8 Best Restaurants in Danville, CA

Nestled in the heart of the glorious San Ramon Valley, Danville is a picturesque town loved for its peaceful, tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Quiet and idyllic, Danville offers a small-town atmosphere that attracts residents from all across the country.

If you’re exploring Danville real estate, perhaps you already know that Danville is home to a diverse array of outstanding restaurants, ranging from casual cafes and bistros to upscale eateries and fine dining establishments. So, if you’re feeling hungry, check out the menus at these impressive restaurants in Danville, CA.

If it’s a taste of Italian cuisine you seek, search no more! Incontro Ristorante is one of Danville’s most beloved Italian restaurants, known for its upscale atmosphere and authentic dishes. You might feel drawn to Incontro for its gorgeous ambiance, but you’ll keep coming back for the crab farfalle with peas and lemon zest, the chicken marsala with wine sauce and mashed potatoes, the pan-seared salmon with spinach, and the slow-braised beef shank with lemon sauce. Other highly recommended dishes here include the pappardelle al pasto — a flavorful pasta dish topped with house-made pesto sauce and shrimp — and the classic spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce. Perfect for any special occasion, Incontro is open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, with additional weekend hours.

Esin Restaurant and Bar is another renowned, upscale eatery specializing in American cuisine and farm-to-table ingredients, all served in an inviting, bistro-style dining room. The impressive menu features a range of seasonal dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including a mix of delectable salads, sandwiches, and entrees.

Locals rave about the grass-fed lamb shank, the Snake River Farms beef burger, and the grilled ribeye steak, the latter of which is perfectly cooked with a rich and smoky flavor. On Sundays, the menu favorite is the slow-roasted certified beef prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes, horseradish cream, and fresh veggies.

Forbes Mill is a classic American steakhouse that promises a sophisticated and elegant dining experience you won’t soon forget. Known for its high-quality cuts of meat, Forbes Mill is a popular choice for a romantic dinner date night with your sweetheart. Menu standouts include the beef short rib with mashed potatoes, the spinach-crusted salmon with herbed demi sauce and bread crumbs, the 9-ounce Maine lobster tail with jasmine rice, and the 8-ounce filet mignon with asparagus spears and crab. For sides, the garlic mashed potatoes or sauteed mushrooms are a must-try.

Forbes Mill also features an extensive menu of local and international wines and spirits, from chardonnay by the glass to the prickly pear margarita. Don’t miss dessert, either! Try the vanilla gelato butter cake with fresh strawberries, the flourless chocolate torte, or the lava cake with chocolate drizzle.

If you’re seeking an upscale restaurant in Danville, CA, don’t miss Bridges Restaurant & Bar, a stylish and modern space serving classic Californian fare with pan-Asian influences. This popular dining destination is known for its creative dishes and fresh ingredients, with famed options like grilled Atlantic salmon with mixed mushrooms and sausage, stir-fried Mexican prawns with red peppers and mint, grilled pork chop with sun-dried apricot jam, and prime New York steak with applewood smoked bacon and scallions.

Check out the cocktail menu and selection of local wines, like the “Sea Sun chardonnay,” raspberry lemon drop cocktail, green apple pear sparkling wine, and more. When dessert comes around, try the coconut cheesecake with pineapple, the warm apple crumble with butterscotch drizzle and molasses crunch, the coffee martini, or the chef’s daily selection of sorbet. Very well known for being the backdrop for the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, where many of the scenes were filmed.

For creative Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair, head to the Peasant and the Pear on Prospect Ave. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of dishes, from the cauliflower king salmon with sauteed spinach to the “Diablo” spicy prawns with mashed potatoes and chili sauce. If you’re seeking flatbread, the San Ramon with roasted pear and caramelized onions is a popular choice. For dessert, don’t miss the pumpkin pie bread pudding, the New York cheesecake, or the puff pastry pear tart with vanilla ice cream and caramel.

Mangia Mi on Hartz Ave. is a lively Italian spot with authentic and flavorful favorites. If you’re looking for fantastic Italian fare in a laid-back environment, Mangia Mi is a go-to spot. Here, you can sample amazing homemade pasta dishes that are sure to impress, like the vegetarian lasagna with seasonal vegetables, the rigatoni with English peas and cream sauce, or the spring fettuccine with zucchini, squash, and cherry tomatoes.

Polished Pizzeria for Neapolitan pies, sides, pastas and a full bar in a contemporary, airy interior. Plenty of outside dining as well. You might get lucky and one of the waiters will sing you Happy Birthday. Relaxed atmosphere with fantastic food makes it a winner every time. You will feel like you are in Naples Italy.

Rounding out our list of the best restaurants in Danville, CA, is Sideboard Danville, a popular spot serving delicious American-style dishes in a cozy space decorated with rustic wood furnishings and vintage accents. Be sure to sample the famous chicken pot pie, the bucket of fried chicken, or fresh-seared ahi with pickled ginger and tomato. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty brunch, a satisfying lunch, or a full dinner, Sideboard Danville welcomes you to the table.

From charming cafes to upscale establishments, Danville has a vibrant and promising culinary scene that's sure to satisfy diners with even the most discerning palates. Beyond its exceptional dining destinations, Danville is a beautiful, welcoming community that offers an excellent quality of life and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

If you’ve been searching for homes for sale in Danville, team up with Jill Fusari, an expert local Realtor who’s ready to help you find the perfect piece of paradise in this charming town. With more than 17 years of experience backing her, Jill has the insight and dedication to help you surpass your goals. Reach out to Jill today to get started.

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