DThere is no shortage of restaurants in our area, and it seems that new ones open every week. The new ones unfortunately tend to overshadow many that have been operating for many years.
Where Shall We Go For Dinner?
How about a restaurant that rarely advertises, yet always seems to do plenty of business and have a loyal following? Perhaps somewhere that you haven’t been to for a while, even though you always enjoyed eating there. Or even one that you never heard of?
These are four restaurants that get consistently good reviews, but you tend to forget that they exist. Maybe you’ll pick one for dinner tonight.
Benvenuti, Walnut Creek
Just across from Walnut Creek Library (where there is ample parking), Benvenuti has all the ambiance of a classic Italian restaurant. The food is consistently good and the menu has a good selection of familiar Italian dishes. Beef Carpaccio and Calamari are just two of many antipasti choices, and you’ll find many traditional pasta dishes here as well as chicken, veal, salmon and steak entries. Always great quality and service.
Bridges, Danville
Bridges has been there ever since I can remember. And if you like patio dining, there are few places to compare. This is the perfect spot for a pleasant summer evening and the food never disappoints. This is fine dining with an ambiance to match. There are always some interesting dinner specials, while the menu can best be described as California Cuisine.
Primavera, San Ramon
This is another place that sems to have been there forever. The ambiance is that of a neighborhood eatery and the dishes are all familiar. Pleasant décor, bright and airy, great service and plentiful parking. Although Primavera is what I think of as a typical pasta restaurant, they have many other options – Jambalaya and Lamb Shank Risotto to single out a couple.
Forbes Mill, Danville
If you like the idea of a steakhouse dinner, you don’t need to go as far as Ruth’s Chris or Flemings in Walnut Creek. Forbes Mill is as good as, and possibly better than, either of these. The setting, in Danville Livery, is perfect for this visually really attractive restaurant. The food is of exceptional quality with steaks including Japanese and American Wagyu Beef. It’s worth noting that the non-steak entrees are not just an after thought either. This is a top quality restaurant that is worthy of any special occasion.
Mangia Mi, Danville
This may be a place you don’t know, but’s definitely one that you should. An authentic Italian bistro, just off Hartz Avenue, Mangia Mi serves Italian comfort food in a contemporary setting with an open kitchen. The menu is extensive and imaginative and in addition to some typical Italian dishes, you can find Stuffed Pepper, Eggplant Parmesan and many pizzas.