I absolutely love La Strada! It's the perfect restaurant for anyone wanting an authentic Italian experience! Incredible food and the owners and staff are friendly and wonderful. I usually get the Ribeye with herb butter (Bistecca alla Griglia) and it's always cooked to perfection! I also recommend the Steamed Clams in white wine and garlic sauce (Cozze o Vongole al Vapore) and for dessert the traditional Tiramisu. read more

Wonderful service, white table cloths, all great. Love this place. All great Usually order bruschetta and Sauvignon blanc read more

5 stars for service - 3 for food This place was decent food, nothing super nom. We had a large group and they did great with the good service and bringing everything out mostly together, kept water filled and dealt with all the requests well. Alfredo was good, shrimp were a bit overcooked but better than under! Heard the chicken marsala was good (but lightly breaded so ask if you're gluten free), the chicken panino was huge & looked good. They do have lunch specials: mozzarella caprese panino, and the veggie frittata was good. Heard the monte cristo was meh. Overall I would go back and try other things. read more

La Strada - Shrimp alfredo - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

3 Stars ~ 2 stars for our service, 1 star for the food We came here for my mom's birthday. I've driven past it many times but never paid it any mind. It seems like it is a pretty popular local spot, as it was busy when we went in. I don't think the food is worth the price. One of the servers came up to us and asked how many, and we told them 9. He asked us to give him a minute and then proceeded to have a lengthy conversation with another table. It was fine, though, because when the hostess could help us, she let us sit in the front of the dining area, which was a bit more private. In terms of ambiance, it seems a bit dated. Lots of plastic/fake grapes, vines, dusty props, and pictures. I think it is time for a bit of a deep clean and update. It wasn't dirty, but you know, the restaurants that have been in business for a while, but haven't done a good, deep clean in a while, so everything feels greasy and dingy. Yeah, it felt like that. Our servers, excellent. Two young servers helped the main server. She was sweet, personable, but also had the "know when to be seen and be present" experience. There was a time that must've been uncomfortable for her because we were scolding our older sons. She just exited, like a pro . Anyway, she was excellent. I wish I had gotten her name, because she deserves the praise. Food. Ugh, meh. The calamari and the bruschetta were great. I got the chicken marsala, which came with polenta. Polenta, excellent. Creamy and buttery. Just the right amount of saltiness. However, my marsala was just okay. Nothing to write home about. My daughter and husband both got lasagna. Let's just say it looked disappointing, and my daughter didn't eat more than two bites. My husband doesn't waste food, so he ate his. I'm not sure what anyone else got, but they all said the same thing. The food was just okay and lacked seasoning. Let's just say the salt and pepper shakers were used by everyone at the table. I didn't use the bathroom, so I can't report on that. I don't think we will be back any time soon, but I do think some day I'd like to give it another chance. Just not when we are paying for a group. read more

La Strada - Bruschetta - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

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We stumbled across this place today because the last place we were at was not it. I'm so glad we did and I must say the happy hour is a 10/10! Toni our bartender/server gave us amazing service and she is quite entertaining. The ambiance, food and drinks were all amazing. Meatballs were my absolute favorite, the fried calamari, cesar salad and pizza off the main menu were v good as well! I must say she makes a very good dirty and espresso martini! I had 4. Everyone in the area is sleeping on La strada! The food, service and drinks are the best I've had in San Pablo! Thank you Toni for giving us a good experience. read more

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Dec 11 2025 3.6 stars. For years we were once or twice a year customers to La Strada. That is because they serve a stiff margarita and we enjoyed the Spag and Meatballs along with the Margherita Pizzas. Then one visit we were served a pizza with dough that tasted and chewed like a cheap frozen one-ala a grocery store bottom of the line pizza. We took a two year hiatus from La Strada. Today my wife is missing their Spag and Meatballs and we went in and ordered our old regular duo. This order of pizza ordered only after our Server Chris assured us the pizza dough was made in-house. The food arrives and something looks odd. Is this a cheese pizza with slices of tomato? I didnt order a cheese and sliced tomato pizza did I? A Duck Duck Go search and Bingo! Something IS odd. Hello Basil leaves where are you?! Tomato slices. Who invited you? Though I don't mind you my friends. A search around with my fork in the pizza and I found a few specks of green about the size of something someone might embarrassingly find stuck in between their teeth. When I asked Chris to tell the Chef a mistake was made, Chris says this Chef puts the basil leaves under the cheese. I kindly call B.S. and show him all the green I could find. For some reason I have just been unlucky with La Strada's food preparation consistency. Other than that, the staff are friendly and the prices are fair. They obviously have a big following of regulars. The atmosphere is wonderful. Mountain Mike's makes better consistent quality pizza but for atmosphere, LA Strada is King of the hill. I also had to ask the hostesses to ask someone to service the men's restroom. It was a mess. read more

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Craving some Italian for me I'm a pasta lover and it's hard to find a good pasta in San Pablo only place that meets up to standards for my taste is here ! Had the shrimp Alfredo and meatball spaghetti with calamari as appetizer and hands down one of the best here in town ! Ambiance is romantic side clean and not to loud service is great our server was very nice and very attentive. read more

I've been coming here since 2016. I have also have requested takeout food. But today is the worst food I've ever tasted from this restaurant. The wings are dry. They taste like they've been overcooked so under the lamp normally when you get the side of our cart Italian sausage you normally get tomato sauce on top of it. The scallops for five dollars apiece ain't no more than a quarter size maybe a half a dollar. I'll never order food from here going out and now they've lost my business forever. I cannot believe they will give us junk like this after we spend so much money at this place. This is not worth $95. Very very disappointed! read more

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Last Saturday I met up with my former colleagues/friends for lunch at La Strada at noon reservation. We were visiting a friend who became a new mom and lives in the neighborhood. It was beautiful catching up from each one. The server was nice explaining the fav dish on the menu. We did not have drinks but cold water. We ordered the appetizer Calamari Fritti to share, however, we ordered separately. I ordered the Linguine Cozze & Vongole, my friends ordered Capellini Pomodoro, Cioppino, & Spaghetti con Polpette. As always La Strada served delicious pasta. We had the tiramisu for dessert to share. La Strada is a family restaurant. We saw another room full of diners for a surprise birthday lunch. My family & I dined at the restaurant occasionally whenever we visit my mother. I don't mind returning for another get together. read more

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Great atmosphere, great food. Friendly staff, usually. Love that the to-go orders are very good and align with what you get when you dine in. read more

Love this restaurant, the waiters are always very nice and attentive. The food is delicious especially the ravioli and the Crème Brûlée dessert is amazing. This is one of the few places that still offers special event decor and menus and go all out. We go for Valentine's Day every other year. Photos included read more

La Strada - My favorite Crème brûlée - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

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We took my brother and his family after my mom's memorial. Our server was Albano and he treated us very well. He really knew the menu and helped my sister-in-law order exactly what she wanted when she didn't fully articulate it. She was torn between which sauce for her Gnocchi Della Casa ($19.95) and he said why not both pesto and alfredo. She was so happy! The rest of the family ordered: Eggplant Parmigiana $19.95 Pizza di Carne $18.95 La Strada Cheeseburger $17.95 Fettucini con Pesto $19.95 Fettucini Alfredo $19.95 Lots of us got a side salad, side Caeser or Soup Giorno $4.95 For my husband, his usual Spaghetti & Meatballs $19.95. For me the Tortellini alla Panna $22.95. Absolutely delicious! Everyone loved their choices. Even the kids found things they really liked which of course was the cheeseburger, a pasta side, pizza and fries. Lots of free refills and check-ins throughout the meal. Besides the delicious food, the feeling in this restaurant is comfortable and relaxing. There is no hurry to turn tables. It's a place you can go for a weekday meal and also a special occasion. There were large parties like us and guests eating alone, everyone felt very welcome. read more

La Strada - Side Caesar Salad $4.95 - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

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Excellent cheerful service, Fancy near-formal yet relaxed ambiance, but somewhat disappointing main entrees outside of the creamy pastas. Appetizers: Order a dinner entree and you get the choice of a Caesar salad or green salad or the soup of the day for an extra $4.95. We didn't have to wait too long for the meal to begin. The Caesar side salad was fresh with good croutons, but drowned with an overly heavy Caesar dressing. (6.8/10) The minestrone soup or simple green salad seemed a better choice for an appetizer on my visit. Arriving next was a small basket of freshly baked breads. Served warm with a slightly toasty crust, the French bread and Foccacia were both delicious and disappeared quickly on our table. The Focaccia was my favorite. (8.8/10) Mains: For a healthy choice (no heavy creams, etc), I chose the Penne alla Melanzane (pasta with eggplant) which is a basic penne in a light tomato sauce with eggplant (yup!), garlic, basil and spinach. Though served al dente, the dish just looked off in presentation, especially the penne that seemed rather dark and off in color unlike fresh made-right-here kinda pastas. Overall, the dish tasted ok, but like the Pomodoro here, it just seemed too watery overall. 6/10 Alternatives: On the plus side, the chicken fettuccine that some of my friends had looked good. So stick with the creamier pastas, meat entrees or the desserts here. All of those looked pretty decent. With at least two main dining rooms and a good sized parking lot out in front, they accommodated our large party easily, and furthermore, were able to issue separate checks cheerfully for all of us! Wow! Bravo! I love the service here, and the vibe.. I just wish the food I had was better executed. Choose wisely here! read more

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We've been here three times and the food is consistently delicious! We ordered... - Appetizer sampler: bruschetta, caprese stacks, and calamari - shrimp scampi - stuffed pork chop - side of polenta - alfredo a la strada with prawns Service was perfect and exactly the type I prefer. Cordial and brisk, not overly chatty... warm personalities Ambiance is gorgeous. Welcoming rich colors with old world decadent charm. There is adorable outdoor seating that looks like its meant for events... and if you walk deeper into the restaurant, you'll be surprised with way more seating than expected. There is even more seating for what looks like 75+ people downstairs. Aces! read more

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San Pablo's Hidden Gem! This place is truly a diamond in the rough in San Pablo. Once you step in you'll see how nicely decorated the restaurant is. It definitely sets the vibe for an elegant dinner! The staff is super friendly and helps with questions since the menu is so extensive. Definitely everything we ordered was a hit! I recommend the ciopinno, it was so filling and could easily be shared among the table. Will definitely come back here! read more

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Restaurant was recommended by our hotel. I am so glad that we trusted the suggestion. The food was so good. The ambiance is one of an old Italian restaurant. Service was excellent. Waitress recommended a chicken dish (wish I remembered which one). It was so buttery and full of flavor. It had vegetables and mashed potatoes with it and the combination was perfect. Husband had Chicken Alfredo and stated it was very good. He is a picky eater. They also bring bread to the table with flavored olive oil which was a perfect starter. We would go back the next time we are in town. read more

La Strada - Restaurant - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

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Came here" for a private birthday party in a private room! Very efficient quick service, limited but varied choices...I was served a salad, bread, beverage & a pasta in a meatless tomato sauce ...it was pretty noisy & tight quarters, but a fun time for all !! the birthday girl brought cupcakes for dessert to celebrate her 70 th birthday ! read more

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Very unassuming place and I'm surprised I've never been here before and I'm from Richmond! The food is great and cost effective. The drinks are amazing and cheapppp at happy hour. & the service is unmatched. You feel like you're at home when you're here and you have good friends cooking and mixing up drinks. The bartender Kyle is dope and makes the BEST espresso martini with brandy I come on the weekends just to have his drinks. I hope they continue to thrive and I will definitely be frequenting them, if not weekly, then monthly. Oh! And the focaccia is to die for! read more

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Food and service was great love there delicious grilled salmon and pasta the cook are very friendly love this restaurant

La Strada, you will always have a piece of my heart. Wonderful staff, old school Italian menu and interior vibes, and just really good quality food with affordable pricing so close to home. This spot has been home to family nights, date nights, meeting with the girls, and host to holidays and a slew of other functions. Such great memories made and still more to come; bringing Lorenzo here for the first time during a night where La Strada was rolling back prices to when they first opened (1996) was incredible. My parents always order the Veal Marsala with creamy polenta, hard to find at most joints, but done to perfection as they say here. I went with the Fettuccine Alfredo, my husband the Chicken Cordon-Bleu, and the house wine. The bread is delicious to dip in olive oil, Caesar to start always. Finished with dessert drinks and tiramisu. Typical order, but this is the place for your go-to and favorite comforting dishes that feel like home. There's something about a spot that still has a solid following, regulars, walls filled with memories, and great humans that run the business day in and day out. These spots are starting to become few and far between, but La Strada has and will always be so a prominent force in our East Bay community. Other dishes to note: the Lasanga Di Carne, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Calamari Fritti. Truly can't go wrong, cheers to the experience! read more

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I came by for dinner and one of the specials of the day was the seafood linguini which I had. Typically at restaurants one can find that they can be skimpy with the amount of seafood they give you. Not so here! There was plenty. I did fail to ask how much the dish was but it didn't disappoint on the seafood. I don't come here that often but do enjoy dining here. I liked the tiramisu. This place is reminiscent of an old school Italian restaurant. You have white tablecloths and napkins. It's like a throwback to the 60's & 70's. The service wasn't bad but they never asked me if I wanted a refill of water. I'll be back. read more

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This was such a pleasant surprise as we were looking for an Italian restaurant on our way to San Francisco and found a search and absolutely loved everything about it. The service is very attentive. The food was phenomenal, and the ambience definitely gives you the feeling of Italy, including the music. We will be back. read more

I've been dining at La Strada for years, and they continue to deliver every time. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared--something that's increasingly rare. The service is just as dependable; we've had the same waiter for several years, and that level of continuity speaks volumes. He recognizes us when we arrive, often helping us secure a great table even when there's a wait, and makes a genuine effort to take care of us. That combination of consistency, quality, and personal service keeps us coming back. read more

It's been a minute since I've come here to eat. I decided to get takeout and make it movie night at home and decided to get the cioppino for the first time ever and "bay bee" it's "yum-eeeee"! It was served with a couple of pieces of Buttered Garlic French bread to soak up the delicious juice of the delicious Seafood stew! It was full of snow crab, muscles, clams, fish, calamari slices, and octopus! Most definitely getting this again! read more

La Strada - Buttered Garlic Bread - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

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I came here with my coworkers for our group lunch. We had high expectations but were left disappointed. I ordered the pink lemonade and Fettuccine Carciofi with chicken, which is a fettuccine dish consisting of artichoke hearts, tomato, mushroom, basil and roasted garlic. The lemonade was good but the pasta was terrible. Not only did it lack flavor but it was filled with oil and so greasy. The atmosphere was just what we needed. They have it decorated for Christmas. read more

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I love la Strada. Friendly service and very efficient. I always get the chicken Alfredo and it never disappoints. The Cesar salad is so tasty too! This restaurant is family friendly and to me Very romantic. read more

Wonderful Easter Brunch! The Easter Brunch did not disappoint, with a large buffet that included omelet station, shrimp cocktail, crab legs, egg benedict, and more! The servers were attentive to make sure we got our bottomless mimosas and other drinks. The desserts were beautiful and i especially enjoyed the cannoli. The buffet brunch is a special occasion event, so we will be looking out for the next holiday to enjoy this again. read more

well- I previously submitted a great review- all the reviews I agreed with- pleasant, nice environment, good place for family outings. but- and hopefully only temporary- I do about once a week-at least three times a month with friends after a hike- I just want to point out how plus or minus an experience can me. Last week we had a close to hostile bar tender sitting at the bar. we asked for a menu after enjoying a drink and deciding to get a bite...but she snarled at us- I asked you- I guess you were too busy talking but I asked you. I don't know there were a few other sentences but overall a feeling of being harranged. she may have asked- I apologized if I hadn't heard her--- basically left feeling that if that b** is on shift, we will not stop there again. I just think that in this time of restaurants- even good and proven ones- that the first line is the first line and definitely the make it or break it in a favorable experience. I am sad this woman was apparantly so unhappy to make our experience so unpleasant to think twice before going back. very unpleasant avoid her at all costs. read more

I am Updating my review with some pictures. Still great food, service and ambiance. This is a must try restaurant in the San Pablo/Richmond area read more

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Service is great! Food is amazing. Bar has great selection, always busy...happy hour is awesome! read more

Love this place, I only go for the all-you-can-eat buffet (Holidays only), but they NEVER disappoint. Fresh food, friendly faces, warm smiles, service is great, and staff is VERY accommodating. The price point is awesome, and the atmosphere is authentic. read more

I am glad I gave La Strada another try. I must admit it is pretty much my go to for Italian food in the area. Favorites are chicken parm and piccata but everything is good. Service has been top notch and the bread and garlic oil is still the best. read more

Had birthday dinners there and food's always good service was excellent. I live in San Lorenzo at in San Pablo so it's a little ride to get there. read more

Came here on a date and enjoyed our meal! Sampler: 10/10. Everything was delicious and it looked so pretty. Fettucine Carciofi, and added chicken: 8/10. It's super filling and tasty. Fettucine Alfredo w/ chicken: 9/10. My date said it was amazing. I had a small taste and the sauce was in fact amazing. They also give you focaccia bread with garlic infused olive oil that is to die for. I would literally come back just for that alone!! Our waiter Albano was amazing! He was friendly, knowledgeable, prompt, and was always available without being too intrusive. Don't let the place deter you. It's in a shopping plaza, but some of the best places are in nondescript places ;) Highly recommend! Plenty of parking. read more

Chefs kiss. I've been here several times. Calamari is good. Pastas chefs kiss. Pizza is authentic. Cioppino is flavorful. Chicken parmasean is BOMB and my go to with their fresh bread. Definitely not a salad spot... didn't care for their salads. All other items I have tried were awesome. read more

The food is great. We been there for 2x already and we will come back. The service is good. Thank you Carlos. The place is romantic. Good to bring your dates here read more

La Strada - Pollo picata, sea food resoto and paella. - Italian Near Me - San Pablo, California

Great place, white table cloths, etc. Great if you are going that way A must when near church st.

Service is reliable and professional. The food is bland. It's not my type of Italian food.

Spacious restaurant with lots of food option, do not go there if you are on a diet though ! The service is nice but the wait time can sometimes be long if you do no have a reservation. read more

We keep on coming back. This is our civic group's usual restaurant location. It is also a favorite for my ex and me. We go out to dinner (I check on him for the kids to make sure he is eating as he doesn't eat as often as he should). He can't eat anything spicy (Pepper is too spicy). So, they make his food so nicely without it. Always filling and enough for us to take half home for later. So, if you are an Italian food snob, this might not be your place. I like both good old traditional American Italian food, fancy Italian and also love eating in Italy (Tuscan is my fave). But when your stomach says, "I want something dependable, traditional, easy on the budget and stomach, tastes good, and has good bread". Well, that means we head to La Strada. My partner and I like it here too. We like the lasagna and the ex likes the salmon. We like the wine, the ex likes Coke. We like all the desserts, and the ex likes vanilla ice cream. We are one happy family. Really! Convenient! It's a hop skip and a jump from the ex's house. And a nice short drive when it's not commute hours. My partner and I come from Oakland. It's easy to find too! And we never have issues parking. You might be able to get fancier Italian food elsewhere but nothing is as convenient, traditional, dependable, at a decent price point, and free parking at La Strada. We are always treated like family there. read more