Location: Orinda
Top Restaurants in Orinda
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Best French food near Orinda, California, United States
Reviews on French food in Orinda, California, United States. Orinda is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. The population was 17,643 at the 2010 census, and was estimated in 2012 to have increased to 18,342. Orinda was ranked the second most friendly town in America by Forbes. The city is located just east of the city of Berkeley and is home to many affluent suburban professionals who commute to downtown Oakland, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek. Its location provides for a more rustic landscape, and Orinda's many parks and trails make it a destination for many Bay Area hikers and naturalists.
Things to do in Orinda
1. Chez Panisse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1428 reviews
Reviewed By Melissa77797
I had a reservation for one at the cafe, and I'm an almost-senior citizen ... a demographic that is not beloved in many restaurants. To their credit, service was excellent -- almost too attentive. (I didn't feel rushed, but I was out of there in less than an hour.) But the food was competent, not remarkable. The braised lamb, polenta and mixed vegetables were very good, but not much better than I could make in my home kitchen.
2. La Note
Overall Ratings
4 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By Andreas G
It has been three years since I last reviewed La Note. There have been some changes. As is the case everywhere, prices have increased due to rising rents and labor costs. Perhaps because of this, as has been the case at other restaurants I frequent, it has become easier to get tables. Usually when I go to La Note during the summer, I reserve a table on the patio. This time it was a spur of the moment decision, and although we arrived shortly before noon there were multiple tables open and there were open tables throughout the time we were there. On a sunny warm day sitting at a shaded table is just lovely. If the only tables available are inside in the stuffy crowded and noisy indoor dining room, I go elsewhere. Yes, I dislike the indoor room that much. As for food, I've tried many items, but after trying quite a few, I always come back to the grilled tuna sandwich. It is built on a great bun, and who doesn't like great buns. The tuna is not overcooked, but instead on the medium to medium rare boundary. The portion is generous. The herbed tomato and aioli on the sandwich and the green salad that it comes with are also nicely executed. Although it is now a $16 sandwich, by local standards you get a lot for your $16, and of the several "tuna sandwich" offerings in the area that I have tried, it remains my favorite. I don't know when the patio officially closes, but when it is no longer an option, I no longer dine at La Note. If you haven't tried the patio at lunch, I highly recommend that you go within the next few weeks. Service was good as well, and I would give the place 4.5 stars if I could.
3. Reve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 62 reviews
Small family owned classic French bistro in downtown Lafayette. Chef / owner is from Paris & trained in 2-3 star restaurants. Food and service shine - let us welcome you to REVE for your birthday, a just because dinner or a drink & fries!
Reviewed By keeb56
Wonderful Bistro, nice to know a French trained chef is part owner, and the Chef! My Coq-au-van was heavenly, her Mussels quite tasty. Nice to have an option of House wine if desired. Service outstanding. Only disappointment was the pom frittes fell a little short. Just did not have that Delicious fatty flavour. Our second visit and not our last!
