Best Historic Restaurants in Orinda

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

East Bay

Neighborhoods

BerkeleyOaklandOrindaRichmondWalnut Creek

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Orinda

4.7

Exceptional(2573)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Orinda

Booked 27 times today

Casa Orinda has been serving the finest Western and Italian food in the area for the past 84 years. We are famous for our fried chicken, prime beef, and classic Italian pasta, chicken, and veal dishes -- everything being made from scratch in our kitchen using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Our full service mahogany bar is a popular stop for locals and visitors looking for a nice refreshment and a hearty meal in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. We have three dining rooms, each with a slightly different character afforded by our hand-formed brass hearth fireplace, Western original art collection, famous antique gun collection, and alluring floral arrangements.

2. Shelby's Orinda

4.6

Exceptional(164)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary European • Orinda

Booked 2 times today

Shelby's, in Orinda, crafts elevated and contemporary Continental and California fusion cuisine made with fine ingredients in its friendly and bright restaurant. The organic sweet potato chips with a mild chipotle dip and the breaded fried brie in a chipotle-strawberry glaze with warm baguette make most welcoming starter options. Some of Shelby's specialty entrée dishes include the slow-roasted Asian baby back ribs in a tangy marinade, the seafood paella with saffron rice, chicken, seafood and vegetables in a tasty broth and the black forest pizza topped with ham, bacon bits, cheese and caramelized onions. For a sweet end to your meal, the cold blueberry soup with vanilla ice cream won't steer you wrong.Shelby's also serves a fully organic breakfast, when you can indulge such plates as the California omelette with turkey, avocado, cheese and roasted fingerling potatoes and the croissant French toast with vanilla custard and strawberries.

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

3. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1694)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 22 times today

Teatime Tuesdays | 12pm-2pmIndoor DiningLunchWednesday - Saturday | 12pm-2pmDinnerTuesday-Saturday | 5pm-7:45pmLocated on the second floor of the Berkeley City Club, a Julia Morgan Historic Hotel, Julia's boasts a beautiful over-sized fireplace, and ornate details true to Morgan's iconic Moorish Gothic architectural design.Julia's offers an innovative, creative, contemporary approach to your dining experience and is inspired by local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Our diverse wine list complements our menu featuring wines carefully selected from regions around the world.

A photo of Limewood Bar & Restaurant restaurant

4. Limewood Bar & Restaurant

4.3

Awesome(2512)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Berkeley

Booked 51 times today

Experience a vibrant, casual gathering place with bay view patio seating, showcasing regionally-sourced cuisine. A kitchen inspired by Bay Area artisans is complimented by a spirited bar offering house-crafted cocktails and a well-balanced wine list.

A photo of Claremont Lobby Bar restaurant

5. Claremont Lobby Bar

4.6

Exceptional(38)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Berkeley

The historic Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, serving up signature craft cocktails, light bites and a selection of local craft beer and wine. Join us after dinner for a nightcap, or gather with friends over a glass of champagne while you take in the sweeping San Francisco Bay views.

6. ZINO

4.3

Awesome(420)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Berkeley

Booked 7 times today

A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar located in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. ZINO features a rotating menu of cuisines, complemented by a modern cocktail program infused with Mediterranean flavors and spices. ZINO is a gathering place for people of the community to socialize, celebrate, and share in the unique flavors of one of the most diverse regions of the world.Vegetarian menu available.For Parties of 9 or more, please contact the restaurant directly.

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

7. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.9

Exceptional(510)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 41 times today

Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music. Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.

8. Skates on the Bay

4.5

Awesome(7507)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Berkeley

Booked 54 times today

Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.

A photo of three.one four pizzeria restaurant

9. three.one four pizzeria

4.6

Exceptional(195)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Berkeley

Booked 19 times today

We are located in the historic Lalime's space in the Westbrae neighborhood of Berkeley, CA.Our intentions with three.one four was to create a dining experience that is so captivating, it transcends all others. Our menu features small bites, salads, and World Class rustic pies from acclaimed Chef Mario Vollera. We utilize high quality Italian cheeses and fresh local products in our food and our menu is partnered with a carefully curated wine list featuring an extensive by the glass offering. We believe that our elevated food paired with our warm, intuitive, yet unobtrusive service style will help make three.one four a buzz-worthy neighborhood destination for many years to come.

10. The Peach

4.4

Awesome(27)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Oakland

Booked 11 times today

We are a joyful, feel-good restaurant: The Peach, a vibrant all-day brunch spot at the historic Lakeshore Ave brought to you by the award-winning team behind Jo’s Modern Thai. The Peach reimagines your favorite American brunch classics with bold Asian twists, like Curry Shrimp Congee (a fresh take on shrimp and grits) and Smash Fried Chicken and Pancakes.Our team provides warm, welcoming hospitality in a variety of unique settings—whether you’re dining in our cozy indoor dining room, soaking up the sun on our peach-hued patio, or hosting a special gathering in our tiger wallpapered private dining room.Come experience The Peach for yourself—where brunch meets creativity and every visit feels like a celebration.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gordon
London •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Love this restaurant and everything was great this visit.
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Good food and cocktails in a lovely, historic room.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.7
B
BeverlyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Fried chicken is excellent! Many many menu items are the same.
More info
Casa OrindaPrice: Expensive• American• Orinda
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
As sheets, excellent food, service and menu. I’ll be back soon
More info
Limewood Bar & RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Berkeley
•
4.3
T
TomVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
Glad to be able to get a Valentine's Day reservation on fairly short notice. The service was friendly and welcoming. It was a busy night, and the server was honest about our not having time for dessert if we wanted to make our show. Too bad, because the desserts looked yummy and they have a great selection of after-dinner liqueurs (along with a great wine list). We had a salad and two entrees. Both were well conceived and presented. The salmon was cooked a little more than I requested but was still tasty. Overall a lovely Valentine's Day dinner!
More info
Shelby's OrindaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Orinda
•
4.6

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