The following are shortened versions of recent full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating are in parentheses. If there are more stars than dollar signs, consider it a good value. For more restaurant reviews, visit www.ContraCostaTimes.com/restaurants or www.InsideBayArea.com/restaurants.
Hudson, 5356 College Ave., Oakland. 510-595-4000, www.hudsonoakland.com. This stylish New American-style brasserie boasts a seasonal, Italian edge with a menu of wood-fired pizzas, and wonderful pastas and entrees. Perfect for date night, with an inviting lounge and artisanal cocktail list, but families are warmly welcomed. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 4/22/11)
Casbah Mediterranean Kitchen, 1770 First St., Livermore. 925-243-1477, www.casbahexotic.com. This family-friendly neighborhood cafe specializes in flavorful, inexpensive Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, from gyros to samosas and kebabs. Vegetarians will be particularly delighted by the array of choices. Adding to the fun: Belly dancers perform Thursdays and Sundays. $$. (H H ½ on 4/15/11)
Zen, 2642 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill. 925-287-8899; www.zenrestaurantca.com. This small, smartly decorated restaurant on the border of Pleasant Hill and Martinez offers fresh, affordable Chinese food but needs to punch up the flavor on their Pan-Asian offerings. $$. (H H ½ on 4/8/11)
Dio Deka, 210 E. Main St., Los Gatos. 408-354-7700; www.diodeka.com. With the ink hardly dry on its Michelin star, Dio Deka has a new chef on board — Marty Cattaneo, from Manresa and Napa’s Ubuntu. Cattaneo’s new menu, which includes tempting mesquite grill and more classically Greek dishes, makes this one of Silicon Valley’s top places to dine. $$$-$$$$. (H H H on 4/2/11)
Forno Vecchio, 80 Main St., Pleasanton. 925-425-0099; www.FornoVecchio.com. This family-owned Italian restaurant offers a warmly enthusiastic welcome and some great dining options, including a tasty Italian Wedge salad with crispy pancetta and crumbled Gorgonzola, and divine gnocchi. $$. (H H H on 3/25/11)
Scratch, 401 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-237-3131; www.scratchmtnview.com. If spirits and cocktails are your thing, Scratch will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. This upscale restaurant also serves consistently good, classic American food, with some Mediterranean flavors. $$$. (H H ½ on 3/21/11)
Nex, 2442 Webster St., Oakland. 510-238-8224; www.nexoakland.com. From the cool Parisian-like warehouse interior to the lovingly prepared brick chicken, slow-cooked entrees and fantastic wood-fired pizzas, everything at this Italian-inspired bistro is a winner. $$$. (H H H ½ on 3/11/11)
Paesano Ristorante Italiano, 350 W. Julian St., San Jose. 408-217-9327; www.paesanolittleitaly.com. This homey Sicilian restaurant, the first in the San Jose Little Italy revitalization, serves up classic fare from Palermo, including calamari fritti, house-made ravioli, seafood and veal dishes. $$. (H H ½ on 3/5/11)
Frances, 3870 17th St., San Francisco. 415-621-3870; www.frances-sf.com. Chef Melissa Perello turns fresh, seasonal ingredients into something exquisite, yet decidedly unfussy at this chic restaurant, which has made best-of lists from coast to coast. Her bacon beignets are deservedly famous, but the rest of the menu delights too. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 3/4/11)
Eleve, 1677 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-979-1677, http://eleverestaurant.com. Understated decor in earth tones, a chic bar, specialty cocktails and wonderful Vietnamese food add up to a great dining experience. Don’t miss the Cubed Filet Mignon, which rivals Slanted Door’s famous Shaking Beef. $$. (H H H on 2/11/11)
Station One, 2991 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650-851-4988, http://station1restaurant.com. Named for the old fire station in which it is housed, Station 1 is a charming restaurant, with a sophisticated three-course, prix fixe menu ($49) that emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal, organic ingredients. $$$$. (H H H on 2/5/11)
Grand Tavern, 3601 Grand Ave., Oakland. 510-444-4644; www.grandtavern.net. This utterly unpretentious gastro pub is all about good food, fabulous cocktails and warm service in a setting that feels more like someone’s quirky old house than a restaurant. The emphasis is on comfort food, made from organic, local ingredients — and the cocktail list is longer than the menu. $-$$. (H H H on 2/4/11)
Flea St. Cafe, 3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park. 650-854-1226; www.cooleatz.com/flea-st-cafe. Jesse Cool’s classic cafe remains true to its original mission of local, organic, seasonal dishes made with impeccably fresh, high-quality ingredients. Vegetarians will be delighted too. $$$. (H H H on 1/23/11)
Table 24, 2 Theatre Square, Suite 153. 925-254-0124; www.table24orinda.com. This new entry on the Lamorinda dining scene combines California comfort food with a relaxed setting — classic burgers, buttermilk fried chicken sliders, pizzas and healthy fare. It’s family friendly too, with two children’s menus, one for “littles” (ages 9 and younger) and one for “middles” (ages 10-16). $-$$. (H H H on 1/21/11)
Bravo Bistro, 1050 Contra Costa Blvd., Concord. 925-363-4443; http://thebravobistro.com. Elegant decor, artistic and flavorful dishes — crab fritters, savory pastas and exceptional desserts — and warm service add up to an unforgettable meal. $$. (H H H H on 12/31/10)
Zut! on Fourth, 1820 Fourth St., Berkeley. 510-644-0444; www.zutonfourth.com. This high-quality neighborhood restaurant offers a mixture of cozy, filling Mediterranean-inspired main dishes, including braised pork shank and roasted mushroom risotto, on trendy Fourth Street. $$. (H H H on 12/24/10)
Plum, 2214 Broadway, Oakland. 510-444-7586; www.plumoakland.com. Daniel Patterson’s new restaurant is spectacular on every level, from the truly inventive, small-plates cuisine — tender slices of roast pork, resting on golden pools of delicate squash puree, for example, or a smoked white chocolate parfait — to stunning decor and impeccable service. $$. (H H H H on 12/10/10)
Chef Jon Lee, 1250 Newell Ave., Suite J, Walnut Creek. 925-935-9335; www.chefjonlee.com. This little place boasts an exceptional blending of Italian and Pacific Island flavors with traditional Asian cuisine. The food is dynamite, from the sticky crunchy chicken to the baby back spareribs smothered in Lee’s fusion marinade sauce. The food is spectacular. The service needs considerable work. $$. (H H ½ on 12/3/10)
Osteria Coppa, 139 S. B St., San Mateo. 650-579-6021; www.osteriacoppa.com. The emphasis here is on high quality Cal-Italian food in an unpretentious setting. Superb pastas and seasonal entrees, including a wonderful Chicken al Mattone and a slow-cooked pork with polenta, by a chef who hails from San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Quince. $$-$$$. (H H H on 11/27/10)
Jules Thin Crust, Livery and Mercantile, 820 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville. 925-743-2790; www.julesthincrust.com. These organic, wafer-thin, oblong pizzas bear little resemblance to their Italian cousins, but their fresh toppings, hormone-free meats and intriguing flavor combinations — such as Brie, sliced pears and mozzarella, or fig jam and Gorgonzola — delight. There are gluten-free options, too. $. (H H H on 11/19/10)
Hachi Ju Hachi, 14480 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408-647-2258. Simple, clean flavors and an eye for flawless presentation make this small but utterly authentic Japanese restaurant truly memorable. The menu includes vegetarian, grilled, steamed, stewed, claypot, sushi and rice entrees — make sure to sample the nightly specials. Children are welcome. $$-$$$. (H H H H on 11/13/10)
Zaki Kabob, 1101 San Pablo Ave., Albany. 510-527-5452; www.zakimedcuisine.com. The interior may look like it was decorated by a team of Middle Eastern grandmothers, but the food is top-notch: wholesome and delicious. Don’t miss the crispy rotisserie chicken with basmati rice, flavorful sirloin kebabs and roast lamb stew — wash them down with some refreshing, bright green, mint lemonade. $$. (H H ½ on 11/12/10)
Wayfare Tavern, 558 Sacramento St., S.F. 415-772-9060; www.wayfaretavern.com. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s new restaurant is all about comfort classics, and something’s here for everyone. An open kitchen downstairs gives Florence fans a chance to watch him in action, with a front-row seat at the chef’s counter. Great atmosphere with friendly, engaging servers, and the fried chicken is tops. $$-$$$. (H H ½ on 11/5/10)
eVe, 1960 University Ave., Berkeley. 510-868-0735; www.eve-berkeley.com. This intimate restaurant near Berkeley’s arts district puts the emphasis on seasonal, handcrafted, neo-artisanal American fare, served in double-course small-plate portions. Don’t miss the desserts, including a glazed chocolate cream atop mini carrot cakes with honeycomb crunch and cocoa streusel. $$$. (H H ½ on 10/29/10)
Revival Bar & Kitchen, 2102 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 510-549-9950; www.revivalbarandkitchen.com. Dark colors and stylish decor make a chic setting for artisanal farm-to-table, cuisine, with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients, unusual flavor combinations and house-made sausages and pates. Plus, the location — right in the heart of Berkeley’s arts district — can’t be beat. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 10/8/10)
Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, 60 Crescent Drive, Suite A, Pleasant Hill. 925-849-6195; www.jacksrestaurants.com. It may look upscale, but the Marcovici brothers’ restaurant blends family-friendliness with tasty American cuisine and Mediterranean flair, including a tender pork chop with zesty heirloom tomato-basil relish and a butterscotch creme brulee. Add in patio dining and a nice children’s menu, and it’s a winner. $$. (H H H on 10/1/10)
Sasa, 1432 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-210-0188; http://sasawc.com. This stylish new izakaya restaurant focuses on bold, flavorful Japanese-influenced small plates. The interior is seductive — lush greenery, a waterfall and tables inlaid with sliced agate gemstones. And what arrives on those tables is equally so: chicken “lollipops” in a sweet and spicy soy caramel sauce, halibut tempura sticks and farm-to-table seasonal fare. $$. (H H H on 9/10/10)
SR24, 5179 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-9300; www.sr24food.com. Temescal’s newest restaurant offers fun, eclectic decor and a mix of offerings ranging from down-home comfort food to high-end seasonal fare, from fried chicken to refined olive oil-poached halibut. Save room for the tiny, piping hot, crisply sugared doughnut holes with creamy coffee dipping sauce for dessert. $$-$$$. (H H ½ on 9/3/10)
Maria Maria, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville. 925-820-2366; www.mariamariarestaurants.com. Chef Roberto Santibanez leans toward nuevo Mexican dishes with modern flair. The restaurant is known for its fish tacos — and top-notch margaritas — but you can also order tacos stuffed with slow-braised duck and smothered in a roasted tomato-habanero cream sauce. $$. (H H ½ on 8/27/10)
Saison, 2124 Folsom St., S.F. 415-828-7990; www.saisonsf.com. Chef Joshua Skenes’ Saison offers adventuresome palates an unforgettable dining experience — an eight-course, New American tasting menu ($98) of stunningly delicate, impeccably executed dishes you likely won’t encounter anywhere else in the Bay Area. $$$$$. (H H H ½ on 8/20/10)
The Door, 1448 South Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-930-8088; www.thedoorrestaurant.com. With dark woods, sultry reds, dimmed lights and a raised communal table, the interior design of this modern-Pan-Asian restaurant — with small plates, Asian entrees and an off-hours street bites menu — sets a crisp tone that says, “Bring a date, not a toddler.” $$. (H H ½ on 8/13/10)
Laurus, 3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 925-984-2250; www.laurussf.com. This Mediterranean-style bistro exudes effortless serenity and sophistication, with a color scheme of soothing taupes, crisp whites and framed botanical prints. Everything is good, but don’t miss the halibut with spinach, tomatoes and a couscous and orzo pilaf, or the Meyer lemon cheesecake. $$$. (H H H ½ on 7/23/10)
Sailor Jacks, 123 First St., Benicia. 707-746-8500. Just about every seat at Benicia’s newest restaurant offers gorgeous views of the water and Carquinez Bridge, and a completely remodeled interior adds to the comfort. Sailor Jack’s has a seafood emphasis so expect clam chowder, garlic vodka prawns and similar offerings. The Chocolate Seduction Cake is fantastic. $$-$$$. (H H H on 7/16/10)
Up & Under Pub & Grill, 2 West Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. 510-778-1313; www.theupandunder.com. This rugby-themed pub and grill, with its wood-paneled walls, pressed copper ceiling and historical photos, is casual and cozy. The menu boasts hearty sandwiches — pulled pork, quadruple cheese melts and classic burgers — as well as salads and seafood, all with rugby names. $-$$. (H H H on 7/2/10)
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill, 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. 510-208-5253; www.thelakechalet.com. An idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Merritt and outdoor seating on the dock make this a dazzling option for casual or special occasions, although the setting is a little more spectacular than the food. Don’t miss the refined, seared day boat scallops and soft herb gnocchi. Or wile away the afternoon on the dock with a house-brewed beer and ceviche. $$$. (H H ½ on 6/25/10)
Shutters Brasserie, 2018 Elkins Way, Brentwood. 925-516-4131; www.shuttersbrasserie.com. A challenging location out near an industrial park doesn’t get in the way of a little culinary magic at this French brasserie, which specializes in bold dishes and local, organic produce. Don’t miss the pork chop, a rustic masterpiece made from naturally raised du Breton pigs, studded with ground peanuts and Cajun spices. $$$. (H H H on 6/18/10)
Modern China Cafe, 1525 North Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-988-8008; www.modernchinacafe.com. Eric Zhang’s new Chinese restaurant offers a near-perfect dining experience with impeccable service, delicious fare and striking decor that includes bold burnt-orange walls, chocolate-brown ceilings and prints of old Shanghai. Try the appetizer platter, which includes a coconut prawn, spare rib, pot sticker and avocado onion spring roll. $$. (H H H ½ on 6/11/10)
Hibiscus, 1745 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 510-444-2626; www.hibiscusoakland.com. Bold Caribbean and Creole flavors are made original with California flourishes and lovely ingredients. Not to be missed are the phoulourie (split pea fritters served with, for example, tangy kumquats and parsley salad) and executive chef Sarah Kirnon’s famous crispy fried chicken. $$. (H H H on 5/28/10)
Summer Summer Thai, 5885 Hollis St., Emeryville. 510-658-3234. http://summersummerthai.com. This airy, serene Thai restaurant offers an abundance of curries, rice, noodle and wok dishes, plus light, creative wraps and rolls from the restaurant’s fresh bar. The emphasis is on local and sustainable ingredients, including organic tofu from Oakland’s Hodo Soy Beanery and Petaluma organic chickens and free-range eggs. The Curry a Trois is perfect for sharing. $$. (H H H on 5/21/10)
RN74, Millennium Tower, 301 Mission St., San Francisco. 414-543-7474; www.michaelmina.net/rn74. Named for a main tourist route in Burgundy, this wine-focused restaurant has an enormous selection from this region and French-inspired food. Great design with a train station theme that is cool, not kitschy. First courses and bar snacks/sides seem to be the best options for food. $$$. (H H ½ on 5/1/10)
Gather, 2200 Oxford St., Berkeley. 510-809-0400; www.gatherrestaurant.com. Seasonal, organic food in such creative, intriguing flavor combinations, they’ll leave you yearning for more. Half the menu is vegetarian and vegan, but even resolute carnivores will find themselves tempted by the vegan charcuterie platter — five gorgeous, flavorful vegetable medleys. Also open for weekend brunch. $$. (H H H H on 4/23/10)
The Farmer Restaurant, Pleasanton Hotel, 855 Main St., Pleasanton. 925-399-6690; www.pleasantonhotel.com. This cozy, country-style restaurant exudes down-home comfort. The food — Veal Oscar, for example, a Chicken Marsala Pasta and luscious house-made desserts — are delicious. Devotees also rave about the Sunday brunch, with omelet station and Bloody Mary bar. $$. (H H H ½ on 4/16/10)
Commis, 3859 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-653-3902; www.commisrestaurant.com. This prix-fixe restaurant garnered its first Michelin star within four months of opening, and that reputation is well-deserved. Warm service, a world-class wine list and jazz-filled minimalist décor combine with outrageously wonderful, eclectic food — a Moroccan-influenced Slow Roast Lamb Saddle, for example, served on puréed white yams with spring onions, baby carrots and a spiced almond vinaigrette. $$$$. (H H H H on 4/2/10)
Vanessa’s Bistro 2, 1329 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-891-4790; www.vanessasbistro2.com. Large paintings of Vietnamese open air markets create a sense of place at this offshoot of Vanessa Dang’s popular Berkeley restaurant, but the lovely flavor combinations — Vietnamese tapas with a French twist — make this a winner. Try the shaking filet mignon salad and spicy lemon grass chicken. $-$$$. (H H ½ on 3/26/10)
Chez TJ, 938 Villa St., Mountain View. 650-964-7466; www.cheztj.com. Extraordinary flavors, flawless presentation and two very pricey prix fixe menus — the four-course Menu Gastronomique is $85 per person; the eight-course Tasting Menu is $120 — put this Michelin-starred restaurant in the “very special occasion” category. $$$$$. (H H H ½ on 3/20/10)
Prevot’s, 613 First St., Suite 100, Brentwood. 925-626-7461; www.prevots.com. Between the prix-fixe menu, the 18 entree options — including Veal and Prawns a la Grenobloise and other French and Italian dishes — an oyster bar, a separate tapas menu and a four-page sushi spread, you could spend three months eating nightly at Prevot’s and still not taste everything the restaurant has to offer. $$. (H H H on 3/12/10)
Meritage at the Claremont, 44 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. 510-549-8510; www.meritageclaremont.com. Glorious, palm-tree studded views of Berkeley and the Bay Bridge, a Tommy Bahama color palette and deep, dramatic booths set the scene for stylish, beautiful farm-to-table cuisine by executive chef Josh Thomsen. Silky soups and dishes such as seared sea scallops and roasted venison loin, offered in small-plate or entree portions, add up to a luxurious, satisfying dining experience. Don’t miss the chocolate souffle. $$$. (H H H on 2/12/10)
Boiler House Restaurant, 1414 Harbour Blvd. S., Richmond. 510-215-6000; www.boilerhouserestaurant.com. This gastro pub offers glorious views, an industrial-chic vibe and wallet-friendly appeal, plus great little tacos and tasty burgers. $. (H H H on 2/5/10)
Southern Heritage Smoked Bar-B-Q, 40645 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. 510-668-1850. A whole lot of soul is in this Fremont strip mall — terrific barbecued chicken dish, pulled pork, baby back ribs and other classic barbecue fare. $-$$. (H H ½ on 1/22/10)
Five at Hotel Shattuck, 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley. 510-845-7300; www.five-berkeley.com. This modern American bistro showcases fresh, seasonal American cuisine. Don’t miss the short ribs “pot roast” with white-cheddar polenta and luscious butterscotch pudding with peanut butter brittle. $$-$$$. (H H H ½ on 1/15/10)
Do Sit Thai Cuisine, 1520 Palos Verdes mall, Walnut Creek. 925-933-3889; www.dosithai.com. This chic Thai restaurant elevates strip-mall dining. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the service and presentation are excellent. The best part? Half the dishes are under $10. Don’t miss the curries or the Tom Kha, a creamy coconut milk and chicken soup perfumed with cilantro, lemon grass and galangal. $-$$. (H H H on 1/1/10)
Bocanova, 55 Webster St., Jack London Square, Oakland. 510-444-1233; www.bocanova.com. A stunning waterside location, dramatic but still intimate decor and a Pan-American small-plates menu inspired by that hip new darling of the cuisine scene: food that hails from far, far south of the border. Try the Yucatán seafood stew with plump shrimp, mussels and clams, splashed with a spicy tomato, cilantro and fresh grapefruit broth. $$$. (H H ½ on 12/4/09)
