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FeedBest of the East Bay - Food
Best steak house, milk shake, Thai food, farm stand, brisket sandwich...
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New Restaurant And Mexican Restaurant
Reader Pick
→ When restaurateur Jeff Dudum partnered with Carlos Santana on a Mexican eatery, we knew everyone would be curious to experience the results. Well, Diablo readers have not only experienced, they’ve voted, and Maria Maria came out the winner in two categories. With a packed bar and live music from guitarists such as Keith Sanchez, the former Cantina restaurant became an instant hit on the nightlife scene. Lively cocktails such as the beautiful Toronja, with its grapefruit juice, rum, and Jamaica syrup, and the smooth yet crisp Cazadores Añejo margarita, with its float of Grand Marnier, didn’t hurt the restaurant’s chances. Nor did drink-friendly bar snacks such as baked cheese with a tomato-habanero-chipotle sauce, and delicate, lightly salted tortilla chips. Entrées such as succulent duck tacos and smoky braised short ribs just sealed the deal: This year, Maria Maria is our best new restaurant and our best Mexican restaurant.
1470 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, (925) 946-1010, www.mariamariarestaurants.com. —Kathryn Jessup
Drive-Thru Refreshment
Editor Pick
→ During hot summer months, the coolest place to be is the Meadowlark Dairy. The drive-thru business off Pleasanton’s Main Street—a nostalgia-inducing building painted with a mural of cows in a pasture—is all that remains of the original Meadowlark, the first certified dairy in the state. Today, an army of local teens buzzes about in the drive-thru, serving customers in their cars grocery staples like milk, eggs, bread, and soda, and convenience items such as dish soap. The biggest draw is the frosties—cool vanilla, chocolate, or orange-flavored soft-serve ice cream in generous portions for less than $2.
57 W. Neal St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-2261. —LeeAnne Carson
Bagels
Editor Pick
→ When is a bagel really a bagel? Certainly not when it’s a pillowy mass of soft bread as big as Rhode Island and otherwise known as a roll. A bagel is compact, it’s restrained, and it’s almost crisp on its golden outside. It offers you something to chew on. It can have a lovely tang. For a real bagel, check out the diminutive but genuine House of Bagels.
1331 Locust St., Walnut Creek, (925) 943-6499; 2151 Salvio St., Concord, (925) 682-8268. —Michaela Jarvis
More Reader Picks
Bakery
Walnut Creek Baking Company, 1686 Locust St., Walnut Creek, (925) 988-9222, www.walnutcreekbakingcompany.com.
BBQ
Bo’s Barbecue and Catering, 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, (925) 283-7133.
Chef
Rodney Worth, The Peasant and the Pear, 267 Hartz Ave., Danville, (925) 820-6611, www.thepeasantandthepear.com.
Coffeehouse
Yellow Wood Coffee and Tea, 215 Alamo Plaza, Ste. E, Alamo, (925) 837-1234, www.yellowwoodcoffeeandtea.com.
Deli
Genova Delicatessen, 1105 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek, (925) 939-3838; 2064 Treat Blvd., Ste. C, Walnut Creek, (925) 938-2888; www.genovadeli.net.
Diner
Hubcaps Diner, 1548 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, (925) 945-6960, www.hubcapsdiner.com.
Fine Dining
Prima Ristorante, 1522 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 935-7780, www.primaristorante.com.
Hamburger
George’s Giant Hamburger, 1491 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek, (925) 939-4888.
Reader Comments:
best vegetarian food? come on now!
The Peasant and The Pear is a wonderful spot for lunch or dinner. Great atmosphere, marvelous food and a personal, friendly staff. We love it!
The new Agora Bistro in Pleasanton on Main Street is the best upscale Greek and Turkish cuisine I have ever tasted. The chef puts so much care into everything he makes. And the servers are professionals. The homemade desserts, like the baklava, are not to be missed. You can't see the spacious sun room from the street, but it's a great place to hang out and eat! My partner and I can't say enough good things about this restaurant.
Tea Au Lait in San Ramon has the BEST tea selections ever! They serve teas (also bubble teas) and great crepes. Friendly staff lead you to pick up your favorite teas according to your interests. Check it out and you will surely become a "REGULAR" like I am!
Prima is the best Italian restaurant I have been to in the East Bay. I don't understand why people don't mention it more often. (Have they not been or something?) The food is outstanding (Peter Chastain is a genius!) and the service is very warm and personable. It also has a wine shop attached to it that has probably the best selection of wines in Northern California, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. John Rittmaster knows more about wine than anyone else in the business, and he loves to share his knowledge and find good bargains for you if you ask!
Chevalier Restaurant has one of the best chef around the Bay Area. This place a very nice patio area with heaters to enjoy your meal. If you haven't been here you are missing out.
Artisan Bistro is a true Lafayette Gem. Their cuisine is excellent, and prepared with local, fresh, organic ingredients! I went for Mother's Day brunch and loved it, then decided to go with my husband for dinner... Hmmm... Absoluteley delicious from start to finish! If you are a foodie, this is the place to be.