Vanessa&#x27;s Bistro

We just enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at Teleferic. Our server Soraya was warm and…read morewelcoming and on top of everything. The manager Marta also did a fantastic job greeting us and coming in and checking in on us. We come here often for our date nights and have always loved coming to this restaurant. Chef Oscar's creations are always delicious and a treat to eat! Always a consistently delicious and lively restaurant in the Walnut Creek area.

Good service , great food!!! Great management in general…read more Easy parking . Great for families gandering.

Cocktail Gin Tonic

Spanish Bread with Tomato

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Crab Croquetas

Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar

4.1(2.7k reviews)

0.2 mi

If we want variety with a twist on things ... this is where we go! With a side of good drinks!…read more Great wine list and great seasonal menus. Everything from the biscuit, ceviche, cod, corn risotto , short rib, burger and Brussels are to die for! They usually make a killer shot soup which has been a win win for us!! We love this small place for date night! Service is so pleasant as well :))

I went to this place after a very long time possibly eight years. While the location and the…read morestaffing and Service was still very much the same and excellent. the food quality has gone down and the portions have gotten Small. One of my favorite things was to order the tuna Ahi tartar. The decoration tables, chairs, wall, painting, and nothing has changed. I was also disappointed with the brussels sprout, which was advertised as crispy fried, but yet it was barely cooked. This is a small plates restaurant so you need to order multiple items and share

Flights!

Scallops

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Crisp and refreshing 13$

Havana

4.1(3k reviews)

0.0 mi

Never a bad meal or experience here at Havana! The service…read moreis always attentive and if you are lucky enough to have Gavin as your server then that's a win! The ropa Vieja chiliquiles were phenomenal. Jeff the manager is also very friendly and goes around to make sure you are taken care of. This is our go to brunch and dinner spot. Thanks for a great anniversary brunch. See you again soon and save us a spot in Gavins area!

Havana never disappoints! From the drinks to the food I know I'm always going to have a great…read moreexperience. The staff is always attentive, especially Eduardo who provided an excellent dinning experience.

Raspberry, Mango & Traditional Mojitos

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Plantain Chips, Sea Salt

Limón

4.2(2.1k reviews)

0.0 mi

First time in Limon and I have to say best service ever from Wilfredo. His recommendation was all…read moreon point. He recommended the mango picota and it was delicious. We can't wait to come back.

Foremost, our server Wilfredo did an incredible job at recommending some incredible food options…read more The food was great and fresh and overall a really good time. We set outside and the vibes paired with the food was fantastic. Ps Highly recommend the ceviche!

Bar - inside seating

Lomo Saltado

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Chicken Empanadas

ZuZu

4.1(2.2k reviews)

30.1 mi

Cocktails, Singapore Sling and Napa Chardonnay…read more Happy hour dishes, Mussels Pork cheeks Black Arroz paella We ordered drinks first while we spent a little time reviewing menu options. They served up quickly! Not watered down and satisfying potent. Recommended by our waiter. The Mussels were fantastic. Tender and cooked to perfection. Polenta has slight seared crisp exterior and soft inside. Feta cheese really a surprise, brings all the flavors together rich and creamy. But the real star of the show is the braising juices. Ask for more bread to soak up all the savory goodness Pork cheeks and tongue were again another winner. Served with radish slices and cabbage? The meat slices had umami flavors to the max! The pork cheek fatty and melts in your mouth. The tongue was a bit less satisfying but still super moist and mouth watering. Finally the Black Arroz paella. Topped with head on shrimp, clams, mussels, fish and calamari. Wow, the rice was soft and cooked to perfection. All of the seafood added the ocean flavors to the dish. Cubes of squash imbedded in the rice gave the dish a full filling texture. So good and satisfying. Staff was super attentive. We sat out front where we could enjoy out early dinner with our doggie. So yes they are pet friendly if you sit in their front patio. I highly recommend dropping in on Zuzu for dinner and a relaxing meal.

Spanish tapas done amazingly well! This was our second time here, and it did not disappoint. They…read moreget busy, make a reservation. Definitely order the black paella with squid ink and seafood--it's incredible! And if you're a gin lover, oh my goodness... they have a menu for you! So many great choices. The service was amazing, our server was amazing and funny. Absolutely delicious, beautifully done, and worth coming back for. Highly recommend!

Heirloom tomatoes - delicious

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Strawberry Aperol was recommended and very good

Petiscos

3.8(667 reviews)

40.5 mi•SoFA, Downtown

A Michelin restaurant in Downtown SJ? Ample parking in the…read morearea, the interior has quite a bit of seating (no outdoor seating). The staff was helpful and answered all of our questions. Food was served fresh and hot. If you come around 7pm or 8pm, you'll probably need reservations. Recommendations: 'Pao de quejio' cheese bread Francesinha sandwich

Good vibe, ecclectic menu but definitely on the pricey side…read more Duck Rice - shredded duck, linguica, and bacon mixed into what looked like charred brown rice. This was wonderful - although I felt like I need something bland to counteract the salty sausage. Clams - great buttery broth, otherwise nothing too unique or special. Cheesy Bread - actually they are large cheese balls basically, but who doesn't love cheesy balls? Shrimp - quite basic, again nothing bad, just nothing to write home about. You can also see in the pic how unimaginative the dish looks. Francesinha- apparently famous from the city of Porto - this dish is a monstrous sandwich drenched in beet-based tomato sauce. Once you break through, there meats galore - filet, linguica, ham and a boat load of cheese which makes the whole thing look sloppy, frankly, reminiscent of a large microwaved lasagna. Overall, I don't think the food justifies the price. Maybe on a dish or two but overall I wasn't very impressed. That's all....

Dining area from the front

Seafood rice

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Bar seating

Puerta del Sol

4.4(291 reviews)

46.5 mi•Blossom Valley

AUTHENTIC. FANTASTIC. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS…read more Everything we tried was packed with flavor--from the crispy bites and creamy sauces to those incredible clams and that beautiful cocktail. Real food. Bold flavors. Great atmosphere. This place absolutely delivered. 10/10 -- definitely coming back!

We came here to celebrate after the World Cup final. We had an enjoyable time. There's absolutely…read morenothing that I didn't like. The waiter was friendly and accommodating. He even took my boyfriend's request to be seated next to Spanish fans. We got to sit next to a family that was also celebrating Spain's win. Interestingly, the family was not Spanish but were from Latin America. They recognized some paintings from a famous Colombian painter. Overall, the ambiance both inside and out was delightful. The food was great and plentiful. One of our tapas could have been a meal in itself. We had a paella and two tapas. I would definitely go again.

Interior

Papas Braviolis ($12) Triple cooked Spanish potatoes, smokey brava sauce and aioli sauce.

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Pintxos de Pollo Morunos ($15) 3 grilled chicken thighs skewers marinated in sauce and spices, served over labneh.

La Marcha Tapas Bar

4.0(1.6k reviews)

12.7 mi•West Berkeley

Met a friend for a very quick lunch and service was spectacular. Food came out fast and when we…read moretold her we were in a hurry, she made sure to grab check right away. Very kind! Food itself was pretty underwhelming. We had the brussel sprouts which were the best part of our meal- tangy and crispy. The calamari was yummy with the squid ink- perfectly cooked. The short rib was not to our liking- a bit too watery to be deep fried on the outside. The patatas bravas had a smoky taste we also did not enjoy. They also drenched it on the sauce so it was pretty unavoidable. Ambiance was cool! Def more casual than fancy!

We were genuinely excited to eat at La Marcha and had specifically made a reservation for a…read more**table**.Unfortunately, what should have been an enjoyable evening started with some of the worst customer service we have experienced. When we arrived, we were told that our reservation was actually for seating at the bar. We explained that our booking showed **standard seating** and that we had reserved a table, not bar seating. Instead of acknowledging the discrepancy or trying to resolve it, the maître d' told us that the reservation was "open to interpretation" and that, to him, "standard seating" meant sitting at the bar. It was incredibly frustrating to be told that *we* were wrong about the reservation we had made and that the wording could simply be interpreted however they chose once we arrived. What made the experience particularly upsetting was the way we were treated. We came in excited to support this restaurant and enjoy a meal, but we left feeling as though we simply **weren't worthy of being given a table**, despite having made a reservation for one. There was no sense of hospitality, accountability, or genuine effort to make the situation right. Instead, we were made to feel as though expecting the seating we reserved was unreasonable. A reservation should mean something. If "standard seating" at La Marcha can mean bar seating rather than a standard table, that should be made explicitly clear when guests book--not reinterpreted at the door. We were really looking forward to dining here, which makes the experience even more disappointing. We ultimately felt unwelcome and as though we somehow weren't "good enough" to receive the table we had reserved. No guest should leave a restaurant feeling that way.

Dining area

Piquillos

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Croqueta de Ternera

Crescent Bistro

4.3(490 reviews)

3.2 mi

On of the many restaurants in Pleasant Hill. Always great service and delicious menu items.read more

Great food, fun cocktails and wonderful service. I wouuld recomend Crescent Bistro as a go to place…read moreto eat. Check out the discounted weekday lunch and dinner.

Grilled Shrimp

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HH Bartenders Choice

Pho Huynh Hiep 6 - Kevin's Noodle House

3.9(1.5k reviews)

0.6 mi

Kevin's noodle house has always been my go-to over the past few decades, whether it is Oakland, San…read moreFrancisco, Concord, or Walnut Creek. And after visiting Vietnam twice, I can confidently say it will continue to be my favorite Bay Area pho restaurant for its consistency. The pho special number 1 (large) has everything in it - tripe, tendon, flank, etc. and I always make sure to add extra onion and lime ‍ if possible! Pro tip: don't put the hot sauce or hoisin directly in the broth, put it on the side dish! Service is always appreciated, too. Extra onions? Served. Tea? Instantly delivered Walnut Creek's location is also the cleanest I've been to, so if that's important to you, keep that in mind. The food highlights: broth is clean, noodles always the right texture, and the smoothies are absolutely necessary for something sweet - no need for boba elsewhere after. Never a bad time here - they always pay attention to you and provide the best experience. Will be back again for the 100th time!

This is hands-down the best Kevin Noodle House out of all the other locations they have. I've tried…read morea few in the Peninsula and the other ones around here and the flavor is much better and consistent here in Walnut Creek every time. The restaurant is very clean and the servers are quick. Parking is around back but it's a small lot so you may have to park on the street. I come here often and my go to is the pho with steak and brisket or the vermicelli with beef and egg roll! The egg rolls are bomb here and the pho is very flavorful and tastes clean without being overly heavy. My wife likes to get the combo rice plate and the pork chop and fried chicken are always on point, especially with the fish sauce. For drinks, I usually get either a Thai Tea or Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Both are very solid and I prefer to come here over other cafes just for either of these drinks.

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Restaurant Interior

Grilled beef

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76 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Jamie P.

17 years ago

REVIEWERS!!!! If you are a struggling college student with no extra income, please do not write reviews saying its too expensive!!! You need to live within your means and not eat anything other than $2 menus at fast food chains(I did it before and I am here to say its ok)!!! Or if you are a cheap person, look at the menu's posted in the store fronts window before you find yourself "forced" to eat here! From the buzz around town, this place just opened. From the second my friends and I walked in, I could not tell because it was packed on a Monday night. We were able to get a table no problem, we were welcomed by Rachel our server, and she gave us a run down of the menu and wine list. Very informative and knowledgeable, she had her favorites which we ordered with much delight. She recommended a great bottle of Reisling to go with our meal. We switched to a bottle of Malbec to go with our protein, great choice! Pot Stickers, Shaking Filet Salad, Papaya Salad, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Lamb, garlic noodles, fried rice, Bread Pudding, Pecan Pie and an Apple Egg roll.......... YUM to everything!!!! So the fun began at the end of the meal..... My three other girlfriends and I noticed a young male(cutie) dressed to impress walking around all night long. He came over to clean off our table and ask how was our meal, we gladly gave our feedback. We ended up finding out he was the owner(Michael) and his mother was Vanessa. She is the Chef of both the Berkeley and Walnut Creek Location. This kid knows his stuff and was very handsome might we all add! And Vanessa sure shows her knowledge and versatility in a well presented and creative menu. Overall, this place really has it all together, we will be back since we now know the owners, such a plus for Walnut Creek!!! read more

Amanda G.

114

1 year ago

Vanessa's Bistro - A Flavorful Gem with Great Vibes I had an amazing experience dining at Vanessa's Bistro! From the moment we arrived, everything flowed seamlessly. We were seated immediately, which was a pleasant surprise, especially considering how popular the spot is. There's plenty of parking available, but I'd definitely recommend getting there a bit early--spaces can fill up quickly due to the area's high traffic. Now, let's talk about the food--absolutely delicious. I ordered the Filet Mignon and Chicken Garlic Noodles, and both were incredibly savory and filling. The filet was tender and cooked to perfection, and the noodles had just the right amount of garlic and flavor that made each bite satisfying. To complement the meal, we had a couple of mojitos, and wow--so refreshing and tasty! They struck that perfect balance of sweet and minty without being overpowering. What really tied the whole evening together was the ambiance. The music was on point--perfect for lovers of R&B and neo-soul. It created a laid-back, chill vibe that made it easy to relax and enjoy the moment. Overall, Vanessa's Bistro is a must-visit if you're looking for great food, good drinks, and a cool, vibey atmosphere. I'll definitely be back! read more

Diana Rae V.

11 years ago

If i could give this place zero stars I would. I arrived here yesterday 10/29/2015 at around 9:10 pm. I called the place a few hours before (as I was on my way from San Francisco)to ask about happy hour times and the person on the phone said 9-11pm. Me and my friends drove all the way from San Francisco to make it to happy hour and like I said we made it at around 9:10 pm. I was really looking forward to eating at the place because one of my friends recommended it! Unfortunately I was really disappointed and upset that once we arrived the host told us that they weren't taking anymore customers because it wasn't busy!! Keep in mind happy hour just started and closing is at 11pm. Why wouldn't they take customers coming in 2 hrs before they close! It's happy hour so wouldn't they expect people to start coming in???!The workers probably were lazy and wanted to go home early. I'm sooooo upset that we didn't get to try the place out because workers are too lazy!! You guys wasted my time. Management really needs to do something about this because turning down customers 2 hrs before closing is unacceptable!!!! read more

Sayid P.

13 years ago

I had to write a review cause I notice some of the bad review was regards of price and thing like it not traditional Vietnamese food . It is walnut creek things are not cheap but I got to say vanessas tapas prices are a lot more reasonable then other tapas restaurant in the area . Far as not being traditional Vietnamese food duh!! The name is vanessas bistro !! Lol not noodle house lol this place is veitnamese food with a French twist so the skill and talent to cook these dishes take more skills so appriciate it if you know real food cause I love this place ! Things I love bout this place Garlic noodles Shaking fillet ( portion might be small but the plate $10 bucks ! You can't even get a salad cheaper then that at tender greens ) Salt and pepper prawns Garlic noodles The rack of lamb they had On special The filet carpaccio The five spice duck There to much to list !! I got to say this might be my favorite spots !! I can't wait to they reopen down the street !! read more

Vik L.

147

2 years ago

If you're looking for the best restaurant in WC, look no further! This place delivers on all fronts--exceptional food, cocktails, and an amazing atmosphere. The menu offers a perfect balance of classic favorites and unique dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. Every bite feels thoughtfully prepared, and the presentation is just as impressive. The cocktails are expertly crafted, balancing bold flavors with a smooth finish--definitely worth trying a few! Beyond the food and drinks, the ambiance is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring a top-tier dining experience from start to finish. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this spot is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommended! read more

lang j.

16 years ago

my husband and my gird friend went to Vanessas bistro for the first time we always go to Berkeley .so i have to order my GREEN PAPAYA SALAD i give 5 start for that .is say on the menu GREEN PAPAYA so is not ripe hello ....... i don't like to correcting other i have to.....sory ...some one have to do it onion soup very good ahi tuna and salmon poke yummmmmm sharking fillet salad is so good we have to order one more Curry chicken is good too clay pot rice i love the burn trice salmon with padthai noodles the salmon is so big for $19 wowwwwwwwwww.i love the seed wed on top of the poke not jelly fish stupid....... and i like my waitress( blond hair ) i am very picky about my food Vanessa not here but the food was flavorful just like in Berkeley we will go back for lunch next week..... full bar love....... read more

Win F.

16 years ago

The food is outstanding and can be ordered as an individual, or shared with all at the table. They have a beet salad that is incredible, along with their chicken rolls. Unbelievably delicious. To finish off the meal though, I have to recommend the hot bread pudding with ice cream. Even if you don't think you like bread pudding, this one will take your breath away. Although all the food is always incredible and the service great, it's the only place I can go and find the best in the world bread pudding. When you taste their food, you don't think about price, although it is all reasonable, because this kind of flavor is hard to find. They have a way of combining complimentary incrediates that you don't forget. read more

Cassandra R.

13 years ago

Looking at other reviews, one should note if you want a hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant this is not the place! If you want cheap go get pho! If you want quality go to a higher end Vietnamese restaurant and open your mind and wallet! With that said, best dish by far is the Shaking Filet Mignon Salad! Get the garlic noodles with it but save room for some pecan pie! Wine list extensive, cocktails are filled to the top and very generous, ambiance is delightful and clean!!!! I love feeling comfortable and wanted when dining out, it's a plus to have incredible food with great service!! Rare in this day in age, not too many people get it but Vanessa's does a great job overall!!! read more

Chip C.

1077

12 years ago

I was looking for a place that could offer quality along with ambiance and I found it. I have been a few times now and looking forward to trying every item on the menu. The first time I walked in I was greeted by the owner Michael and he made us feel like we have known each other for years. In fact every member of his family came over to the table and said hello .My better half loves wine so she was impressed by the wine list. Vanessa's is a family business and I found out that they have been in the restaurant business for many years and it shows.. I for one am very pleased that this family decided to come to Walnut Creek. I am a FAN read more

Osa A.

728

3 years ago

Discovering this hidden gem in Walnut Creek was an absolute delight. The service here goes above and beyond, making each visit feel personal and welcoming. As for the culinary experience, both the food and drinks stand out remarkably, showcasing a perfect blend of quality ingredients and masterful preparation. Each dish served is a testament to the chef's dedication and skill, while the drink selection complements the menu beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience. It's a place that truly values its patrons, offering a memorable encounter with every visit. read more

Sam C.

116

225

11 months ago

What wge ordered: Appetizer: - Spring Roll - Calamari Entrée: - Prawns and Scallops with rice - Claypot Rice Desert: - None Scores: - Hospitality/Politeness: 9/10 - Dinnerware quality/cleanliness 7/10 - Timeliness: 8/10 - Food quality: 7/10 - Food deliciousness 7/10 - Food healthiness: 6/10. - Parking availability: 6/10 Overall score: 62% Do I take my significant other to there for a relax/romantic dinner? Yes. Do I casually party there? Yes. Do I eat there on a Sunday noon? Yes. Miscellaneous Hints: - The Claypot Rice was too greasy. read more

Sarah F.

13 years ago

This used to be on of my favorite restaurants because of the interesting food and excellent taste, especially for Walnut Creek, and I have brought many friends including all of our out of town guests here. However, I am appalled at how rude the waitress and owner were to our table recently. The food was still good, however the manner in which they handled our some of our questions was unacceptable. I am very sorry to say that I will not be coming back nor will I ever recommend this restaurant to anyone again. read more

Rich P.

Elite 16

805

1008

8 years ago

Came here with a friend and had a legit dinner. The lemongrass chicken was unreal. It had a peanut sauce that was delicious. The chicken wings were a close second. I know what you're thinking, "If I wanted wings, I'd go to BWW." These are not those wings. These wings have a flavor touched by the food gods. While the prawns and the tacos were good, they were missing a little something, so I added the sauce from the lemongrass chicken and that did the trick. Overall atmosphere was legit. I'll def go back. read more

Vanessa S.

Elite 19

484

809

397

16 years ago

I love this place and not just because my name is Vanessa. Well, maybe just a little bit :) They have a good selection of wines and now have cocktails because they recently got their full liquor license. The small plates are a good size. Everything I have had has been really good except for the Spicy Papaya Salad. It was lacking flavor and was boring for the most part. Also be careful when ordering. You might end up ordering a lot and end up with a fat bill. read more

Ann B.

14 years ago

I wasn't very impressed withy that place. I think I still prefer Modern China Cafe. The food at Vanessa's was mediocre, I liked fillet mignonette salad, my friend ordered cocconut curry chicken and it came in small dish. The prices were ok but after adding side of rise and 2 appetizers we ended up paying around $65 for ok food. I think it's too much for casual Wednesday dinner. Maybe we should have come dusting happy hours....next time maybe. read more

Doug G.

14 years ago

The Taco Tuesday special caught my eye and decided to try it out. Of course not your average taco, a huge cut above all of the rest the margarita that comes with this is equally great as well. In addition we had about 6 of their other tapas servings and loved each one. They were all very fresh and had their own unique flavor. We loved this place. Their spin on the traditional tapas was a welcome change. read more

Clint W.

17 years ago

Finally glad to see this place open!!! My wife and I had been dying to try out this new restaurant so we decided to go this past weekend. The staff was very friendly and sat us quickly. The owner Michael was very respectful and knew his wines very well. The wine list has a great variety. The salt and pepper prawns, salmon, and halibut were delicious. We can't wait to go back!!! Two thumbs up! read more

ROSE A.

11 years ago

What a delightful restaurant. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by two, young, attractive hostesses. The wait staff were quite attentive. I managed to arrive in time for happy hour margaritas - $6. Everyone in this small but delightful restaurant were eager to make my time there enjoyable. Tuesdays have half off tapas and I must give it a try. Definitely will return read more

Darlene B.

9 years ago

Why did we wait so long to go here! We were there for Happy Hour on a Sat whoooo. No idea that was a thing but the HH menu was amazing. We will be back. We had the steak carpaccio and the ahi tuna carpaccio.........to die for. Garlic fries were OK but how do you compare fries to steak and tuna carpaccio! Calamari we will be back. Can't say enough about the place. Clean and friendly. read more

Erica C.

11 years ago

Went in and had the best service ever. Our server Karina was the best. She seated me and my guests right away on a Friday night when it was packed. We had our food served in a timely manner and it was delicious. Our server was on top of everything. Constantly checking in on my party to see if we were ok. Definitely coming back because of the good customer service and delicious food. read more

Vanessa's Bistro - vietnamese - Updated September 2026

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Great spot and good vibes. The menu is ideal for different occasions. You'll find the owner,…read moreGreg, there often. Greg has an expert experience in food. Shayne is very attentive and caring. Devina at the bar is awesome too - great service and persona.

I was really feeling the vibe of this place for brunch. The venue was all open, lots of sun and…read morefresh air, dj playing solid 2000s hip hop and r&b, a mimosa bar nicely setup and a central bar area. The menu had a good amount of options. We went for the ube pancakes and fried chicken. The pancakes were good, but didn't have a heavy ube taste. Fried chicken was juicy and crispy, I liked the texture of the batter and it was seasoned well. The waitress was nice, checked on us frequently enough. I'd come back for brunch again, and to check out their dinner offerings, too.

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We came here for dinner on a Sunday evening. I was craving prime rib for the first time in my life…read moreand this is the first place that comes up if you search prime rib in our local area. It's not on the menu, but it is still a Sunday special, a big gorgeous piece of prime rib, a little loaded baked potato, and a side of grilled vegetables. The portion, flavor, and the overall meal were perfect. I did order my prime rib medium, and it came out fully brown so I nearly sent it back, but it was tasty enough to keep. Service was friendly and the ambiance sitting outside on a late summer evening was lovely.

Very nice atmosphere and love the outdoor patio area - super unassuming if you're just driving by…read more Lots of space to sit and they were very accommodating even though we didn't have reservations The oasis cocktail was amazing, a great tropical drink that isn't too sweet The calamari was also heavenly, came with fried lemon that I couldn't help eating and the tartar sauce had a tangy element The shrimp pasta was creamy, 4 large shrimp with fresh grilled bread I would not recommend the French dip - it was rather plain and the meat was tough. It felt like it may have been cooked days prior and didn't taste fresh.

East Ocean Seafood Restaurant

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I have become a creature of habit at East Ocean because I keep ordering the same thing: the…read moreMongolian Beef lunch special with steamed rice, and I always add the hot & sour soup. The portions are generous, so I usually order it to go and have plenty left for another meal. The little green salad comes with a dressing I really enjoy, and they also include delicate, crispy fried wonton chips -- a surprisingly tasty little extra. I've only ordered this one meal at East Ocean, but I've ordered it many times and have always enjoyed it. When you find something you really like, why mess with it?

gave this place a try since we were initially going to try the sushi place next door, but the wait…read morewas extremely long....this place was smaller than expected, however, for a friday evening, we were seated right away. the pros: - fast service - dim sum at dinner time!? we were so stoked! - the honey walnut prawns were amazing here. large prawns, fresh crunchy but light batter, not too sweet and the walnuts were candied perfectly - waitresses were very kind and attentive - brought out a toddler friendly water cup for my little one without having to ask for one - complimentary cucumber salad and peanuts as appetizers - several tvs for entertainment - bbq pork buns were good; soft and flavorful - congee was just as expected cons: - we ordered the fried shrimp dimsum (balls?) which came out last, and unfortunately were SO overcooked and burnt on the bottom....they were INCREDIBLY difficult to eat. i mean, we couldn't even stick our fork through because they were just rock solid hard... we tried to address this in the nicest way possible, but didn't get it remade or taken off the bill /: we appreciate the apologies but inedible food shouldn't have been served, or nonetheless, charged for... - shumai was good but bottom of the wrapper was mushy and overcooked - hargow didn't have much flavor - chow fun was basic and had a lot of onions/spring onions...(and i'm usually a gal that doesn't mind extra onions but it was almost like 50% onions and 50% noodles - our little one couldn't eat much of it) - while others got their to-go boxes handed to them, for whatever reason, our waitress took our leftovers to the back to box up. we didn't mind this, HOWEVER, as the waitress was picking up our food, she began coughing so much :( all over our food and TWICE in my face....my husband looked over at me in complete shock. i didn't even know how to react without being rude but that being the last part of our experience makes me a bit disappointed and don't feel too comfortable coming back /: while dining, we had high hopes of this being our new dim sum place since we moved and aren't close to our favorite/usual spots anymore. overall, good but not the best. our personal experience was just okay.

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(93 reviews)

BEST VIET FOOD IN EAST BAY! Absolutely amazing Vietnamese food! Everything we ordered was SO good…read more The bún bò Huế was super flavorful and comforting, the egg rolls were perfectly crispy, and the bánh mì was amazing. The (viet iced coffee) cà phê sữa đá was also one of the best I've had - strong, sweet, and so good. You can tell they put a lot of care into their food. We'll definitely be coming back and trying more of the menu. Highly recommend!!

I had lunch here with a friend, and I got their #1 Combination Special, which I enjoyed. The…read morenoodles had the right texture, and the meat was tender. It was also very filling. One thing I didn't like was that they packaged the chopsticks, knife, spoon, and maybe a fork, too, in a wax paper bag. It's a waste of a bag because utensils for customers should be clean regardless of whether they're in a bag. I also thought it was unnecessary to give us so many utensils. For example, I obviously didn't need a knife to eat pho. For dessert, my friend and I split the Three Color Dessert. The drink was decent, but it had too much ice. I was also disappointed that it came in a plastic cup plus another plastic cup for us to split it because I prefer reusable cups to reduce trash. They also provided prepackaged single-use utensils for us to eat dessert. More specifically, inside that plastic bag was a plastic fork, a plastic knife, and a napkin, which was excessive given what we were eating. Fortunately, I knew that we had already been given metal spoons in the beginning, so my friend and I simply used those metal spoons and told the server to take back the single-use plastic utensil packs. As a side note, we paid with cash and got a cash discount. Overall, the pho was great, and the dessert was decent. There are a few improvements they could make to reduce waste, but I would recommend going to this place if you're looking for Vietnamese food in Walnut Creek. ECO NOTES (Dine-In) Dine-In Dishware: Reusable plates and bowls Napkins: Single-use disposable paper napkin from a dispenser, which I like because then I can use my own napkin Utensils: Metal spoon, reusable chopsticks, knife, and likely a fork Water cups: Plastic cup

IKOI Sushi Café

4.3

(311 reviews)

Just the best people, came after work and sushi was great and really took care of me! Everyone…read moreshould check it out and affordable prices, I will be back:)

I don't leave reviews often but this place is so deserving! The owners/staff are very kind :)…read moreWe ordered a small sushi box, it came with 4 rolls and it was amazing. Fairly priced and so tasty. Will definitely be back again! 10/10

Burma 2

4.4

(979 reviews)

Burma 2 is such a great spot! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The portions are…read moreperfect for sharing and make it easy to order family-style. The staff is friendly, and I love that they have both indoor and outdoor seating. It's also a great place to bring kids--casual, welcoming, and easygoing. Our favorites were definitely the mango chicken and coconut rice! We'll definitely be back.

Made an impromptu visit to Walnut Creek for the evening and were starving by the end of the night…read more We walked by many options and finally settled with Burma 2. No regrets. Everything was delicious -- we got the Tea Leaf Salad, Burmese Chicken Curry, Lemongrass Chicken, and the Mint Jalapeño Chicken. All of them were super tasty, and they were able to adjust the spiciness to our preferred level. The Lemongrass Chicken was meant for the kids but it was my favourite too... along with the Tea Leaf Salad of course. Oh and the coconut jasmine rice was really good too! My husband got the Crazy Coconut cocktail and the rum came on the side, which was perfect because he could control how strong the drink was. If you're in the area, definitely stop by here - all their dishes are fantastic.

Plearn Thai Palace

3.9

(487 reviews)

Plearn Thai Palace has a great selection of traditional Thai dishes, ranging from curries to…read morewok-fried choices. The waitress and staff here are very kind and attentive! As a group of 4, we were able to sit comfortably at a table and have conversations without any struggle of noise. The dish I chose is a type of seafood dish with a green curry base. Quick tip is to make sure you order rice separately as some of these dishes will not automatically come with it. Starting with the curry base, the consistency was just right and not too thick. The coconut balanced with Thai basil and spices provided a nice spicy kick to it as well that wasn't too overpowering. The seafood, from the shrimp to squid, was cooked to tender perfection and was not rubbery or overcooked. I also appreciated the portion size as if you do go with a group, you can definitely share some of these dishes and it feels more family-style. Overall, I really enjoyed the food here and would love to come back again!

Overall our family enjoyed our meal, however, I can't guarantee I'll be back. The price to portion…read moreratio is really off. The green curry was good, but wasn't as rich in flavor as I was expecting it to be. The consistency of the curry was on the watery end. We ordered everything as we would at any Thai restaurant with our go to dishes but I have never paid $200+. It almost felt like getting robbed. 20% was added to our bill for 3 adults and 2 kids. I was kind of thrown off with the portions so much that I didn't take pictures of everything. We ordered tom kha gai, chicken wings, chicken satay, crab fried rice, pad see ew, green curry eggplant with chicken, and garlic calamari. Of all the dishes, I really enjoyed the pad see ew. Extra star because I do want to support a family business but I do hope there are some changes to portions for the price. Service was great, and their staff was very friendly and attentive. Food was good, but pricey.

Rasa Thai

4.7

(49 reviews)

We recently discovered Rasa Thai and decided to stop by for dinner, and we're so glad we did! The…read morefood was delicious, and the service was excellent--friendly, attentive, and welcoming. We really enjoyed the overall experience and will definitely be coming back. The only thing I felt was missing was some music in the background. A little music would add to the atmosphere and make the dining experience even more enjoyable. Overall, a great find, and we're looking forward to coming back and trying more dishes!

We finally checked out Rasa Thai, and I'm so glad we did! The ambiance is clean and welcoming, and…read morethe staff was incredibly friendly. Most importantly, everything we ordered was delicious--not overly sweet and packed with flavor! We ordered from the lunch special menu. I had the Chicken Pad Kee Mao and Satay Chicken. It's been a while since I've had a Pad Kee Mao this delicious! My wife had the Chicken Garlic Green Beans and Tropical Shrimp Sticks, and both were fantastic. For starters, we tried the Sunset Crispy Wings--super crispy and perfectly seasoned! The BBQ Pork was tender and delicious as well. And we couldn't skip dessert! The Fresh Mango Sticky Rice was the perfect ending. The mango was fresh and sweet, while the sticky rice was perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. Overall, Rasa Thai is a 10/10 for me! Definitely coming back!

Lou's Chicken Shop

4.7

(137 reviews)

SCREAMING 5 STARS!!!! Now that I have your attention, stop what you're doing and come eat here…read more The traditional house and fish sauce fried chicken Sammy were BOTH as good as the best I've ever had. Absolutely perfect from flavor to assembly, flawlessly placed on brioche bun. I appreciate that the coleslaws punch in perfect balance without mayo. You can watch them batter and fry it to order, if you're one of those foodies that likes to watch. I loved it all so much I seriously found myself getting almost sad towards the last few bites. Last but almost *first are the best tater tot's you will ever have. It's a bold claim I'd love to be proven wrong on. And feel free to message me if you find a better tot! They are perfectly cooked and seasoned with things you should come in and talk to the seriously friendly owner personally about. He'll tell you. Super cool guy and was so nice to serve me and my brother 5 minutes before closing. In summary- uncomplicated comfort food you'd never be able to replicate at home with a fair price and flavor that you'll be telling your friends about and possibly, even yelping about.

I ordered Lou's for dinner last night and it's taking all of my willpower not to order it again…read moretonight. But I think I might give in... it's just so good! The fried chicken is perfectly crispy and light, and the flavor is amazing. The cucumbers were awesome too, I need to try the rest of the menu!

Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar

4.1

(2.7k reviews)