San Francisco Restaurants : Lafayette

Postino

Address: 3565 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549 (Map) - Tel:(925) 299-8700

Postino of the East Bay is an Italian restaurant located in a picturesque and historic building covered in ivy vines. The interior features classic brick walls and high ceilings, filled with traditional wooden dining tables set up in different dining areas. These smaller dining rooms contribute to the feeling of intimacy when dining in this family-oriented restaurant. Guests can also take advantage of the patio that comes equipped with a fire pit that is ideal for nighttime or chillier days. This Italian restaurant is known for its pasta as well as its other entrée options, such as the Coda Di Bue, a brasato of short ribs served with peas and veal reduction, and the Anatra, a pan roasted duck breast served with seasonal vegetables. An extensive wine list is available, featuring many options from nearby Napa Valley as well as from traditional Italian vineyards. Whatever dish ends up on the table, Postino will make diners feel as though they have entered the countryside of Italy.

Chevalier

Address: 960 Moraga Road, Lafayette, CA 94549 (Map) - Tel:(925) 385-0793

Chevalier is named after its owner and chef, who was born, raised, and trained in France. The French influence is evident in every dish that finds its way from the kitchen to your table. A three-course prix fixe menu gives diners the option of trying their choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert from a select list, while the a la carte menu offers a little more wiggle room. Specials are available nightly in addition to the varied list of Plat Principaux, which includes selections such as classic Boeuf Bourguignon and Magret de Canette a l’Orange, a roasted young duck hen complemented by fresh vegetables and seasoned with orange. A varied wine list with many French selections comes in addition to a list of drink specials. With large front windows to let in light, and outdoor seating available, Chevalier is the ideal place to enjoy a sunny lunch or intimate dinner.

Yankee Pier

Address: 3593 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549 (Map) - Tel:(925) 283-4100

Located in the unique and historic Lafayette Mercantile Building, Yankee Pier is a lively seafood house offering up locally sourced dishes. Committed to following sustainable practices, Yankee Pier adheres to the strict guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, which promotes healthy ocean wildlife. Choose from a wide variety of options such as the hand-picked Maine Lobster Roll, or Beer battered fish and chips using (surprise) Fish House Ale. Yankee Pier has solid happy hour offerings from beer to bites, as well as a sizeable kid’s menu, ensuring a quality experience for everyone on your guest list.

SpringLoaf Catering

Address: 3744 Mt Diablo Blvd., Suite 307, Lafayette, CA 94549 (Map) - Tel:(415) 699-1816

With unique dishes ranging from mini pumpkins filled with fall vegetables to passion fruit and lychee crème brulée, SpringLoaf Catering has already gained footing and exposure in San Francisco’s competitive culinary market. SpringLoaf Catering, operating since 2003, has been featured in prominent magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings and San Francisco’s 7x7. With menu choices based on fresh, locally-sourced products, the company offers various ethnic food items such as Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian-inspired fare. The staff has a reputation for thoughtful, attentive service and SpringLoaf’s chefs customize each menu to fit their clients’ specific needs to make events special and memorable. Vegetarian, as well as Kosher-style menus, are available.

Amarin Thai Cuisine

Address: 3555 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549 (Map) - Tel:(925) 283-8883

Located in downtown Lafayette, Amarin Thai Cuisine offers the flavorful Thai dishes in a good atmosphere. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, Amarin has many Thai favorites like Pad Thai Noodles and their own House Curry: Medium spicy red curry with your choice of protein, coconut milk, kaffir lime, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil. Start your meal with their delicious appetizers or soups like their Tom Yum Prawn soup: a healthy arrangement of lemongrass, chili paste, mushrooms baby corn, and prawn. Amarin Thai Cuisine hands down has the go-to Thai restaurant if you are in Downtown Lafayette.