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    Brava Garden Eatery

    4.2 (858 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Brava Garden Eatery Photos

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    BRAVA GARDEN EATERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
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    Chicken Milanesa
    Carson M.

    Easily snagged a reservation for the outdoor patio on a Friday at 6pm. Not too crowded when we sat down, but it filled up by 6:30-7. The patio's a nice space, half-covered with fans, so it'll be great through summer. Service was attentive and fast, almost too fast. We ordered 2-3 apps and two entrees, and everything landed at once within 10-15 minutes. No real gap between courses, which meant no chance to actually finish the apps before the entrees showed up. But everything came out lukewarm, which was the main issue. The Brussels sprouts, meatball, and empanadas were all fairly tasty, but the meatball and empanada were room temp, which dulled the flavor. Same story with the entrees, chicken Milanesa and Lomo Saltado, both lukewarm. The Milanesa was thin, easy to eat, and the sauce worked well with it. The fries tasted frozen, not hand-cut, and on the Lomo Saltado the sauce made them soggy fast. Sauce itself ran a bit too salty. Steak in the Lomo Saltado was tender though, and generous on portion. Good space, good service energy, but the food execution needs work. Not somewhere I'd go out of my way to return to unless they fix the food temperature and the fries.

    Menu
    Lily S.

    We recently came here for a work lunch and were very impressed by the service and food. They are located in downtown Pleasanton. The place is pretty small, but then you walk to the back and there's a large covered patio, and a small uncovered patio. It's very charming with various plants giving the outdoors a garden vibe. Most of the team was late by about 30 minutes for our reservation due to a prior meeting running long. The host was gracious enough to hold our reservation until everyone arrived. We started with some appetizers of Crispy Cauliflower, Habanero Fries, and Empanada Trio. They were all very yummy and were served with various dipping sauces. The empanadas had a nice crispy pastry and flavorful filling. I had the Salmon eggs benedict and really enjoyed it. The salmon was smokey, but the eggs could have been just a tad runnier. The salad that came with the dish was really fresh and I really enjoyed the slightly sweet dressing. I was really impressed by how quickly our dishes came out considering the size of our group (12). Overall, a nice meal with excellent service.

    Tagliatelle shrimp
    Chris S.

    Brava has been on my list for some time and my only regret is that I hadn't come sooner. We had an outstanding experience here and it has become our favorite place to eat in Pleasanton. The outdoor seating is very aesthetic and you may not tell from the unassuming front. Our service was exceptional and everything on the menu looked so good we had to intentionally order too much food so we could try everything and just take home leftovers!

    Tri tip sandwich with salad and fries
    Jillian P.

    Great back patio, delicious menu. My husband and I popped by for a late lunch on a Friday, and their back patio was almost full. We ordered their Brusselsprouts and short rib sandwich to share and the proportions were perfect, just enough food and we didn't leave a morsel behind. Their short rib sandwich was heavenly and the chimichurri sauce plus grilled peppers elevated the experience. If you're torn about ordering a full shareable of the habanero fries, here's an insider tip: we asked for a side of their habanero sauce to go with our side of fries so we would still have enough room for their short rib sandwich! Their sprouts were phenomenal. Loved the sweat punch added by the cranberries and shaved carrots to balance the charr of the brussels. Will 1000% be returning to check out their dinner menu. I haven't had a milanesa since I was in Argentina, but I trust Brava to meet the assignment!

    Chicken Milanesa

    We had such a great experience! We ordered the lemon ravioli, chicken Milanesa, salmon Benedict, and bruschetta, and everything was delicious. The standout for us was definitely the chicken Milanesa, it was absolutely incredible and our favorite dish of the meal. Our server was so kind and attentive, which made the experience even better. We sat on the back patio, and it was the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful weather. It felt like a little oasis tucked away from the rest of the world. We loved the atmosphere just as much as the food and will definitely be coming back again and again!

    Tiramisu
    Maricar F.

    First time trying out Brava Garden- food is good- I recommend the mushroom risotto! Menu is great- many yummy options. And service is wonderful and food tasted fresh! Love the al fresco dining ambience and it seems like a popular spot in downtown Pleasanton because customers just keep on coming! Everyone should give it a shot- awesome experience overall

    Short rib sandwich and fries
    Thao L.

    Came here on a Sunday afternoon. The place was packed but still had space in the back patio. I really enjoyed the cute aesthetics and the decor for the back patio. - Ambiance was 4/5: really liked the outdoor seating and area. Nice place to chill and enjoys some sun. - Service was 3/5: servers were nice and came to refill water when it was low. Not too much interaction as it was busy. - food was 3/5: presentation was nice but I felt the taste was lackluster. The empanadas were good but nothing that stood out. The sandwiches were really heavy, short rib was kind of messy and fell out of the bread, flavor was bland without using the sauces. The steak sandwich was a tad chewy, also bland without the sauces. The fries however were amazing, crispy and fresh.

    Burrata
    Tejaswini L.

    We spent a lovely time here for an unhurried Friday lunch. This place has a wonderful vibe! Luckily, the weather was good, so we sat on the outdoor patio. The service is friendly, and the staff were very kind with their recommendations. I had the Argentinian Soda, and my husband had an Aperol Spritz... as good as it gets! For starters, we ordered the Burrata, which was delicious. For our mains, we had the Chicken Milanesa a Caballo and the Lemon Ricotta Ravioli. The portions were generous and the taste was great; I especially loved the freshness of the ravioli. We also loved the ambiance and their choice of music. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we would definitely come again!

    Lomo Saltado
    Wendy C.

    Came here for date night and we were seated in the back patio area that was covered. It has a darker ambiance throughout the restaurant. They were not super packed that night but was still lively inside. Service was lame. Didn't get greeted by anyone when we arrived at the front. Our server was cold and honestly, was a big damper to the experience. The food though???? AMAZING. Empanada Trio (dreamy/5) Did not expect to like the cheese one, well... bc I don't care for cheese, so you can understand how good it was then. They all came out crispy, seasoned well, and filling amount was good. Favorite was still the beef, but no complaints honestly about the other two. The sauces that accompanied it were also so delicious. Lomo Saltado (5/5) It was very reminescent of Viet bo luc lac, probably on account of the huge shallots pieces (still crunchy) and the oyster sauce they used. Huge chunks, cooked mostly med rare. Seasoned well. Fries were skinny and crispy kind. Spaghetti Carbonara (4/5) honestly don't remember too much about it, but remembered liking it. It was probably just overshadowed by how good the other items were. We also ordered two cocktails. The penicillin was refreshing.

    Lemon & Ricotta Ravioli
    Ryan M.

    We went to Brava for dinner and got seated pretty quickly. We walked through the kitchen to their seating area in the back. We ordered quite a few things for a party of 7. We got the lemon & ricotta ravioli (it was good had a nice citrus flavor, spaghetti carbonara alla Argentina, the pork chop, risotto de mar, and the parrillada Argentina bbq. The food was fantastic. My favorites were the risotto de mar and parrillada Argentina bbq. The carbonara was creamy but maybe needed alil but if salt.. Overall really good food!

    drinks
    Irena S.

    Cauliflower starter - could be more seasoned, 3/5 Burrata - 5/5, very creamy and comes with a small salad Short rib ragu - delicious. 5/5 Hibiscus van damme - 5/5 cocktail, DELICIOUS and tastes so good Service - 3.5/5 today, was a bit slow and kind of hard to flag someone down for the check. Also felt really hot inside the inside area. Parking can be hit or miss, since it's downtown Pleasanton

    Campanelli Mushroom
    Annie T.

    I've had Brava on my bookmarked list for a while and made a reservation through Resy to dine in. Food Trio Empanadas - $21.95 The chicken, beef, and cheese empanadas were served with a chimichurri tomato basil sauce. The crust was crunchy and flaky. The cheese empanada filling was made with gorgonzola, mozzarella, and ricotta - the cheese mixture wasn't the best of the trio. Habanero Homemade Fries - $13.95 The fries are vegan and gluten-free and come with feta, parsley, and a creamy habanero dipping sauce. The fries lacked the crispiness I was hoping for. Campanelli Mushroom - $26.95 The dish came with homemade campanelle, a creamy wild mushroom sauce, and parmesan. The sauce was rich and smooth, and the campanelle was al dente with a delicious filling. Spaghetti Carbonara - $36.95 The dish was made with homemade spaghetti, California bacon, crema, and parmesan. The creamy white sauce was rich and the bacon added a nice hint of saltiness that brought the flavor profiles together. The portions are shareable, but a bit on the smaller side. It's a cute place to visit and enjoy the experience. Customer Service Victor was our server who provided great service. He was attentive throughout the dining experience and ensured my party had everything we needed. Ambiance The space has a unique hybrid of rustic, desert, and vintage decor. It's a very casual spot with indoor and outdoor seating. The other patrons there ranged from families grabbing lunch to group celebrations for Christmas white elephant exchanges. The seating options available are tables, booths, and a cute outdoor patio. Unfortunately, due to the rain, I dined indoors, but other reviewers raved about the patio's cute aesthetics especially in the evening. Parking / Location There's complimentary 3-hours parking on Main St. and I was lucky to find a spot right in front of Brava. It's located along the main road and if street parking is full or limited, there are nearby lots to choose from.

    Squid ink pasta with seafood
    Steve T.

    Covered patio and open patio on the back . One large enclosed room that was reserved for a party . Service was excellent. Ambience is so so and they have crowded tables with metal chairs and no privacy. Food was good and well made. The empanadas were good and I liked the crispy skin they used . When we left there was a line to get in so the place is popular.

    Pear & Gorgonzola

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    Hands down best pasta spot ever! Been back 3-4x. Favorite here is the carbonara and caulflower. A bit pricy but worth it.

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    Business owner information

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    German A.

    Thanks Kathy!

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    Brava Garden Eatery Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Brava Garden Eatery

    Is it good for large parties with teens?

    Possibly if you call ahead, but the restaurant is fairly small and I am not sure how large of a party would fit comfortably.

    Are there vegetarian allium-free options?

    Does this place take reservations?

    Yes. And definitely recommended.

    What days and times do you have happy hour?

    In my experience, every hour is happy here.

    Do they have gluten free pasta?

    Yes

    Do you have a bar and serve cocktails?

    They use a tequila soju to make cocktails and they also have sangria

    What's the corkage fee?

    $20

    Are you reopen for indoor dining?

    Brava Garden is very small insde. Therefore, to make it profitable, they did a marvelous job putting in a beautiful and really enjoyable, enclosed back patio. The interior is so small, it's probably not feasible to serve indoors, here. The food and… Read more

    How many empanadas come in an order?

    It's two unless you get the sampler trio then you get three -1 chicken, 1 beef, and 1 cheese

    So I wrote the question below about brunch - after I checked the website. Checked again and I still only see open hours starting at 5pm daily, and under menu there's just dinner items. What am I missing?

    I went on a Saturday around 11:30 and it was open. I would call them directly. They answer their phone.

    I'm seeing brunch items but they don't list brunch hours or menu anywhere?

    Hi! Thanks for reaching out. Our website has all the info. www.bravagardeneatery.com… Read more

    Is this a good place to take teens/kids?

    We welcome everyone ! =)

    Is this place reservation only?

    Friday and Saturday evenings best to have a reservation however often we get right in on patio. Other evenings and brunch you should be ok walk in but if you can make reservations I would. It's amazing!

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    Rubino Estates Winery

    Rubino Estates Winery

    4.3
    (276 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    What an awesome place! My cousin found this Italian winery after we had some Burmese food that was…read morelocated just a few miles north in Pleasanton. I loved the entry way like and old italian villa with palm trees. Service was nice and the staff attentive but not bothersome. We did a tasting and then I bought a bottle for my cousin and I to share and for one to take home which we eventually shared too lol! The seating area is comfy and has views of the winery and where they make the wine. Totally cool out door seating that was full but not so close that you feel tight. The wine was nice and my cousin gets to pick as she knows more about me in regards to wine and I trust her choices. She is like my sister so I trust her. We both liked what we got and what we got to taste. Overall we both Liked Rubino and we would go again. Highly recommend visit if you like a nice intimate place, beautiful sights and awesome wine.

    Service needs help! Not very accommodating. Even in situations where there is nobody around - it's…read morehard to get chairs and tables put together. We are having a chill time but there is a time limit even tho it's not full. Weird concept. Totally understand if it's full and need to be mindful of timing, but it's NOT full. There is more but I'll just leave it to this! Anyway. Not a fan, won't be back. There are plenty of welcoming options in Livermore and Pleasanton.

    Photos
    Rubino Estates Winery
    Some wonderful reds
    Some wonderful reds
    Rubino Estates Winery

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    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge

    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge

    4.4
    (68 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    Came here with two friends yesterday. We arrived at 5pm, which is when they open. We had the choice…read moreof sitting at the bar or at a table. We opted for the table. The inside is dimly lit and decorated elegantly. I liked the inclusion of honeycombs in the lighting fixtures and even the ice in my drink. The darks and golds almost give Great Gatsby vibes. We all ordered a different cocktail from their signature menu. I got the Electric Nectar. The drink was a little tart and sour. The Buzzed & Bougie was very floral, and The Cusco Comb had a nice balance of flavors. Out of the 3, the Electric Nectar was probably the strongest in terms of tasting the alcohol. I don't particularly prefer sour drinks. If I were to re-order, I would get the Cusco Comb, as it fits my taste profile the most. We also ordered the Burrata to share. It came with 6 pieces of toast, which was perfect and divided evenly among the 3 of us. The burrata was delicious. The cherry gastrique added a nice touch of sweetness without being overly sweet. As time progressed, more and more people came in. By the time we left, the lounge was pretty filled.

    This is hands down one of my favorite speakeasies! The ambiance is cozy, intimate, and perfect for…read morea laid-back night out. The service was fantastic, and every drink we ordered was thoughtfully crafted. Pro tip: Follow their Instagram before you go! They post their updated schedule and the weekly secret password there since it changes regularly based on bookings. Here's what we tried: Cusco Comb (1000/10): Absolutely one of the best cocktails I've ever had. It was sweet, strong, and incredibly smooth without the alcohol being overpowering. I loved it so much that I immediately ordered a second one. I would honestly come back just for this drink alone. Honeycomb After Dark (9/10): Such a fun twist on an espresso martini! It reminded me of a Vietnamese coffee with a boozy kick. As the ice cream melted, the drink became even creamier and more delicious. Gin & Tonic (6/10): I'm not personally a gin and tonic fan, but my sister really enjoyed it. She thought the ratio of gin to tonic was spot on. Fries (6/10): Super crispy with a great texture, but they were a little too salty for my taste. The only downside is that there's only one bathroom, so keep that in mind if it's busy. If you're looking for a great spot to grab drinks in downtown, I highly recommend this speakeasy. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the cocktails are outstanding, and the service is consistently excellent. I'd probably skip the food next time and eat somewhere else beforehand, then come here to enjoy the amazing drinks.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Full service bar area
    Full service bar area
    The bar area

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    The bar area
    Oyo

    Oyo

    4.4
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Eco-friendly

    4.5/5 First time…read morehere and was pretty quiet on a Monday night. Inside was so colorful with plenty of seating. Staff was very patient and gave great recommendations. The table ordered the jerk chicken, 2 coconut salmons, 2 P.O.G.s and I ordered a paella oyo! There were rave reviews from the group for the plantains. Everyone enjoyed their meal and it was a very cozy warm experience. The paella was so crispy, the corn was delicious and it was flavorful! Excited to eat my left overs.

    We had a great experience at Oyo! The drinks and food were excellent, and every single dish we…read moreordered really hit the mark. The Food: Street Food Double: The chutneys were incredibly flavorful, pairing perfectly with the well-cooked chickpeas. The bara pockets were wonderfully soft and delicious. Beef Patties: The pastry was beautifully crisp and savory. The spiced short rib filling was a total delight--it had a nice kick to it without being overly spicy, which I loved. Oxtail Stew: Generous portion size with plenty of chunky meat that literally falls off the bone. It was perfectly marinated in a great blend of spices. Pairing the stew with a side of their coconut rice is highly recommended! Banana Bread Pudding: Having heard so much hype about this, it was just alright for me. It was cooked perfectly and I appreciated that it wasn't overly sweet, but it lacked a real wow factor. The Drinks: Red Wine Sangria: Really nice, refreshing, and fruity. Chase The Devil: Fun to try if you want something different, and it has a decent kick, but I would probably skip it next time. The restaurant itself is spacious with plenty of seating. On top of that, the servers are friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful. Definitely worth a visit!

    Photos
    Jerk Chicken
    Jerk Chicken
    Mimosa's at Oyo!
    Mimosa's at Oyo!
    Paella Oyo

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    Paella Oyo

    Brava Garden Eatery - wine_bars - Updated July 2026

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