Oasis

Pleasanton’s rapidly evolving restaurant scene has scored big with this new Afghan restaurant. Located next to Fresh Grille (also new), Oasis boasts hardwood floors, large street-facing windows, and handsome stenciled copper tiles on one wall.

The real attraction, though, is the magnificent, eye-catching food.

Our favorite dish, an Afghan classic called mantoo, features delicate steamed dumplings stuffed with seasoned ground beef. Smothered in tomato-bathed vegetables and drizzled with yogurt, it’s a tasty introduction to the often Asian-accented Afghan table. Also impressive is baunjaun, thick rounds of garlic-roasted eggplant brushed with tomato and topped with yogurt, and murgh, a tender chicken kebab served with brown rice and a piquant salsa of tomato and red onion.

Although the meat portions aren’t huge, plates come with plenty of rice, and the presentation is appetizing.

Desserts are equally expert: We especially liked the supersize portion of vanilla ice cream topped with rosewater and ground pistachios.

Unfortunately, the service doesn’t quite match the quality of the food. Waits can be long, and you might have to flag down a server for dessert menus or the check. Still, the employees are warm and eager to please. Lunch and dinner daily.