Food is good, but the service is kind of weird. The servers don't ask how you're doing, instead they stand and stare at you the entire time, it was kind of creepy. Also, we originally were going to try the newer restaurant across from Shelby's, but I am 6 months pregant, and didn't want to wait 20 minutes to be seated, so we decide to go to Shelby's which was empty. When we walked in, the host had been watching thru the window and said to us, "What's wrong, they wouldn't seat you over there?"...which just sounded kind of rude and obnoxious. As i stated before, the food is good, but simply not worth the price with the weird service. read more

I'm really sad that I must write this review, because my husband and I have been dining at Shelbys for several years. In the beginning, we always felt the food was really good and also the service. Back then, they even had live music. The past year our dining experience has gone from good to disappointing. We have always been late diners, coming into the restaurant around 8:00 on Saturday nights. Last Saturday, we came on at 8:00. We ordered our drinks and our dinner almost immediately. But half way through our dinner, the staff began clearing the tables and even shut down the music. We were the only diners at the time and perhaps they thought it okay to start shutting things down. This is never okay....In fact it's just rude and not at all hospitable. On top of the rude behavior, my pork shop I ordered was overdone and tough. I couldn't finish it. The cost of dining here has gotten more expensive, and we don't mind paying over $20 for a main course if it's good and the service and ambience match the price of the menu. We eat out a lot, and frequent restaurants in Lafayette and many in Oakland and Berkeley. But Shelbys has always been one of our go to places because we could always count on friendly service and good food. Our bill came to over $100. last Saturday, but the food and service did not measure up to what it cost us. This is the second time we have been treated as if we needed to leave, but it will be the last. We will spend our dining dollars someplace else. Too bad, but we think Shelbys has slipped away from being what it once was. Mary H. Moraga read more

A staple of sandwich and salad fare for the Orinda crowd. I truly hope that they don't go the way of the majority of Theater Square business. However, they seem to have been going strong for many years now. Seems to be the best option in downtown (if you can call it that) Orinda for 'lighter' fare. read more

If you are looking for a casual restaurant with great food and good service, Shelby's is a perfect spot. We tried Shelby's for the first time and we highly enjoyed our dinner. We started off with the chicken/vegetable soup. It was more flavorful then most soups we have had. The beef short ribs were tender, flavorful and had mashed potatoes with it. The Chinese chicken salad had a ton of chicken on it and had a nice dressing on it. Service was attentive and friendly. We will be going back! read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat. I love their food. I have been coming to Shelby's for almost 20 years. I like it so much that we had our rehearsal dinner here the night before our wedding 15 years ago. Orinda Theatre Square is a lovely place. read more

A very nice neighborhood salad and sandwich place. In the depressed Theater Sq were no business lasts more that a year; Shelby's has managed to not just survive but thrive. Very good sandwiches. Some years back there were Jazz concerts in front of it once a week and we used to frequent it more in the summer time when the outdoor seating was delightful. These days you Can still sit outside, and have great light California Cuisine dishes. read more

THIS PLACE IS A JOKE! I went here for dinner last Saturday evening, and will never come back. My dinner date and I enter (all three co-workers "busy" at the entrance), and was told to pick any table. We pick a table near the window to realize the table hadn't been cleaned. After we sit down, the bus boy then cleans our table. We ended up moving since the table was wobbly. It took about ten minutes for the young waiter to get our drinks, and by that time we ordered our entrees. It took another 10-15 minutes for our fries to come. The same waiter to bring our fries didn't even bother bringing side plates and condiments, so we were literally eating fries straight from the bowl. It took another 15-20 minutes for our entrees to come. After the waiter brought our entrees, there was no type of follow up what so ever. No one came back to see how our food was, and to see if we wanted refills on our drinks. I had to literally wave this one guy down for a refill (he had dark brown hair with a ponytail)... and LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING! Instead of assisting me right away, he had the nerve to finish his "urgent" conversation with his coworker before coming to our table. Once he did come, I asked for a refill, and he said they don't do free refills on the Arnold Palmer, and then he sent his other coworker (our original waiter (younger looking with dirty blond hair)) to provide us with the refill. RESTAURANT 101: You don't tell your customer that you CAN'T do something. They could have said, "We would be happy to refill your drink, but there is a small charge." It is all about wording! The same waiter said the very same thing to us, and we told him that we were not asking for a free refill, but a refill on the drink (Arnold Palmer). This guy then prepares the Arnold Palmer at our table! By this time, I asked sarcastically if they were pretty busy here. He responded shyly that there are a few customers outside. I then proceeded by saying that they were not attentive, and they cared more about each others conversations than their patrons' dining experience. I then asked if there was a manager, and he replied by saying that the manager just left (how convenient). While I was having the above conversation with our waiter, I see the one guy with the ponytail and the bus boy at the bar whispering, and looking over as us (the bus boy smirking). When it was time for us to sign our bill, we made sure not to leave a tip. They didn't even deserve a tip for the tax. *** This restaurant has a lot of growing to do. The food was okay, but the three gentlemen working that Sat. evening lacked courtesy and customer service skills. I tried calling on Sunday to speak with the manager, but was put on hold for over two minutes. I believe the guy who took my call was the one with the ponytail from the evening before. I never spoke with the manager, so here is my review SLIGHTLY SHELBY'S! read more

We had lunch at Shelby's yesterday, and I do not know what was wrong. Maybe we caught them on a bad day, but the service was extremely slow and it was almost impossible to get a server's attention for any reason. Watching the server area from our table, I could tell something was going wrong, and later our server told us that their "system was down," which seemed to cause a problem for them in figuring out the checks. Additionally, our server was very sweet but her English was not good at all, and we had communication issues throughout the meal. OK, maybe it would have been possible to ignore all this if the food had been fabulous, but...no. I ordered the grilled cheese, which arrived with the bread looking ungrilled and the slices of cheese completely unmelted and still in slices. It wasn't even warm. The mixed greens that came with it had a delightful dressing that I really liked. The "Arnold Palmer" drink I ordered was definitely mango iced tea. We were there for well over an hour for just a sandwich and were late to our movie due to not being able to get the attention of the servers and a long wait for the food. To top things off, I was asked to pay in cash because the "system was down," and my change was returned to me with a ton of loose small coins that almost spilled out all over the table. I left wondering what would have happened if I hadn't had cash, since no one had mentioned this system problem to us until the very end of the meal. read more

I brought my new manager here for lunch. The staff is very very friendly and made excellent recommendations for lunch choices. I had the mango chicken salad and my manager had the grilled Cesar with prawns. They make all their dressings there and they were both delicious. As someone who eats clean all the time I do not feel like I need to run an extra mile because I ate here. Fresh, delicious food with very good service! read more

So Disappointed! Not the first time we have eaten here. Previously we have been treated and eaten very well. It was Sunday morning and there were four tables in the restaurant. We were told the soup was pork with vegetables-one of our party does not eat pork so she did not order it. It arrived-Squash soup, good-but not what we ordered. We ordered two breakfast entries and I had a Croque Monsieur. The eggs in the Benedict were a little over done--very little runniness left. The meat in my sandwich was cold-not lukewarm, but cold. We kept trying to get the waiters attention, but no return visit--so I approached the kitchen. "What's wrong with it?" I told them it was cold--no comment other than an outstretched hand... I had a salad with my sandwich but could not eat-no fork on the table. We had to keep asking for water. When we got the check, we asked to split, 1/3-2/3-to which the waiter stated "Um how much is that I don't do math!" I realize that these might sound petty-but when you add them up it was too much and the last comment was the topper. Other items could have been chalked up as mistakes. We'll try again, but a repeat of this will remove it from our list. Too bad. read more

A friend and I were walking around Orinda late and decided to get a nosh. It was hours before closing time for many places so we felt it should be safe to get an appetizer and a few glasses of wine at around six o'clock. (This was last sunday.) When we walked in a less than enthused waiter greeted us. the place was almost empty and he escorted us to a table. As we sat down the table started to wobble. He went to get cardboard to shore up the wobby table. I was wondering what we had done to warrent getting the only (?) wobbly table in the place but let it go. We were given menu's, and had to ask for a wine menu. When we asked about appetizers, we were given non commital answers that were less than enthusiastic. "What do you reccomend" was greeted with a less than sincere "I like it all" when asked about the wine available, the server seemed annoyed and less than helpful. We settled on a pizza, and it arrived over cooked and almost burnt. It was barely edible. I was kind of shocked that they would let something like this out of the kitchen. The entire experience was that of the message "Go away, we don't want you here." I was wearing nice clothse, dress shirt, tie, jacket, my date was dressed nice as well, but apprently you have to use some orinda regular code or you don't get treated well. I would have been happier to be turned away at the door than treated shabbily. other guests trickled in and the server was all smiles and help. the opposite of what we recieved. We were never at any time rude to the server, so I'm not sure what the rough treatment was about. I felt like the server was a child of the owner who was forced to work there and resented it. The behavior meant we would never return under any curcumstances and I want to warn anyone off of this place unless you are a monied orinda person who knows the secret handshake. read more

Superb all around except for lack of servers. Two guys covering entire restaurant. Food was fabulous. Had the weiner schnitzel, wife had grilled Caesar salad. Both where done perfectly with generous portions. Quite little spot in Orinda, worth every penny, highly recommended. read more

I love this place! I have only been here twice, and both times were during off-hours, but the service both times was fantastically friendly and attentive. Their sweet potato chips are the best I've ever tasted. I've also had their "napa melt" chicken salad sandwich and their "happy hour" pizette pizza-on-English-muffin creations. All very good and fresh. They're also very generous with their tasty "breadsticks" (more likely cheesy croissant twists). I love sitting by the street-side window and watching Orinda go about its day. read more

I've been here three times and I've ordered the Chinese chicken salad every time! It's my favorite salad of all time! It's not your typical Chinese chicken salad, and that's why I like it. It's always fresh and the flavor is very subtle, but its just enough to be delicious and still feel like healthy choice at the same time. I try to go the Shelby's every time I'm in Orinda! read more

Shelby's is a very good restaurant with fresh, well prepared food. Great selection of entree salads. I especially like the Chicken Mango and Chinese Chicken salads. Sandwiches are very good and great choice of dinner items. I have not had a meal here I didn't like. Best restaurant in Orinda. Just wish the atmosphere was a little warmer. Can improve on attentivness of wait staff. You won't regret eating here. read more

Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere. Over all a steady staple to the east bay restaurant group. I guess they've changed chefs or owners or something because it was well above when I had last time I was there. Sometimes the service was slow but it was never because the wait staff was slacking, it was because they were being as attentive to other customers as they were to my own table. I will eat again and I suggest the stop off the freeway for a bit. read more

I went to Shelby's with my wife. And I had one of the best hamburger in my life. Sauce in the patty was unique and tasty and meat was reallt juicy. My wife also really liked Salmon cream soup. Nice location, and beautiful interior. This restaurant has become one of my favorite place to take my close friends and family members. Thumbs up! read more

We had dinner here last Friday (1/11/13). I suppose the first clue may have been that the place was virtually empty. Therefore, the service was pretty good. But, the food and atmosphere could use some definite work. They have a plastic coated menu (ala Denny's without the pictures). The Cesar salad dressing was heavy and tasted like mayonnaise and the steak in the steak fritte was tough and had a lot of untrimmed fat left on it. Finally, a glass of plain old house Chardonnay was $14. It is so unfortunate that Theater Square can't land a good restaurant. I have been disappointed by Table 24, Barbacoa, and now Shelby's. I know the first two share the same owner, I don't know about this one. read more

Cute little restaurant that has nice ambiance and gets a lot of sun :) nice brunch spot and I love their sweet potato fries and NAPA MELT..fresh chicken salad with little grapes so cute and tasty. I would definitely come back for the salads and sandwiches. read more

We decided to try Shelby's after looking at their menu. Most had breakfast but I decided to go for the lunch options and had the bratwurst panini. It was DELICIOUS. It was perfectly cooked and flavored. They serve the panini with a simple salad, which I liked bc I didn't feel overly stuffed as I would had there been fries. My sister had the Huevos Mexicanos which were very flavorful. They could have packed a little more heat, but that's just how I like it. read more

Just went in to have latte to go because everything in Orinda was closed and had amazing service and a sample of their cooking. The chef is quite nice and cooks very well, above par for a "bistro". Definitely need to be back to have more of his European fare! Loved the Salzburger Nockerl! read more

You wouldn't think that watermelon, chicken, spinach and balsamic vinaigrette would be a good pairing, but that's why you and I aren't chefs at great places like Shelby's. Good work, props for the outdoor seating and friendly (if a bit clueless) service and I'll definitely be back. read more

Small place in Theater Square with lots of underground parking (which they validate). We enjoyed nice, large, fresh salads for lunch. Quality ingredients (large size shrimp, for example, that were nicely grilled). Service was excellent. read more

This place has gotten awesome. The salads, the salmon, every dish I had so far is outstanding. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients and the preparation is well done. For some reason it doesn't seem to have the same "coolness" factor as Table 24 - but the quality is infinitely better! Service continues to be very friendly. read more

Food is super bland. I think hospital food tastes better. Their fresh squeezed oj was watered down and $7!!! Only reason we didn't do table 24 was because they had a limited brunch menu that day. Worst breakfast experience. read more

Amazing food and friendly service. Everything is cooked fresh and with love. The owners Arno and Carlos are great community minded people. Now they stay open from 3:00 to 5:00 offering a happy hour. Check out the recently remodeled dinning room. read more

When my parents suddenly were filled with wanderlust and wanted to see what Orinda had to offer, I was a little skeptical. While tromping around the main street of Orinda we walked into the movie theater shopping plaza and as many have pointed out, it is pretty empty. Yet, there is a little pocket with about 3 restaurants jammed right next to one another and there you will find Shelby's. We were hungry and happened to notice people outside Selby's pleasantly eating and chatting so we decided to stop and grab a bite. Let me just say, thank goodness! The weather was delightful so we sat outside. Our waiter was a very friendly and knowledgeable gentleman who knew the items on the menu and was attentive and entertaining without over staying his welcome. The food was also really delicious! I had the 1/2 sandwich combo with the BLT. Great ratio of bacon to lettuce to tomato with small side salad and these amazing sweet potato chips!!! I've had sweet potato fries before, which I didn't like, but at the recommendation of the waiter I tried the sweet potato in it's chip form and I am a fan! Everyone said that their food was delicious and we came technically when they were closing for the transition from lunch to dinner, but we never felt neglected or rushed. Highly enjoyable and I will be back if I'm in the Orinda area. read more

Good food, friendly service, nice outdoor seating. Their business is doing better since the other restaurants opened in the Square, but this is the best restaurant near the Theatre in Orinda. They will do a vegan special for you too! read more

Very surprised by the quality and presentation. Great food, friendly service, in a casual setting. A must try for folks in Contra Costa County. Right next to the historic Orinda Theatre. read more

This is a great find. The food is fresh and is consistently good. The portions are just right for lunch - not too much. I like the salads that are served with dressings made from high quality ingredients- I especially like the vinaigrette. The staff is friendly and you don't have to wait long to be served. The atmosphere indoors is pleasant but sitting outside is great - feels like a European Bistro. read more

Walked in at 7:45 tonite Sunday and was told they were closed. Advertised as open till 8. Not a good practice. Once we left they posted closed sign. read more

My wife and I had dinner at Shelby's tonight. We have been coming here for years and tonight the food was as good as ever. I had the beef short ribs, which came in a little crock and was topped with small scoops of garlic mashed potatoes. The short ribs were surrounded bacon and covered with a Barolo wine sauce. My wife had the bowtie pasta, which was perfectly cooked. The service has always been good; and when we ask for changes in dishes (like holding all dairy in the preparation) the kitchen never messes up. It's surprising how many places simply ignore these kinds of requests. What we've always liked about Shelby's is the eclectic menu which usually has some European, American, Asian offerings. The food is light and uses seasonal ingredients. My son likes to start with the Chorizo and Shrimp appetizer. I've always thought the Chinese Chicken salad is the best one around. Also, the burgers are always good. read more

Meh. Wife and I had dinner there tonight. Two waiters were fine till the place started to fill, then service tanked, although to his credit, our server acknowledged it and apologized. The shrimp and chorizo: meh. Shrimp were tasty but by no means Tiger count. More like large. The chorizo tasted commercial (read, flavorless.) We looked forward to the shoestring potatoes, but they were rather soggy. Maybe the kitchen turned them out too quickly. The portion size was generous and they have good possibilities, so worth trying again. We split the short ribs, which my wife enjoyed. The meat pulled apart with the fork, the carrots were done perfectly: just a hint of crunch. Sauce was good but not deep (more hours needed for reduction?) Final grade: B-. Would go again... but only after going to many other places first. read more

We have been to Shelby's many times. The food is inventive, tasty, and well presented. Reviewers who complain about the price are just plain off base - the cost is very reasonable compared to other comparable restaurants in the area. The grilled caesar is unique - try it and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The black bean chili is outstanding. If you get dessert, go for the bread pudding - easily the best I have had anywhere, and I am a bread pudding connoisseur. An all around fine place to eat. read more

I'm quite sure Shelby's has the best food in Orinda. I really enjoy the Penne Arrabiata, okay anything that has bacon gets my vote, and this is really well done. I've also had the Chinese Chicken Salad which is well worth it. I also like that the owners are there a lot of the time and you get served by the Chef and the Manager from time time, it adds that human touch. The food is great and the prices are reasonable. read more

Fabulous, absolutely fabulous in every way!! Have had dinner here and also brunch (once outside on their patio) and the extensive menu is thoroughly enjoyable! Everything was prepared excellently and the cocktails are also terrific (fresh squeezed juices in the mix of the lemon drop martini for example). The amazing food is complimented by a great wine list and WONDERFUL service....really, very attentive and not bothersome, just right and genuine!! Looking forward to enjoying Shelby's again and again thanks to their extensive menu, perfectly prepared food, delicious cocktails, and very considerate wait staff! Thank you Shelby's!!! read more

Way overpriced. Worst service ever. So slow I thought I'd die of old age at the table. No cash for change in their till. What kind of store has no money in the drawer? Snotty people. Worst ever. Hated it. read more

Shelby's is one of Teddy's favorite restaurants. Shelby's is located in Orinda's Theater Square. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, so, of course, it is very Teddy friendly. The restaurant is very basically decorated. The service is great - Apollo, one of the waiters, always seems to be working when we stop by Shelby's and he is excellent and friendly. He always remembers to bring water for Teddy, too. We've been to Shelby's many times since our first brunch visit and we've tried a bunch of different items on the menu, including: eggs benedict, huevos mexicanos, vegetarian omelet, breakfast burrito, pancakes, vegetarian chili, tuna melt, caesar salad, grown up grilled cheese, and the palermo pizza. Everything was delicious and well made. Will be back again - still haven't had a chance to try out their dinner menu yet! read more

Ok, I make no promises for the rest of the menu but the grilled Caesar salad is the best thing I've ever eaten. Based on a recommendation from a long time local I went there with a client last week... two days later we returned and I ordered the salad again. It's so delicious I would actually consider driving from SF just to have it (and some sun) again. Grilled romaine lettuce with juicy cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken (or shrimp, which I will try the next time), roasted garlic and avocado. Then they drizzle a balsamic reduction over it and wahlah...yummy grilled goodness. The perfect summer salad...dare I suggest you try it with a glass of white? read more

I stopped a while back with the parents for a bunch lunch meal. The service was slow, but the atmosphere was nice, and comfortable. I had some sort of breakfast selection. The bread was quite dry, and it was ok portions. This place serves as a drop-by with an out-of-town friend b/c you dont want to go to starbucks. read more