Rancho Cantina

Second visit to Pho Benny, a nice local Viet spot. Large pay lot in back was a better option than…read morethe Trader Joe's hit and run lot across the street. We came in early and sat ourselves. Friendly greeting as we entered. Daughter loves crispy egg rolls and fresh shrimp rolls so we started with those dishes. Both apps were awesome! Nice and crispy with a tasty filling for the egg rolls. I ordered the Pho #1 and my daughter got the grilled pork rice plate. Good sized servings that came out quickly. Pho broth was rich and flavorful. Lots of beef and rice noodles... the beef was tender. We had two sodas which are served in large metal tumblers. Refills included . All in all, a great pho option in Lamorinda.

I drive by this weekly going to and from Trader Joe's and decided to stop in. When I entered the…read morerestaurant there was no host and I stood there for several minutes unsure if I was supposed to wait or be seated. Finally, someone came by and seated me. Ambiance was as expected and there was both table and bar seating. Space was open and quite nice. The menu is fairly standard for a pho restaurant including some beer and wine. i ordered the beef pho which came with typical accoutrements of basil, lime, bean sprouts, etc. The portion was good and meat was medium rare. Unfortunately the broth - the most important flavor component for me - was underwhelming. There wasn't much flavor and it tasted watered down. So I had to compensate with added salt, spice and other. It tasted very watered down. I'll probably try it again but on this visit alone, I give it three stars.

Condiments

The veggie egg rolls were yummy

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Inside seating - comfy

The Hideout Kitchen

4.2(2.8k reviews)

Quick fact before I do my review: Before officially being in a relationship, The Hideout Kitchen is…read morewhere we had our very first date. And it was at the former location. So what better place to dine in to celebrate out 2nd Year Wedding Anniversary at The Hideout Kitchen :) We went for dinner. Our server was KEVIN. Simply...HE IS JUST AWESOME. He knows the menu, he knows the history, and has amazing stories to share with everyone. Great guy. A lot of people there that night seemed to be celebrating something. The noise was a bit loud that I felt I had to almost yell to have a conversation with my husband. But the vibe was great. I enjoyed looking around at the decor. We ordered: - TRUFFLE FRIES for appetizers - I loved everything about it. haha. Tastey! - linguine & clams - I ordered this. It was good. However, I felt it was way oily. And after every bite I took, I had to wipe my mouth. And I accidentally spilled oil on my shirt. - PASTA ALLA CARBONE with steak - My husband enjoyed it and started to get full towards clearing out his bowl haha. - SCALLOPED POTATOES - I ordered a side of this. Definitely was not expecting to look the way it did, but I thought the presentation was beautiful. It was good; however, I was not a fan at how crunchy and hard the top first layer was. In a few areas, it was almost burnt. But I thought it was pretty good without the need for a type of sauce on the side. - For drinks, I had to Summer sangria and my husband had the Rumble in the Jungle. We enjoyed it. Definitely hit the spot. No complaints at all about these drinks. - And Kevin surprised us with a dessert to celebrate : Cranberry Bread Pudding. This was delicious. Very flavorful. I am not really into Cranberry, but this is definitely an exception. Loved the fruits on the side as well. The Hideout Kitchen will always have a place in our hearts. We will definitely come back. We still need to try this place out for Brunch. We need to try their UBE pancakes! hehehe. And thanks Kevin for being amazing that night!

3.75 stars. The…read moreHideout Kitchen's front patio on a warm morning, as well as their sophisticated interiors, make this eatery a good choice if atmosphere is as important as the food itself. I noticed a couple Filipino-inspired dishes on the brunch menu -- Pulled Pork Silog, & the one we tried, Ube Hotcakes. Fluffy & coated in a deep purple sauce, but they didn't posses the distinct taste of ube. My Breakfast Burrito was very well put together, & so hearty, I could only get through half. Every bite saw a dip into the tasty hot sauce. And like the five-year old that I am, I loved that tater tots were a side option. I wouldn't make the drive from my neck of the woods specifically for the Hideout Kitchen, but should I find myself in Lafayette again, I wouldn't say no to an invite here.

Bar Lounge Seating

Octopus appetizer

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Pulled pork silog

Sideboard - Lafayette

3.9(652 reviews)

0.4 mi

Many years ago I used to go to the Danville sideboard quite frequently, so I was very excited when…read moresome friends asked if we wanted to go to the Lafayette location with them. The consistency between locations is incredible, they had so much of the same feel. I loved the patio and that you could sit across on the lawn if you wanted. They even have lawn chairs for you to borrow. The menu is limited but good. I was surprised they didn't have a sav blanc, but the sangrias were delicious. I got a vegan ceasar which was great, but probably too much dressing. My fiancé got a pork quesadilla that he absolutely loved. He was a very very big fan of the salad on top and said it played a huge role in making the dish cohesive and feel much lighter. I also tried the corn pasta which was delicious. Especially with such a cute location, we will be back!

I've never had a bad meal at Sideboard! The breakfast pudding with asparagus and the side salad…read morewith its light vinaigrette is absolutely delicious. The breakfast mac & cheese with bacon is another favorite and always hits the spot. And don't even get me started on the desserts, they're next level. I also love the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You order at the counter, grab a table, help yourself to water, and the friendly staff brings your food right to you. It's casual, comfortable, and consistently one of my favorite places in Lafayette. Highly recommend!

Shirred Eggs. Beautiful presentation. $17.75.

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Latte

Tutu's Food & Drink

3.7(429 reviews)

0.3 mi

3.75/5 I've been…read morehere so many times, but has been a while since I've had breakfast. I stopped here are after walking the reservoir and got quickly seated! Sat outside which was lovely and service was okay! Sitting outside can be a gamble. But we ordered and didn't wait long for food. Ordered an iced chai and it had a lot of spice and not too sweet. The jam for the toast was great and my eggs were delish! Always happy to have gluten free toast. Waited a bit for our bill but we were enjoying it outside. Being gluten free is hard here for other meals but breakfast I usually find something easy.

Lovely spot with great service and tasty food. Waiter was very professional (Kyle) and on top of…read moreeverything, appreciated. Went late afternoon on a weeknight, sat inside. Had yummy berry smoothie, sweet potato fries, and a hot chocolate. My friend had iced tea. Would love to go back to get a full meal as it was all great. Parking lot is nice but meters are suspicious, people get ticketed unfairly often which worried me. I used coins and did not get a ticket but an older gentlemanI met there got a ticket and he was furious because he paid. I might park elsewhere next time. Anyway, Tutu's was excellent!

Locally sourced and grass fed beef, pork, house made lamb patties and more!

Locally sourced fish, clams, scallops and more!

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Organic fruits!

SOCIAL BIRD

4.5(718 reviews)

0.1 mi

Ended our college move in weekend with our traditional goodbye lunch at Social Bird and it was…read moreamazing as always!! Enjoyed the beautiful Lafayette weather on the outside patio and had absolutely exceptional service throughout the meal . My daughter and I enjoyed the steamed mussels which were absolutely prefect with a delicious broth just asking to be mopped up by the crispy grilled bread on the side ! Also enjoyed the cheese selection and rounded it out with some of their incredible dessert selections: Lemon Meringue and Butterscotch pudding!! Another amazing meal at Social Bird and I plan to return soon

Food: Ordered the salad, which was fresh and nicely…read moreprepared. However, I didn't quite care for the sourness of the anchovy, which was a little too pronounced for my taste. Didn't try their dessert but noticed that it's very popular even for lunch. Service: Great service--friendly and attentive throughout. Ambiance: Really like the comfortable seating and the sense of privacy. It has a fun, energetic sports-bar atmosphere that makes it a lively place to hang out.

Medium rare grilled salmon with amazingly fresh tasting salad has become my go to lunch at social bird

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Pulled pork tostadas. Flavorful and delish.

Uncle Yu's

3.4(355 reviews)

Uncle Yu's in Lafayette is old school. That's not a bad thing, but it's a very different experience…read morefrom the location in Livermore. The decor is older and more modest. The menu is straightforward, no seasonal offerings. The staff are unpretentious and attentive. It's quiet, not a place to people watch. You go here to eat well-prepared Chinese food. I went classic with sweet and sour pork. Great portion size, well-balanced, delicious, especially with a side of rice. I also tried the assorted appetizers. Everything was good, but the fried prawn was probably my favorite. They flatten the shrimp before breading and frying, which gives them a great texture. No fancy drinks on this visit, just lemonade. Parking is easy, either on the street or in the public lot beside it. Just remember you have to pay. Not my regular stomping grounds, but a decent meal if you are in. Lafayette craving Chinese.

Had not been to this restaurant and was pleasantly surprised how good the food was! Our friends…read moreordered the family meal for 2 and it was enough food for 4. We especially liked the garlic prawns and Mu Shu. Great service too

Crabmeat Puffs

Pork Chow Mein

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Fried Prawns

The Great Wall Restaurant

4.0(247 reviews)

0.5 mi

I had the Mongolian beef lunch special. Flavorful. Has a bit of sweetness to the sauce. Egg roll…read morewas hot and crispy. Portions are plentiful. The staff were friendly. Service was quick. Would come again!

Food was just okay with much smaller portions than previously. Price has recently increased…read moresubstantially and place is still in need of a remodel. Walnuts were stale and tasted awful on my Walnut prawns. When I told this to waiter, he said "0h you must like them crunchy " and walked away. No Pal, I like them fresh and eatable and not old, awful tasting and stale. Servers aren't friendly and more worried about cutting cost like no water or chop sticks available unless you ask for them. Even was questioned when I wanted a "to go box". Not going back, good riddance. Too bad, place used to be decent. Stay away, any other place has to be better.

Ambience

Black Bean Noodle

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Diablo Foods

4.3(360 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$$

The place looks small on the outside but it's huge and has something different on every corner…read more Went hear to grab a sandwich before heading to the Lafayette Reservoir for a hike. I ordered the spicy roast beef and my friend got their Bree and turkey with jam. Reasonable prices and very fresh. Service is a bit different from other spots, you get a ticket and wait till they call your number. Very popular, and there tends to be a line.

I have probably ordered $500 worth of sandwiches from here over the past year, which should say a…read morelot. Their sandwiches are incredible. The staff are very friendly. I come back here once every week or two after placing an order via fax for my work place. So why only four stars? They unfortunately can get rushed, and miss stuff on the faxed in order sheets. Basic stuff: "please serve hot" or even as simple as basic ingredients to include like mayo or mustard. Don't get me wrong, I'll keep coming back here. If they could just get the orders more accurate it would be an easy 5/5!

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Reuben at East Bay Watershed

Vui Ve Eatery

4.6(20 reviews)

0.4 mi

Chicken wings is on fire love how crispy and it wasn't overly greasy. Every bite was just enough,…read moremost places either give you not enough Ben sauce on it or way too much where it's over powering. Give the wings 5/5. The shrimp banh cot was another 5/5 crispy. Banh with lemon grass chicken is pretty darn good! Since I don't do dark meat often it's not bad. I prefer an all meat but the taste is all there. I give it a 4 out of 5 in terms of flavoring I wish the banh mi was a bit more crispy.

I got the Restaurant Week special Lunch Box. Mini banh mi, shrimp+pork spring rolls, banh hoi, egg…read morerolls, nuoc mam chicken wings, bo kho Beef Stew cup served/mini baguette, and Vietnamese iced coffee. Everything was really tasty and the produce was fresh. Order way ahead if you can because anything at Oakland Food Hall takes 2x longer than stated. Worth the wait, just plan accordingly (30-60 min wait).

We cater!

Dragon Roll

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Bo Luc Lac Salad w/green apples

Amarin Thai Cuisine

4.0(304 reviews)

Celebrated Father's day here -- we chanced upon it while through the downtown. Im so glad we tried…read moreit -- food was really delicious and well-priced. Service was top notch! Definitely coming back. :)

Happened upon this place via OpenTable and made a reservation. It's a very cute building and…read moreinterior the staff was very attentive and friendly. We ordered the fresh spring rolls which were very tasty. We had 2 orders of pad Thai one crab and 1 shrimp. We were a little underwhelmed with the flavor on both. The short rib noodles were good. I added a decent amount of spices to bring some more heat to it and also had an order of the pineapple fried rice which was okay. The best parts of the meal were the Pom mimosas and the desserts! I would go again and try other items and see if maybe we just ordered was the wrong items.

Nice Flowers

Lao Style Papaya Salad

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Thai Pork Belly Stew (Palo)

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14 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Erik L.

8 months ago

I highly recommend Rancho Cantina in Lafayette, CA! This place offers a delicious and creative mix of classic and new-age Mexican dishes that are sure to impress. Each bite reflects a thoughtful combination of flavors, making it a must-visit for any food lover. The service and atmosphere are equally impressive. The staff is attentive and welcoming, creating a delightful dining environment that enhances the overall experience. A highlight of our visit was meeting the owner, Nikko. He is truly a great guy, and if you get the chance to eat here, definitely ask to speak with him! His passion for the restaurant adds a personal touch that makes the experience even better--it's the cherry on top of a fantastic meal. Overall, I give Rancho Cantina five stars for its excellent food, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere. I've also heard that more locations are coming to the San Francisco Bay Area, and maybe even Tahoe! I can't wait for more people to enjoy this gem! read more

Joe L.

5 years ago

We had dinner tonight at this restaurant. While the waiter was wonderful, the food was mediocre, but that's not even the real problem. As we were leaving, I put on my mask, which says "Biden". As we turned to walk out, the woman behind the bar started chanting "Let's go Brandon". For those of you who don't know, that is the new republican vulgarity that means "F**k Joe Biden". I asked if she was aware how vulgar she was being, and she laughed and started clapping as she continued chanting. Mere words on Yelp cannot properly convey my disgust with this creature behind the bar, or the restaurant that allows this garbage to exist. NEVER AGAIN will we patronize a restaurant run by, or that employs, such hate-filled morons. read more

Carlye P.

10 years ago

I am so glad I gave Rancho Cantina another chance. Their menu has a great selection and their food is delicious. I love that their new manager has incorporated some smaller plates for the lunch crowd. I can't wait to try them for dinner next time, every time I hear about their specials I drool. Last week I had the carne asada tacos. This week I had the nachos. My boss has the heirloom tomato salad today with grilled shrimp. Everything has been delicious. But really what sets them apart is their beans. They are so good! The servers are all friendly and attentive. I highly recommend Rancho Cantina if you're looking for delicious, authentic Mexican food. I don't drink but I hear their bar is pretty awesome too! read more

David L.

Elite 21

251

118

4 months ago

I don't know if I said it before, but everything about this restaurant is absolutely fantastic. The people, the food, the ambience, I just love it. We had the most special Mother's Day. Two of us got there on time - the other two a little bit later; they still let us sit down, get drinks, order an appetizer, and then the four of us had the most wonderful lunch. And the food is just so savory and delicious. Last time we went, I brought my mother from Los Angeles to the restaurant. This time for Mother's Day with my wife and our daughters. I can't wait to go again. read more

Grace K.

2 years ago

Docking a star due to manager's response. Response to manager: It's great you stand by your employee, but this was 100% my experience and you should never tell someone that their experience was wrong or tell me not to post my experience online and suggest that you would fire an employee due to my post??? If you fire someone, that is on you - not me. But this was 100% what happened. If you read my review, I wrote that I won't return, so there will not be a next time. I try to highlight the positives in my posts and support local business, but this just isn't it. read more

Julian V.

277

5 months ago

I hired Rancho Cantina on short notice to cater my dad's memorial service. Nico, the owner, coordinated the catering operation flawlessly, including setup and teardown, providing drinks and real china, linens etc. It was a tremendous help to have such fine service taken care of without a worry, and done perfectly. Everyone loved the food, we left with barely any leftovers. Thank you again Nico and the staff of Rancho Cantina read more

Patricia H.

10 years ago

Omg I found the best Mexican Restaurant ever I was visiting my mom at lafayette and we want it to eat some good food Im speechles when we went to try at Rancho Cantina I didnt even know about this place.. The best food ever chips,salsa, guacamole amazing but the cochinita pibil lol it was a wird name for me.. But it was just like heaven Im definitely coming back. Thanks Rancho for bringing this unique and delicious food.. read more

Suzy M.

9 years ago

We were visiting family & found this new (to us) Lafayette restaurant - Very glad we did! We ordered Guacamole & Chips, Grilled Corn, Spicy Grilled Shrimp. All were fresh & tasty. Also, we had excellent service from Avery . . . . always checking on our table & he kept us in laughing! Can't wait to come back! read more

Peter J.

11 years ago

We were visiting my aunt and we decided to try this place out before heading back home. Its pretty good. I like their tacos alot! it's very juicy. We had a great experience here. read more

Ole A.

10 years ago

Stopped in for the first time after a Giants game(the won). Found the service to be awesome, and the food wonderful. The drinks were the best !! I will be back. read more

Christine W.

11 years ago

Walked in and looked at the menu. Chips and salsa for $4? Are they kidding? Not many vegetarian choices either. Turned around and walked back out. read more

Christine M.

10 years ago

I agree with Cliff the owner is snobbish and not a people person. Downright rude to be honest

Sue P.

8 years ago

Loved the food ! Will eat there again when we're in the area.

Scott V.

10 years ago

Great food great service great GREAT TIME!!!

Rancho Cantina - mexican - Updated September 2026

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