Open every day for lunch and dinner, Baan Thai’s menu includes five curry dishes (green, yellow, mango, peanut and pumpkin) that can be paired with a choice of chicken, prawns, seafood, or vegetables and tofu.
Try a hometown restaurant whether it’s a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Options include coffee/tea, healthy smoothies, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, a little nosh, a glass of wine or beer, scotch, or just takeout. Restaurants with full bars in Orinda include Casa Orinda, Fourth Bore, Piccolo Napoli (when it reopens), Saffron Indian Restaurant and Bar, Shelbys, Siam Orchid and Taverna Pellegrini.
If you are looking for Happy Hour spots, look no further. Fourth Bore’s all day on Mon. and Tue. – Fri. from 2 – 5 p.m.; Piccolo Napoli will have Happy Hour when they reopen; Shelbys Tue. – Fri. 3 – 5 p.m. Safron 5 – 6 p.m. daily; Taverna Pellegrini 4 – 6 p.m. daily.
For entertainment, listen to a pianist and drop-in singers at Cine Cuvée on Sun. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and stand-up comedy night the first Wed. of every month. Fourth Bore features live music most Thu. – Sat. evenings and hosts Trivia Night on Tuesdays. Saffron provides live classical Indian music 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Taverna Pellegrini offers live music on Thu. nights. Skip the mess and treat the kids. Thanks for making a hometown choice. Keep this section or go online at http://www.orindanews.com.
Shelby’s co-owner Carlos Rangel mans the restaurant’s well-stocked bar after its recent remodel.
AMERICAN/CALIFORNIA CUISINE
Casa Orinda
20 Bryant Way
925-254-2981
www.casaorinda.net
Hours: Dinner Mon. – Sat. 4 to 10 p.m.; Bar Mon. – Thu. 4 to 11 p.m.; Bar Fri. – Sat. 4 p.m. to midnight; Sun. Dinner 4 to 9 p.m.; Bar 4 to 10 p.m.
The Casa Orinda is Contra Costa County’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, celebrating 87 years. Try their new Mexican Mondays menu with authentic Oaxacan dishes, prime rib to order or famous fried chicken with homemade biscuits and honey. At the full bar, you can gaze upon rodeo dudes and cowgirls plus antique firearms. Enjoy the full bar at this local gem – a place out of time. Reservations recommended.
Cine Cuvée
2 Theatre Square, #103
925-386-0125
www.cinecuvee.com
Hours: Mon., Tue., Thu. 5 to 9 p.m.; Fri. 4 to 11 p.m.; Sat. 3 to 11 p.m.; Sun. 3 to 9 p.m.; Closed Wed.
Sip flights of wine, bubbles or craft beer while lounging on a leather banquette watching a silent film. Listen to a pianist and drop-in singers on Open Mic Night, Sun., 6 to 9 p.m. Get your laugh on the first Wed. of every month at 7 p.m. at stand-up Comedy Night. Try the New England lobster roll, lobster cocktail or Atlantic shrimp cocktail. Outdoor seating. Check website for special offers/events.
Fourth Bore Tap Room and Grill
2 Theatre Square, #130
925-254-1183
www.thefourthbore.com
Hours: Mon. – Thu. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday Happy Hour- all day; Happy Hour Tue. – Fri. 2 to 5 p.m.
Orinda’s premier alehouse sporting 28 craft beers on tap, wine list, full bar. Sports on eight flat screens. Return visits for fried chicken tacos, pulled pork nachos, Southwestern salad with chicken and chipotle dressing, grilled salmon with asparagus and rice pilaf with white butter garlic sauce. Large outdoor patio with big fire pit, comfy seating and event deck for live music most Thu. – Sat. evenings. Happy hour bar menu. Team Trivia Night every Tue., 7 to 9 p.m.; win free bar tabs and prizes. Dog friendly, validated parking.
Nation’s Giant Hamburgers and Great Pies
76 Moraga Way
925-254-8888
www.nationsrestaurants.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Sun. – Wed. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thu. 6 to 12 a.m.; Fri. – Sat. 6 to 1 a.m.
Late at night and starving? Fast-food joints have nothing on these big, juicy burgers cooked just how you like ‘em. They’ll do it just as fast and for takeout too. Breakfast served all day. Pies by the slice or whole. Kids love this place and you won’t break the bank.
Reem’s Steaks
70 Moraga Way
925-253-2004
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sun.
Try one of their 15 Philly cheese steak sandwiches, eight burger choices, fish and chips or shrimp and chips. Nice selection of Korean BBQ – your choice of grilled beef short ribs, Bul-Go-Gi, spicy pork or chicken teriyaki served with rice and vegetables or ask for a Bibimbap sandwich. Kid friendly with a special menu for them; take out. Yelpers report generous portions and fair pricing.
Shelbys
2 Theatre Square, #152
925-254-9687
www.shelbyseatbetter.com
Hours: Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner Tue. – Fri. 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Lunch Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dinner Sat. 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Brunch Sun. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner Sun. 5 to 8 p.m.; Happy Hour Tue. – Fri. 3 to 5 p.m.
Remodeled dining room and brand new bar. Try their chicken and mango salad, weinersnitchel or penne a la Arrabiata, spiced just right. Desserts include bread pudding and chocolate mousse. Full bar, patio seating great for people watching. Validated parking, wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly.
Genuine Goodness offers an assortment of house-made soups, sandwiches and baked goods, including fresh bread baked daily. Shown working the counter is Miramonte senior Lyle Pemble.
CAFES
Caffé Teatro
26 Orinda Way (under the Orinda Library)
925-254-5871
Hours: Mon. – Thu. 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Orinda’s answer to Cheers. Outdoor tables/umbrellas near public art to people watch while sipping Illy coffee, almond or soy milk. Generous, reasonably priced sandwiches – pesto chicken, turkey melt, avocado smash, lox-bagel-cream cheese – or Korean BBQ. Quality tea selection. Kid
friendly.
Genuine Goodness
21 Orinda Way, Suite G
925-317-3348
www.gengoodness.com
Hours: Open Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Closed Sat. – Sun.
Locally owned spot for a quick eat-in or to go lunch. Handcrafted soups, salads, sandwiches and smoothies made from all-natural, high-quality ingredients. Sandwich specials like turkey with brie with chili jam served with mixed greens and fresh fruit. Menu changes daily. Bread baked daily with gluten-free options such as chocolate raspberry brownies. Kids bento lunch box. Some outdoor seating.
Geppetto’s Caffe
87 Orinda Way
925-253-9894
https://www.loc8nearme.com/california/orinda/geppettos-caf/3593220/
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sun.
Speedy service in the morning with fresh squeezed juice or a breakfast sandwich. Outside umbrellas offer a respite to enjoy lunch with a turkey and brie or veggie sandwich on any kind of bread including gluten free. Homemade soup and smoothies. Phone in to go lunch order for quick service.
Peet’s Coffee and Tea
63 Moraga Way
925-258-9328
www.peets.com
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. – Sun. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Exceptional beans freshly roasted and served up strong by expert baristas. Variety of teas, hot chocolate and tasty pastries. Try their ethereal jasmine downy pearls tea. Clean and neat with strong Wi Fi; good for people watching in comfy seating inside, benches outside.
Sharetea Orinda
41 Moraga Way (under construction)
shareteaorinda@gmail.com
Hours: Opening Date Unknown at Press Time – Possibly December 2019
Sharetea recipes contain tea with optional flavors of milk and sugar with toppings known as pearls, boba, or popping boba – which are chewy, flavored tapioca balls. Fruit jelly, grass jelly and puddings can be added. There are many varieties with fruits of all kinds and ice-blended versions as well. Two popular drinks are black pearl milk tea and green pearl milk tea, usually served cold.
Starbucks
2 Theatre Square, #106
925-258-0476
www.starbucks.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Mon. – Sun. 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Convenient location, friendly baristas, coffee in every shape and form, fine teas, seasonal specials and tempting pastries. Also healthy snacks. Specials change often. Free Wi Fi.
Starbucks
One Camino Sobrante, #9
925-253-0447
www.starbucks.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Mon. – Thu. 4 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fri. 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sun. 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friendly baristas who remember your name and order; outdoor seating. Coffee in every shape and form, fine teas, seasonal specials, pastries, healthy snacks. Specials change often. Free Wi Fi.
Village Inn Cafe
204 Village Square
925-254-6080
www.orindacoffeeshop.com
Hours: Breakfast Tue. – Sat. 7 to 11:30 a.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Lunch Tue. – Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Mon.
A family friendly, no frills diner just right for a cup of coffee with an omelette; raves for their Belgian waffles. Lunch sandwiches like veggie burgers, avocado-turkey-bacon club; add fries. Generous portions, coloring books for kids, easy parking.
CHINESE
Szechwan Restaurant Chinese Cuisine
79 Orinda Way (Village Square)
925-254-2020
www.szechwanorinda.com
Hours: Lunch Tue. – Sat. 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner Tue. – Sun. 4 to 9:30 p.m.; Closed Mon.
Across from the golf course, cozy booths; lunch specials. Return visits for their generous portions, potstickers, BBQ pork appetizer or fried rice, basil eggplant, orange chicken or Mongolian beef. Order to go from online menus. Family friendly, beer and wine, easy parking.
Yu Bistro Mandarin and Sezchuan Cuisine
One Orinda Way, #1
925-253-9852
www.yubistro1.wixsite.com/orinda
Hours: Lunch Sun. – Thu. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dinner 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Lunch Fri. – Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dinner 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Big takeout business; lunch specials. Low sodium, no MSG menu includes Peking duck, chicken/seafood or house special clay pot, mu-shu pork, Singapore style chow fun or chow mi fun, Kung Pao tofu with string beans. Brown rice on request. Spiciness at the level you prefer and prepared dry wok at your request.
DELICATESSENS
Europa Hofbrau Deli & Pub
64 Moraga Way
925-254-7202
www.europahofbrau.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A spacious cafeteria style family restaurant. Kids plates, senior plates and daily specials with two sides, bread and butter. Known for delicious corned beef and mash with cabbage; turkey and meats carved; sandwiches created right before your eyes. Grab a stool to catch a game and have a beer on tap. Play room for kids with video games and play structures in a soundproofed, glass-enclosed area.
Subway Sandwiches
2 Theatre Square, #108
510-601-6400
www.subway.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This well-known chain is always good for a sandwich on the run. Try their soup. Sandwiches can be ordered in sizes – they come by the inch; and you pick the bread. It’s all made on the spot.
Julia (L) and Jenna display the tempting cupcakes available at Republic of Cake. In addition to such staples as chocolate and vanilla, the gourmet goodies also include seasonal favorites.
DESSERTS
Loard’s Ice Cream and Candy
230 Brookwood Road
925-254-3434
www.loards.com
Hours: Closed Sunday. Mon. – Wed. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thu. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This all-ages Orinda favorite is the perfect place to stop for a generous scoop. Choose waffle or sugar cones or order an ice cream birthday cake. Sample raspberry, coffee, rocky road or vanilla with gummy bears ice cream or one of their other 37+ flavors.
Republic of Cake
2 Theatre Square, #151
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-3900
http://republicofcake.com
Hours: Tue. – Thu. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.*; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.*; Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.* Closed Mon.
* Or until the display case is sold out.
Delicious, moist cupcakes made with the finest local ingredients such as locally milled flour to keep a low carbon footprint. Seasonal cupcakes and wheat free options. Flavors, such as vanilla passion fruit and coconut crunch, change monthly – check website. Try their chocolate-vanilla or vanilla-vanilla minis. Join their cake club to get one stamp per $10 purchase; fully stamped card gets you $5 off.
INDIAN
Saffron Indian Restaurant and Bar
2 Theatre Square, #153
Orinda, CA 94563
925-217-1211
www.saffronorinda.com
Hours: Lunch: Tue. – Sun. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner Mon. – Sun. 5 to 9 p.m. Happy Hour daily 5 to 6 p.m.
Family owned and operated with a full bar and live music on Tuesday nights. If you like Indian food, you can’t fail to find something to your liking on the 10-page menu. There are many vegetarian and protein -choices to contemplate while you nibble on fragrantly spiced papadams. Return visits for Saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, lamb chops – the list goes on and on because there are both North and South India dishes to try.
Taverna Pellegrini is known for its inviting bar with the latest games playing as well as authentic Italian food made from scratch. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m daily.
ITALIAN
La Piazza Pizzeria Trattoria
15 Moraga Way
925-253-9191
www.lapiazzaorinda.com
Hours: Closed Sun. Dinner Mon. – Thu. 5 to 9:30 p.m., Fri. 5 to 10 p.m., Sat. 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Good food, family friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere across from the theater. Try their brick-oven prosciutto pizza, calamari salad, risotto Milanese or penne a la vodka. Tiramisu for dessert, a must try. Weekly specials, local beer and good wine selection by the glass.
Piccolo Napoli
2 Theatre Square, #144
925-253-1225
www.piccolo-napoli.com
At press time Piccolo Napoli was being remodeled by new owners; see Business Buzz here. Full bar and Happy Hour planned when they open.
Taverna Pellegrini
65 Moraga Way
925-258-4200
www.tavernapellegrini.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Dinner Only Sun. – Thu. 3 to 10 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 3 to 11 p.m. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. Daily
Tuscan setting with three dozen pizza and pasta choices, all made from scratch. Full bar, with sports, live music Thur. night. Try the veal piccata, risotto with scallops or rigatoni alla Boscaiola (smoked mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, prosciutto); vegetarian and gluten free choices. Tiramisu and affogato are among the many desserts.
Village Pizza
19 Orinda Way
925-254-1200
www.villagepizzaorinda.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m.; Open Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner Sun. 5 to 9 p.m.
Family atmosphere in this casual spot. Wide variety of pizza options from vegetarian to chicken, sausage and pepperoni. In a hurry? Try a mini pizza for lunch dripping in cheese, served with a salad. Six salad choices and a Kid’s Menu. Wine, beer; best news yet – they deliver. Local since 1984, family-run.
Zamboni’s Pizza
One Camino Sobrante, #4
925-254-2800
Hours: Open 7 days – Mon. – Thur. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
See here. Everything is made fresh daily with additive-free cheeses. Your pizza is built to order; also pizza at $3 per slice or two for $5.50 and salads. You can eat in, take out, or they deliver. Call in for gluten free options. Wine, beer, soft drinks. Completely remodeled interior with flat screen TV.
Known for its authentic ingredients and fresh sashimi, Sushi Island also offers the convenience of online ordering.
JAPANESE
Hanazen Japanese Sushi
87 Orinda Way
925-254-3611
www.myhanazen.com
Hours: Dinner Only Tue. – Sat. 5:30 to 9 p.m.; Reservations only. Closed Sun.
Owner Kenji Horikawa is devoted to kaiseki cuisine meaning food is prepared in a way that marks the seasons. Selective ingredients combined with tradition yields high quality. Reviewers rave about the sushi rice and everything else. With 18 seats, reservations are a must. Impressive sake choices.
Niwa Restaurant
One Camino Sobrante, #6
925-254-1606
www.niwarestaurant.com
Hours: Closed Sunday. Lunch Mon. – Thu. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Lunch Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dinner 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Open Sat. noon to 10 p.m.
Sushi with more fish than rice. Try their lunch specials, oyster shooter, Hank’s roll, salmon skin hand roll or spicy tuna hand roll. Known for their smoky, sweet sauce and complimentary cucumber salad. Check out the specials board, takeout available, order online. Wine, beer and sake.
Serika Restaurant
2 Theatre Square, #118
925-254-7088
Hours: Open 7 days – Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner Mon. – Thu. 5 to 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Sun. Lunch 12:30 to 3 p.m., Dinner 5 to 9 p.m.
Fresh sushi in a relaxing spot tucked away from the street. Yelpers like the hamachi collar, sushi platter, miso, obento box with salmon and chicken, tuna, sashimi chirashi and lunch specials. Gluten free soy sauce. Plenty of kid-friendly food. Kirin on tap, wine and sake.
Sushi Island
19 Moraga Way
925-253-8399
www.sushiislandorinda.com
Hours: Open 7 days – Lunch Mon. – Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner Mon. – Thu. 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Dinner Fri. – Sat. 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Lunch Sun. noon to 3 p.m.; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m.
Try their super fresh a la carte sashimi, Maguro fever and sushi island roll. Bento lunch box specials $9.50 – choose tofu, saba, salmon, sashimi, sushi rolls and tempura. Kids menu. Real crab meat always served. Order take out online. Beer, wine and sake.
MEDITERRANEAN
Petra Café
2 Theatre Square, #105
254-5290
Hours: Open 7 days – Mon. – Sun. 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Top marks from online fans for the food from takeout favorite with its tiny interior and outside tables. Regulars swear by chicken or lamb and beef gyro with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce in a warm fluffy pita. Roasted vegetables, falafel, spanakopita, dolmas, or hummus for vegetarians. For salad lovers, try salmon salad and troy salad.
MEXICAN
Baja Cali Taqueria and Grill
23 Orinda Way, #H
925-258-9987
www.facebook.com/BajaCaliTaqueriaGrill
Hours: Open 7 days 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Popular spot for lunch and take out. Yelpers like the table salsa and chips, salmon tacos, Chicali chicken burrito, enchiladas, tamales and aguachiles. Kids menu. Beer including Negro Modelo, wine, micheladas, or sodas and free Wi Fi. Ample parking in rear of building.
Maya Mexican Grill
74 Moraga Way
925-258-9049
Hours: Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed Sun.
Try some of their authentic Mexican dishes from family recipes. All sauces and salsas are made in-house daily; they roast their own chilis, grill their own meat; all platos are cooked to order. Can’t say better than that. Busy at lunchtime so order take out. People come back for: super burrito with chicken, vegetarian burrito, fish tacos, guacamole. Kids menu. Beer, wine and soft drinks.
THAI
Baan Thai
99 Orinda Way
925-253-0989
www.baanthai-orinda.com
Hours: Open 7 days: Lunch – 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Return visits for chicken satay appetizer with peanut sauce, Thai crunch salad, pumpkin curry with prawns. Lunch specials with entrée choice, sauce choice (curry, ginger, etc.) rice and salad. Options include tofu, vegetables, chicken, prawns, scallops or calamari. Vegan upon request, take out. Wine, beer, Thai iced tea, hot ginger tea. Off street parking in rear of building complex.
Siam Orchid
23 Orinda Way, #F
925-253-1975
www.siamorchidorinda.com
Hours: Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner Every Night 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Family owned and operated. A white tablecloth experience with full bar and good cocktails. Return visits for appetizer combo for two with satay chicken, green curry vegetables with tofu, egg rolls, fresh spring rolls, and tasty tom yum soup. Or try the ginger salad, papaya salad, veggie pad Thai; brown rice on request. Lunch specials served with egg roll, salad and steamed rice. Take out available, online menu. Ample parking in rear of
building.
