• Located in Northern California's East Bay region, the city of Concord sits 30 miles east of San Francisco. According to 2010 U.S. Census projections, Concord plays host to 129,000 residents. The diverse city features many eclectic restaurants, including Persian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese and Italian eateries scattered throughout the region.
  
  

Toscana Ristorante

• Toscana Ristorante sits amidst Concord's Salvio Pacheco Square, a Mediterranean-styled courtyard featuring various restaurants and cafes. The restaurant includes a high-end setting, featuring white cloth-covered tables, wood furnishings and an outdoor patio outfitted with a fountain. Utilize the surrounding street parking or the free parking garage situated near the restaurant. Toscana Ristorante's wine menu features selections from Australia, Italy and California. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu, as well as a special menu for children and vegetarians, the latter of which includes such samplings as pumpkin ravioli, tortellini pesto and eggplant Florentine.
  
  

Bravo Italian Bistro

• Although Bravo Italian Bistro sits next to a gas station, the restaurant offers a sophisticated decor complete with red curtains, dark wood furnishings, recessed lighting and a grand piano used to provide live music Thursday through Saturday night. The outdoor dining patio features black tablecloths and tiki torches. The menu offers a sampling of Italian cuisine, including such fare as seafood lasagna, spinach ravioli, penne with chicken, eggplant and pomodoro sauce. Guests will find parking in the attached lot. Long waits occur on Friday and Saturday evenings. Call ahead for reservations.
  
  

Melo's Pizza & Pasta

• Located in Pleasant Hill, just three miles from Concord's city center, Melo's Pizza & Pasta sits in a strip mall and includes its own private parking lot. Dating back to 1971, the family-owned restaurant features a casual interior complete with counter and booth seating. The menu offers a sampling of New York style, thin crust pizza and regional pastas found throughout Italy. Specialty pizzas include four cheese Margherita, veggie delight and a West Coast offering featuring ham, linguica, olives, salami and mushrooms. The restaurant also includes an extensive wine menu, as well as take-out and catering services.