Cultural Dining In Danville: The 10 Best Restaurants Bars

Widely known as one of the 25 wealthiest cities in California, Danville combines fantastic dining options with high culture, an outdoorsy atmosphere and an immense sense of style. From some of the best fine dining establishments in the USA, to laid-back bistros and unforgettable Italian trattorias, we bring you an update to our article on the 10 best restaurants in Danville.

Piatti

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian

The patio at Piatti is quite possibly the most charming location in Danville for an al fresco lunch. To match this wonderful setting, the food and drinks menus are also quite delightful. Piatti’s little pizzas offer an original take on the concept of the bar snack, making for a nibble that’s much more satisfying than the conventional bowl of nuts or olives. There’s an entire section of the menu showcasing innovative gluten-free recipes, such as the succulent grilled filet mignon with crispy red potatoes, spinach and a red wine demi-glaze, which exemplifies Piatti’s extraordinary commitment to both its food, and its customers.

Bridges

Bridges, famous for its appearance in Mrs Doubtfire, just had to make the list thanks to its now-legendary reputation. However, disregarding this trivia fact, Bridges features a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, and with happy hour kicking off at 5.30 p.m. on weeknights, the patio is usually filled with locals. Add to that a varied and sophisticated menu prepared by executive Chef Kevin Gin, and you’ve got a successful venue cooking up flavors of Europe and Asia in a charming, California eatery. Adventurous foodies will appreciate the coffee barbecue chicken with collard greens and a horseradish potato puree, while fans of local fare should go for the braised Colorado lamb shank with sundried tomatoes and a walnut bread pudding.
Bridges, 44 Church St, Danville, CA, USA, +1 925 820 7200

Esin Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant, Mediterranean, American, Asian

While Esin Restaurant & Bar serves up a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, the distinguishing factor of this restaurant has to be its mighty fine wine list – this is no hidden secret with Esin enjoying recognition by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines. The list offers a wide variety of excellent bottles from all around the world, which are very reasonably priced. Run by husband-and-wife-team Esin and Curtis deCarion since 1998, the quality of this neighborhood restaurant is immediately recognisable on arrival, with well-trained staff and an elegant if understated décor of pristine, white tablecloths and dark, wooden furniture.

Forbes Mill Steakhouse

Restaurant, Steakhouse

The Forbes Mill Steakhouses has been on the receiving end of numerous culinary awards in recent years, from OpenTable’s 2014 Diner’s Choice awards to being named the Best of Silicon Valley by Metro Silicon Valley. And no wonder: British-born chef Brian Weselby is not only experienced in the art of cooking – winning the Best Chefs America award – but also brings excellent techniques to the table and uses the best of fine Californian ingredients. From the certified Angus Beef Prime filets, aged for 28 days, to the Tajima Black Wagyu Kobe beef, Forbes Mill Steakhouse is certainly the main exponent on Danville’s dining scene.

Gotta Eatta Pitta

Gotta Eatta Pitta has earned itself a loyal following ever since the opening of its first branch in Danville. Now boasting three restaurants in the area, this has become an incredibly popular lunch spot, its menu of Middle Eastern sandwiches and bowls packed with moist falafels, freshly grilled shawarmas and creamy hummus. The atmosphere at Gotta Eatta Pitta is refreshingly laid-back, its quick and friendly service making this a great spot for a quick and healthy yet filling meal.
Gotta Eatta Pita, 110 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA, USA, +1 925 230 0990

Mangia Mi

Mangia Mi is a popular eatery serving authentic Italian food, made with fresh high quality ingredients in a wonderful contemporary bistro setting. Hearty yet refined, served with love and gusto, the cooking here focuses almost exclusively on the art of making great pasta: some of the tempting items on the menu include the pasta con vongole, with is spaghetti topped with littleneck clams, white wine, lemon and garlic, or the fabulous gamberoni scampi with black tiger prawns, wine and grape cherry tomatoes. Mangia Mi’s airy, industrial chic interior with dominating white elements only adds to the charm.
Mangia Mi, 406 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA, USA, +1 925-831-3276

Revel Kitchen and Bar

Labeling itself as an ‘upscale tavern’, Revel Kitchen and Bar situated in downtown Danville is a fine, stylish institution. With a rustic, Scandinavian-styled interior, this cool spot is perfect for catching up with friends over dinner or drinks. Opened by the owners of Esin, the beverage menu at Revel was always going to be something special, offering the finest craft beers, extravagant cocktails and eclectic wines to be found in Danville. The food is also highly commendable serving full meals, bar bites and sliders: fans of tapas-style portions should try the Organic Little Gems salad with anchovy vinaigrette, grana padano and croutons, or the Manila clams with andouille sausage in a saffron-harissa broth, as well as fregola and grilled bread.
Revel Kitchen and Bar, 331 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA, USA, +1 925-208-1758

Slow G's Eatery

Restaurant, Gluten-free

To begin with, one important thing to note about Slow G’s Eatery is that they donate their leftover bread and baked goods to those in need. The idea for Slow G’s was born out of one man’s desire to set up a good-quality restaurant, which served fresh and healthy food at a reasonable price. The owner, Gary, finally made his dream come true, and his eatery uses only the freshest of meats and vegetables, their sandwiches packed full of healthy nutrients and unadulterated flavors – lean meat is guaranteed here, and special ingredients such as quinoa add to the dishes’ healthy originality.

The Peasant and the Pear

The Peasant and the Pear restaurant, launched by Chef Rodney Worth in 2004, is one of the most refined culinary establishments in California, let alone Danville, and the flagship establishment of the Pear Restaurant Group. The rise in success of this particular restaurant has been so swift, in fact, that just two years after its opening, it was forced to move to a larger venue. So head on down to this elegant restaurant and try some of its signature classics, which take much inspiration from French and Italian cuisines.
The Peasant and the Pear, 267 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA, USA, +1 925 820 6611

Yanni’s Taverna

Serving reasonably priced authentic Greek food in a cozy setting in downtown Danville, Yanni’s Taverna is a must-try. With a warm interior and a lovely patio outside for dinning under the stars, this no-frills venue is dedicated to showcasing quality Greek cuisine in an authentic setting. Try their gyro bread and falafel, both of which are causing quite a stir amongst Danville residents, or go for one of the lighter options, such as the avgolemono soup with chicken, lemon and rice. For casual dining in a family-friendly atmosphere, Yanni’s Taverna is a great bet.
Yanni’s Taverna, 120 E Prospect Ave, Danville, CA, USA, +1 925-820-7700

By Andrew Stanley