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    Brava Garden Eatery

    4.2 (867 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    BRAVA GARDEN EATERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
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    Vegan Burger
    Karina G.

    Brava is such a cute find in downtown Pleasanton. It looks like a hole in the wall from the outside but once you walk in there's this lovely garden vibe that makes it feel really charming. The menu is on the healthier side -- salads, power bowls, sandwiches, very cafe-forward. But the star is the handmade pasta, made fresh every day, and you can absolutely taste the difference. So good. Only gripe is the service is really slow, so don't come if you're in a rush. But if you have the time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, it's a lovely little spot

    Kai W.

    Great Argentinean restaurant situated in downtown Pleasanton. We came in for dinner as a party of 5 and were able to get seats without needing to wait at 5:30pm on a Sunday night. We were seated in the very cute outdoor patio, there was plenty of shade so even though it was pretty warm out we were pretty comfortable. We shared the BBQ platter which was perfect for 3 meat eaters and my partner had the vegetarian mushroom pasta. The platter was great, the beef especially was perfectly medium rare and was tender thru every bite. The roasted vegetables included in the platter included Brussel sprouts and cauliflower which were also beautifully caramelized. My partner enjoyed her mushroom pasta, the ridges on the pasta absorbed every bit of the delicious white sauce. Happy to come back, I think the patio space makes it perfect for families of all ages. Looking forward to trying some cocktails next time.

    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!

    Beet & Goat Cheese
    Betsaida C.

    Came here for lunch and I loved their service but I was so disappointed in the food. Their salad was so bland, and I'm pretty sure I got burrata instead of the goat cheese it said it was supposed to come with. The empanadas were also so salty and very disappointing. The only good food was their steak. It was cooked perfectly and very soft. Ambiance was popping and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Glad I tried it but it's a one and done.

    Ajay A.

    I've been here several times, and the lemon ravioli is absolutely amazing! I order it every time I visit, and it never disappoints. The flavor is fresh, delicious, and keeps me coming back. Highly recommend!

    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

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    German A.

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    Page 1 of 22

    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… 

    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… 

    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!

    View All 16 Questions

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    Rubino Estates Winery - White wine flight

    Rubino Estates Winery

    4.3(277 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.

    I am writing to express my disappointment regarding an experience I had at your winery today. I…read morehave been a loyal member since 2017, and today I brought my in-laws to visit after shopping. We reserved an indoor spot, which was indicated to have no time limit. We were having a wonderful time relaxing, enjoying a wine bundle special we purchased, and sharing a charcuterie board. However, our experience was ruined when a host approached our table and asked if we were close to leaving because there was a long waitlist. Several other tables had arrived before us, yet none of them were approached. This treatment felt unfair and left a very bad taste in my mouth. After many years of enjoying my membership, this experience has made me seriously consider canceling it. Please be better.

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    Rubino Estates Winery
    Rubino Estates Winery - Some wonderful reds

    Some wonderful reds

    Rubino Estates Winery

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    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge - Chicharrones with the guac

    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge

    4.5(73 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    I had always been aware of Honeycomb but assumed it was exclusively a venue for private events…read more Then I came across a TikTok post announcing that it had opened to the public as a speakeasy, so we decided to visit on a Thursday at 5:00 p.m., right when they opened. The experience begins in a small glass-enclosed entryway where you're greeted before the hostess is notified by radio. Moments later, the glass door opens, revealing a beautifully designed speakeasy with an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. The space offers comfortably spaced bar seating, cozy booths, and tables, all surrounded by tasteful décor that perfectly captures the speakeasy era while incorporating subtle honeycomb-inspired touches. The spirit selection is impressive, and the appetizer menu is thoughtfully curated. Their specialty cocktails are creative, balanced, and beautifully presented. We sat at the bar, where our mixologist, Kalika B, was both personable and professional. I always enjoy sitting at the bar when the bartender is willing to share their craft, and Kalika did exactly that. She explained the story behind several of their custom cocktails, the history of some of their spirits, their signature custom ice program, and offered excellent appetizer recommendations. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience even more enjoyable. The entire space was spotless and clearly designed with great attention to detail. It filled up quickly after opening, so I was glad we arrived when we did. Despite the growing crowd, there appeared to be plenty of staff, and the service remained attentive without ever making guests feel rushed. There is only one restroom, but during our visit it was never an issue, and there was no wait. I've been chasing speakeasies for more than 20 years, long before they became as popular as they are today. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to seek out a local speakeasy, so I've experienced quite a few over the years. Honeycomb ranks near the top of my list. It's the perfect size--not too small and not too large--with an outstanding selection of spirits, exceptional craft mocktails, knowledgeable mixologists who truly know their craft, and cocktails tailored to your palate. The atmosphere is elegant yet approachable, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality of the experience. The Honeycomb Speakeasy in Livermore is truly a destination-worthy cocktail experience. Be sure to check their Instagram for the current password, then treat yourself to one of the best speakeasy experiences in the area.

    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.

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    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge - Bar area

    Bar area

    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge - Full service bar area

    Full service bar area

    Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge - The bar area

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    The bar area

    Locanda Wine Bar - POLLO PICCATA

    Locanda Wine Bar

    4.1(376 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    An Unforgettable Birthday Celebration in Downtown Livermore!…read more We came to Locanda Wine Bar in downtown Livermore on a Friday evening to celebrate my wife's birthday with friends, and we had an absolute blast! The vibe here is lively, fun, and vibrant. Reservations are definitely highly recommended since it gets so popular. The entire staff is awesome, but a massive shout-out goes to our waitress, Ashley--she was fantastic and provided incredible service throughout the entire night! We ordered a wide variety of dishes to share, and every single one was a hit: * Fritto Marechiaro: A wonderful mix of fresh calamari, jumbo prawns, sliced zucchini, and artichoke hearts. Everything was fried to a light, crispy perfection and paired wonderfully with the signature Locanda Capri sauce. * Pane e Olive: Crisp, fresh baguette from local Wingen Bakery served alongside Locanda's classic olive tapenade. Rich, savory, and the perfect starter bite. * Fiori di Zucca: Delicate zucchini blossoms stuffed with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, served over a rich marinara sauce. These were absolutely delicious and melted in your mouth. * Penne alla Vodka: Tender penne pasta tossed with smoked mozzarella, Parmesan, and cracked pepper in a rich, creamy vodka pink sauce. Yummy and comforting! * Parmigiana di Melanzane: Mamma Carmela's famous eggplant parmigiana layered with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. Hearty, warm, and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. * Pollo Piccata: Tender organic chicken breast served in a bright, zesty lemon-butter sauce with Sicilian capers, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and rainbow baby carrots. * Branzino Locanda: Fresh Mediterranean seabass filet lightly breaded with panko and topped with a bright lemon sauce, served with velvety mashed potatoes and rainbow baby carrots. Delicately crispy on the outside and wonderfully flaky inside. * Polpette della Mamma: Homemade beef meatballs cooked to tender perfection, served in a rich marinara sauce with Parmesan cheese and crisp crostini for dipping. Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. * Beet Salad: A crisp, refreshing mix of wild baby arugula, mixed greens, sweet golden and red beets, tangy goat cheese crumbles, and juicy blood orange slices. * Espresso Martini & Wine: The drinks were top-tier. The espresso martini was amazing, bold, and perfectly balanced. We also ordered a bottle of Collefasani Bacchanalia Falerno del Massico Bianco D.O.C., which was served perfectly chilled--crisp, refreshing, and not too sweet. * Almond Cheesecake: For dessert, we treated ourselves to the almond cheesecake. It was rich, creamy, and served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream--the ideal sweet note to wrap up the night. Overall, it was a fantastic evening filled with great energy, outstanding hospitality, and incredible food. I highly recommend Locanda Wine Bar for a celebration, a night out with friends, or a memorable family meal!

    If you want a fun atmosphere and unique drinks this is the place, Bring plenty of money because…read morethey are not shy with their prices. Their staff is amazing, but the dinners are a zero, chicken is dry, meat is under cooked and sides are hard to discribe. The cost for their dinners are $$$$ and not worth $ at best. I never return my meal yet absolutely had to last night. This is not the first dinner I have had there, last dinner was a fish dinner (in their pleasanton location) Cold and soggy with raw vegetables Horrible!! I will not be returning for dinner, but would go for a drink

    Photos
    Locanda Wine Bar - Inside

    Inside

    Locanda Wine Bar - Pane e Olive

    Pane e Olive

    Locanda Wine Bar - White wine

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    White wine

    Brava Garden Eatery - wine_bars - Updated August 2026

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