LITA
Restaurant · Walnut Creek ·

LITA

Restaurant · Walnut Creek ·

Caribbean favorites, cocktails, and brunch amid Miami-inspired decor

oxtail
jerk chicken
empanadas
mango margarita
ceviche
brussel sprouts
cocktails
plantains
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Information

1602 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Get directions

$20–30

Order delivery
See Menu
Usually a wait
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Lunch reservations recommended
Popular for dinner

Information

Static Map

1602 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Get directions

+1 925 933 5482
litawalnutcreek.com
@litawalnutcreek

$20–30 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Lunch reservations recommended
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Trendy

Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Walnut Creek | Eater SF

"Lita is one of the newer restaurant options in Walnut Creek, debuting in early 2022, and brings with it a fun, scene-y vibe that fits its Latin Caribbean cuisine and drinks. The lobster corn dog or the empanadas are a fun way to kick things off, food-wise, and the ancho chile coffee short ribs is worth considering if you’re staying for a meal. Grab a cocktail during happy hour (or, anytime really), such as the mangonada margarita, which comes with a chamoy and Tajin rim." - Dianne de Guzman

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-walnut-creek-east-bay-eat-drink
LITA
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

New San Francisco Restaurants: Voyager Coffee in Cupertino, Grand Coffee Too in the Mission | Eater SF

"Described as a hot new East Bay destination, Lito fuses modern Cuban and Jamaican dishes and debuted January 22 with a Miami-inspired menu." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/2022/2/1/22912773/new-restaurants-bars-open-san-francisco-bay-area
LITA

G C

Google
Went here for our anniversary, and the experience was amazing from start to finish. We were greeted right away and asked how we were doing, which made us feel welcomed and taken care of. The restaurant is very clean, organized, and has a classy, bougie aesthetic with a beautifully designed interior that sets a great atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive, always checking in, refilling our water, and making sure our table was perfect. Since it was our anniversary, they even surprised us with a complimentary glass of champagne and free ice cream, which made the night feel extra special. The food was outstanding. Everything was full of rich flavor and cooked perfectly. I ordered the Caribbean bowl with oxtail, if came with two large, tender pieces that were packed with flavor and generous in size. I also tried the curry empanada, which was crispy, savory, and full of delicious seasoning. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience from service to food, and the added anniversary touches made it unforgettable. Highly recommend for any special occasion!

Phillip V.

Google
Lita in Walnut Creek is a gorgeous, high-end restaurant with stunning décor and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. We went on a Monday night without a reservation and were seated right away at a great table — no hassle at all. The Monday special was a three breaded shrimp taco plate served with three different salsas — absolutely scrumptious, and a great deal at only $15. My wife ordered Lita’s Steak dinner with Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and both dishes were outstanding. The steak was top-notch and perfectly paired with the plantains and rice. The Brussel sprouts were phenomenal, served with a flavorful curry sauce that really stood out. Our server, Dominic, was excellent — attentive without being overbearing. He anticipated everything, bringing drink refills before we even had to ask, and his recommendations were spot-on. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience with great food, service, and atmosphere. We’ll definitely be returning.

Eatingblacksandiego

Google
My wife and I drove here from San Jose just to off a review that we saw on Tik Tok. The drive was well worth it and I’d do it again. The food was 10/10. My wife had the oxtail which fell off the bone. It was seasoned to perfection and the tenderness was next level. The oxtail was around $40 which I’d pay for everyday of the week. I had the shrimp curry pasta which was excellent as well. I recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants a great dining experience. The wait time was about 25 minutes for the bar and 1 hour plus for a table but for this food I see why.

Brenda S.

Google
I could write a book about Lita's, their Food, Service and Atmosphere are Stellar. Under the Direction of Executive Chef Sean Streete the Variety, the Presentation, and The Taste of the Food is like no other Experience you'll Ever have. Do yourself a Favor and check them out. I've invited 2 and 22 people at different times and All my Guests brags to Everyone about Lita's.

Shauna P.

Google
Salt cod fritters were light but flavorful and quite crispy but not greasy. Garden salad was fantastic and they sell it in half portions which are still large. Oxtails were so well cooked, soft and succulent. The mushroom quesadilla was fantastic, deeply savory. Lightly crispy and lightly cheesy, the mushrooms were the star. They were so filled with umami. The whole meal was $100, tax and tip included, a very special treat.

Roy S.

Google
Fantastic food, excellent service Ashley was our se r ver. She was very patient and explained our questions about the dishes. Two of us were shellfish allergic and she pointed out all the amazing dishes available. The decor was great. Parking was at a premium. We definately will be back soon. We found it on the ,"Check Please site."

J L.

Google
Wish we could give Half Stars because it would be a 4.5 Overall Experience. The lethargic Service almost dropped it a full star but the food can't totally suffer due to 1 Waitperson's lackadaisical ways. GET the Black Pepper Shrimp! A MUST!! Plump, juicy, fully flavored Asian-esque. Plantains thankfully were sweet, ripe and caramelized properly. Had a hybrid salad of the greens with the white Strawberries, Balsamic but added Grilled Shrimp, which came with the Chimichurri. The Chimichurri...and Shrimp was PHENOMENAL! It burst with FLAVOR so much so, when the shrimp were gone, we ate the sauce solo. Passionfruit Dressing full of tropical deliciousness on the side. Ceviche Verde was okay. Needs more flavor, heat and acid. It came with the Spiced Chips, which were messy and lacked flavor. A little salt goes a long way! GET the Mango Margarita, the only one that comes with the Popsicle. It can almost be its own meal, as it's literally pureed Mango flesh, which gives the 'Cicle great meatless and heft. The Passionfruit Mojito was equally as delish but sans a popsicle. The Guava Margarita was on the weaker side. As an honorary Island Gyal, who consumes tropical fruits on a regular, the Guava could use fresh infusion. They made butter noodles with a side of their cheese emulsion, which they normally use for their Mac & Cheese. One of our younger patrons wouldn't eat their regular M&C, so they saved a table of would-be tears by bringing a side of the emulsion to add to the noodles. The Yute was happy! Lastly, we had the Baja Taco, which was ONLY 1 with 1 Beer Battered piece of Cod. Should've AT LEAST been 2 for $11. Typical Slawed and good nonetheless. Overall, would definitely return. It's a vibe. Had great music. All crowds were welcomed and everyone was chic but laid-back. Sexy and safe place for a 1st date without breaking the bank but showing a great time with class, too. Street and Parking Lot up the block.

Paul R.

Google
We had brunch at Lita this past Sunday. We arrived early, so there was no wait for a table. What a fun place! The service staff are incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is "island-camp." All kinds of interesting foods on the menu. I'm vegetarian and had no problem selecting several options. Everyone agreed that this was one of our better restaurant experiences. By noon the place was busy and yet even with several large groups the noise level was low and we could easily hear each other. Try out Lita - it may end up on your list of favorite Walnut Creek spots.
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Vanessa W.

Yelp
I came here with some girlfriends for some much-needed catch up over dinner and LITA was the perfect spot. The space was dark and stylish, yet energetic, with a lively atmosphere that made it great for a night out. Our server was kind, attentive, and gave great insight into the menu. We started with the LITA trio, a flight of all three ceviches they offer, paired with yuca and plantain chips. The ceviches were bright and fresh, making it the perfect appetizer to start the meal with. Our drinks were delicious and well balanced. For the main course, we went with the family-style special and chose the jerk chicken as our main, along with rice and peas and spicy red cabbage for sides. The flavors were bold and smokey, and we loooved the spicy kick the dishes had. Overall, great ambiance with amazing food and drinks. I am looking forward to my next visit!
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Frannie J.

Yelp
I am coming from Sacramento area and this IS One of the best dinners I have had this year ! Food is amazing, service is top noch , ambiance is so beautiful! Thank you guys for an amazing dinner will be back very soon.
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Delroy B.

Yelp
LITA was an amazing experience the kind of place that feels like a full moment, not just dinner. The ambiance is beautiful and very elevated, but still warm and inviting. The food was so flavorful and well plated, everything tasted fresh and high quality. Service was also top-tier: attentive, friendly, and made the whole night feel smooth and special. Perfect spot for date night, girls night, celebrating something or just out with the family. Definitely coming back.
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Chaye U.

Yelp
Good food Good ambiance Good decor Good service This is a really good spot for happy hour, lunches and dinners
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Rahul A.

Yelp
Lita offers fantastic food in a bright and modern interior for a good price. The food and drinks are both flavorful and pack a punch. I enjoy the twists on classic foods like guacamole, to which they add pineapple. Food was served hot and quickly, and we appreciated the server's recommendations.
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Joyce Z.

Yelp
Check Please Bay Area put Lita on my radar and with the exception of the curry goat, went with some of the crowd pleasers mentioned on the episode. Coconut curry chicken empanadas, salt cod fritters, and guava kampachi ceviche (adding the yucca chips) to start, followed by the tender braised oxtail and curry goat with mofongo. The empanadas and salt cod fritters were both very rich so I could've made a meal out of the apps while the guava kampachi ceviche was light and refreshing and my favorite dish of the night. It would've been nice if a portion of yucca chips for the ceviche was included with the order instead of an additional purchase. The goat was spicier than I expected so I did not eat much of that which meant more tender oxtail for me. Good sized portion that gave me leftovers for the next day.
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Dana S.

Yelp
Ambiance - 5/5 Food - 4/5 Service - 4/5 Overall great meal. Oxtail - the sauce with the rice and peas + the plantain were a delicious combo. Cod fritters - loved these and would order again. Macaroni pie - Similar to Mac n cheese, but was okay. Paired nicely with everything else though. Jerk Chicken - tasty and juicy. But nothing memorable. Donut Holes - best donut hole I've ever had. Delicious. Will order again. Pineapple upside down cake - YUM. Very sweet but so flavorful. Loved the marriage of coconut rum ice cream with the moist cake 10/10. The colorful decor and vibrant lights bring a tropical ambiance to the restaurant which I think adds to the dining experience.
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Sarah-Lorraine L.

Yelp
WHY WE WENT HERE: - mother's birthday dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Bonanza St and Locust St - street parking or parking garages available and walk over THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - modern, industrial, and seaside vibes - lounge vibes as well, music is poppin but loud - restrooms are for 1 person occupancy; one of the rare instances where the toilets were black, just a fun fact THE MENU: - starters - signature starters - empanadas - shareables - tacos - ceviches - dinner plates - family style specials - supplements - dessert WHAT WE ORDERED: - coconut curry chicken empanadas - Caribbean beef empanadas - callaloo empanadas - tostones - jerk mushroom quesadilla - pork belly bao - Caribbean street corn - Lita's steak dinner - braised oxtail - black pepper shrimp - curry shrimp pasta - curry goat - Snake River Farms 12 oz tomahawk pork chop - pineapple upside down cake - chocolate passion cake - flavors of key lime - charred pineapple THE TASTE: - everything was great! least favorites were the jerk mushroom quesadilla and Lita's steak dinner CUSTOMER SERVICE: - I believe Matthew was our server and he was excellent!
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Winston L.

Yelp
Solid Caribbean flavors in a beautiful establishment. We initially wanted to get the Braised Oxtail and the Jerk Chicken, but they ran out of Jerk Chicken. So, we ended up getting the Curry Goat instead. Both of them were worth the elevated price: each plate had large protein portions, unique savory flavors, and nice accompaniments. We were able to get seated with no reservation on a surprisingly busy Sunday night. +1 for the great service too!
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Millie B.

Yelp
Friday night equals happening night at Lita's. Without any reservation, our party of 2 dined at the bar. My margarita is appetizing as it is. Popsicle and orchid? That's presentation. I recommend the empanadas and the steak dinner. If you want something spicy, the ceviche gave that extra kick. Our bartender / server took good care of us. We will be back with reservations for sure.
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Rachel B.

Yelp
Lita is a cute Caribbean inspired restaurant in Walnut Creek. The ambiance provides dim lighting, bright colors, and fun decor. Our server was kind and offered recommendations from their lunch menu, cocktail menu, and seasonal options. Everything we tried was delicious! Planning a trip back to try even more items on the menu.
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Dexter D.

Yelp
My birthday is coming up, and I was given two Peruvian restaurants to choose from. One in Oakland and one in Walnut Creek. I was game to try either one and told the hostess to surprise me. And surprise me, she did when she announced that we were going to Lita, a Caribbean restaurant. I always game to try new flavors and I trust my friends to point me in the right direction. While I may not always enjoy everything they suggest, I'm still willing to give things a taste. We have been to the Caribbean before but only on cruise ships. That method of travel doesn't always give you the opportunity to really explore local flavors. You're more likely to discover Americanized versions. After looking over the menu, I found two things that I definitely wanted. The Oxtail Bowl and the Caribbean Street Corn. I would leave everything else in the hands of my wife and our hostesses. Oh my. this is definitely a restaurant that you need to have at least four people to fully enjoy the menu. Two people can't possibly get enough flavors and achieve maximum satisfaction. Tyler was our server and answered all of our questions. He was attentive and efficient and made sure that we were happy throughout the meal. I asked for a glass of ice and we asked for extra utensils for serving. I was only drinking water and 1/2 way through the meal, even though I had some ice left, he asked if I'd like more. For some reason, that rarely happens anymore as servers are kept busy trying to handle larger and larger sections. Curry Chicken Empanadas - 5 - Curry is not the same world over. Japanese Curry does not taste like Chinese Curry, which is different from Singaporean Curry which can be distinguished from Indian Curries. This Curry was mild, the chicken was tender and the crust was tasty. Caribbean Beef Empanadas - 3 - The crust was similar but the Tamarind made the Beef salty to my taste. Tamarind Ahi Tuna with Yuca and Chili Lime Chips - 4 - This was a Caribbean version of Ahi Poke. I think I prefer soy sauce to tamarind. The Ahi itself was very good. The ratio of Chips to Ahi was definitely Chip heavy. Octopus Salad - 5 - Ever since my wife saw a documentary about Octopus, she will no longer eat them. Me? I won't order them but if someone else does, I'll still indulge. The two pieces that I ate were perfectly prepared. Salt Cod Fritters - 5 - Yum. Perfectly crispy, full of flavor with a nice Jerk Aioli. I could eat these all day long. Caribbean Street Corn - 5 - I'm still not sure that I love the Spiced Coconut Crumb but it's a personal texture thing. I love coconut so it really shouldn't be an issue. The corn was sweet and the Allspice-Thyme Butter and Jerk Aioli used to "glue" the Coconut Crumb were really good. A nice variation to Mexican Elote. Trinidadian Doubles - 5 - The name doesn't really describe the dish but the flavors are absolutely spot on and delicious. Fried flatbread as a base with chickpeas, cucumber chutney, tamarind sauce, green seasoning and Mr. Streete's Peppa Sauce. Curry Shrimp Pasta - 5 - Linguine with Shrimp, Curry Sauce, Grape Tomatoes, and Spiced Bread Crumbs with some wine to bind it all together. Oxtail Caribbean Bowl - 5 - Some of the most luscious Oxtails that I've ever been served in a restaurant. I'll never understand why Oxtails cost as much per pound as they do. Every cow has one so it seems like there should be plenty of supply. Are there 100's of 1000's of secretive Oxtail eaters out there driving up the price? Regardless, rinsed, trimmed of some (but not all) fat, slow-cooked in a crockpot or stove top, the bones, meat, and collagen combine for a wonderful warming and filling dish. The only negative that I have about Lita's Oxtails is that because they're served in a bowl, the cold Slaw sits amongst the hot food. Not a huge deal. Definitely worth a return with friends to try more flavors!
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karen g.

Yelp
If you want unique, vibrant Caribbean food plus excellent service, check out Lita in Walnut Creek. I should have taken photos as the food was beautifully presented plus very good! The restaurant itself is sophisticated, fun and great to have lunch or dinner. The oxtail bowl and empanadas were especially tasty. Our server was Alfonso. He was attentive and suggested several dishes. Strongly suggest you make reservations as Lita is quite popular. Thank you!
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Yue L.

Yelp
Took my friend here for her birthday and it's a hip place with nice decor. Can get a little loud so harder to have conversations. We both had the steak and the food is delicious although portions aren't that big for the cost. We thoroughly enjoyed the service and food and had a great time!
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Nedra M.

Yelp
Very nice modern - Latin Caribbean restaurant that feels a bit like a Miami restaurant. The service was good although it took me 2 requests for lemon for my water. Other than that, in it was great. The food. Very very good. The music was nice also. I had an amazing time. Will be back.
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Shruti J.

Yelp
A great find! We were here for a friend's birthday and everything was top notch. As soon as we entered the restaurant we knew we picked the perfect spot. The food, the vibe, the ambiance and service everything was just perfect. Will definitely be back again. Food was healthy as well.
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Joselyn M.

Yelp
Such a nice take on modern, Caribbean cuisine. The presentation was beautiful, but most importantly delicious. We had ordered some empanadas, & all were good... but the one that stood out for me was the chicken one w/ that delicious yellow sauce on top. The guacamole & chips were so good too. The texture of the chips was so nice & light. Guac was nice & fresh as well. For my entree, I ordered the Jerk chicken plate. Very yummy. Authentic flavors too. Ambiance was just as beautiful esp during the day w/ the natural light. Nice modern look, & beautiful marble tables. Service was just as good. Our server was attentive & very patient w/ our big party group. So THANK YOU AGAIN for that!! I highly recommend, & I will def be back if I'm in the area. Keep up the good food & service LITA!! :)
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Randy Q.

Yelp
Went to Lita a Latin Caribbean restaurant on Sunday night to celebrate my daughter's birthday which was not planned. We had reservations at another restaurant in the area, but they canceled our dinner because of bathroom issues. Was not happy and had to choose another restaurant nearby. I thought about Lita because my co-workers and I tried to go here for drinks, but it was too late as they were closing. Arrived at Lita and GM greeted us right away. He was very friendly and professional. He grabbed the menus and seated us immediately in a booth. It was around 7:45 and the restaurant was crowded. The ambiance was great, and place was nicely decorated. Within 5 minutes from being seated the busboy brought us water and our waiter Dominic greeted us. He took our drink order, and my wife asked him for recommendations. He recommended a sour and fruity drink which she loved. I ordered a Cadillac Margarita, and our daughter ordered a gin a tonic. Dominic asked if we had specific tequila and gin for our drinks which was great. He left to order our drinks and came back with 2 shots of a tequila drink and 1 mezcal. He offered them to us on the house. Dominic was on point. Later he brought our drinks which were great and took our order. We ordered the coconut curry chicken empanadas and aqua Chile shrimp ceviche for our appetizers. They provided a nice portion. The food was flavorful and had a little kick and was very delicious. Dominic came back to our table to take our order for the entrees. We asked what he recommended. He said his favorites was the braised oxtail and the curry shrimp pasta. My wife ordered the Lita skirt steak medium rare; my daughter ordered two beer battered wild cod taco and I ordered two oxtail tacos with mac's cheese and added the beer battered wild cod taco. Within 10 minutes our food arrived. The presentation and portions were great. My oxtails tail tacos were the bomb, they had a nice hearty brown saucy and the mac pie was nice and creamy. The cod was nicely fried with a refreshing slaw. My wife's steak was cook to perfection it came with rice & peas, platano maduro and green sauce. After we finished our meal, I met with Dominic secretly to tell him it was my daughter's birthday and asked him to bring a non-dairy dessert. He spoke to the cooking staff about the dairy restriction and brought out the Lita donut holes. They were light and fluffy with canella and sugar. It came with coquito filling (contains rum) in tiny squirt bottle. Nice touch! This place is the best. Try everything, they have an extensive menu. But what made the experience special was having Dominic as a waiter. He made sure that we were enjoy our meal and experience.
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Cynthia P.

Yelp
I was incredibly excited to visit this place. This is the first restaurant my friends and I decided to eat at for our birthday WEEK! We made a reservation prior to the date. I would definitely recommend since this place was pretty full. It seems to be a very popular visit. Parking was easy. There's a parking garage around the corner or you can park street. We started off with some drinks: mango margaritas, lemon drop, jardin de balata, mango mojito! We also got a watermelon beer. The lemon drop was what I ordered and it was yummy! I enjoy when cocktails are stronger (haha just personal preference), and this was def well balanced. My friends really enjoyed the mango margaritas, as it came with a small popsicle in it. For food, we ordered quite a bit to share: Lita trio ceviche: 7/10 I enjoyed the Tamarind Ahi Tuna the most. The Guava Kampachi was on the sweeter side. This dish also came with some chips! I love love love the chips! Tostones: YUMMMMMM!!! The crisp of the potatoes were delicious. The aioli on top was A1!!! 10/10. Octopus Salad: 8/10 octopus was good, and flavorful! The salad dressing itself was good. But I wouldn't say there was anything crazy special about this dish. Half Jerk Chicken w/ plantanos maduros and crispy sprouts: 8/10 . Jerk chicken was delicious. The pieces were a good size! I love the seasoning in it. The plantanos was good, but is not my favorite. Brussel sprouts was spot on! I did not try the curry shrimp pasta or the coconut braised pork belly tacos to review about it, but my friends did enjoy them! Overall, food was great! Service was amazing (especially on a busy Sunday evening), and vibes were immaculate! I would definitely return in the future!
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Jenny P.

Yelp
I've heard of LITA on IG and had a day in Walnut Creek for brunch so I had to go. My party of 3 did not have a reservation so we walked in on Sunday afternoon around 1:30ish and were seated fairly quickly in the patio. The servers were all very attentive. Shortly after we ordered, the drinks came out. We opted for the LITA sangria and Mangonada Margarita - both were delicious! Refreshing for the warm summer day. Food wise, all the dishes came out fairly quickly one after another. The food was honestly pretty good - I came in with expectations that it was gonna be hype. But all the dishes we ordered were sooo good. We ordered: 1. Guava Kampachi 2. Caribbean Beef Empanadas 3. Octopus Salad 4. Oxtail Tacos We had also ordered a pasta but it never came out so we ended up cancelling that dish. Understandable if the kitchen was slammed bc it was packed! Overall, such a vibe, good food and drinks. Would def come back again
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Richard B.

Yelp
We've been going to Lita since they opened and I am such a putz for not reviewing them yet. When in the DubC we frequent this place a lot. The drink menu is extensive. My partner gets the mango drink. You can get it with or without a mango popsicle. I typically have tequila, red wine and/or champs. Also nice food selection. We have had the different ceviches and the Curry Shrimp Pasta for the win. Needs a piece of bread to clean up the last of the sauce in the bowl. We usually sit at the bar. The place can get busy on weekends. There is an outside patio which is unbearable during the Summer but nice in the Fall and Spring. Staff is nice and service is quick. I was pondering between 4 and 5 stars and realized it is totally 5. Shout out to Dominic and the rest of the bar crew!!
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Amber S.

Yelp
Amazing atmosphere, great service, our server was very attentive and checked in often. We ordered the oxtail dinner and the escovich disk meal with rice and peas and plantain and the macaroni pie. Everything was super delicious. The restaurant and intimate and beautifully decorated. The drinks were weak but tasty.
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Max Y.

Yelp
I don't usually go to these types of restaurants, but I was in Walnut Creek, which, let's be honest, has restaurants on every block, and I had been hearing great things about this place. I figured, why not give it a try? Originally, we were going to get poke, but since we had the pups with us, we went somewhere that would allow them to join us while we ate. When we walked up, we noticed they had a water bowl for dogs outside, which was a thoughtful touch, especially since it was such a hot day. We were seated outside, dog friendly of course, and had our own back area where the dogs could relax without bothering anyone. At one point, a larger family was seated behind us, and our big malamute was lying in the walkway. He did not budge, but the family graciously walked around him. Shout out to them for being so kind. The servers were wonderful and genuinely seemed happy to have our dogs there. They even brought out extra bowls of water for them, which we truly appreciated. As for the food, it was excellent. I ordered the jerk chicken sandwich, which was packed with flavor. The chicken was juicy with just the right amount of spice, layered with fresh greens and a tangy sauce that balanced the heat perfectly. The toasted bread had a golden, slightly crisp bite that held everything together without getting soggy. We also tried the burrito, which was hearty and satisfying. It was generously filled with tender meat, rice, beans, and fresh vegetables. Every bite had a great mix of textures and flavors. It came with a side of fresh, zesty salsa that had just enough kick to enhance the burrito without overpowering it. I am really picky about restaurants, and I feel like Walnut Creek's food scene has gone downhill in recent years. This place, however, is worth checking out. The ambience is wonderful, the bar is on point, and the seats inside are so comfortable you immediately feel like you are in a high-end restaurant. Couple things that I didn't like was we only got one menu and I had to ask for a drink menu and I had to ask for another meal menu. We also got poured some still warm water while we were sitting outside. Interesting..... but then all of a sudden we got ice cold water. It was just an interesting thing I think about. But anyways, I do have to say the ice they have in this restaurant is wonderful and delicious. I ordered a couple of the cocktails and they're both delicious one of the cocktails had like a prickly pear and then the other cocktail had a delicious mango Tajin and what is wonderful is that a game where they popsicle!!! What I heard behind me is if you don't want the popsicle the drink is two dollars less. I would've tipped those two dollars more if someone would've told me. Anyways, we ordered a couple dishes. One of the dishes was the jerk chicken sandwich. And let me tell you flavor, flavor, flavor, flavor!!! The bread was crispy and toasty, and that chicken was full and juicy! I believe it was green scallions and yellow onion, but it definitely added a flavor. Make sure to add the pickled Bell peppers that go with the meal. The second dish we got was the curry burrito and let me tell you the size is wonderful but pretty interesting you buy into it and there's chicken and a whole bunch of other stuff that was pretty much really mushy. I love french fries and there was a lot of french fries in there, a lot of chicken in there and I just kind of overpowered the whole entire day. If you want something with a little bit less powerful flavor get this dish. It was a nice curry but if you definitely want a flavor, get the jerk chicken! Look at the menu I posted a whole bunch. I just wanna make sure everybody sees everything because there's a lot to choose from. I have to give this place five stars because I really enjoyed the food the ambience the service and just like having our pups with us was wonderful. No, I want you to know that there is one thing you can definitely fix and bring it down to the whole entire Walnut Creek downtown! I need you to have misters around the back patio! We are certainly not Arizona, but we are getting there and it would be wonderful to be cooled down and have our pups really enjoy their time too. I bet if you start doing this, the whole entire street would join in, but you would definitely be the busy ones!
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Sherica G.

Yelp
Tasty, flavorful and delicious- and this goes to everything we ordered. Prepare your mouth for an explosion of flavors should you decide to come here... nothing is subtle here... in a good way. My first bite on the chips told me it was going to be an adventure tying their food. The chips boasted with flavors of sweet and sour... and it is just chips!! Jerk chicken that came with the cassava risotto has a variety of complementary taste that is really enjoyable. Oxtail was tender and savory. Ceviche has multiple flavors that harmoniously blends together.
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Kristina S.

Yelp
I chose this place for my birthday dinner this year it just looked really fancy and cute. I love the decor and the cozy bar look, the menu looked good I wanted something not too heavy. I was a little disappointed honestly I put birthday on the reservation and even when they checked my id they didn't say anything maybe I should have said something? But the food itself to me was a little over priced and the pork belly taco the pork belly came in cubes on top of the taco so it was awkward to eat, the ceviche was good I liked the chile lime chips a lot I even took it to the movies lol and the mangonada drink was really good too even had a popsicle on top wow. Anyway I probably won't come back there's just a lot better places to go and the costumer service could be better.
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Winston L.

Yelp
Went to Lita for a work event and their space is a good size to accommodate larger groups. We had a group of 8 and had a nice long table outside mostly covered by shade. The food was a bit of a blur, but here is my ranking in descending order: Pineapple Upside Down Cake - the star of the show. Cake is tender, flavorful and shaped like a pineapple! It would be good by itself, but the coconut gelato takes it over the top. Pork Belly Bao - I'm a sucker anything like a wrap. I liked this version of jerk better than the chicken bowl. Chocolate Passion Cake - smooth and creamy with a little tanginess from the passion fruit. There were little bits of spice (allspice?) on top that were overpowering. Tried one and moved the rest to the side. Chicken and Beef Empanadas Brussels Sprouts Macaroni Pie - an interesting macaroni casserole Yum Numb Shrimp - liked the flavor, but the shrimp are buried in greens Jerk Chicken Bowl - jerk seasoning was ok, a little flat. I think the main thing I was missing was texture - like crispy skin on chicken. This was kind of like a stewed chicken with minimal sauce. Tostones - I thought this was a bit of an odd combo. Sauced potatoes with tobiko. LITA Trio - a bit different than I was expecting. A lot of sweetness from the guava and tamarind ones. Charred Pineapple - we asked for the option for flaming pineapple but it wasn't a great idea to try lighting this thing on fire on a windy day. Ultimately, fire or no fire, this didn't deliver on pineapple or the char. It's more burnt flavor than caramelized/grilled flavor. Overall, they definitely have some winners here. For the price, I was hoping for some more consistency across the menu though.
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Morgan P.

Yelp
This was stop #2 for date night and it is a lovely spot for an intimate drink or bite with your person. We got the burrata appetizer which was super tasty but tiny for the price- really tiny. The yuca chips were crispy and salty and I could've eaten a bowl of them. To drink I did the Jardin de Balata which was a solid 7.5/10, however my husbands Rum kissed peach was an 8.5/10! The only thing they could've done to elevate that drink more is do a more luxe peach garnish instead of a canned peach slice. Brûlée it or something! We got the donuts to go for dessert and the coquito you squeeze into them is just divine.
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Alyssa V.

Yelp
Stunning interior! Patio seatings available. 10/10 playlist! Yummy flavors. A little pricey, but worth it for the occasional splurge on a vibey restaurant. Doesn't make sense the need to purchase chips separately from ceviche. Should already be included, but great yuca chip cuts and unique ceviche flavors. Beef Empanadas were yummy, but spicy sauce is slightly overpowering. The sauce IS the star though. Server, Frank, is attentive, kind and knows his menu. Clean restaurant! I'll be back to try more.
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Justice K.

Yelp
This place is a joke, lol. It is aesthetically beautiful, from the interior design to the plating of the food. However, if a tasty Caribbean meal is what you're after, don't make this your destination. The few dishes we tried were amiss. So, we did not bother wasting money on an entree. Tried the mofongo as well the shrimp. I've never had mofongo like this. What I was served were two dense little pucks. It was over spiced, yet managed to have no flavor. The shrimp was pitiful. More cilantro than shrimp, and for $16. Check please! The drinks were fine though. Caribbean food in Walnut Creek? Be serious. Take heed to the other low starred reviews. This is simply a pretty restaurant with pretty food.
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Leilana T.

Yelp
This place is on the corner across from Broderick, which was where we were supposed to eat, BUT the Caribbean music caught my ear. We were greeted right away and the service was great. The drinks were super tasty but I didn't taste much alcohol and the ice was filled 2/3 so it didn't give you a lot. Aside from that, our server Gigi (I think that's her name) was AMAZING! Thanks for being so helpful and personable. The food was spectacular and very tasty.
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Kristina P.

Yelp
Came here for Valentine's Day and had an amazing dinner experience. The food was delicious and the manager and team have high hospitality standards. They made our night and experience really special. And no special treatment--- they were touching all tables and were chatting it up and checking in with all guests that night. It was nice to experience such a high level of service. The food was amazing! EVERYTHING was delicious. The coconut curry chicken empanadas are a must. So are the salt cod fritters. I can't wait to go back, to try more.
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Tiffany M.

Yelp
Very nice casual to classy energy. Staff friendly. Reservations preferred. Attentive staff. I ordered a bowl with blacked shrimp that was plentiful and well seasoned. I also had an app of mushroom quesadilla which was delicious. The star of the meal was Spicy Red cabbage. The spice the crunch the flavor!!! All on point. Must return. For meat eaters...I hear the ox tails are delicious off the dinner menu. Can't wait to go back.
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Katarina R.

Yelp
Tucked into downtown Walnut Creek, this Caribbean gem serves bold flavor with a side of eclectic charm. The interior is vibrant and artsy--think tropical meets funky gallery--and the service? So warm and welcoming, it felt like we were regulars. We started with the ceviche trio, and I still can't stop thinking about the guava ceviche--sweet, tangy, refreshing perfection. The jerk salmon risotto was another standout. Creamy, just the right amount of heat, and the salmon was beautifully cooked with that signature jerk spice kick. Street parking was manageable, and there are a few parking garages within walking distance if you're planning to hang out downtown after. I will definitely be back to try some more dishes!!
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Tiffany C.

Yelp
In the heart of DT Walnut Creek. There's street parking but it is not easy to find a parking spot. We made reservations for a party of four. Employees are attentive but we got rushed out after eating. We spent over $230+ for food and drinks. Waitress said they need the table for another party. For this reason, not sure I like to be back here for eat. We started off by ordering mangonada margaritas. Beautiful drink and tasty. It comes with a popsicle. It's a pretty tasty drink. We ordered pulled pork empanadas, guava ceviche, shrimp pasta, oxtail with bean rice, Mac n cheese pie, and end it with donut holes with rum. I enjoyed the pulled pork empanadas and the curry shrimp pasta. I'm not a huge fan with the braised oxtail as much. It's too salty for my taste. I prefer shrimp ceviche over Guava ceviche. It seems weird with the sweet guava sauce drenched all over the fish and not tasting anything else. Donut hole was good.
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Crystal T.

Yelp
Finally a place that makes rice and peas just like the restaurants in the East Coast! We were so happy that we tried out this restaurant because now we want to go back. Before I talk about the food, I just want to say that there's a parking structure around the corner because locals know that parking is horrible in Walnut Creek. Another thing I wanted to mention is to make reservations ahead of time. This restaurant gets VERY busy. Now for the food. I ordered the trios ceviches with the plantain chips. No regrets there. The curry goat was cooked to perfection. We were surprised when the jerk chicken tacos were served. The portions were more than we expected. If anything, we should've ordered 2 tacos because we couldn't finish it all. My son ordered the skirt steak and he enjoyed that. For dessert, we tried the donut holes with Coquito shots. Thinking about it, got me craving for more. They have a really good drink (alcohol) selection. I ordered the Isle de Tigre. So good, but strong. As for the service, it was excellent. The food was served fast and our waitress was really friendly and attentive to our table. I loved the vibrant colors. Overall dining experience here was A1. Now I know where to go whenever I need my jerk chicken fix. I even made a future dining reservation there while I was at the restaurant lol.
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Laura E.

Yelp
Came here tonight for a friend's belated birthday celebration. I had been wanting to try LITA since it opened a few years ago and two of my friends (including the one whose birthday we were celebrating) liked it. One of my friends made a reservation online so we were seated right away at a booth in the back. We were initially a party of 4 but ended up being 3 as one person couldn't make it. I'm not sure if the friend who made the reservation notified LITA in advance but they didn't give us a hard time that we were down one person. We started off with drinks as well as chips & guac. I had a guava mojito and unfortunately I don't remember which ones my friends had (one was torched). The mojito was sweet but I definitely felt the buzz (so take uber/lyft or have a designated driver!). The chips had the perfect combo of sweet, spicy, and tangy. In fact, I'd go as far to say that they were the best tortilla chips I've had. The addition of pineapple to the guac added a sweetness that I haven't seen elsewhere. For our entrees, we had the rundown, seafood pasta, and jerk salmon. My entree was the rundown - the fish was flaky and the dish itself was tasty but not worth $29 for the portion. I tried the seafood pasta and the jerk salmon. I could definitely taste the spices in the pasta but not overly spicy. The jerk salmon was cooked perfectly and I loved the sweetness of the sauce. Sometimes salmon can be overcooked but not the case here. Our waiter, Dominic, was friendly and patient with our questions. The only issue I had with service was that my mojito was refilled without asking me if I wanted another one and informing me that it would be an extra charge. Fortunately, they took the second charge off the bill when I pointed out that I didn't actually order a second one, Word to the wise, the restaurant is noisy. Sometimes it was difficult to hear/be heard. While LITA is a bit pricey for me to be a regular, I would come back for a special occasion to try more items on the menu. The seafood pasta and the mushroom quesadilla caught my eye, and thanks to my friend ordering it, the jerk salmon.
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Scott W.

Yelp
Lita is a high-energy, hip restaurant with unique, delicious food. Let's go step-by-step: Parking is always a Walnut Creek problem. I suggest parking on the west side (closer to the freeway) and walking a block. We were seated about 20 minutes after our reservation. There is no place to wait inside the restaurant, and no room at the bar, so we and others waited outside. Lita has very limited seating. If you take away the outdoor seating, wow, it's small. They need to expand! We sat near the host stand. That location is far too close to the employees and that table simply needs to be removed. My wife's head was inches from the behinds of the host staff. The cocktails were fun and tasty, and many of us explored the unique margaritas. There were four of us and we shared many items. The ceviche was a real winner, and the spicy house-made chips were fabulous. We all liked the fusion of flavors. Service was excellent: our server knew the menu well and provided good advice. I see in other comments that service can be uneven. Our experience, fortunately, was great. There was a very large table next to us -- 18? -- but it did not impact us. Prices were comparable for this location and style. So, it's a little pricey but not unreasonable. In sum, highly recommended! We look forward to going back.
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Christine F.

Yelp
Reservation was set at 7 ahead of time but didn't get sat until 7:30pm (this was the day before Mother's Day) While I was not promised the time I reserved, the service I experienced upon being seated made up for it. Food and ambiance are up to par which I can see why this spot is always so busy! As for the food, I never had this cuisine so I was excited. The portions are honestly pretty huge. The oxtail was not on the share side of menu and persionally, I felt like it can feed 3 people. The jerk chicken is well seasoned and juicy. I was a fan of the sides as well! Literally there was nothing bad asides from waiting for a hot minute. Their drinks are also pretty strong. I would reccomend going here even if you have to wait past your reservation time!
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Amanda U.

Yelp
Great service and staff. They were friendly, nice, and made my birthday lunch a great celebration. Started off with tuna ceviche and that was delicious. Ordered the brussel sprouts, not a fan of them normally, but the seasoning made it pretty good. Couldn't complain. Ordered the coconut curry chicken. There was good amount of chicken in the curry. I liked the sliced tomatoes, it had a nice little heat to it. But everything on the plate was really good, I would order again. Got a side of the red cabbage. Didn't expect it to be half a read cabbage plates, was expecting it shredded. Nonetheless was good but a bit too vinegar taste for myself. Had an order of the pineapple upside down cake. That was a great finish to lunch. The gelato was a great pairing with the cake.

Mike J.

Yelp
Awesome food and at Atmosphere. Great flavors. Great cocktails. Great service. Great music.
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Gaston E.

Yelp
The chicken empanadas came out hot, flaky, and filled with stewed thigh meat that was juicy and tender. The curry drizzle was light but flavorful. They were excellent but small, easily the tiniest empanadas I've ever had. The salt and pepper shrimp were lightly battered and crisp, about six shrimp total with a forest of microgreens that made the plate look fuller than it was. The lobster corndog looked overcooked at first because of how dark it was but it turned out to be the cornbread style batter. The flavor was solid and the lemon aioli dipping sauce was the best of the three options that came with it. The salmon salad was a standout. The salmon came sizzling with a light jerk marinade that gave it just enough spice. The salad was fresh and colorful with pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a lemon vinaigrette that tied everything together. The coconut curry pasta ended up being one of the best dishes of the night. It tasted like a Caribbean take on Alfredo, creamy and full of depth with just the right balance of salt and curry. Dessert was a deconstructed key lime pie with toasted meringue and coconut ice cream. It looked beautiful but missed the mark without the graham cracker crust, which they reduced to a light dusting instead of a real base. Lita has great flavor and presentation across the board. Portions are small and the outdoor vibe could be better but the food itself makes it worth the trip.
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Carissa H.

Yelp
Lita is a restaurant I will always want to go to. The first time I came here was with my boyfriend in the summer and I tried the skirt steak with chimichurri on top, the coco Lita and the chips and guac to share. The chips are seasoned, absolutely delicious! **I'm not too crazy about the rice that comes with most meals though. This recent time I went for Valentine's Day I got an espresso martini and decided to try the risotto and I was pleasantly surprised since I've never tried risotto. The staff always keeps it classy and efficient here! The food and drinks at this restaurant are always a 10/10. The vibes are great, this restaurant has a moody, intimate and social atmosphere to it. Always a great time at Lita
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Stacie J.

Yelp
This was my choice for my birthday dinner and it didn't disappoint. The restaurant itself is a complete vibe. There was greenery as you walked in giving you an island, Caribbean atmosphere.....I am thinking Curacao!! Everything that I ate was so flavorful and filling. I wanted to stop eating but didn't. Of course there was food that I took home but not much. The drinks are sexy, refreshing, and most importantly....something for everyone. We had 3 different servers because the server for the area was on lunch. I was impressed, the show kept going until our server came back, and she killed it. She was so friendly and accommodating. She also knew the menu and helped us make drink decisions, absolutely outstanding. That coconut gelato with rum raisin sauce though.. Whatever you do, don't miss that. This little joint is putting the WC restaurant scene on the map.
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Devdip S.

Yelp
An unplanned stop in Walnut Creek gave us the chance to explore this Caribbean-style eatery with chic decor and excellent service. We ordered the Tostones, Lita jerk chicken and coconut-braised pork belly tacos, and the black pepper shrimp. Their take on Tostones is unique, garnished with Tobiko for a fun twist. The jerk chicken and pork belly tacos had bold, satisfying flavors and definitely delivered. The black pepper shrimp, however, was a bit of a letdown for me -- the sauce felt overpowering while the rice and beans were under-seasoned. Overall, it's an excellent spot serving creative Latino-Caribbean dishes, with a courteous and helpful staff to match. I'm definitely looking forward to returning and trying more of their menu.
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Eric C.

Yelp
I had been seeing and hearing about LITA and I wanted to love it, but in all honesty it was eh! We came out to celebrate my moms heavenly birthday (it's been on year.) so we popped out. The atmosphere is cool the staff was nice. We had the ceviche, salt and pepper shrimp, and chicken and beef empanada appetizers. The shrimp left a lot to be desired in terms of flavor, the ceviche was cool, the empanadas were fire! I would recommend the beef, but the chicken was also really good. For meals some went with the oxtails, others the salmon, I had the fish! I tasted the oxtails and they were ok at best! But the fish was hit with me! The kind of overdue it with the peppers but the overall flavor on the fish was really good! Try it if you'd like I think it's overall just an ok experience.
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Christy L.

Yelp
Interesting take on Caribbean & Jamaican food! LITA's decorated so nicely, everything is modern and pristine. Our server was so friendly and fun to talk to. We wanted our dishes to be spicy and they were quick to laugh but offer us extra hot sauce to add to the spice of the jerk chicken. As for the food, the oxtail was super tender. All the spices and aromatics were flavorful as well. The plantains were delicious and I'm glad we tried the mofongo as well. I wanted to really like the jerk chicken, but it wasn't as tasty as the oxtail. The sauce on the curry empanadas were also good!! Very good eats :)
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Kyla M.

Yelp
Came here to celebrate a birthday on a Friday night around 7:30. Originally we had a reservation for seven but parking made us a little late. The server over the phone was super accommodating for our large party when we told them about our time delay and it didn't affect our experience at all. I always appreciate flexibility because I know that a restaurant thrives when it's organized. They allowed half our party that went in a separate car to sit before we got there. It was super busy and parking was a bit hard probably based off the timing. We a very friendly server who is definitely doing her best with a full house, she was just a little hard to flag down when we needed her. We had a great time! We were sat in the middle near the hosting table and bar, which was a little cramped, but we didn't mind at all. Just thought I'd mention it in case that's a factor for larger parties (we had 8 people). My friends got appetizers ans loved everything they ordered! I got a lemonade and the Mamacita drink. My margarita was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was not very alcohol tasting, and that's exactly what I was looking for. This is a more expensive restaurant so I paid about $16 for the drink. Not too crazy but definitely not a deal. I tried their guava and mango lemonade which is apparently made in the restaurant. I love a good lemonade so it's very excited to try it. It was honestly a bit overpriced even though it did taste great, I'm not sure what causes a lemonade to cost $9.00 and maybe there's a factor that I don't know about, but it was a normal sized cup and I probably wouldn't get it again even though the flavor was really good. I got an okay buzz off of the margarita, we also did a round of shots. I'm unsure of the name of our shots, but there was a pink one that was wonderful (guava maybe?) and then a white creamy (coconut maybe) one that no one seemed to really love. However, the shots went down really easy so they definitely get points for that. The presentation of everything we ordered was beautiful, so if you're trying to impress somebody, this is definitely the spot. Greta potential for a romantic date night experience! Don't think this is the best place to pregame a night out though.
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Gina G.

Yelp
Lita is such a vibrant and excellent addition to downtown Walnut Creek, bringing a breath of fresh air and excitement to the area. This is definitely a spot to get a little dressed up or add a bit of extra pizazz for! Make reservations ahead of time, this is an extremely popular/head turning spot. This was the second time I frequented Lita with reservations for an outing with friends and truly adore the atmosphere. While smaller inside than one may think from the exterior, very cozy yet lively digs. We've shared the Lita house made chips and dips, Brussel's sprouts, and Pork belly bao for our most recent trip with a few fun rounds of drinks. I still haven't had the Lita lobster corn dog (I know, I know), but third times a charm and already looking forward to the next visit. The food quality, plating, and taste are all there ~ unique dishes, fresh ingredients, a beautiful blend of flavor and visuals. My only qualms, service on a busy Saturday weekend was just okay and didn't unfortunately match the vibrance of the dishes and vibe of restaurant. Other than that, solid outing splurging a bit in the WC!
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Zion H.

Yelp
I loved the food. I will be returning, I haven't had this place before but it blew me away. The food was flawless and the service was amazing. I will say that I would've liked better options for appetizer. Since it was so busy it took a little, but it was so worth it. I will be trying other items in the future but definitely the best meal I've had all year. Amazing work. Also nice ambiance since it was Friday and very busy. Great work from our server likewise.