Best Historic Restaurants in Lafayette

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseFrenchGermanPizzeria

Regions

East Bay

Areas

BerkeleyDanvilleOaklandOrindaWalnut Creek

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Orinda

4.7

Exceptional(2573)

££££Price: Expensive

• American • Orinda

Booked 28 times today

Casa Orinda has been serving the finest Western and Italian food in the area for the past 84 years. We are famous for our fried chicken, prime beef, and classic Italian pasta, chicken, and veal dishes -- everything being made from scratch in our kitchen using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Our full service mahogany bar is a popular stop for locals and visitors looking for a nice refreshment and a hearty meal in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. We have three dining rooms, each with a slightly different character afforded by our hand-formed brass hearth fireplace, Western original art collection, famous antique gun collection, and alluring floral arrangements.

2. Shelby's Orinda

4.6

Exceptional(164)

££££Price: Moderate

• Contemporary European • Orinda

Booked 3 times today

Shelby's, in Orinda, crafts elevated and contemporary Continental and California fusion cuisine made with fine ingredients in its friendly and bright restaurant. The organic sweet potato chips with a mild chipotle dip and the breaded fried brie in a chipotle-strawberry glaze with warm baguette make most welcoming starter options. Some of Shelby's specialty entrée dishes include the slow-roasted Asian baby back ribs in a tangy marinade, the seafood paella with saffron rice, chicken, seafood and vegetables in a tasty broth and the black forest pizza topped with ham, bacon bits, cheese and caramelized onions. For a sweet end to your meal, the cold blueberry soup with vanilla ice cream won't steer you wrong.Shelby's also serves a fully organic breakfast, when you can indulge such plates as the California omelette with turkey, avocado, cheese and roasted fingerling potatoes and the croissant French toast with vanilla custard and strawberries.

A photo of Citrus Fresh Grill - Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel restaurant

3. Citrus Fresh Grill - Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel

4.0

Excellent(11)

££££Price: Expensive

• Californian • Walnut Creek

Citrus highlights Fresh and local ingredients cooked with classic technique. Citrus is located in the historic city of Walnut Creek, it consist of a full bar and a full Menu. Chef Travis Darling has worked with in top restaurants with top Chefs, such as Wolfgang Puck, Jose Andres and Thomas Keller. His signature dish is his Brined Chicken Wings which is sure to be a hit at any table. Citrus also provide comfortable seating and a full outdoor patio to host for a business lunch, or a large party, or fun for the whole family. Come and enjoy great times at citrus restaurant located in the heart of the Bay Club/ Renaissance Hotel.

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

4. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1694)

££££Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 11 times today

Teatime Tuesdays | 12pm-2pmIndoor DiningLunchWednesday - Saturday | 12pm-2pmDinnerTuesday-Saturday | 5pm-7:45pmLocated on the second floor of the Berkeley City Club, a Julia Morgan Historic Hotel, Julia's boasts a beautiful over-sized fireplace, and ornate details true to Morgan's iconic Moorish Gothic architectural design.Julia's offers an innovative, creative, contemporary approach to your dining experience and is inspired by local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Our diverse wine list complements our menu featuring wines carefully selected from regions around the world.

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

5. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.9

Exceptional(510)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 36 times today

Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music. Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.

A photo of Limewood Bar & Restaurant restaurant

6. Limewood Bar & Restaurant

4.3

Awesome(2512)

££££Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Berkeley

Booked 49 times today

Experience a vibrant, casual gathering place with bay view patio seating, showcasing regionally-sourced cuisine. A kitchen inspired by Bay Area artisans is complimented by a spirited bar offering house-crafted cocktails and a well-balanced wine list.

A photo of three.one four pizzeria restaurant

7. three.one four pizzeria

4.6

Exceptional(195)

££££Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Berkeley

Booked 11 times today

We are located in the historic Lalime's space in the Westbrae neighborhood of Berkeley, CA.Our intentions with three.one four was to create a dining experience that is so captivating, it transcends all others. Our menu features small bites, salads, and World Class rustic pies from acclaimed Chef Mario Vollera. We utilize high quality Italian cheeses and fresh local products in our food and our menu is partnered with a carefully curated wine list featuring an extensive by the glass offering. We believe that our elevated food paired with our warm, intuitive, yet unobtrusive service style will help make three.one four a buzz-worthy neighborhood destination for many years to come.

8. Incontro

4.6

Exceptional(1855)

££££Price: Moderate

• Italian • Danville

Booked 7 times today

Located in Downtown Danville, Incontro Ristorante offers Italian cuisine from all the regions of Italy. We offer signature dishes like our famous gnocchi, lasagna, comfort food and more as well as daily specials. We offer upscale casual indoor dining in the historic Hartz House and outdoor dining in our garden patio. You can enjoy live music on the patio during the dry months. The word Incontro means encounter, signifying the coming together of family and friends in a lovely and family friendly atmosphere while dining and enjoying wine from Italy and California. Our indoor and outdoor full bar offers classic and signature cocktails. House made Focaccia is served with your meal. All our sauces and desserts are made in house. We offer brunch buffet on Sundays (except holidays) and lunch on Saturdays. Parking is easy in our private parking lot off of Railroad Avenue.

A photo of Claremont Lobby Bar restaurant

9. Claremont Lobby Bar

4.6

Exceptional(38)

££££Price: Very Expensive

• American • Berkeley

The historic Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, serving up signature craft cocktails, light bites and a selection of local craft beer and wine. Join us after dinner for a nightcap, or gather with friends over a glass of champagne while you take in the sweeping San Francisco Bay views.

10. Virtue + Vice

4.2

Awesome(240)

££££Price: Moderate

• Californian • Danville

Booked 3 times today

Virtue + Vice is located in Historic Downtown Danville. We are an independent, upscale restaurant and bar serving a globally inspired menu of gourmet comfort food. For those looking to indulge their vices, we offer luscious libations and an extensive wine menu.Available for indoor and outdoor seating.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gordon
London •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Love this restaurant and everything was great this visit.
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Good food and cocktails in a lovely, historic room.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.7
B
BeverlyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Fried chicken is excellent! Many many menu items are the same.
More info
Casa OrindaPrice: Expensive• American• Orinda
•
4.7
S
Sarah
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 Feb 2025
Great service, great food. The staff were very accommodating of our large group,
More info
Citrus Fresh Grill - Renaissance Walnut Creek HotelPrice: Expensive• Californian• Walnut Creek
•
4
T
TomVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
4.0
Dined on 15 Feb 2025
Glad to be able to get a Valentine's Day reservation on fairly short notice. The service was friendly and welcoming. It was a busy night, and the server was honest about our not having time for dessert if we wanted to make our show. Too bad, because the desserts looked yummy and they have a great selection of after-dinner liqueurs (along with a great wine list). We had a salad and two entrees. Both were well conceived and presented. The salmon was cooked a little more than I requested but was still tasty. Overall a lovely Valentine's Day dinner!
More info
Shelby's OrindaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Orinda
•
4.6

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