The Top Twelve Trendy and Cute Restaurants of 925

Elia in Walnut Creek. Credit: Bay Area Telegraph

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – When Marie-Eve W. of Endriss asked neighbors for a “trendy/cute” spot in Walnut Creek or Lafayette in an online discussion, the recs poured in—from candle-lit interiors to places with live music, and even a local legend with amazing fried chicken.

Below are the community’s favorites (in no specific order), with quick notes on what’s, well, notable right now. We’ve included the neighbors who shouted them out so you know who to thank.

12.The Hideout Kitchen( Lafayette)

Chantell H. of Gregory Gardens flagged this cozy Lafayette circle spot—and yes, it has an outdoor patio. The Hideout runs lunch, happy hour, and dinner daily, with weekend brunch and a reputation for polished California comfort in a casual room. The outdoor patio is heated, so you can dine here even into the rainy season. It’s in the former Cooperage space.

11. Wence Restaurant and Bar ( Pleasant Hill)

Also on Chantell H.’s list (and seconded by Carlos R. of Holbrook Heights), Wence’s mixes a neighborhood vibe with a seafood-forward menu and a full bar. It’s right on Oak Park Blvd. and keeps steady daytime-to-evening hours.  We haven’t tried it yet–it’s definitely going on the Bay Area Telegraph’s list!

10. Original Joe ( Walnut Creek)

Carlos R. is excited for this Bay Area icon’s new East Bay outpost—opened in mid-August with big booths and two patios—but a minor kitchen fire forced a temporary closure days later. The team says they’ll reopen as soon as repairs wrap.

9. Tropa ( Lafayette)💚

Harold B. of Boyd put this on the radar; Marie-Eve W. was intrigued for the Filipino flavors. Tropa brings a sleek, retro-Manila aesthetic, dinner service Wed–Sat (plus Sunday brunch), and a modern take on classic dishes. We honestly didn’t even know this place opened, and it’s right in our backyard! The brunch looks fantastic.

8. Elia ( Walnut Creek)

Meg C. (Hillsdale & PH Rd Area) swears by the “fun vibes” on weekends, and Elia’s Greek-Mediterranean plates fit the bill for a dressed-up night downtown. It runs late hours and is bookable for prime-time Fridays and Saturdays. I can vouch for the fact that the food (try the lamb) and live music here are top notch.

7. Lita ( Walnut Creek)

Also from Meg C.: LITA’s tropical, high-energy dining room turns out Caribbean-Latino plates and cocktails, with weekday happy hour. It’s a looker inside and keeps a steady lunch-to-dinner flow.

6. Daughters Thai (Oakland/Montclaire )

If you’re willing to hop over the tunnel, Meg C. and Ann M. (Gregory Gardens) both love Daughter Thai’s glam room and vibrant plates. Lunch and dinner run daily with clearly posted seating cut-offs.

5. Social Bird Kitchen and Bar( Lafayette)

Eli C. (Hillcrest Townhomes) pointed here: it’s a lively Restaurant Row staple with a reliable happy hour and all-day energy. Easy to book for date night or a celebratory group. Lots of Moms’ Nights Out and parent gatherings for local schools happen here! Try the sliders–both the lamb and fried chicken ones are great.

4. Cantina Jack's ( Pleasant Hill) 

Marie K. (Hidden Lakes) suggested this newer Mexican cantina from the Jack’s team in Downtown PH. Expect margaritas, a party vibe, and an inviting patio setting right next to the OG restaurant.

3 . Batch and Brine (Lafayette)

Shawn G. of Pacheco is a fan of the crowd-pleasing burgers, shareables, and cocktail list; weekend brunch is popular, too. Happy hour runs on weekdays and the patio scene is a draw.

2. Casa Orinda ( Orinda)

Terry M. (Alhambra Valley) called it: the fried chicken is a local legend—and the Old West décor is pure East Bay nostalgia. Note the dinner-only schedule Wednesday–Sunday and handy BART-adjacent location. We wouldn’t necessarily call Orinda’s oldest restaurant “trendy.” But locals tell us it’s a great spot in a classic, old school way.

1. The Dead Fish (Crockett)

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Gena J. (Ridgeview) loves this waterfront classic for crab feasts and Carquinez Strait views, despite its admittedly strange name. There’s indoor and outdoor seating daily. A fun destination-dinner pick still (technically) within the 925.

💚Personal Note: My grand daughter, Alix Katague and her husband Brendan try to reserve a table for Four this Sunday, September 14,  but TROPA restaurant is full. I am a little bit disappointed as I am looking forward to it.  I heard to get a Table at Tropa at Sunday Brunch you need to have at least 2-3 weeks advanced reservation.