La Finestra brings upscale Italian dining to Moraga, opened in 2018 by Chef Assadi after the success of his Lafayette establishment. It’s become the go-to spot for special occasions in town — and quietly one of the best Italian restaurants in the entire Lamorinda area.
The Experience
This is Moraga’s answer to fine dining — white tablecloths, careful service, and Italian cuisine that rewards attention. It’s where locals go for anniversaries and celebrations. The menu balances classic Italian technique with California ingredients.
The patio is particularly pleasant on mild spring evenings — Moraga’s cooler temperatures make outdoor dining comfortable even when other areas get warm.
What to Order
Antipasti
- Arancini — Arborio rice balls filled with three cheeses, bread crumb coated and fried
- Gamberi — Chilled jumbo prawns with cocktail sauce
Pasta
- Ravioli del Formaggio — Three-cheese ravioli with mushroom sage butter sauce
- Fettuccine alla Puttanesca — Seafood pasta with shrimp, calamari, salmon, olives and capers
- Lasagne alla Bolognese — Ground beef and sausage with ricotta, baked with provolone
Mains
- Pollo Marsalese — Chicken breast braised with peas and olives in Marsala sauce
- Salmone Scottato — Pan-seared salmon with roasted peppers in gorgonzola cream
- Sogliola alla Piccata — Petrale sole with garlic, white wine, lemon, and capers
Dolce
- Tiramisu — Classic preparation with mascarpone, rum, and espresso
- Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Cake — Individually baked Ghirardelli chocolate with hazelnut
The Backstory
Chef Assadi’s culinary journey brought him to Lafayette in 2003, where he first built a following for his authentic Sicilian-influenced cooking. By 2018, demand warranted a second location, and La Finestra in Moraga was born. The same attention to quality — fresh ingredients, house-made pastas, consistent execution — transferred to the new space. For Moraga residents, it means fine Italian dining without the drive to Walnut Creek or Lafayette.
Late March Tip
Spring evenings at La Finestra are special. Moraga’s slightly cooler temperatures mean the patio is comfortable even as other parts of the Bay warm up. Request outdoor seating for a Tuesday or Wednesday dinner — the weekend rush hasn’t hit, the service is attentive, and you can linger over tiramisu as the evening light fades over the Moraga hills. It’s the kind of weeknight luxury that makes living here feel like a permanent vacation.
Good to Know
- Reservations strongly recommended, especially weekends
- Closed Mondays — plan accordingly
- Lunch service Tue-Fri; dinner-only Sat-Sun
- Also offers catering for events and private parties (great for graduations and family celebrations)
- Upscale but not stuffy — Moraga casual still applies
- A 20% service charge is included on all checks
- Parking in the Moraga Shopping Center lot — easy access