Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Orinda

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Park Bistro & Bar restaurant

1. The Park Bistro & Bar

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lafayette

Booked 17 times today

The Park Bistro & Bar in Lafayette is a gem for those seeking authentic Californian cuisine. Executive Chef Rodrigo Alvarez masterfully blends local, organic ingredients with a French twist, ensuring each dish celebrates California's rich agricultural bounty. Patrons rave about the "excellent restaurant," praising its "beautiful setting, delicious food, and great service." The commitment to using only "the freshest, local and organically grown produce" along with "naturally raised meats and line-caught fish" elevates the dining experience, making it not only delicious but also sustainable. It's no wonder diners are eager to return, as they consistently encounter "scrumptious lunch" and "phenomenal food" in a "warm and inviting" atmosphere.

A photo of Revival Bar+Kitchen restaurant

2. Revival Bar+Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(2772)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Berkeley

Booked 31 times today

Revival Bar+Kitchen in Berkeley masterfully showcases Californian cuisine with its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and innovative dishes. Diners rave about the “utterly delicious food” and the “amazing” heirloom tomato burrata paired with focaccia appetizers. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring each visit offers something new and exciting. Patrons particularly love the mocktails, described as “tasting like the real thing,” making it an inclusive spot for all diners. With its prime location in Berkeley, perfect for pre-theater meals, Revival Bar+Kitchen is celebrated for its “great food, great service, and all around great environment,” making it a must-visit destination for authentic Californian dining.

A photo of Study Hall Rooftop Lounge restaurant

3. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

4.4

Awesome(169)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Berkeley

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Study Hall! Located on the 12th floor. Indoor/outdoor dining with stunning views of the area. Beverage Centric - light food menu with Pacific, Oceana and Asian inspired appetizers, share plates and entrees

A photo of Park Bistro Holiday Buffet restaurant

4. Park Bistro Holiday Buffet

(0)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lafayette

Park Bistro & Bar in Lafayette, a gem for Californian cuisine, stands out with its commitment to fresh, local, and organically grown ingredients. Executive Chef Rodrigo Alverez masterfully combines a French twist with American fare, creating dishes that elevate comfort food to new heights. The ambiance, enriched with natural light and rustic decor, complements the culinary experience, making it a favorite local high-end spot with a casual atmosphere. Glowing reviews like "We had a terrific experience" and "The local California sturgeon caviar appetizer was exceptional" highlight the restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Park Bistro is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Californian flavors.

A photo of Cafenated Coffee Company restaurant

5. Cafenated Coffee Company

4.6

Exceptional(11)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Berkeley

Cafenated Coffee Company in Berkeley is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality American cuisine with a creative twist. Nestled in a flora-strewn garden, this cafe shines with its unique brunch offerings like the "Spicy Chicken and Waffles," which had one guest drooling, and the "Brunch Board," praised as setting "the bar higher for every other brunch experience." The dishes, such as the candied bacon and smoked salmon avocado toast, are described as "huge and very satisfying." Guests rave about the atmosphere and service, with one noting the "perfect combination of sweet and savory" in their meals. Whether it's the vibrant garden setting or the innovative American dishes, Cafenated Coffee Company stands out as a beloved brunch spot in Berkeley.

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

6. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.8

Exceptional(481)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oakland

Booked 19 times today

Bardo Lounge & Supper Club in Oakland’s Grand Lake District stands out as a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, continuously recommended in the MICHELIN Guide from 2021-2023. The lounge, reminiscent of a mid-century modern living room, offers a swanky retreat where guests can indulge in "the best cocktails in Oakland" and a "creative and varied cocktail menu" that pairs beautifully with seasonally inspired supper-fare. Praised for its "perfectly balanced" drinks and vibrant ambiance, Bardo is a favorite for both locals and newcomers. Guests rave about the attentive service and the elegant, cozy setting, making it the perfect spot for a sophisticated night out. Whether it's for a casual drink or a special occasion, Bardo promises an unforgettable experience with every visit.

A photo of Commis Dining Room restaurant

7. Commis Dining Room

4.9

Exceptional(1226)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oakland

Booked 8 times today

Commis in Oakland stands out as a beacon of Californian cuisine, offering a unique experience that melds the bounty of Northern California with a flair for innovation. With its proud Two-Star Michelin rating, Commis showcases the region's finest ingredients through a multi-course tasting menu crafted by James Beard Foundation Nominated Chef James Syhabout. Guests rave about the “delicious from beginning to end” meals and the “perfect” wine pairings that enhance the dining experience. The use of modern and classic techniques to bridge Eastern and Western flavors ensures that each dish is not just a meal, but a story of California itself. The "wonderful gem in the East Bay" offers an "unforgettable experience" making each visit a cherished memory.

8. MUA

4.4

Awesome(1367)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oakland

Booked 12 times today

MUA in Oakland is a haven for those who crave authentic and heartwarming Comfort Food. Established in 2008, this family-owned gem delights with its eclectic and open atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both large parties and intimate gatherings. Renowned for dishes like the blackened catfish, butternut squash mac n' "cheese," and crispy tofu, MUA has become a staple in the Oakland community. Guests rave about the food's deliciousness and the ambiance, with one patron exclaiming, "The blackened catfish was amazing... Great service and an even better atmosphere." Whether you're in for the vibrant art events or the soul-satisfying cuisine, MUA promises an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the best of Comfort Food.

9. Commis Bar

4.8

Exceptional(32)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oakland

Booked 5 times today

Commis Bar in Oakland offers a sublime exploration of Contemporary American cuisine through a meticulously curated 4-course menu, emphasizing top-tier Northern California ingredients. The intimate setting, with only 10 bar-height chairs, ensures a personalized dining experience. Guests rave about the "food perfection" and describe their dining as "an exercise in flavour perfection," highlighting dishes like lamb, sea bream, and cod for their "amazing and differentiated flavors." Commis is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic journey that encapsulates the essence of modern American cooking. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning aficionado, Commis promises a remarkable culinary adventure that's well worth the visit.

10. Alley & Vine

4.3

Awesome(757)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Alameda

Booked 6 times today

Alley & Vine in Alameda offers a quintessential Californian dining experience that beautifully showcases the state's rich bounty. With a focus on "beautiful produce, pristine seafood, and livestock raised with care," this restaurant ensures every dish celebrates local freshness and flavors. Patrons rave about the "melt in your mouth" steak and the creativity of both the food and cocktail menus, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. The atmosphere is described as warm and welcoming, perfect for savoring meals like the "divine" yellowtail carpaccio or the perfectly cooked scallops on risotto. Alley & Vine stands out as a gem in Alameda, making it a top destination for anyone craving authentic and exquisite Californian cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
Williamvip
San Francisco Bay Area •61 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The service was stellar, the food, especially the Arancini and special pizza was excellent. My only complaint was that we were there early, only a couple other tables in the whole place had customers, but they sat another group at the closest table to us, raising the noise level significantly in our otherwise empty restaurant.
More info
Revival Bar+KitchenPrice: Expensive• Californian• Berkeley
•
4.6
S
Sharon
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Disappointed restaurant was not open, ate in bar area. Server/bartender was doing double duty. He was excellent. Food was fabulous (quiche and salad).
More info
The Park Bistro & BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lafayette
•
4.5
I
Ismail
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
It was an incredible experience thank you………………………..
More info
Study Hall Rooftop LoungePrice: Moderate• Californian• Berkeley
•
4.4
M
Mark
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Nov 2024
The ambience and service were top-notch and offered the experience we were seeking.
More info
Cafenated Coffee CompanyPrice: Moderate• Cafe Dining• Berkeley
•
4.6

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Orinda

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Orinda

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. The Park Bistro & Bar

2. Revival Bar+Kitchen

3. Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

4. Park Bistro Holiday Buffet

5. Cafenated Coffee Company

6. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

7. Commis Dining Room

8. MUA

9. Commis Bar

10. Alley & Vine

See what locals rave about

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