Orinda Restaurants

Yojimbo: Sushi and Superman
What do Superman, the Joker, a Samarai, and Audrey Hepburn have in common? They’re all painted on the walls of a tiny Japanese restaurant called Yojimbo. Yojimbo means “bodyguard” or “assassin;” thus, the swordsmen and the superheroes. Not to mention the action-filled Japanese animation playing on the flat screen. Audrey, well, she helps add the Hollywood glam to the anime equation.

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Le Chevalier: Southern France from a quaint Lafayette patio
Chef Philippe Chevalier believes dining is about enjoyment, and when he greets you at the table following your meal, he will do so with a smile. Indeed, Chevalier has a reason to rejoice. His restaurant transports diners from the ordinary plazas of downtown Lafayette to the charming vibe of a European villa, and on a Saturday night, every seat in the house is full and orders for Le Chevalier’s signature dishes – the sweet breads, beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, and savory foie gras creations – ar

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Kincaid's Burlingame: Airport-close dining on the bay
Kincaid’s is right on the bay and close enough to SFO that during lulls in the conversation, you can hear the muffled roar of the jets and identify the logos on each plane. More importantly, it’s a place where you can enjoy the view and a good meal without overpaying for the privilege. Dinner entrees start at $16 and lunch entrees from $10.

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Cliff House: A cliffhanger with a delicious ending
Most San Francisco visitors spend their time downtown or along the bay with its piers and restaurants. Few make it out to the ocean, where there's a landmark restaurant at the northwestern tip of the city poised majestically atop an ocean cliff. The view is unmatched, and unlike many "view" restaurants, the food is excellent, too.

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Jim’s Coffee Shop: Homestyle, Alameda breakfast
Few things compete with a delicious, homestyle breakfast to start off the day. Where to get one in Alameda? There’s Ole’s on Park, but when you’re hungry, waiting in a long line isn’t always worth the hassle, especially when there’s another spot halfway up the block with waffles that compete. Jim’s Coffee Shop on Lincoln and Park has twice the space and half the wait, and breakfast is served hot off the stove.

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Katsu: No-fuss Japanese cuisine
Located on a busy corner on Webster Avenue in Alameda, Katsu is enjoying many continuous years of success. Even though the space has changed ownership several times, Katsu doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

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Urban Tavern: A downtown tavern with good food...and free parking!
Everyone loves a bargain, but two-for-one deals and discount coupons aren’t offered by most quality restaurants. There’s one downtown San Francisco restaurant, however, with both excellent food and an excellent bargain. Urban Tavern (equal parts restaurant and bar) gives all lunch and dinner patrons free validated parking for up to five hours. That puts $15-$30 in your pocket before you even order.

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Fentons Creamery: Famous East Bay Ice Cream
If you live in the East Bay, the words “ice cream” and “Fentons” go hand in hand. After walking Lake Merritt on a sunny afternoon or leaving an evening show at the Paramount Theater, chances are you’ll find yourself here, braving a long line spilling from the lobby to the sidewalk, just for a taste of rocky road.

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Italian Colors Ristorante: Regional cooking re-invented
Many Italian restaurants specialize in cuisine that’s passed down from the motherland, but Italian Colors in Oakland’s Montclair District is not one of them. Here, you’ll find variety on the menu, with both traditional Italian fare and northern California-inspired dishes showcasing chef/owner Alan Carlson’s culinary panache.

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Sam’s Anchor Café: Seafood and sunning in Tiburon
Sam’s Anchor Café is famous for the view as well as the food. Seated on the restaurant deck or in one of two dining rooms walled with windows, you’ll see Bay waters dotted with white sails, Angel Island nearby, and the San Francisco skyline. The protective Tiburon hillside on one side also adds a picturesque quality, along with the boats lined along the dock.

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