Dining Guide
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DOWNTOWN DISTRICT (Main/Locust Streets) Lark Creek: American Craving meat loaf? This upscale Bradley Ogden restaurant serves American fare with flare, specializing in fresh seasonal produce. Try the Cobb Salad. It's the best. 1360 Locust St., 256-1234. www.larkcreek.com 1515 Restaurant Lounge: California Always bustling for cocktails, flavorful pastas and fresh fish. The heated outdoor patio is a good spot to people watch. 1515 N. Main St., 939-1515. www.1515wc.com Silk Road: Mediterranean Good food served in a lovely patio setting. You can make a meal from the appetizer plate – hummus, tabouli, fresh pita bread and a decadent garlic dipping sauce. 1440 N. Main St., 932-9090. www.silkroadwalnutcreek.com Havana: Cuban Get a long-overdue taste of authentic island cuisine in all its tangy, tropical glory, from fried plantains to black-bean soup and roasted pork lechón, plus fifteen different mojitos. 1516 Bonanza St., 939-4555. www.havanarestaurant.net Hubcaps: American On sunny weekends people eat breakfast on the sidewalk, and after hours you might see actors popping in for a late bite after a show down the street. Burgers, shakes, typical diner food. 1548 Bonanza St., 945-6960. www.hubcapsdiner.com Ottavio Osteria: Italian Chef Valentino Luchin makes incredible homemade pastas and lovingly long-cooked sugos made with wild boar, pork cheeks, and other meats. 1606 N. Main St., 930-8088, www.ottavio-osteria.com Lettuce: American This salad emporium loads farm-fresh produce into generously sized classics and creative new inventions. Soups and sandwiches make perfect matchups. 1632 Locust St., 933-5600, www.lettuce1.net
Sasa: Japanese Upscale izakaya with dazzling décor and decadently fresh fish. Melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is served with better sake than can be found in most of Japan. 1432 N. Main St., 210-0188. www.sasawc.com Prima: Italian Everything’s made on the premises at Chef Peter Chastain’s acclaimed contemporary Italian restaurant. Try the salumeria selection or reserve a spot at a winemaker dinner. 1522 North Main St., 935-7780. www.primaristorante.com. Tender Greens: American Generous soups, salads, entrees and desserts are made with local, seasonal ingredients.1352 Locust St., 937-5100. www.tendergreensfood.com. Café La Scala: Coffeehouse Great buzz and free wi-fi. A favorite for actors and opera singers after rehearsals and shows. They also serve delicious soups and salads.1655 N Main St., 935-7779.
The Counter: American Upscale burger joint where they make it the way you want it, from exotic to classic, and top it with your favorites. 1699 N. California Blvd., 935-3795. www.thecounterburger.com. Tomatina: Italian Part of a Bay Area chain, family-friendly Tomatino serves pastas, pizzas and piadinis. Choose from among thirty-plus toppings. 1325 N Main St., 930-9999. www.tomatina.com. CU Sushi: Japanese. In keeping with its Berkeley reputation for affordable fresh fish, the new WC location has sushi and nigiri specials at 50% off. 1690 Locust St., 274-1767. www.cusushi.com. Va de Vi Bistro: Eclectic Small plates, wine flights in a striking atmosphere. A highlight is sitting outside under the massive oak tree, weather permitting. 1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 979-0100. www.vadevi.com Skipolini’s: Pizza Hand-rolled dough tossed in a fun, kid-friendly environment. This local favorite has been serving great pizza and beer for over 35 years. 1535 Giammona Dr., 280-1100. www.skipolinispizza.com Massimo: Italian Upscale restaurant with a piano bar, serving food from Northern Italy. Perfect for dinner before or after a theatre performance. 1604 Locust St., 932-1474. www.massimoristorante.com Il Fornaio: Italian Italian food so innovative, you'll forget it's a chain. Lovely dining room with lots of outdoor seating in the heart of downtown shopping. 1430 Mount Diablo Blvd., 296-0100. www.ilfornaio.com Vanessa’s Bistro: Vietnamese The menu features steak, spicy salmon tartar and Saigon chicken rolls served in a hip atmosphere.1329 N. Main St., 891-4790. www.vanessasbistro2.com OI-C Bowl: Chinese Fresh, tasty Chinese food served with style in a lovely setting. Don’t miss the bento box lunch specials. 1616 N. Main St., 287-8118. www.oicbowl.com Leonidas: Chocolatier. Pick up a handful of Belgian chocolates from this tiny emporium. Indulge while you sip an espresso at one of the shop’s outdoor tables. 1397 N. Main St., 932-6666. www.cafeleonidas.com WC Yacht Club: Seafood Always bustling (make a reservation), for a reason. Best New England clam chowder around; have it with their fish tacos. 1555 Bonanza St., 944-3474. www.walnutcreekyachtclub.com Haagen Dazs: Ice Cream Decadent treats in all sizes make this creamery a countrywide favorite. Gourmet scoops, sundaes, smoothies and special occasion cakes. 625 Capwell Lane, 944-1282. www.haagendazs.com
PLAZA ESCUELA / OLYMPIA PLACE / BROADWAY PLAZA Kacha Thai Bistro: Thai An extensive menu goes beyond the basics with dishes such as coconut-milk-roasted duck served in a half-pineapple. A chic setting glamorizes all the satay, plar, and larb.1665 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 988-9877. www.kachathai.com Home of Chicken N Waffles: American Fill up on Southern-style soul food-fried chicken, collard greens and big biscuits-at this local outpost of a family-owned Oakland favorite. 1635 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 280-1653. www.homeofchickenandwaffles.com Flemings: Steakhouse Steaks with great sides such as scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach. Start with the lobster tempura. 1685 Mt Diablo Blvd., 287-0297. www.flemingssteakhouse.com Stanford's: American Happy Hour is hot here with steak bites, flatbreads, and burgers on the menu. This is the place to take a shopping break and indulge one of the bar staff’s signature cocktails. 1330 S. Main St., 944-0895, 979-9070. www.stanfords.com P.F. Chang's: Chinese It's a chain restaurant, but doesn't feel like one. Try the lettuce wraps, dan dan noodles.1205 Broadway Plaza, 979-9070. www.pfchangs.com Sunrise Bistro: American The emphasis here is on healthy food, but it's also delicious. For dinner, try the smashed sweet potatoes, brisket and roasted veggies. 1559 Botelho Dr., 930-0122. www.sunrisebistrocatering.com
ON BROADWAY Vic Stewart's: Steakhouse Walnut Creek's original elegant steakhouse where
you can dine in a Pullman train car. It's a classic all the way, from
the food to the martinis. Le Cheval: Vietnamese Renowned for its authentic dishes and huge selection of classic Vietnamese cuisine; vermicelli salad, ginger crab and lemongrass chicken. 1375 N. Broadway, 938-2288. www.lecheval.com Maria Maria: Mexican This beautiful restaurant sits on a creek, with seating inside and out. Try the tortilla soup, seafood guacamole and margaritas. 1470 N. Broadway, 946-1010. www.mariamariarestaurants.com Élevé: Vietnamese Its glass façade gives this urban eatery a sophisticated feel, while the food comforts. Dinner is a good time to go and indulge in a cocktail with five spice chicken or beef carpaccio. 1677 N. Main St., 979-1677. www.eleverestaurant.com
SOUTH WALNUT CREEK / ALAMO The Door: Asian Fusion Indonesian and Asian flavors blend in sumptuous dishes such as seared scallops, lamb-shank curry and prawn papaya salad. 1448 S. Main St., 930-8088. www.thedoorrestaurant.com The Original Hick’ry Pit: American This Walnut Creek favorite is packed daily; specialties include barbecue ribs, homemade pies and big breakfasts. 1495 S. Main St., 935-7450. www.hickrypit.com The Peasant's Courtyard: California Sister restaurant of the wildly popular Peasant and the Pear Restaurant in Danville, it’s casual, bistro classics taste even better in its charming courtyard. 3195 Danville Blvd, Alamo, 362-0088. www.thepeasantscourtyard.com Forli: Italian Puglia-born Gabriele Davanzante and local boy Russ Belleci serve century-old classics and regional recipes. A vast menu includes glutenfree pasta on request. 3160 Danville Blvd., Alamo, 820-1711. www.forlialamo.com Yan's China Bistro: Chinese This spicy-food haven makes its potstickers to order and vegetables crisp. Bestsellers include Singapore noodles and Mongolian beef. 3162 Danville Blvd., Alamo, 837-8298. www.yanschinabistro.com
YGNACIO VALLEY / TREAT BOULEVARD / PLEASANT HILL Kinder's: American Famous for their tasty tri-tip sandwiches and original barbeque sauce. 1831 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 952-9393. www.kindersbbq.com Rocco's: Italian This renowned pizza joint serves delicious pies and pastas. The house specialty is Dante’s Inferno. Don’t miss the fried ravioli appetizer. 2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd., 947-6105. www.roccospizzeria.com Genova: Delicatessen Italian meats, fresh ravioli and sauces. Take a
number, they line-up for the fresh roasted turkey sandwiches at lunch.
Two Walnut Creek locations: c-blue Bistro: California The menu at this hip hotel restaurant features eclectic Pacific Rim food and American classics. Great spot for a business lunch or a weekend brunch. Valet parking. 2805 N. Jones Rd., 938-8700. www.renaissanceclubsport.com
Back Forty Texas Barbecue: American Meat is king here – from steak to sliced brisket to turkey, chicken and catfish, much of it cooked according to Austin-style family recipes. Long waits are not uncommon. 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, 935-1440, www.backforty.us 54 Mint: Italian Claudio Ricciolini's sleek spinoff of San Francisco's famous restaurant features hearty rustic Italian fare, including treats such as arancini, seldom seen outside Italy. 785 Oak Grove Rd., Concord, 969-9828. Jack's: Mediterranean/American Souvlaki and spanakopita honor the owners' Greek heritage; an international menu features pasta, steak and breakfasts. 60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com Five Guys: American A national chain with nearly 800 locations, ZAGAT-rated Five Guys offers large and small burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs; all sixteen toppings are free.100 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, 609-8400. www.fiveguys.com
SARANAP / LAFAYETTE Moruccis: Delicatessen Fans travel from several towns away for these savory sandwiches. Try the turkey, tomato and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta or the popular chicken Caesar sandwich. 1218 Boulevard Way, 939-2426. El Charro: Mexican A Lafayette favorite, the margaritas are magic accompanied with chips, house salsa and house “cheese dip.” From fish tacos to quesadillas and burritos, this restaurant has served generations since 1947. 3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 283-2345. www.elcharro1947.com Metro: American In a seriously hip space with huge patio, owner Jack Moore and executive chef Paul Liao offer cuttingedge international fare made with boldly diverse local organic components. 3524 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 284-4422. www.metrolafayette.com Uncle Yu's: Chinese Elegant surroundings grace traditional cuisine representing China's many regions. Creative fusion dishes and a large wine list for adventurous East-West pairings. 999 Oak Hill Rd., Lafayette, 283-1688. www.uncleyu.com Chow: American Comfort food at this award-winner includes pasta, pizzete, sandwiches, cereals, fresh-squeezed juices and brunch fare such as huevos rancheros. 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, 962-2469. www.chowfoodbar.com Paxti's Chicago Pizza: Italian Veterans of the beloved Berkeley deep-dish den Zachary's, owners Francisco “Patxi” Azpiroz and William Freeman, serve thick, knife-and-fork pies as well as thin-crusters. 3577 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 299-0700. www.patxispizza.com Postino: Italian In a romantic, fireplace-studded, brick building, executive chef Stewart Beatty and his team create elegant seasonal and regional fare using many local ingredients. 3565 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 299-8700. www.postinorestaurant.com La Boulange: French Now with thirteen locations, French-trained Pascal Rigo's booming enterprise offers seasonal entrées fashioned with bread, pastries and pizza crust baked fresh daily. 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 284-1001. www.laboulangebakery.com Pizza Antica: Italian The locally grown pizza toppings and the comfortable yet stylish atmosphere make this unique pizzeria a popular Lamorinda destination—especially if you can snag one of the outdoor tables. 3600 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 299-0500. www.pizzaantica.com
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