Great food, always crowded and noisy....be prepared to wait for a table....parking not convenient....would eat there often

Got a reservation for the outdoor patio on a Wednesday evening. It can get a bit hot out there especially during summer, so I'd advise wearing light unless you want to run the risk of sweating. Service was attentive and prompt! They had a good wine list selection as well; I was surprised to see a sancerre I had in Paris that I've been looking for in the US. We got the zucchini fries, spicy rigatoni vodka (with shrimp but you can add chicken too), prime rib, and butter cake. As always, the fries were great and huge especially coupled with their dipping sauce. The vodka pasta was cooked well and had a slight chew. The shrimp flavor was prominent in the sauce. Prime rib was cooked well to my medium rare request. The creamed spinach was good, and so was the salty mashed potatoes. The salt level on the prime rib itself wasn't that much, so eating it with the potatoes was a good combo. Butter cake was great as well. Moist on the inside and slightly dry on the outside, but went well with the ice cream. Would return and try other dishes as well! read more

Original Joe's - Slow Roasted Prime Rib - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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We chose Original Joe's to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary with lunch, so we were hoping for a special and memorable experience. Unfortunately, it was pretty underwhelming. The staff asked if we were celebrating a special occasion, and we told them it was our 20th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, nothing was offered or done to acknowledge it, which felt disappointing given that they had specifically asked. The restaurant was playing loud music, and the couple next to us was also blasting music from their phone. I'm not even sure if he realized his phone was playing music. It made it difficult to have a conversation and really took away from what should have been a nice anniversary lunch. The atmosphere felt unnecessarily noisy and chaotic. The complimentary bread was nothing special and wasn't even warm. The eggplant Parmesan was good and probably the highlight of the meal. I ordered the ribeye with onions, mushrooms, and OJ sauce. It was average at best. I expected much more. It wasn't dry-aged and simply didn't have the quality or flavor I would expect for that price. For our 20th wedding anniversary, we expected more from a restaurant with Original Joe's reputation. We enjoyed celebrating 20 years together, but unfortunately, the food, atmosphere, and lack of attention to the occasion left us disappointed. For what we spent, we'll be spending our money elsewhere next time. read more

I've been to most of the Original Joe's in the SF/Bay Area and have had a consistent experience. The same goes for the Walnut Creek location. The classic booth, counter, and table setups blend legacy and upscale decor. They also have a nice outdoor seating area. My favorite here is the Porterhouse steak, cooked rare, and it did not disappoint. Come hungry if you order the zucchini fries! The wait staff team is seasoned, attentive, and polite. Thanks for the wonderful meal! read more

Original Joe's - Porterhouse - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I've been wanting to try this spot for so long but it's always so crowded, even on weekdays, so I was excited to finally get a reservation on thursday at 9 pm. The restaurant was still packed when we went. They brought out complimentary bread to start, but it wasn't the best. For drinks, we got the purple haze mocktail, which was pretty good. We then started with the zucchini fries to share, and the portion size was crazy. It's definitely something to order with a group because there was so much that we had to pack most of it, but they were good and I really liked the sauce. For mains, we got the spicy rigatoni, chicken fettuccine alfredo with the chicken on the side, and eggplant parmesan. everything was great! the pastas were really creamy and yummy, and we definitely had enough food that we couldn't finish everything. they also packed up the leftovers for us, which was nice. the dishes are definitely on the pricier side though. We ended with the butter cake, which was probably my favorite part! It was served super warm and basically melted in your mouth with the ice cream. We were also celebrating a birthday and had mentioned it to them beforehand. They don't really do anything special for birthdays, but they did put a candle on the dessert. We were expecting the sparkling candle after seeing it in a few people's videos, so that was a little disappointing, but the cake itself was really good. Our servers were nice, although they were pretty busy with how packed the restaurant was. The restaurant itself was also pretty dark and noisy, so it can get a little hectic. But I think the place is worth a try at least once! read more

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Thanks to an invitation from our daughter and her co-workers, I finally had a meal here at Joe's and it did not disappoint! There is a lively atmosphere from the moment you enter the building. It was really hopping at noon as groups arrived and walk ins to the bar. Once our group was all together, we were seated and asked what kind of water we wanted. We opted for vintage EBMUD ha ha! The mountain of zucchini fries! It could use some salt and we should have had two more people with us! The pesto mayo is a great compliment. We shared the chopped Italian salad which is heavy with garbanzo beans and was lightly dressed. It was a nice balance of tanginess and saltiness from the meats and cheeses. We also shared the spicy rigatoni which was cheesy and cooked al dente. An excellent pasta dish. I had the linguine and clams and there are lots of clams. No skimping at all and plenty of garlic as well. My daughter had the gnocchi which are very light and hearty with the short ribs. The other two folks had steak and chicken Milanese which is served with a pile of arugula. They both had raviolis as their side pasta. So much food that each of us had leftovers and no room for dessert unfortunately. Definitely a place to come back to so that you can work through the menu. Service was great. My only request is for ice water. Odd that the tap water is served room temp. The waitress warned that the drinks are served strong and it was true! Great at lunch time! Parking in the structure is recommended because you get 3 hours free. Just a couple minutes walk which is perfect after a belly filling meal. read more

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Sometimes, a late night, last minute date night, can be saved with eating at the bar at Original Joe's! We've been to this location twice, and the wait for the bar has been less than 5 min, super chic furniture. Think sexy date with posh drinks and very yummy pasta!!! Service is polite and fast, even in the bar area! read more

Original Joe's - Spaghetti + Meatballs - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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Came for a birthday dinner and the place was packed at 5:30pm on a weeknight. The front attendants was not too friendly. The manager however was very friendly and helpful. The zucchini fries were very good. Ravioli was good but not exceptional. The bread varieties were outstanding. Salmon was ok. The spaghetti was good. Lemon Pie was ok, not exceptional. Ambiance was a bit dark for my taste. Maybe need a slight touch of remodeling. Parking was first 3 hours free. read more

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Honestly my first time experience was fantastic although there was a long delay because people dining didn't want to leave after finishing their meals and chatted for hours. It was my girlfriend's birthday so I had reserved a table for 2 at 6:30pm and didn't get sat down until 7:25pm. Staff apologized and more than made up for it and I really appreciate their efforts for making it a great night. They gave us complimentary brute champagnes for having us wait beyond our reservation and at the end a complimentary birthday dessert of our choice. Honestly I wouldn't mind waiting again for free stuff haha but the wait did leave the birthday girl very frustrated until dining. The food is fantastic! Everything was on point and delicious. Drink was also good too. I don't have any other complaints except wait time but the professionalism and hospitality went off the charts. I normally breakdown and rate what I got but honestly it's a 5/5 for me. I ordered gnocchi, fettuccine alfredo, meatballs, ministrone, and chose Joe's butter cake. All was absolutely exceptional. Portions are huge and is of great value. I'm definitely coming back and will probably order the same list again! read more

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Overview: upscale steakhouse but at the price point Original Joe's underdelivered Food: The 8 ounce filet was good, not extraordinary, just good. Like all the food at this restaurant, the steak was over salted. The options for sides are dismal. I had the mashed potatoes with the filet, and the mashed potatoes disappointed. My wife had the pork chop and ordered it well done. It was served medium rare, and she sent it back. Her ravioli was not edible and was insanely oversalted. She sent back the ravioli for French fries. The French fries were good but again stupidly over salted. Drinks: Good IPA on draft Service: sub par service; we sat at the bar since we didn't have reservations. Server was stretched thin and forgot abous us a few times. Overall cleanliness: above average Bathroom cleanliness: average Value: Poor value considering the amateurish oversalting of everything read more

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We had the best time at Original Joe's! Our group wanted to try Original Joe's for a celebration, so we made a reservation for Tuesday evening and there were plenty of openings. Check in with the hostess was easy and were seated quickly after all our party arrived. We started with the zucchini fries and cocktails. The fries were pilled high and light and crispy. We ordered a couple of entrees, like the veal piccata and ravioli. Everything we got tasted amazing and portions were huge. We also got the cheesecake and butter cake for dessert. They were exquisite! The cheesecake was so airy, unlike anything I've had. The butter cake was also divine. It was warm and buttery and perfect with the ice cream. The highlight was truly the service. The staff are all so attentive and helpful. Our server was such a delight and made our night enjoyable. She gave us such great recommendations. Everyone working there was wonderful. We really had the best experience and can't wait to come back. read more

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Drinks: old fashion and watermelon sugar Apps: calamari Entree: prime rib meal and chicken parm with vodka sauce Dessert: butter cake The food was fantastic. Hot, flavorful, and plentiful. It was a great place for a causal but high quality dinner date. Big shoutout to our server Jacob (booths closest to the entrance) for the recommendations and some of the best customer service I've experienced in a very long time. Will be back next month to try brunch. read more

Took my MIL here to celebrate an early birthday. She's from Massachusetts, so the bar for Italian and seafood is very high. Joe's did not disappoint! We got a reso for 8pm and the restaurant was still packed. We've been to the West Lake location, but the Dub-C spot is new and the interiors looked amazing. Very beautiful and photogenic. Our server was very attentive and gave his reccos. The food was amazing overall--with the crab cake and spicy rigatoni being our favorite. The crab cake was absolutely packed with crab meat with very little filler, and the sauce made it extra decadent. The spicy rigatoni was faithfully consistent and delicious. Everything else was equally tasty so you really can't go wrong. To top off our evening, we ordered the lemon pie and wow... next time, definitely save room for dessert! read more

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Had multiple top tier experiences at Original Joe's Westlake so was very excited to have one closer. Reservations were made for Friday night date night and highly recommended. Line out the door. Inside was obnoxiously loud, could barely hear the hostess nor have a conversation with my boyfriend. Opted to sit outside. What we ordered: Drinks - 9/10 cannot recall the names, but they were yummy Arancini - 9/10 not usual fans of risotto, but really enjoyed this dish! Good size starter. Red sauce is in the tart side which I love Truffle Fries - 9/10 good portion, perfectly fried and the aioli was delicious Little Gem Caesar - 10/10 solid Caesar salad! Ribeye with Mash - 5/10 was cooked fine, but heavily salty. Price didn't really fit what was presented. Mash potatoes were good Bone In Veal Melanese - 8/10 it was fine. Was not a fan of arugula this particular night but it seemed to be a hassle to sub for another side with us willing to pay extra Extra side of Mac & Cheese - would skip, it was just dry The drinks and apps were enjoyable. Glad I tried this location, but would go to Westlake location or elsewhere before considering to come back. May be worth a try for others read more

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Original Joe's has been on my "must-try" list for a long time, so maybe my expectations were too high, but I walked away wondering what all the hype was about. Maybe the San Francisco location is the one everyone raves about. The biggest disappointment wasn't even the food--it was the service. Our meals sat at the expo counter for well over 10 minutes while we watched staff stand around chatting just feet away. By the time our food finally made it to the table, it wasn't even hot anymore. That's something that should never happen, especially at a restaurant with this reputation. The famous garlic bread was easily the highlight of the meal--crispy, buttery, and covered with Parmesan. The Italian chopped salad was fresh and delicious. The chicken piccata was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it didn't stand out or have that bright, flavorful sauce you'd expect. The lasagna was only warm when it arrived and surprisingly lacked the rich, bold flavor that should make a classic Italian lasagna memorable. I also ordered the watermelon cocktail, which looked great on the menu... except mine arrived without the watermelon. Kind of ironic. The restaurant itself is beautiful. The open kitchen gives the place a classic, lively Italian feel. Unfortunately, the atmosphere couldn't make up for watching our food sit in plain sight getting cold before anyone bothered to bring it over. Overall, it wasn't a terrible meal, but it definitely didn't live up to the reputation or the hype. When you're paying these prices, hot food and attentive service shouldn't be too much to ask. I left feeling like the experience was more disappointing than memorable, and I'm not sure I'd be back unless someone convinces me the San Francisco location is a completely different story. read more

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I went here on Tuesday night for a birthday and it was super busy even at early 5:15 PM. Reservations are highly recommended. They save your table for two hours, but then after we left, the line was still out the door. The restaurant is very reminiscent at old-school steakhouses. The interior ambience has an old-school charm with some nice upgrades and is very bright with nice green velvet couches that are comfortable to sit at. All the servers were very nice and patient with us even when they were super busy; our server Josh was very attentive. Good wine bottle prices starting at $40 didn't get a chance to try the cocktails but the prices are higher ag $15-$18. We ordered several starters to share for the table. Our favorite was the ricotta with olives. Very unique starter I haven't had that before and perfect mix of sweet savory with the honey in it too. They also give a basket of bread for the table, which was a nice touch. Also got an order of the zucchini fries, which is definitely a must have. It's that huge dish that the servers bring around with the mound of green fries on top of it fried perfectly and with a great seasoning. We got several different options for our mains. My friends really enjoyed the whole Bronzino with head on. I had the scallop dish which came with a very tasty corn and bacon risotto. Only three smaller pieces of scallop though so not worth the $44 imo. My other friends had the prime rib dip, which was tasty and the pork chop, which was also recommended by the server as an undercover dish that people don't order, but is surprisingly very good. Most of the meat dishes come with an additional side that you can choose. I like that they give you option options for ravioli spaghetti sides, instead of the typical fries or mashed potatoes. We also ordered two desserts the cheesecake which was highly recommended. It tasted like a soufflé cheesecake. It was very soft and fluffy. We also got the donuts which came with 2 different dipping sauces. The donuts were OK nothing extraordinary. Overall, had a very nice meal with friends would recommend going with a small group as they have great starters to share. I think I'll order the fish next time. I'm not partial to me, but they have a lot of meat dishes that looked exceptional. Park for three hours free in the Broadway parking plaza. read more

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July 31 2026 3.6 stars I quit spending money in Walnut Creek probably 15 years ago because the town uses parking fees too aggressively as their tax base. You will be fined on the sabbath for parking and spending money too long here. Berkeley (near my home) doesn't do that. Go figure. Wife went here for a girls day out for lunch. Ribeye steak and spag $65. Expensive? The restaurant cheaply knocked up the bill $5 for a small plastic sauce cup of creamy horseradish. Waitress Mayra should have mentioned the surcharge. :-( The leftovers my wife brought home were more or less ok. The spag a bit salty. read more

Original Joe's - Nice looking grill marks. - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Wow! Such a classy spot with an aesthetic that feels like a place an Italian grandfather woulda loved to smoke his pipe at on a Sunday. Food is scrumptious with generous servings. Wait staff is impeccable and stylish--they have a flair for polished and pleasant at this joint. It's like a 24-karat diner read more

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After finally scoring a reservation, The Kid and I stopped by Original Joe's for lunch before heading out for some back-to-school shopping. We had originally reserved outdoor seating since that's all that was available (and it's covered), but we were pleasantly surprised when we were able to grab seats at the counter. Sitting at the counter ended up being part of the experience. Watching the chefs and kitchen staff work together to keep up with a packed dining room was impressive. The restaurant was buzzing, the bar was full, and the World Cup was on, creating a fun, energetic atmosphere. It can get a little loud, but that's all part of the experience. Our server, Jorge, was fantastic. Since it was our first visit, he walked us through the menu, answered our questions, and made recommendations that did not disappoint. We started with the complimentary bread service, which included sourdough, focaccia, and crispy breadsticks, all served with individual ramekins of creamy butter topped with flaky sea salt. Such a simple touch, but absolutely delicious. The Kid ordered the Famous Burger, and now I understand why it's famous. It's huge, served on grilled sourdough, and the grilled onions mixed into the burger make it incredibly juicy and flavorful. I ordered the Fried Prawns with French Fries, and they were perfectly seasoned with a light, crispy coating. The portions here are generous, so come hungry. To drink, The Kid enjoyed the Dole Whip Mocktail, and I had a Modelo. Between the food, Jorge's outstanding service, and the lively atmosphere, I can definitely see why Original Joe's is so popular. We already have a list for our next visit--the zucchini fries, calamari, and lasagna all looked amazing as they passed by our seats. One final touch I loved was the vintage-style postcard of Joe that guests can keep or mail to someone. It's a fun little detail that adds to the restaurant's classic charm. read more

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We here, we here, we here!!!! Peninsula/SF natives rejoice. Original Joe's is here and the ravioli holds up. No need to cross the $8 bridge anymore when cravings hit. We went for lunch and our oldest son for his first "fancy" restaurant. It definitely met all expectations. We sat outdoors and it had a very nice ambiance, while indoors has more of an old school vibe. I had the clam chowder bowl and side of ravioli (iykyk) and a mocktail. My husband had the chicken and ravioli. My son had chicken tenders and fries. We will definitely be back for round two. Good space for a birthday, date night or just for lunch! read more

Original Joe's - Mocktail - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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We love all the Original Joe locations, but this was our 1st visit in Walnut Creek. It was excellent. We were a party of 4, 2 adults & 2 teens. You can see in the receipt we got a lot of food for $198.03 The complementary bread & butter to start was high quality. Nicely salted room temperature butter. Variety of breads with distinct flavors, including sourdough. My bone-in veal parmigiana was crispy, nicely seasoned with melty cheese. The sauce was sweet, smokey, bright red, with a tang. The ravioli side with meat had a meat sauce that was more subdued, but also delicious. Reminds me of the NYC Italian-American restaurants I grew up with. The LOJ burgers were on point. Juicy meat & fresh, high quality vegetables. The gnocchi melted in your month, with a nice braised short rib sauce. Distinct from the aforementioned sauces. My wife's Joe's chopped Italian salad with chicken was good. She said it wasn't extra special, but would order it again. The drinks were very good: Arnold Palmer, Shirley Temple, & a Cherry Coke they forgot to charge me for. You have to get the Bombolini desserts with chocolate & fruit sauces...enough for the 3 of use who ate dessert. Think delicate donuts on steroids of quality. The service was excellent. I wish it were less noisy, but that's how it is in many popular restaurants. We definitely will be back. read more

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The Deco in this place is stunning. Almost makes you feel like you're in a Great Gatsby movie. This is one of those places you should really RSVP or not bother at all. I had a 7:00 reservation for eight people but still ended up having to wait an additional 40 minutes before getting seated. - beef carpaccio 5/5 - arancini (not the easiest to find this dish. Fried Italian ball of pure joy) 5/5 - prime rib (got medium rare and it looked okay but overall a meat was pretty tough) 3/5 My party was overall happy with all their dishes read more

Original Joe's - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Last-minute plans are the best, especially when they include late lunch plans at Original Joe's. This Original Joe's location has gorgeous Art Deco vibes, outstanding service, and delicious food. I had the Calamari Steak Dore, and it was perfection. As a side, the host recommended I choose the mashed potatoes. OMG, probably one of the best mashed potatoes I have ever had. The calamari was superb! I heard only praises of the Porterhouse and the raviolis they chose as a side. For dessert, we selected the Lemon Meringue Pie. Simply a meal that deserves a standing ovation. read more

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Original Joe's in Daly City had always been one of my favorite restaurants, but since I had a gift card from my dog for Mother's Day, it was time to try the new O J in Walnut Creek. The bread basket came with a variety of breads, which was different (and nice). Their sour dough bread was my favorite though... nice and sour! I ordered calamari for an appetizer to share with our table of 3. It was really good with the perfect light batter and seasoning. We could've used another lemon though. My go to entree is the clam linguini and this one was spot on. Usually I pick out the clams from their shells as I go along, but this time I shelled all 15 clams in the beginning and mixed up my pasta with the clams so it was soaked in all that buttery goodness. I should've stopped 2/3rd of the way when I was full, but no, I had to be a glutton and eat the whole thing and then I was too full! This restaurant seemed noisier than Daly City (and the music was a bit on the loud side). I'd return to Walnut Creek again (it's closer than Daly City). Props to our sweet server Jasmine! All in all a 5 star experience. read more

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*** Stay Original *** Beautiful spacious dining room, nice patio, and accommodating bar with striking black and white framed photos and papered walls. The staff was very attentive our water glasses never hit empty, and the bread basket was quickly replenished. We weren't herded through our meal like cattle at a rodeo instead we got to relax enjoy our salads without the server hovering over us. Everything hit the table piping hot we were able to eat simultaneously no one left awkwardly staring at their empty plates wondering if they were forgotten about. I ordered the Italian chopped salad , just okay. Loved the lamb chops and truffle fries I ate so much bread I barely touched my meal, but everything was definitely good!!! read more

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We chose Original Joe's in Walnut Creek for my son's 18th birthday dinner and were really looking forward to making it a special evening. I told the hostess when we arrived that it was his birthday, and I also told our waiter that we were celebrating his 18th. Unfortunately, there was absolutely no acknowledgment at all -- no "happy birthday," no candle, no dessert, nothing. To be clear, this isn't about expecting something free. It's about the experience. An 18th birthday is a milestone, and when a restaurant is specifically told twice that you're celebrating a special occasion, you expect at least some small acknowledgment. The dinner itself was fine, but the complete lack of recognition was disappointing and really took away from what we hoped would be a memorable birthday dinner. read more

Original Joe's - Menu - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I finally was able to get in but at the bar. It is very loud and crowded so tough to have a normal conversation. I thought the Brussel sprouts salad would be good but it was lacking flavor it needed some layering of flavors and I only ate about half. The ravioli was good and the fish. I would try it again maybe ask for patio seating and try a meat dish. read more

Original Joe's - Filet of Sole Piccata and ravioli - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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We are so excited about Original Joe's. It is a beautiful Italian restaurant and the decor and service are outstanding. We had a nice booth and the food flowed in beautifully. The restaurant was very busy and we enjoyed the vibe despite some wait. The portion was huge and a satisfying family style. We got the steak, spaghetti with meatball and fried calamari and they were delicious. This is definitely one of the top Italian restaurants in Walnut Creek I will keep coming back to. read more

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Original Joe's is relatively new to the Walnut Creek area but not a new restaurant. I've always wanted to go to the SF location but when the Walnut Creek location opened up I preferred this area due to it being closer to me. I made a reservation for 4 for dinner and the earliest I could get was 8pm. They have a strict policy that your whole party must be there in order to seat you, which I think is fair I ordered the crab cake ($26), which is one singular crab cake. It was very delicious with a creamy sauce but no where near worth the price. I also ordered the prime rib dip and truffle fries ($30$). The bread was soggy by the time it made its way to my table, I assume it sat for awhile before it was delivered to me. The food tasted pretty good but again, just not worth the price. The wait staff was friendly and got our orders correct. They were attentive to anything we needed. All in all, it's a good meal but I just don't think it's worth the hype or price. I'd rather go somewhere else. read more

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This place was suggested by a local and I was so happy I tried it out! I discovered they had a few locations and Walnut Creek was one of their newest locations. They have valet and you can also find street parking. The ambiance is just stunning!! They don't miss a single detail and it's very old-school meets new Italian inside. The bar is just gorgeous, as well as the rest of the restaurant. Bathrooms were immaculate. I got there a little bit ahead of the rush, around 4 PM on a Tuesday, and was able to snag a seat at the bar. All of the bartenders were phenomenal. I had them create a drink for me when I told them I prefer vodka and they created me a wonderful craft cocktail. I was torn on what to order for dinner, as there were so many options! I opted for the scallops and they were phenomenal. From start to finish, the experience was amazing! I even chatted with a few friendly locals at the bar and had a great time. I can't wait to go back and try more amazing food! read more

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We heard this location can be difficult to get a reservation, so my brother and I decided to take a chance and walk in. Surprisingly, we were seated right away! To be honest, the main reason we wanted to try this location was for the Fried Zucchini and it definitely didn't disappoint. It was huge, crispy, and delicious. Definitely the highlight of our visit. Unfortunately, the experience took a turn when my soda was served and I noticed an object that looked like a button inside the drink. The manager came over, apologized, and immediately replaced it, which we appreciated. When our main courses arrived, Steak and Linguini with Clams, our server didn't provide a steak knife. I had to ask for one because the only knife at our table was a bread knife. These little details made the overall service feel disappointing, especially compared with our experiences at other Original Joe's locations. When we received the bill, it appeared that the soda and fried zucchini appetizer had been removed, which we appreciated as a gesture from the management. Would I come back? Probably. I'd be willing to give them another chance because the food itself was good and the manager handled the soda situation professionally. That said, our experiences at the North Beach and Daly City locations have been much better, especially when it comes to service. Hopefully, this visit was simply an off day. read more

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My experience at the restaurants owned by this group have always been pleasant and positive. That is why it pained me to have a very mediocre experience at Original Joe's in Walnut Creek. The decor, design and ambiance are great! Consistent with their other establishments, it's simply a restaurant where someone wants to be. The menu is fairly similar to their other establishments so I had a good idea of what to order and what to expect. We ordered chicken marsala with a side of fries, chicken parmesan with a side of ravioli, and two martinis each. As it turned out the person sitting next to us also ordered the chicken marsala and I was excited for mine when I saw the size of hers. Our food took a while to come out and when it did I noticed the waiter attempted to give it to a nearby table. They explained it wasn't their order and he took the food away. Ten to fifteen minutes later the same plates were brought out and thr waiter looked around confused then hurriedly out the food in front of us and scurried away without saying a word. The chicken parmesan looked great but unfortunately the chicken marsala was a fraction of the size as the person sitting next to me had considerable fewer mushrooms. I could not help but to compare and be disappointed in mine. Dinner progressed and our eating eventually slowed down. On two occasions bus boys attempted to clear our plates, which still had food on them. The second time the guy pointed very close to the chicken parmesan, nearly touching it, and asked if we were still eating. The hosts and server did a great job. The chicken masala experience was disappointing. The bus boy experience was annoying and unpleasant. I would go back though because my experiences at their other restaurants are generally great and I hope my tepid experience at the Walnut Creek location was a one off. read more

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I almost wanted to rate this restaurant a 3, but now having been 2 times it's say if you order the right food it's a solid 4. Of course the atmosphere is great, a little loud but just the nature of the restaurant. I see toddlers here so they can accommodate for little ones as needed. Solid family restaurant. Staff is well mannered and service is not super quick, but average overall. Now for the food- I'd say if you like a little kick order joes Spicy rigatoni. So flavorful! I'd stay away from the club it's a little basic and too dry for my liking, but edible lol. Any cocktail will hit! Give them a try! Make a reservation or come early and if it's date night go straight to the bar area and sit down in any open area- there will be servers waiting that area at random. read more

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We needed a reservation for sure it was so packed . Got seated right away and our waiter Carlitos made it a great first experience. Calamari was great and not rubbery . Zucchini fries are definitely a must try . The steaks were cooked perfectly , wished they were a little thicker but they were really good. The chicken Alfredo fell a little short , it was more on the bland side . The spicy rigatoni was devoured . And the butter cake was one of my favorites . Everyone at the table got the piña colada slushie (can't remember the name ) it was really good. Definitely worth a try if you can get in. Everyone's nice and checking in with the table , not just our waiter. Just to be warned it is a little pricy but still at least a try once type of spot. Will be back for another special occasion read more

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Love visiting California in the summer. Spent a week with my niece and her family, she was kind enough to introduce me to this place for a late lunch early dinner. Arrived after a brief workout with a guest pass at Lifetime Fitness, whew we deserved a good meal. Promptly greeted at the door, party of two about a 10 minute wait for a Saturday around 2:00 PM. Seated at a two-top booth near the cooking/retrieval station. Love to watch the many Chefs in action. This place is amazing, our waitperson was also prompt, had to start with a (slightly) Dirty Vodka Martini, delicious. Also placed an order for Joe's meatballs and Zucchini Fries! Wow both out of this world. The Zucchini fries who perfectly breaded and crisped. We shared the Italian Chopped Salad, plenty of food for both of us. It is family style for sharing, loved all the options. Next time I will come for dinner, The 8oz Filet or the Famous Hamburger Sandwich?? Hard to choose and all looks so good. This is a must try, I was not at all disappointed with our choices in food and drink. read more

Original Joe's - Zucchini Fries with house-made basil aioli. So good! - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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Beautiful upscale restaurant. I've been wanting to try this place because a friend of mine posted a picture of their zucchini fries! I had to have it!! I finally made it in for lunch with girlfriends. Service was great! Our server was attentive and courteous. We ordered cocktails and the zucchini fries first. They came out timely. While we devoured those delicious zucchini fries, we ordered a few more things for the table: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Italian Chopped Salad Pomodoro with Gluten-free pasta Everything was absolutely delicious! I definitely want to come back and try more dishes and dessert! read more

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Good food and friendly service, but a room loud enough to make me give up on conversation. Glad I went, in no rush to go back. This space used to be Stanford's, a quaint restaurant and bar where a lot of locals met up, so I came in curious. The greeting was warm and professional from the start. The chicken Marsala was good, and the mushrooms piled on top were the best thing on the table. The spaghetti was tasty. The salmon came out pretty good. No complaints on the mashed potatoes. The salad ran pricey for what showed up, a simple plate of greens with carrot ribbons and a few cucumber slices. On drinks, the Manhattan was awesome, on par with Walnut Creek prices, and the wine was good but also on par. Service was the soft spot. Our server was professional and attentive up front, but the table went quiet after the first order and drinks. Nobody came back for a second round, and by then I was ready for the check. The noise is the real story. We sat in a small two-person booth by the kitchen, fun for watching the cooks and servers move, loud enough to kill any conversation. Sit farther from the kitchen or grab an outdoor table if you want to hear your group. At 5 the place was calm. By the time we left, almost full. Book a reservation or risk a wait up to two hours on a busy day. Parking works out fine. You get three free hours at the Macy's garage, plus closer lots and disabled spots nearby. Full bar, bar seating, and plenty of indoor and outdoor tables. Worth a visit if you book ahead and pick a quieter seat. Not my first call when a friend asks where to eat tonight. read more

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I walked in on a whim not expecting this restaurant to be so upscale, with the servers perfectly on the ball. We were served immediately and were constantly tended to, although it was a 100% full restaurant. I ordered the calamari steak and it had a creamy but not overly rich butter sauce. I'm already waiting until the next time I'm in the Walnut Creek area. I liked that the ambiance was on the fancier end, but had a good mix of casual vibes! The -1 star was attributed to my side (just regular fries) not arriving until we were ready to pay and leave- and still had to wait even after done paying- but it wasn't a problem for me since I was full from the decent portions and not in a rush. read more

Original Joe's - Calamari steak, Chicken marsala, Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Love it here - it might be like 5% off of the original in SF, but still great addition to Walut Creek I came here twice, once for my birthday and each time it was fantastic. Now everyone stop going so much so it's easier to get a table LOL read more

This is located in the heart of the shopping area in Walnut Creek. Park in the shopping mall garage because you have 3 hours free. There are 4 street parking in front of the restaurant. This is a hoppy restaurant and I recommend to try to get a reservation. We did a walk in at 6pm and it was packed! We sat at the kitchen bar area. The employees are dressed well and well mannered. Interior: bright in most areas and I like the decor. Yes, this place is loud and yes it can be a challenge to have a conversation. There is kitchen bar area, interior, exterior, and a bar area. We did not have reservation and we asked if we could be seated sooner than later since we were exhausted from a flight. The kitchen bar area seating in uncomfortable and there is no place to put your stuff. If you are short, your legs will dangle and it will be uncomfortable, but I am tall. Drink: Got the hazy IPA, it was cold and delicious. Service: This place is packed, getting your water refilled was a challenge. But they try their best to make sure customers are happy. I had to spend back my pork chop to be cooked more, no problem. The ravioli as inedible, no problem, fries swapped. Food: The complimentary bread was cold and inedible. I took one bite of the focaccia, old and stale. The parmesan cheese wedge was only thing that was edible cold. We took 2 bites each. I ordered the pork chops well done and the sides that are included are spaghetti, ravioli, french fries, and mashed potatoes. I asked if I could get a side salad. Nope, they do not offer side salad, but I could order an entire salad. I did not want a gigantic salad. Ordered the ravioli because our server HIGHLY recommended it. We did get a side order of the broccolini. My husband got the filet. It is fun to watch the hardworking employees cook your food. Our food came and my pork chop was raw in the middle. I could not get an employee, so I flagged the manager since he was standing right behind us greeting incoming customers, he promptly took my pork chop away to get cooked more. No problem, it happens, it was a thick pork chop. I would eat the ravioli while I wait, Oh my gosh! The ravioli was SO SALTY! It was mostly dough and I could not taste the filling. I tried my husband side of mashed potatoes. They were okay, but nothing I would ever recommend to order. Our server came over to apologize for the pork chop and I gave him the ravioli and said sorry I cannot eat this. He immediately said would you like mashed potatoes or fries. I said fries please. The fries are frozen from a bag, I watched the girl open the bag and fry them up. They add all kinds of salt, cheese, and other stuff to doctor up the fries. The fries were good, but again TOO SALTY! Why 3 stars because everything was too salty. The bread was inedible and the complimentary included items with your meal were not good. The filet was cooked perfectly and a nice cut and portion. The pork chop when cooked properly was delicious. The peach topping was soggy and tasted and looking like canned peaches. It did not add to the pork chop. Cleanliness: above average. Since we sat at the kitchen bar area we could see more than a person at the tables. Each menu is wiped clean before they had them to the patrons, I thought this was a nice touch. read more

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