Massimo Ristorante is a lovely little restaurant in the town of Walnut Creek, California.

Walnut Creek is a strange place to someone who lives in England. Parts of it just seem fake, almost like a film set featuring a stereotypical Desperate Housewives set of suburbs!

That said, it is an affluent area and that’s reflected in the quality of the buildings, retail outlets and dining/drinking establishments.

This restaurant does nothing to wipe the oddness from your mind, but as long as you embrace it rather than balk at it, you’ll have a great time.

Massimo Ristorante is fairly upmarket, you don’t go there for pizza and beer, you go for exceptionally well cooked meals and wine, and if you know your wine (unlike me, although my companion did) you’ll know they have a great selection. We partook of a 2004 Concannon Petit Sirah (Livermoor) and consumed several bottles, it really was very nice indeed. The waitress was very knowledgeable and helpful when it came to selecting it, and made sure our glasses weren’t empty for long periods!

The food is delicious, I opted for a caesar salad to start which was fresh, crisp and tasty, followed by a daily special of organic wholeweat spaghetti bolognese for my main course. It was fantastic, unlike any spag bol I have had before - and for the better. Bread rolls were available in abundance and the menu is extensive with something for everyone - fish, poultry, lots of pasta, meat and vegetarian options.

Desert didn’t pass my lips, but only as I was enjoying the wine too much.

We spent the whole evening in there, and as it was just before Christmas the atmosphere was fantastic. To complete the stereotypical feel, there was a guy playing piano in the corner of the restaurant, Barry Manilow style (although without the singing, so no renditions of Mandy there!), and a party of kids came in (about 6 or 7 years old I guess), all the girls dressed in posh frocks and all the boys in bowties and trousers - very cute but very American!

None of which is a complaint, it all added to the experience.

The decor makes the whole place feel classy and spacious, but still has an air of friendliness that was very evident so late in the evening. The staff made you feel welcome and were very attentive.

A huge thumbs up from me.