Pennini’s and Michael’s Restaurant share a space — and you can order from either menu whether you’re dining in or taking out. It’s a unique setup that gives you the best of both worlds: Italian comfort food and a full bar menu.
The Concept
Two menus, one location. Dining in the Pennini’s side? Feel free to order from Michael’s. Getting takeout? Mix and match. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes this a neighborhood favorite.
What to Order
From Pennini’s:
- Pasta dishes — Hearty, traditional preparations
- Italian sandwiches — Good for lunch or takeout
- Classic appetizers — Garlic bread, bruschetta
From Michael’s:
- Burgers and bar food — When you want American comfort
- Cocktails and beer — Full bar selection
The ability to order from either menu at any table is genuinely useful — especially with kids who want chicken fingers while parents want linguine.
Local Lore
Pennini’s has been feeding Moraga families since the late 1980s — making it one of the longest-running restaurants in town. The dual-concept with Michael’s evolved over time, with the bar side giving parents somewhere to grab a drink while kids demolished breadsticks. It’s become a rite of passage for Lamorinda families: kids who grew up eating spaghetti here now bring their own children. The staff knows regulars by name, and there’s always someone waving across the room. That’s not marketing — that’s just how Moraga works.
Good to Know
- Location: Moraga Way, in the Moraga Shopping Center area
- Family-friendly — This is a neighborhood spot, not a date night destination
- Takeout-friendly — Popular for quick pickups
- The bar side (Michael’s) — Good for a drink while waiting for your table or your order
- Parking: Easy — it’s Moraga