Sweet looking cherry-red Ferrari spotted in downtown Walnut Creek.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the giant Restoration Hardware project that was going to replace Neiman Marcus, which closed in 2021, has been withdrawn. According to the city development project page, the application was withdrawn on June 1st.
1399 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Milky Flakes appears to be an ice cream shop headed to downtown Walnut Creek, which would bring the area to an unbelievable eight ice cream spots—plus one frozen yogurt shop!
Check for updates on their Insta here. Did I miss any?
1500 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
The former Vineyard Vines space in downtown Walnut Creek is getting a much sweeter replacement.
Bacio di Latte, an Italian gelato shop, is expected to open in September, bringing gelato, espresso, and a Bacio Affogato Bar to the busy downtown corner. Vineyard Vines, which had been open in Walnut Creek for more than a decade, closed earlier this year.
The new gelateria will offer 22 flavors, including Pistacchio, Giandujotto, Cioccolato Belga, Crema & Biscotti, and Salted Caramel, along with seasonal specials. Gelato will be made in-house daily, according to the company. Check out their flavors here.
One feature to look for is the Bacio Affogato Bar, where scoops of gelato are topped with freshly pulled Italian espresso. For anyone who has trouble choosing between coffee and dessert, this should make the decision easier.
The shop’s design is expected to follow Bacio di Latte’s usual look: a bright, Italian country kitchen-inspired space with hand-glazed tile, wood details, shelving, and kitchen tools used as decor.
For downtown Walnut Creek, the opening marks another shift from retail to food and drink along Mt. Diablo Boulevard — and gives the neighborhood a new spot for a post-dinner scoop, afternoon espresso, or both.
1548 Locust St Walnut Creek
In March, we learned that Matsu “Charcoal Fire Yakitori” would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek, right next to Toyosu (same owners), and they have now opened. Check out their menu below:
1522 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
In January, we learned that Doppio Zero would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where PRIMA Ristorante used to be, and they have now opened. Check out their Walnut Creek menu here. How does this compare to North Italia which opened in April?
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Earlier this year, we learned that gorjana would be relocating within Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, and they have opened in a prime spot near the fountain. Check out their online selection here.
1619 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
Mattress company Saatva is coming to downtown Walnut Creek, appropriately taking the place of Sleep Number, which had been at this spot for over 13 years. (I miss the tenant before that, Le Creuset.) Check out their online selection here.
From their website:
Since its founding in 2010, Saatva has championed sleep as a foundation of well-being. Guided by purpose-driven values and a belief that rest unlocks a superpower in all of us, Saatva empowers people to feel, perform, and live at their best.
1630 Cypress St, Walnut Creek
Last year, we learned that Marufuku Ramen would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Extreme Pizza used to be, and they have now opened as of yesterday. Check out their website here.
