Best Restaurants for a Quick Bite in Orinda

I went to Millennium with 2 friends to celebrate my birthday. It had been many years since I last ate there and my memory was that the food was less than average. I decided to give it another chance after I read that the restaurant had Michelin recognition. I'm so pleased that I did. The food was excellent and very interesting. We shared 3 appetizers and 1 main dish along with 1 dessert and a glass of wine. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant. The ambience was warm but the noise level was rather loud for 3 "older" women who wanted to talk to each other rather than scream at each other. Really that was my only complaint. I would definitely go back again.

A large busy open dining experience before a show is a great way to start the evening. Staff is very friendly & helpful. The menu is sparse but the fish/sushi is fresh but expensive. But you can have a quick bite instead of an entire meal. After dining you line up to find your seat. I like the smaller venue, not a bad seat in the theater, as opposed to thousands of people. I recommend Yoshi’s for a fun night out in Oakland. Take the ferry, drive and park in the huge parking garage next door to Yoshi’s. The Average White Band brought back many memories and continued rocking out the crowd with their soulful band.

The food was very good. If you are looking for pizza, there are lots of choices. Not so many non-pizza ones. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drink options. It was noisy but not so noisy that we couldn't have a good conversation. Our only complaint was that our table was in front of the door so every time someone came in, we got hit with cold air.

We come to Heroic Italian before seeing our play at Berkeley Rep and are always so glad we have chosen to eat here. The salads (this time we did the California Caprese salad - sooo good,, and enough for 2) are always hearty and original. The pinsas are a favorite -- we love the crispy crust and the fresh toppings. Serving is prompt and friendly. (and Berkely Rep patrons get a complimentary glass of Prosecco.). No wonder we keep returning!

Had the crab cakes, salmon, and lobster ravioli, all of which were excellent. Presentation was great too. The draft beer selection is small but they did have one that I like. We ate at an early hour so it wasn’t crowded or as noisy as it might have been. Our waiter was great; attentive, friendly, pacing the appetizer and main course nicely, and paid attention to the fact we had a show to catch so he moved things along and we didn’t get nervous. I just wish this place was in a different location, in an area with more neighborhood charm. Being on Auto Row and right next to a Chevy dealer is a bit of a minus but, hey, can’t always have it all. We definitely plan to go back and try more on the menu!