A great Italian meal is a symphony of tradition and flavor. Think handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and sauces simmered for hours. In Hayward, the best spots deliver that perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh in every bite. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to break the bank for authentic, soul-satisfying food. Forget overpriced trends—these are the real deals.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (510) 782-6385 | WEBSITE
The breadsticks at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant have a beautiful golden crust just begging for a food writer to break apart. Their shrimp carbonara is generous and has red pepper flakes peeking out of its creamy sauce. The signature salad and peach bellini tea have a pleasant freshness to them and are the perfect companion for these gracefully oversized pasta dishes. The best place to sit and enjoy a meal is at a booth where you have the best view of their bustling kitchen.
And to drink, get the peach bellini tea that’s the kind of sweet housemade version we love with a savory pasta.
Edgewater Pizza
$ | (510) 887-7900 | WEBSITE
We know this isn’t Naples. But it’s nearby, and this list wouldn’t feel right without this Hayward spot that’s so good at making pizza, they put it right in their name. The pizzas here are larger than a dinner plate but smaller than a hubcap, so you can share a 14-inch between two people perfectly. Texturally, it’s in the ideal zone all pizzas should target—crispy crust while still keeping a chewy bite.
The tang in their tomato sauce is restrained enough to let these flavorful rounds be the true headliners.
Acqua e Farina
$$ | (510) 888-1568 | WEBSITE
Acqua e Farina is where you should have your Italian dinner. The restaurant feels like a cozy neighborhood spot with its warm lighting and regulars who chat with the staff about the daily specials. The flavor, portion size, and execution of their dishes are almost the same as the ones from the other top Italian places in town, which are just a short drive away. But these ones are slightly better. Specifically, their Chicken Marsala is the winner.
It has an intensely flavorful sauce with perfectly cooked chicken. Come on a weekend when they serve their complimentary ice cream for special occasions while soft Italian music plays in the background.
Buon Appetito
$$ | (510) 247-0120 | WEBSITE
Every dish here is good, but you should come for the margherita pizza. There’s an immediate jaw-drop moment when this perfectly charred masterpiece arrives at your table. It does indeed justify the word “margherita” with its vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. It’s richer than their regular pizzas, but nothing a little extra napkin can’t handle. Their Caesar salad is heavy on the garlic, but not unpleasantly sharp.
A bottle of red wine and some mushroom ravioli shared with a few friends is a Saturday evening well spent here.
Ristorante Di Parma
$$ | (510) 885-9943 | WEBSITE
This is the only Italian restaurant in Hayward we’re aware of. And if you’re coming to Ristorante Di Parma strictly for pasta, then please get their Penne alla vodka. The vodka sauce here is the best we’ve had in Hayward. It’s rich, flavorful, and really shines through their perfectly cooked penne. The spaghetti and meatballs is also an excellent choice.
And they serve their ribeye steak with juicy vegetables and a special birthday surprise plopped on top, which gives you the same rush of satisfaction you get after a perfect meal (or so we’ve experienced).
Rigatoni’s Fresh Italian Grill Hayward
$ | (510) 785-9300 | WEBSITE
Just because it isn’t called la casa della pasta doesn’t mean you shouldn’t order it here. The shrimp fettuccine has a creamy exterior, isn’t too heavy, and a generous portion makes for a substantial meal. The fettuccine alfredo mixture is heavier on the cheese, which pairs great with the self-service bread station. Eat it with a soda from the fountain and consider it the most affordable Italian you can get in Hayward.
Straw Hat Pizza
$ | (510) 265-0111 | WEBSITE
The lunch buffet at Straw Hat Pizza is the most generous on this guide. There’s no skimping, which works because the attentive service ensures dishes are regularly replenished. If for some reason you’re restricted to a single slice, get their chicken bacon ranch pizza. The flavor, crust, and generous toppings are delicious and pair well with their clean, family-friendly atmosphere. Pizza hour here is best enjoyed in their spotless dining area, which faces Hayward’s suburban streets.
This experience, with a slice and welcoming staff, is the most Hayward way to spend your afternoon.