New Pleasanton Restaurant Seeks To Give 'True Italian Experience'

PLEASANTON, CA — Locanda Amalfi, an Italian restaurant in downtown Pleasanton, opened this month to Tri-Valley diners.

The Neapolitan restaurant at 349 Main St. offers diners the "true Italian experience," said owner Enzo Rosana, who was raised near the Italian city of Naples.

Rosana's mother, founder Mama Carmela, is among those working behind the scenes in the kitchen. She's the mastermind behind menu items such as meatballs and lasagna, while the Naples-born pizza chef serves up authentic Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, he said.

To help diners out during the pandemic, Locanda Amalfi is offering a $50 family special that feeds four people and includes an appetizer, two pasta dishes and a pizza, Rosana said.

The restaurant offers canopy-covered outdoor seating with heaters for 40 to 50 people. It has expanded into two outdoor parking spots to accommodate more diners, Rosana said.

Locanda Amalfi has two sister restaurants — Locando Ravello in Danville and Locanda Positano in Lafayette.

Rosana initially hoped to open the Pleasanton restaurant about six months ago, but the coronavirus pandemic posed difficulties. Fortunately, his landlord was understanding and offered him some help.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on small businesses and restaurants across the country. Dozens of Bay Area favorites have closed this year, Bay Area News Group reported this week.

"By far, this [restaurant] was the most challenging because of this pandemic," he said.

Rosana hopes to open a fourth establishment, Locanda Wine Bar, in March or April at 2293 First St. in Livermore.

Contact Locanda Amalfi at 925-249-5484 and visit the restaurant during the following hours:

Monday

Closed

Tuesday to Thursday

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

4:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday

11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday

11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the Pleasanton Patch