Downtown Walnut Creek’s dining scene has changed fast over the past few months. While North Italia recently opened at Plaza Escuela next to the Cheesecake Factory, another major Italian concept officially joined the mix today with Doppio Zero opening on North Main Street.
North Italia’s arrival was especially notable because the restaurant took over the former Tilly’s clothing store space at Plaza Escuela, transforming a longtime retail storefront into a large modern Italian restaurant just steps from North Italia’s sister brand, the Cheesecake Factory.
Now with Doppio Zero opening downtown as well, Walnut Creek is quickly becoming one of the East Bay’s biggest hubs for upscale Italian dining. The city now has multiple high-profile Italian concepts spread across downtown, including Original Joe’s, Montesacro Walnut Creek, and the newly opened North Italia.
Doppio Zero brings a slightly different style to the mix, focusing more heavily on traditional Neapolitan pizza and Southern Italian dishes, while North Italia leans toward modern, upscale Italian-American favorites, including handmade pastas, pizzas, cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere.
Between Plaza Escuela, Broadway Plaza, and North Main Street, downtown Walnut Creek has continued to shift toward experience-focused dining destinations as more former retail spaces are converted into restaurants and entertainment venues.
