Food Awards

You voted for your favorite restaurants, and Diablo's judges rated them for food, ambience, and service - out of a possible 90 points. Find what the judges had to say about them, starting with our number one: Pizzaiolo. Visit all 17 of the top restaurants and be your own judge.

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Prima.Walnut Creek                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Food: 23 points, Ambience: 24 points, Service: 28 points

FINAL SCORE: 75 points out of 90 points

What stood out in our minds after this meal: The way all the details of the food, drink, and service merge into a memorable whole.

Defining moment:  The house-made tagliatelle served with a simple sauté of chanterelle mushrooms in shallots and butter, a light sprinkling of parsley, and nothing else.

Overheard: “Mmmm. Ohhh. Oh, that’s great. Can I have a bite? Wow, that’s amazing. Can I have a sip? Wow. Ohh, yum.”

Flavor we can’t forget: The Kobe-style braised short ribs topped with a few dressed leaves of peppery arugula. There was no secret ingredient or flavor, just impeccable-quality meat, a bit of rosemary, wine, and aromatic vegetables.

Best thing we drank: The wine. All of it. Every drop. Perfect.

Who goes there: Everyone—from well-heeled diners toting a fine old bottle from their cellar to folks in jeans in search of a delicious dinner after work.

Detail we’re glad they attended to:  For each new course, waitstaff delivered new flatware and didn’t try to clear until the entire table was finished.

Showstopper: The Maine lobster salad with truffle mayonnaise—a few endive spears, a fluff of hydroponic cress, and a big, fat pile of fresh, sweet lobster meat.