lafayette location. very calm pretty fancy outdoor patio. but food taste wasnt good than i expected read more

Locanda Positano - Italian Near Me - Lafayette, California

Service was fabulous and friendly, food was quite good although very expensive. What I didn't like was the atmosphere--simply too many tables jammed in together and hard chairs. I wanted the people at the tables next to us to LEAVE just so I could hear my husband--that's how noisy it was. I could hear every single word of our neighbors' conversation and no doubt, vice versa. If only there were booths and better table spacing, this would be a super nice place to go regardless of price. There is an outside area but not inviting--tables also too close and plastic awning definitely not authentic. We live within walking distance and certainly hope the restaurant does well. We love to support local businesses. My husband's assessment was that it was too uncomfortable for the price to patron more than once a year. read more

We had a reservation and were quickly seated without even checking our name. That was the first sign. We sat outside and true, there were lots of heaters, but apparently the servers were hot because they kept turning them down. We were cold. We ordered drinks and then we ordered a pizza to share which was the best part of the night. The prosciutto was delicious. We waited for our cocktails. We checked on our cocktails, we ate our pizza and then our drinks arrived. Not sure why it took so long, but it was disappointing. We ordered the burrata salad to share which was fine. The entrees were not good. Gnocchi was not stellar. The strozzapretti was probably the best item. The fish came with inedible okra. The pasta with a lemon sauce did not have "zest", but big pieces of grated lemon rind that were bitter. We thought we'd try a couple desserts. Our server took our order which included a couple coffees. The coffees came, but no dessert. Then the check came with no mention of the missing desserts. They were not on the check and by then we were done with the whole night. It was all very strange, unprofessional and we won't be returning. read more

What a surprise! My mom and brother kept talking about this little place. Went one week after pre-graduation festivities and like it so much, went back the next week to celebrate an anniversary. Thoroughly enjoyed the ragu special and my husband enjoyed his tortellini special. Good flavor for both dishes. Don't forget to Try Mamma Carmela's meatballs. Delicious. The service was a bit slow, but it was very busy and we were in no hurry. Very fresh ingredients and very authentic flavors. Give it a try when you desire delicious Italian food. read more

The food is obviously amazing but the service is incredible. Sebastian, you are a treat. Thank you for always making us feel like family.

This review is for both the food and the kindness of Enzo the owner. I am a volunteer driver for Lamorinda Village which is an organization in the East Bay that helps elderly folks with their daily tasks from shopping to driving to appointments. During Covid 19 and Shelter in Place, the demand is very high with seniors unable to leave their homes. Well Enzo heard of our organizations service to the Lafayette/orinda/moraga community and wanted to prepare a special meal for us front line folks. He made us an amazing meal - 2 specialty pasta, one was the vegetarian version and the other was a meat Ragu and they were both awesome. There was also a vegetarian pizza which was also good. And to boot we had a side of meatballs and sauce. Wow the meal was awesome but the genuine act of altruism is what makes this the best meal in a long time . If I could give Enzo and his staff a sixth star I would . Please support this restaurant read more

My husband and I use to love this Italian cuisine location. I always visit the bar at this little Italian restaurant in Lafayette. Working in the Wine/Hospitality industry I've come across a ton of influential and intelligent people. I typically have a great time discussing wine with the Italian bartender as he is very knowledgeable. Though, he did not serve me this time. When asking for a glass I saw the gentlemen pour something extra in my wine. He then continued swirling my glass as if it was a part of the process. I did not take it too seriously. I came here often and trusted the bartenders. As the night carried on I began to feel uneasy and extra tipsy. This is after my one glass of wine. The last thing I remember is my husband coming to join us but after he arrived and saw me he knew we had to leave as something was off. As I was leaving the young American gentleman continued to stare and wink at me as I headed out. I have tried contacting the manager and I have yet to receive word back. It was disappointing as I was an avid guest. I'm sad to say I won't be coming back. read more

the food here was good, the people were nice, I have no complaints on that score. However, their wheelchair accessibility is sub-par. I made a reservation, specifically stating we'd have a person in a wheelchair, but they gave us no further info or instruction. We parked in front (in an accessible space) and got the person into their chair, only to find that the front entrance is actually non-accessible. We then had to get back into the car and drive around back to the accessible space there, and go in the back entrance. (It was raining, so this guest and their chair got quite wet in the process.) We were seated on the patio under the tent; there was no indoor access. I would not have chosen this restaurant had I known that. The patio was heated, thankfully, and blankets provided. It's just a very good thing that our guest did not have to use the restroom, because it was up a flight of stairs. Therefore, it's important to know that this restaurant is NOT fully accessible. read more

Surpassed our expectations! During the shelter in place it's hard to find a place with cute outdoor seating, most places just make u eat outside on parking lots. Thanks for making our first meal out awesome ! read more

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Went to this fairly new restaurant last night. It was extremely crowded. We had to wait for our table, but they worked as best they could to get us seated in a timely manner. We ended up being seated inside at their "private" dining table (6 of us). It was a bit less noisy than other inside seats and was quite nice ambience. Food: I had the branzino, others had the chicken milanese, ravioli, pizza, meatballs, and pasta and salad specials. We were all raving about the food and service. As busy as they were, we never felt neglected. We will all be returning to enjoy another Italian meal. read more

Locanda Positano is THE PLACE for authentic Italian Food! Paired with an upbeat and welcoming atmosphere, you feel like you're transported to Positano, itself. I came the week they opened and have found myself back twice. You can't go wrong here.. their cocktails are amazing (try the "She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not") and the pizza and pasta is as authentic as you can get (Mama Carmel's Lasagna + San Daniele pizza are favorites). I would highly recommend making a reservation as it can get packed. Will be coming back here again and again! read more

The house made pasta was perfection. I was looking for a glass of zin. When it became clear that it only comes in bottles, the bartender recommended i try the montepulciano. It was exactly as he said...same mouth feel but without the peppery notes. We enjoyed the prosciutto appetizer served with burrata on a bed of the most aromatic arugula. The pesto gnoche was especially memorable as was the limoncello served on the house at the end of the meal. We even got to sit next to the owner towards the end of the meal. And he thanked us for our patronage. It would have gotten 5 stars except we were there for well over 2 hours. So it was a throughly European meal in terms of time. The seats need to have a little more cushion if I'm expected to wait that long for my entree ;) read more

Best authentic Italian! Great people running the show. Go to any of the Locanda restaurants for a tasty and nice experience. They all have outdoor seating. I've brought my dog and sat outside. Make a reservation because it's a popular place. read more

I made dinner reservations for 6 of us. Since it was a Friday night, it was crowded, so there service was slow. All our dishes were good.

We were hungry and traffic on Highway 24 was terrible, so we took a detour around through the streets of Lafayette. We glanced at the old "Artisan Bistro" and noticed a few people seated in the latest incarnation in the space. We did a quick internet search to locate a telephone number, but it rang in the other location. We asked if they were open and if they took reservations; yes, and drop in. The old space has been opened up with a couple of walls taken down. The decor was brighter than Gigi's or Artisan, but the sound levels are still extremely loud with conversations very difficult. Our server "Amber(?)" was attentive and polite. The menu choices were pretty good and I chose the Vitello Napoli - which was a bit too tart. Modest portion size. There were no kid menu items, but the place seems reasonably kid friendly. Another server broke into song, a few times. The other music with pulsating lights didn't seem to fit the setting. The location has always been cursed with terrible acoustics, though. read more

Yummy food and fun outdoor seated scene! Nice place in Lamorinda for celebrating big occasions!

I cannot understand the negative reviews on this place. The decor is great. Yes there is a wonderful Napoletano pizza chef that stops working to sing real Italian songs. He has a beautiful voice and charms the ladies. To me that is an added asset. The menu is still limited but all good and growing each week. I saw complaints about noise and that the location is a loser. I think someone has a grudge. This place is warm, friendly, with a great covered veranda during good weather and heaters for cooler days. The interior, while cozy is classy for both a romantic date and a business meal. Bright and airy! I suggest readers give them a try and make your own decisions. Yelp can be padded with reviews done by a few people who have an agenda. I do not. If the place was bad, we all have plenty of choices. Go enjoy! read more

Locanda Positano - Italian Near Me - Lafayette, California

What was once Artisan Bistro, after a facelift and taking down some walls to open up the space, the new locale is quite the upgrade. Dunno what these other fools are talking about regarding service, food and prices, I found all three to be top rate. We were warmly greeted on arrival, shown our table quickly and served quickly. I had the soup of the day (pea soup) and the gnocchi with pesto gorganzola sauce - both were very yummy. And guess what?? While waiting for the restroom which is kinda near the kitchen, guess what I saw and heard ?? The chefs were speaking and they looked and sounded like real italians. Go figure, actual italians cooking in an Italian restaurant. How novel!! Ya feel me? read more

I just had the delicious Pesto Gnocci! This was my first visit and I ordered take out on my lunch break. These were some of the best Gnocci I have ever had...and the bread is so yummy too. I can't wait to try everything on the menu. Jennifer read more

Lovely place, great service and authentic food. We loved our experience. We lucked out with no reservation, I suggest that you have one. We were really early and they were still fully booked but graciously let us in. The menu was broad to satisfy different taste including vegetarian. Our fish was excellent, the meatball appetizer was superb, and my favorite dish eggplant Parmesan was stellar. Very lightly breaded and not too much cheese. When you check in on yelp you get a complementary tiramisu and it did not disappoint, it was divine. Our server Andres was excellent and gave us good guidance with our selection very well. He felt like a friend by the end of the meal and we will be back. read more

Had a great time and food was great, everyone was very friendly! Eggplant parm was great, and the salmon. Pizza is the thinnest I've ever seen! Just so happy to have a good addition in Lafayette read more

We moved to Orinda 3 years ago and we always go to Berkeley or Oakland to eat. Locanda Positano is the BEST restaurant we've been to since we moved here. It's very authentic and the food is delicious. I can't wait to go back! read more

Totally ignored by who I assumed to be the owner on NYE...... I found another Italian place in Walnut Creek while we were standing there waiting for him to get back to us. read more

Wonderful! If you have never been to Positano, Italy then come here to experience it fully. Delicious food, excellent atmosphere, amazing service, and an all around fantastic place! Love this place! read more

Locanda Positano - Italian Near Me - Lafayette, California

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The staff was excellent. The food was good but I found most of the dishes we ordered were fairly bland and lacking bold Italian flavors.

Beautiful ambiance and omgosh delicious! I could eat 2 more servings of the eggplant parmesan! The sea bass was delightful as well. This is my new place :) read more

Locanda Positano - Beautiful ambiance and omgosh delicious! - Italian Near Me - Lafayette, California

SALT assault. I adore this house made in to a restaurant. I have been to many of the permutations, from a brunch/cozy place to the, for me, adored, Artisan Bistro. The staff was muy bueno, the chef came out to say jsjfowhaeofj and I was haeowiugaoej. You know what I mean? Meanwhile I was being assaulted by salt in my octopus special. OMG. I realize I should have said something but I was wrapped up in "I want this to be good". So, please, less salt. :) read more

This new Italian restaurant is an absolute gem! Great food and ambience, and exceptional service. We made a same-day reservation through Yelp, and were surprised to see the restaurant quite full at 5:30pm on a Wednesday. The inside has a cozy, bright and artistic feel, and the outdoor patio is delightful under soft blue lights. Our family of five (with three boys under 5) was greeted by friendly waiters and seated immediately. They were happy to place an order for the kids - a delicious thin crust margherita pizza - and brought it out within minutes. My husband and I ordered the meatballs, the gnocchi w creamy pesto (there are three sauce options), and eggplant parm. The meatballs were delicious, with a flavorful, spicy marinara and the gnocchi and parm were both melt-in-your-mouth! Throughout our meal, we were checked on many times, including by the owner, who was spirited and warm. And the best part: half way through our meal, one of the staff burst into a beautiful Italian song! Everyone was in awe. In sum, this restaurant is a must-try. It's ideal for a nice dinner or date-night, but also was incredibly family friendly. We will be back very soon, no doubt. Ps. There is additional, ample parking right behind the restaurant. read more

Great kitchen, great staff, and amazing service. Local gem! !

Locanda Positano is my new favorite restaurant! The service is impeccable, the ambiance is reminiscent of a bistro in Rome, the food is out of this world - We had cocktails (martinis and Moscow mules), appetizers (meatballs) and several main courses (lasagna, pizza, sea bass) and dessert. Everything was perfection and had us eating off each other's plates. We had the waiter pick a bottle of wine and it was out of this world. Is the restaurant loud? No. It has an Italian family restaurant vibe. This is my new go-to place and I have reservations next weekend to take some friends visiting here. Can't wait to go back and share Locanda Positano with friends! Do yourself a favor and eat here!! read more

My wife and I order take out, the gnocchis was fabulous just as my moms use make them, the employees was great and helpful we would order again! read more

New favorite Italian restaurant! The menu isn't overwhelming and meals are reasonably priced. Food is very authentic Italian. The service was great! We were well taken care of! The atmosphere is cozy and romantic. The only thing to consider is parking. They don't have very much available parking near the restaurant. We had to park a little ways to find parking. But overall it was a great experience! Will be back again! read more

Not the Locanda we are used to. I remember being told that Mamma would never serve tray lasagna and only individually cooked. The individual lasagna servings have gone and what we ate tonight was run of the mill. No bread served. And 2 adults 3 kids ran $300 with no desert. read more

Not my first time there and I generally like the place, however my last visit for dinner was a total surprise, I had one of the best pasta dishes of my live. The service was great and the outdoor patio was charming and warm:) read more

This is the best pasta I have ever had, equally as good as pasta and Italian dishes in Italy. My husband and I talked about how unbelievable the Gnocchi and Strozzapreti were all the way home to Pleasanton. They also had a great selection of vegetarian based meals on the menu. Amazing ambiance, service and attention to COVID safety. I cannot wait to take my Italian Mom here, it just feels like the friendliness and care you only get in Italy. read more

We were treated so well. We held a rehearsal dinner for 16. The staff was so attentive and accommodating. The food was fantastic and delivered well (especially for 16). The singing waiter is the best. read more

Locanda Positano - Italian Near Me - Lafayette, California

Can't say enough great things about this little gem. Nestled in a spot that you would never suspect is an authentic Italian experience. Terrific staff, great food, and lovely outdoor seating. We actually felt like we were in Europe. Will happily come back and recommend you come visit! read more

After trying Locanda Ravello, I definitely had to try Locanda Positano! Locanda Positano is located on a side street of Mt. Diablo Boulevard in downtown Lafayette. The restaurant is charming and has great ambience. Even though there was a big dinner party at the restaurant, the service was still great. Our waiter was friendly and attentive - we did not feel ignored! We tried the following: mamma carmela's meatballs, fritto misto, linguini di mare, mamma carmela's lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and gnocchi positano! Everything was delicious!! We will be back! read more

The food was fine but in our case one of us is celiac, they claim to have gluten free options however our waiter seemed uninterested in helping decipher those options. Speaking of the waiter - he was arrogant, rude and condescending even in response to some of our straight forward questions of the evenings specials. In addition, he obviously wasn't happy with our decision to forego dessert, he made that quite clear. Shockingly, he actually followed us out to the parking lot to challenge us on our tip! WTF! After speaking to the manager which was futile, we have determined the food does not compensate for the extremely rude service. This was not a fine dining experience. So disappointing. read more

AMAZING!!! First time here and we had the prix fixed menu for Valentines Day. Wonderful ambiance, exceptional service and delicious food. We are coming back again & again! read more

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