read more