Are you planning a trip to the bay area of California? If so, don’t miss visiting the beautiful city of Pleasanton. It is known for beautiful weather, trendy boutiques, a variety of recreational activities, parks, and more.
Take in the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. It has hiking and cycling activities, and a playground for the kids. There are also peaks that offer stunning views of the Livermore and Pleasanton Valley.
After a day of taking in all that the area has to offer, appease your appetite by enjoying a meal at one of the best restaurants in Pleasanton. Here is an alphabetical list of the best restaurants in Pleasanton. Each one has its own website and can be found on Google Maps. Bon Appetit!
Baci Bistro & Bar
$$$-$$$$ | 925-600-0600 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Baci Bistro & Bar is a classic Italian restaurant that serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Comfortably nestled in the heart of historic main street, Baci Bistro & Bar serves a variety of pastas, steaks, and seafood.
A casual setting with a warm and exciting ambiance, Baci is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine from its extensive wine menu and a full-service bar. This is the perfect place to meet a friend or take a date because Baci means “kiss“ in Italian.
Black Bear Diner
$$$ | 925-847-9100 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
With 67 Black Bear Diners throughout California, their mission is to serve delicious food in a friendly environment. Along with the meal, they endeavor to serve love and joy with it.
Treating their employees like family ensures a quality product every time. Black Bear supports philanthropic efforts as well through fundraising events. They have an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it makes it difficult to make a choice. But no matter what you choose, it will be satisfying!
Brava Garden Eatery
$$$ | 925-398-8665 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Their newly renovated restaurant is in the heart of downtown Pleasanton. The beautiful back patio is available for an outdoor dining experience.
The heritage of the owners combines Argentinian and Italian roots in a Northern California location. It is their desire to serve seasonal, fresh, and homemade lunch and dinner meals to their customers.
Wine and cocktails are also available for those who want a drink with their meal. An extensive menu for both lunch and dinner makes a choice difficult, but certainly pleasing.
Chianti Reserve
$$$ | 925-484-3877 | WEBSITE
The management of Chianti Reserve has over 30 years of food experience in both Italy and the Bay Area. Their expertise and knowledge of Italian cuisine are proudly served in the downtown area of Pleasanton.
Enjoy dining inside or outside and have a glass of wine with your meal. Choose from a wide range of pasta dishes, meats such as veal, chicken, or pork, and salads. They also have vegetarian options and delicious appetizers to enjoy before the meal. Definitely worth trying if you love genuine Italian food.
De La Torre’s Trattoria
$$ | 925-484-3878 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
De La Torre’s is regarded as Pleasanton’s most well-guarded dining secret. The distinctly classic Italian menu items change daily to accommodate locally grown produce, raised meats, and family wineries in California.
Their delicious food is priced fairly, their service friendly and efficient, and it is the perfect place to dine with friends and family. The environment is casual, so there is no need to fuss. Make sure you have a big appetite when you visit them – you won’t be disappointed.
Elia
$$$ | 925-339-6921 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Authentic Greek food in both an indoor and outdoor setting. Elia creates a memorable dining experience for all its guests. For those that enjoy a varied and unique menu, Elia is for you. Try their octapodaki (octopus), Mediterranean Sea bass, or stuffed, chilled grape leaves.
All their menu items are beautifully presented and appeal to the eye as well as the palette. After your meal, enjoy a dessert of baklava along with a glass of wine. The perfect dining experience for those with an adventurous nature.
Experience Burma Restaurant & Bar
$$ | 925-398-8219 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Here you will be served cuisine that is authentic to the Burmese heritage. You will be delighted with a cuisine that is influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Thai food.
They suggest you order a few plates for the table, so everyone dining in your party has the opportunity to sample these unique dishes. You can choose an appetizer, salad, soup, meat dishes, and side dishes – they have seven different ice dishes to pick from. Wine, cocktails, and beer are available as well.
Hap’s Original
$$$ | 925-600-9200 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This classic New York-style steak and seafood restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Pleasanton. Hap’s utilizes fresh ingredients using locally sourced produce. Fresh seafood, lamb, and chicken are delivered daily from local Bay Area suppliers.
All sauces and dressings are made in-house daily. Their award-winning wine list has over 300 wines from around the world. In addition to wines from the Napa Valley Region of California, they also have classic French champagnes. Hap’s
Hap’s desires to provide each guest with stellar cuisine, seamless service, and a dining experience they won’t soon forget.
Locanda Amalfi
$$$ | 925-249-5484 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This is a restaurant owned by three Italians from different backgrounds, who share a common goal. Their desire is to bring authentic, delectable Italian dishes to the Bay Area.
Available for lunch and dinner, with gluten-free options available, their menu is vast and includes antipasto, salads, meat, pizza, and pasta dishes. This will become a new favorite restaurant for anyone who loves genuine Italian cooking.
Nonni’s Bistro
$$$-$$$$ | 925-600-0411 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
At Nonni’s, all guests are made to feel as if they are part of the family. It opened in 2010 and has fast become a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday, they have a kids’ menu for the children, a dessert menu with several creative options, and many selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You may choose to dine either indoors or outdoors and enjoy music every Sunday. Nonni’s is worth trying when in the Pleasanton area.
Oasis Wine Lounge
$$$ | 925-417-8438 | WEBSITE
Here you will enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. The Oasis Wine Lounge has become an exotic dining destination in downtown Pleasanton.
The inviting ambiance conveys the quality and care that goes into every dish served. Try a juicy kabob, vegetarian dishes, unique cocktails, and more. This culinary paradise in the heart of Pleasanton does not disappoint.
Pairings Wine Bar Restaurant
$$$ | 925-398-8846 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Endless sharable plates of salads, flatbreads, cheese, charcuterie platters, and desserts. Enjoy a tap beer or glass of wine or purchase by the bottle.
Either would pair nicely with one of their delicious items from the appetizer menu to a large dinner entrée. There is a daily Happy Hour and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. A place to go for a good time!
Pastas Trattoria
$$$-$$$$ | 925-417-2222 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Pastas Trattoria is a family-owned restaurant that has been in downtown Pleasanton for over 20 years. They proudly serve hand-cut steaks, seafood dishes, and delicious pasta. They serve craft cocktails and have an extensive menu for both lunch and dinner.
They also have private dining available for both lunch and dinner. Indoor banquet catering is available, and they have a special takeout menu that includes many of their best dishes. Freshly cut meats and seafood are available for purchase.
Sabio on Main
$$$ | 925-800-3090 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This elegant, yet casual Spanish-inspired restaurant has an expansive bar, two patios, and a stunning private dining room.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Pleasanton, the menu is clearly California meets global. The brunch and other offerings are stellar, and they have a lengthy happy hour menu. The place to go for a lovely night out.
Sidetrack Bar & Grill
$$$ | 925-399-6789 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This dog-friendly restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more with a full bar, serving wine and craft beer. Sidetrack is the perfect destination for a drink at happy hour, a night out with friends or family, or a snack midday.
There are two outdoor patios that are ideal for dining day or night – and you can also bring your dog! They are open seven days a week and serve brunch on Sundays. Don’t forget Fido!
Strizzi’s Restaurant
$$$ | 925-484-9600 | WEBSITE
The flavors of old Italy are conjured up at Strizzi’s. It is widely known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for its fine Italian sauces, pasta dishes, and fresh fish entrees.
The smell of garlic emanates through the restaurant as the wood-fired grill sizzles with barbecued meats, fresh fish, and roasted herb chicken. If you desire a traditional, fine Italian restaurant, this is it.
Tri-Valley Bistro
$$$ | 925-523-3815 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Tri-Valley Bistro, specializing in American cuisine grown from organic, farm-raised ingredients.
This neighborhood spot complements the energy of Main Street Pleasanton, where guests can enjoy great food, paired with a glass of wine. The contemporary décor offers a pleasant atmosphere along with excellent food and many options for wine and beer.
Summary
If you are planning a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to enjoy a meal or two at one of the best restaurants in Pleasanton.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
