WALNUT CREEK, CA (Apr. 30, 2025) — This year, Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Walnut Creek entered its second quarter century in operation. Its walls feature pictures and memorabilia showing the history of a proud Italian-American family.

Rocco Biale started the establishment in 1999. Born in San Francisco, he lived with his family in the upstairs unit of his grandfather Giovanni’s butcher shop on Potrero Hill. Rocco’s father Mario owned and operated several bars. He was most known for Bimbo’s 365 Club, which began as a speakeasy in the 1930s and later moved to its present location on Broadway as a nightclub.

When Rocco was 12, his dad retired and moved the family to Concord. Rocco graduated from Mt. Diablo High School.

As a youth, he continued the family tradition of being employed in the restaurant trade. The local places where Rocco worked included the Hungry Tiger, Abernathy’s and El Charro. He also spent a three-year stint in his uncle Rudy’s Italian restaurants in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Rocco’s wife Jacquie’s mom successfully operated Maria Elena’s on Monument Boulevard in Concord for 19 years.

For Rocco, it came to the point when “I got tired of toiling 70 hours a week for others while still struggling to support my family. It was definitely time to open my own place.”

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Family recipes

The menu at Rocco’s has basically remained the same, composed of family recipes and dishes from restaurants where he previously was employed. Added to the well-made Italian cuisine is Rocco’s love of family, music and sports reflected in the ambiance at the 7,000 sq. ft. facility.

Pizza is the foundation for the restaurant’s success. On top of a crispy yet substantial crust is his Nona’s red sauce. Abundant cheese and toppings are all first class. The pepperoni and other meats are thick, unlike with many competitors who cut theirs razor blade thin to economize.

If one does not care to eat Rocco’s trademark delicacy, the pastas are also excellent. They remind me of family-style North Beach restaurants I frequented while living in San Francisco.

The abundant meatballs and spaghetti are a winner. Purchased to-go with a salad, garlic bread and a bottle of wine, it can easily feed an entire family.
My favorite pasta is the cannelloni, stuffed with a meat ragu and covered by melted mozzarella cheese. Not to be missed is the linguini and clams, along with the lasagna.

Rocco’s also takes pride in a risotto dish that is a good companion to broiled salmon or as a stand-alone item. I would be remiss in not mentioning the Caesar salad, which I always order with extra anchovies.

Building community

Unlike other pizza restaurants, Rocco’s does not issue coupons to attract patrons. Instead, they offer daily specials to reward their loyal clientele. These include discounts on pizza, wine and beer.

Rocco’s community involvement also augments his success. Each month, local charities including school groups, sports teams, and the Girl and Boy Scouts receive 15-20 gift baskets to raffle off at their fundraising events. “Our donations are good for business and create a loyal following for our restaurant,” Rocco said. “This is the best advertising we can hope for.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Rocco’s sent pizza each week to feed healthcare workers at nearby Kaiser and John Muir Medical Center.
“During this time, when table service was prohibited, thanks to our loyal customers, our take-out business helped us stay afloat,” Rocco reflected.
Much of Rocco’s success is due to consistent quality cuisine and service. Chef Taco Nunez, Hector Ortiz and Shannon Killoran have all been working there since it opened. His children Dominic, Dante and Nina, along with many other employees, have given more than 10 years of service.

Rocco attributes this longevity to “loyalty, availability, being a team member, along with providing a strong family environment that has evolved over the years.”

He also takes pride in “giving a first job to hundreds of kids who later became good customers.”

Rocco currently has no plans for retirement.

“My friend Kevin is closing the Walnut Creek Yacht Club after 29 years. This makes one ponder the future,” he noted, “but for now we hopefully will move forward as a valued member of the community.”

Located in the shopping center at 2409 Ygnacio Valley and Oak Grove roads, Rocco’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They can be reached at 925-947-6705 or roccospizzeria.com.

Contact Rich Eber at richeber9@gmail.com.