Danville, east of San Francisco, features an appealing, dynamic downtown brimming with diverse eateries, with Hartz Avenue serving as the main point, providing you with numerous excellent options for where to dine in Danville.
Danville is a trendy enclave with lovely forested districts full of million-dollar mansions and Lamborghinis on the loose.
But, the cost of a high-quality lunch does not have to be prohibitively expensive. Restaurants vary from casual to upscale, and all have a laidback northern California ambiance, making this outlying community a great destination for both SF Bay Area foodies and visitors.
Chatting with the owners and chefs, I was struck by their tight ties with local farmers and dedication to Danville’s restaurant community. Significantly, each restaurant recognized Danville locals’ outstanding support during the COVID-19 epidemic.
For those unfamiliar with the region, the original inhabitants in Danville were Bay Miwok Indians who lived here for thousands of years, making this country rich with waterways and ideal camping space atop Mount Diablo.
Once Spanish missionaries went in, it eventually became part of Mission San Jose holdings, eventually becoming farmland. Throughout the 1800s, gold-seekers, notably a German immigrant called John Hartz, gradually built up the first settlement.
Hartz gave a tiny portion of property to the Southern Pacific Railroad for a railway terminal in 1891, and the rest, as they say, is history.
With its changing collection of exceedingly rare automobiles, the neighboring Blackhawk Museum will please classic and luxury car enthusiasts.
To explore the collection, book a docent-led tour in advance; visit the museum’s website to learn about the remainder of their unique galleries.
We didn’t get to every worthy restaurant, but here are 8 wonderful Danville eateries. Enjoy!
Not in the mood to dine out tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver right to your door from the greatest restaurants in town.
Visiting other places in California? Check out our other tasty guides:
- 11 Must-Try Tustin Restaurants
- 8 Best Fort Bragg, CA Restaurants
- The 7 Best Oceanside, CA Restaurants
- The 21 Best Restaurants in Costa Mesa
- 7 Must-Try Sushi Restaurants In Costa Mesa
- Best Mexican Food In Costa Mesa
- 5 Outstanding Thai Restaurants In Costa Mesa
- 8 Mediterranean Restaurants In Costa Mesa
Contents
Nine Must-Try Restaurants in Downtown Danville
Crumbs
Railroad Ave, Suite B, +1-925-838-8824428 Railroad Ave, Suite B
Crumbs has a fantastic selection of breakfast and lunch staples and is a great way to start the day in Danville (and is a clear local favorite). This lively café is family-friendly and serves goodies like Ozzies Grilled Chicken to our four-legged companions.
Amy Sidhom, the owner, said how she and her neighbor decided to create a brunch restaurant based on his experience operating a restaurant in San Leandro.
The old Country Waffle on this corner shuttered seventeen years ago, and their time had come.
Their Avocado Toast, delivered on a lovely, thick piece of crunchy sourdough toast with mashed avocado and queso fresco, was an immediate success, buried in nutty arugula. The Salmon Royale Benedict is a modern take on the traditional, including salmon smoked in oak and applewood.
Freddy was informed, attentive, and humorous when he came over to take our order.
He introduced me to the unforgettable Fried Chicken Bloody Mary, which consists of tender chicken strips lightly breaded in panko and laced with spicy tajin and hot sauce atop a tall, tajin-lined, chilled glass filled with Petrov Reserve Vodka and the fixingsApplewood smoked thick bacon, pepperoncinis, olives, celery, and lime. It went viral on social media.
Belgian waffles were served as thick half-slices elegantly layered with cascading fresh bananas and strawberries, walnuts, blueberries, and topped with blueberry compote and a huge dollop of whipped cream on the side.
A show-stopper that is guaranteed to delight the children.
Try the Crpe a la Christophe for the sweet craving in all of us.
Fresh strawberries and bananas are drizzled with Nutella and dusted with powdered sugar are placed on top.
The meal was very attractively presented. Its lunch menu has a fantastic selection of salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Don’t miss their All-Stars Menu, which includes inventive house specialities like a savory Shakshouka.
Crumbs is a revitalizing breakfast and lunch spot in Danville, California.
Albatross
+19257185445312 Railroad Ave, Danville, California 94526, USA
In Danville, Albatross serves wonderful Californian cuisine in a variety of dishes. This gorgeous setting contributed to one of my favorite group breakfasts in a long time. They soon set up a large table outdoors for us.
They provide a fantastic wine choice and a pleasant bar area. Moreover, the environment and style were suited for Danville’s wealthy city.
The service was fast and kind.
We got strawberry gazpacho since it was a hot day, whole branzino fish that was delicious and boneless, honey-fried chicken that wasn’t extremely salty (American restaurants generally oversalt their food), and curry mussels in a creamy sauce with toast. Superb!
We had bread pudding for dessert, which was a great way to end a filling dinner since it wasn’t too sugary or greasy. Also, the cappuccino was superior than that of several well-known coffee shops.
In my experience, all-around nice surprises are quite rare. So, give it a go and see what you think!
Harvest of Danville
Hartz Avenue, +1-925-362-3665500 Hartz Avenue
Danville Harvest is one of those Danville CA Restaurants for the health-conscious, wholesome eater. They are open for lunch and supper and provide a Whole30-compliant cuisine.
Chef Paul Durias is a fantastic chef who is committed to using fresh, locally produced, and organic foods that accentuate natural tastes.
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The cuisine is seasonal and varies on a regular basis. He produces some popular things on the menu for regulars and enjoys the creativity of adding new concoctions based on what vegetables and meat are available and whatever unique goods (such as a handful of black truffles!) may come up.
With wine, beer, zero-proof, handmade cocktails, and an excellent collection of whiskeys, the healthy menu pays homage to Bacchus.
The Hi-Tide Cocktail, a dangerously delectable blend of house-infused blood orange tequila, Ramazzotti Rosato, lime, and hibiscus, was my choice.
Seared Ahi Tuna with sesame seeds and a delicious horseradish aioli was served with arugula, shaved fennel, grapefruit segments, and endive. This meal was light, emphasizing the fish with a few accents.
The Farmers Super Food Salad was delicious. Baby greens, escarole, Brussels sprouts, beets, avocado, mixed berries, and protein in the form of nuts and seeds highlight a beautiful plateful of healthful delights.
It was topped with a tasty aai dressing prepared from probiotic kefir yogurt. The thought that goes into each dish’s creation was clear.
The New England Crab Roll came with a nice touch.
They pan-fry a hotdog bun, removing the spherical section of the top of the bun and the crust on the bottom. You received a light, fluffy, somewhat spongey but crispy bun that had the perfect weight and texture to pair with the heaping bowl of fresh Dungeness and Blue Crab salad.
The Fried Chicken Sandwich with Truffle Fries, a local favorite, was still going strong. The chicken was soft and flavorful thanks to a spicy Asian marinade.
This was a mouthful of heaven, fried till crispy and topped with Swiss cheese, slaw, jalapeo, and mayo. That arrived with a heaping helping of the greatest truffle fries you’ve ever had. Chef Paul uses a generous amount of truffle shavings.
Don’t forget about dessert. A thick chocolate frosting and strawberry wedges covered an exceptionally delicious chocolate cupcake with a dollop of vanilla ice cream wedged in the centre.
Chef Paul shared his early culinary memories with us as we discussed his cooking philosophy.
He spent his childhood in the Philippines with his grandmother, watching her cook and tending to the livestockpigs, goats, turkeys, and chickens. He joked that he was preparing them to be eaten. He learnt to appreciate animals. This is reflected in how I approach meat as a chef and why we purchase directly from local farmers within 100 miles.
This restaurant is one of the greatest places to dine in Danville CA for individuals seeking more health-conscious and sustainable eating habits.
Hermanas Cocina
+1-925-725-4161501 Hartz Avenue
Are you seeking for the greatest Mexican restaurant in Danville, California? Cocina Hermanas, which is open for breakfast and supper, serves inventive Mexican cuisine at an affordable price.
This family-friendly eatery serves entrees for less than $20 and appetizers for less than $15. Cocina Hermanas, which has been open for little over two years, has quickly become a favorite.
Chef Arturo, a Cuernavaca local, told us about his passion for cooking, getting inspiration from the numerous areas of Mexico. “I love to create new things, something that people don’t anticipate,” he said. It’s fantastic. That is why I am never bored.
Tostadas de Atun Fresco were delicious, with cubes of ahi tuna #1, avocado, and cucumber slices in a mild lime-cilantro vinaigrette and a chipotle-garlic aioli.
The Mazatlan-inspired Red Snapper Ceviche was soaked in lime juice and topped with mango, avocado, and orange slices. Everything was presented on lovely Mexican ceramic dishes.
Then there’s a Baja Caesar Salad with a delicious twist! Crisp romaine lettuce was topped with juicy spicy shrimp, roasted pumpkin seeds, and cotija cheese, then drizzled with Hermanas Caesar dressing. Divine.
The Tres Hermanas Tacos were very popular.
A trio of tacos: Birria (short rib cooked in spices, excellent and tender) with salsa roja; Carnitas, or smoked in-house hog confit with fatty meat cubes that melt in your tongue with a delicious taste. The Carne Asada, a skirt steak taco with sliced onions and tomatillo-avocado salsa, was the last and arguably best. Easy and tasty, especially when combined with their Pia Gordita Margarita.
The picedersistance was a dessert sampler that was both tasty and colorful. Absolutely amazing. There was a substantial serving of Crema Catalan.
Fresh seasonal berries in a plate. Warm, silky, sugared churros served with warm chocolate sauce. Also on the menu was a mango chili sorbet with a vivid red chamoy sauce that was extremely delicious on the sorbet. A hit with children of all ages.
Cocina Hermanas is a lively and excellent Mexican restaurant in Danville. It is one of the top restaurants in Danville, California.
Revel Restaurant & Bar
Hartz Avenue, +1-925-208-1758331
Revel Kitchen & Bar is a nice place with plenty of windows, an understated modern vibe, and subdued hues.
A surprisingly deep bar in the center is complemented by a good-sized wine selection comprising varied boutique producers from Europe and the West Coast of the United States.
Owners and chefs Esin and Curtis deCarion opened the restaurant in downtown Danville in 2014 as a location for handmade drinks and relaxed, delicious food. It’s one of the must-try restaurants in Danville, California.
Their devotion to quality shows through, employing local, sustainable, organic, and natural ingredients.
Revel takes avocado toast to the next level with Avocado Bruschetta prepared with micro-greens and crispy shallots.
The bruschetta, dusted with sea salt and prepared on sourdough bread from Semifreddis, was light and fluffy.
The Fried Marys Chicken Breast & Buttermilk Biscuit Sliders are to die for. Little biscuits cradle bits of authentic Southern-fried chicken, topped with cheddar cheese, red pepper jelly, and garlic aioli.
These tiny beauties are quite addicting! They are served with homemade potato chips.
The cheese provided a salty note, the meat was tender, the biscuit was buttery, and the fresh slaw cleared the tongue. The whole experience is like a subtle, delicious flavor explosion.
The sliders went great with an Out of Bounds cocktail. It was somewhat oaky and incredibly smooth, made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Amaro CioCiaro, Black Walnut Bitter, and orange peel.
This was a lovely way to end a lovely day, served in an old-fashioned glass with a giant ice cube!
The cuisine at Revel Kitchen & Bar is fantastic. Together with a variety of delicious cold and hot small plates, their Heartier Food menu features American favorites with substantial side dishes.
The Grilled King Fish is served with a potato-fennel gratin, sautéed kale, fennel puree, and a roast beet vinaigrette.
On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, they provide nighttime specials. Paella with wild prawns, chorizo, mussels, cod, and saffron rice is one option. One of the top restaurants in Danville, California.
The Bridges Restaurant and Bar
+1-925-820-720044 Church St.
This exquisite restaurant is located off Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville. In front of the restaurant, there is a lovely pergola-covered patio area.
Each table is divided by a panel, offering a pleasant, private experience. With heat lights, it’s a fantastic location to relax on any evening, amid plants and trees.
Bridges sprang to prominence when the pivotal comic reveal sequence in the Mrs. Doubtfire film, starring Robin Williams, was shot on the property in 1993. It has been a Danville institution for three decades and continues to be of great quality. One of the must-try restaurants in Danville, CA.
The Pizzetta with Cornice pear, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, caramelized onion, and arugula was our first course.
Such a fantastic savory-sweet taste and texture combo; the center of your crunchy mouthful was filled with warm, umami tenderness.
The Pan-Roasted Pork Chop with Port Reduction Sauce continues to pique my interest.
It was offered as a large cut on the bone approximately 1 thick. Both sides were roasted to a deep crisp, exposing juicy, soft flesh, and a pure pork taste with each mouthful.
The port reduction sauce was a good contrast, somewhat sweeter and richer than red wine and a gorgeous dark pink-burgundy hue. The chop was served with a heaping dish of Gorgonzola Dolce grits that were delicious.
The taste was out of this world, and the texture was both creamy and somewhat crispy. (I’ve attempted to replicate this recipe twice at home because it’s so wonderful.)
The stir-fried Mexican prawns in a Thai Red Curry Sauce with crispy noodle cake was also fantastic, and has been on the menu for at least the past nine years.
Shiitake mushrooms, red pepper, mint, and peanuts combine to make a delicious sauce. Anything else on the menu is subject to change.
Executive Chef Kevin Gin promotes chef innovation and experimentation in the kitchen.
Chef Gin places a high value on educating others, according to Sous Chef Grace Hockman. All of the chefs in the kitchen are allowed to create any menu items they desire. I’ve never worked under a chef that does that, who allows you that much flexibility and encourages you to learn and improve.
The whole menu is stunning, with a broad variety of classics with a twist. Bridges Restaurant & Bar is open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and supper and is one of the top Danville CA Restaurants.
Ristorante Incontro
Hartz Avenue, +1-925-820-2349455
Since 2014, the charming Incontro Ristorante has received the OpenTables Diners Choice Award. We wholeheartedly agree. This is an absolutely fantastic spot in Danville for a relaxed delicious Italian supper.
The menu features regional Italian cuisine, and Head Chef Sanchez is proud of the restaurant’s freshness and high-quality ingredients. His expertise in true Italian food is exceptional, owing to his extensive apprenticeship with various Italian head chefs over the years. In a culinary partnership that strikes all the right notes, he prepares the menu with proprietors Gabriel Moufarrej and Stefano Giovacchini.
Arancini (from Sicily) are a delicious way to start your dinner. These delightful balls of Arborio rice and mozzarella cheese were gently fried in a fragrant, oregano-infused marinara sauce and topped with little dollops of pesto. These were a joy to eat and paired well with a glass of robust Nero DAvola.
Its house-made Gnocchi (northern Italy) is another best-seller on the menu. The mix of Fontina cheese and truffle oil improves this modest potato dumpling, and we would have it again.
What about the Osso Bucco with Porcini Mushroom Sauce (Milan)? It had everything you could ask for in a traditional meal. Each component of this meal, served with polenta and spring carrots, stood on its own. The polenta was among the greatest I’d ever eaten. I couldn’t put my fork down since it was buttery, nutty, and had a beautiful texture. The meat was fall-off-the-bone delicious, with sautéed carrots adding an earthy taste.
Other appealing entrees were the Chicken Marsala, seafood Frutti di Mare, and Mostaccioli. The dessert selection at Incontros is delectable. Consider a Bourbon Panettone, which is an Italian-style bread pudding topped with bourbon-glazed bananas and vanilla gelato. The outstanding service is a credit to the tight ship ran by the personable Antonio Fillari.
Manager Bernadette Moufarrej took us on a tour of the restaurant’s history in the historic Hartz building. Gabe, her husband, created many of the refurbishment details, including the wooden bar that graces the bar and lounge area.
Chef Sanchez has been with the restaurant for years, working his way up through the kitchen, she said. Throughout the epidemic, he committed himself solely to overseeing the takeaway kitchen, allowing the restaurant to remain operational. When dining reopened, he was naturally appointed to Head Chef. It’s a typical American success story, and his hard work shows in the exceptional quality and flavor of Incontros’ cuisine.
Spirits and the Vine
Hartz Avenue, +1-925-820-7210480 Hartz Ave
The Vine and Spirits, owned by the same people as Bridges Restaurant & Bar and directed by the imaginative Executive Chef Kevin Gin, is another excellent downtown Danville CA restaurant.
The structure is modern, with a huge open main area and bar, as well as an industrial-style ceiling with massive circular air ducts. The kitchen is partly exposed to the main room It’s entertaining to watch Chef Richard at work on the stove.
We were once again treated to very good, fresh meal that was creatively prepared, as well as superb service. The cuisine focuses on fewer courses and is supplemented by a large wine cellar.
To begin, he served a Warm Brie with Honeyed Apple. This burned brie was served over thinly chopped bruschetta and added a delightful depth of flavor. Coppa, brandied nuts, fresh herbs, and a bottle of Napa Valley 2018 Far Niente Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon round out the dish.
KFCnuggets are fried boneless chicken nuggets drenched in a delectable Korean gochujang spicy and sweet sauce. A Pilsner is exactly the proper weight to go with it.
The Tomato-Scallion Relish on Grilled Flat Iron Steak was delicious. This meal felt like spring, with slices of rare steak, sautéed asparagus and zucchini, and a bed of warm Farro salad. When I bit into the zucchini, my taste senses literally sung.
This veggie is often sad, somewhat mushy, and flavorless. But this bite, no, this was unique! The meal was boosted by a surge of rich, green zucchini flavor.
Consider this benefit when you visit. If you join The Vine and Spirits Wine Club, you will get 15% off your bill every time you eat there. What isn’t to love? Inquire with your server for further information. This downtown Danville restaurant is a must-try for traditional cuisine and wine pairings. One of the top restaurants in Danville, California.
Thai Restaurant
+1-925-820-0635254 Rose Avenue
Thai House is without a doubt one of the greatest Thai culinary experiences I’ve had in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as one of the top Danville CA Restaurants overall.
Owners Sam and Marysa Sendee met as children in northern Thailand, moved to San Francisco, and have been operating the restaurant for the last fifteen years.
Situated in a lovely ancient Thai-style wooden home and certified Bib Gourmand by Michelin since 2011, this offers world-class Thai food at Bay Area rates.
Most servings are around $20, and many are under $15.
Sam is the Chief Chef, and he like to keep his kitchen small so that he can oversee everything. His culinary style is a blend of Thai regional cuisines, all of which are true Thai.
The menu is extensive, and he caters to all sensitivities and gluten-free requirements. There is no alcohol offered.
The Thai House Wrapped is made of crispy iceberg lettuce leaves that are packed with ground shrimp, chicken, carrot, onion, and jicama pieces, as well as thin crunchy noodles. It’s light, refreshing, and attractively presented, with a mild sweet and sour sauce.
Another noteworthy dish is the Smoky Catfish with Eggplant.
The fish was lightly breaded and delicate, and the sauce had an ambrosial slightly smoky taste produced using a Chinese method for fast smoking food in a pan.
The Spicy Pork with Eggplant was served with a spicy Prik Khing curry sauce that included capers, green peas, bell peppers, and fresh basil.
Roasting the eggplant adds another dimension of flavor. Sam generously provided a vegetarian version for my photographic companion.
The pumpkin curry is rich, creamy, and spicy, with bits of chicken, scallops, shrimp, and pumpkin.
The pumpkin was pleasantly fragrant and complimented the tastes of the other components, making it nothing like a dessert. The Green Curry Halibut and the Lamb Of Siam were equally appealing to me.
Every dish exudes the attention that went into its creation. Thai House in Danville will instantly win you over with its warm, friendly service and delicious food.
When I questioned Chef Sam about his future plans, he said, “I’ll stay at Thai House forever,” with a smile and twinkle in his eyes. You’ve discovered the greatest Danville CA Restaurants for Thai cuisine if you’re looking for real Thai food.
That concludes our list of the top eight Danville CA restaurants. From breakfast to supper to dessert, Mexico, Thailand, and Italy have it all. Make sure you try these Danville CA eateries soon.
Photographer: Bruce Williams