Best Historic Restaurants in Orinda

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchPizzeriaTapas / Small Plates

Regions

East Bay

Neighborhoods

BerkeleyOaklandRichmondWalnut Creek

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

12 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

1. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1734)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 9 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

2. Limewood Bar & Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(2568)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Berkeley

Booked 43 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.Registered hotel guests’ children age 6 – 12 can order from the Kids’ Menu or order a half portion from the Limewood or Lobby Lounge menu with 50% off menu pricing. Kids under 5 always eat free (some exclusions apply).

3. ZINO

4.1

Excellent(434)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Berkeley

Booked 2 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 Claremont Lobby Bar restaurant

4. Claremont Lobby Bar

4.4

Awesome(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.

A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant

5. Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.8

Exceptional(544)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Oakland

Booked 17 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.

6. Burdell

4.3

Awesome(327)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Soul food • Oakland

Booked 21 times today

Burdell is a Soul Food restaurant in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland from James Beard Finalist, Chef Geoff Davis.Named for and inspired by his maternal grandmother, Burdell, the restaurant reflects her love for well-set tables, entertaining guests, shared meals, and laughter. Burdell is centered on nostalgia, family recipes, thoughtful and sustainable sourcing, and the forgotten impact of Black farming, ranching, fishing, foraging, and culture on American cuisine and hospitality. The menu highlights farmers and artisans harvesting and creating excellent products around us. Paired with the food is a robust list of wine and beverages from producers around the World-focusing on wines that are farmed and crafted with care and sustainable practices.

7. Skates on the Bay

4.5

Awesome(7592)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Berkeley

Booked 116 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

8. three.one four pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(232)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Berkeley

Booked 26 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.

9. The Peach

4.5

Awesome(35)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Oakland

Booked 1 time 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.

A photo of Citrus Fresh Grill - Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel restaurant

10. Citrus Fresh Grill - Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel

4.0

Excellent(12)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Walnut Creek

Citrus highlights Fresh and local ingredients cooked with classic technique. Citrus is located in the historic city of Walnut Creek, it consist of a full bar and a full Menu. Chef Travis Darling has worked with in top restaurants with top Chefs, such as Wolfgang Puck, Jose Andres and Thomas Keller. His signature dish is his Brined Chicken Wings which is sure to be a hit at any table. Citrus also provide comfortable seating and a full outdoor patio to host for a business lunch, or a large party, or fun for the whole family. Come and enjoy great times at citrus restaurant located in the heart of the Bay Club/ Renaissance Hotel.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kimberly
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious variety of food choice for the meal, excellent service and great view of the Bag Area!
More info
Limewood Bar & RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• Berkeley
•
4.5
R
richardVIP
New Orleans / Louisiana •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This place is a gem that we passed by many times thinking it was a tourist trap- WRONG! A very acceptable alternative to Sam’s or Tadich in old school SF establishments with high quality fish and great attentive service. As a 40 year SF local, I highly recommend John!’s
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
P
PamVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
My granddaughter, 11 yrs old, loved the dinner - 1/2 chicken with broccoli & potatoes, chocolate lava cake & orange cake, Julia's salad and especially the rolls! The servers are very friendly and helpful. We went early and it's so beautiful.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.7
C
ChuckVIP
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
Gretchen was our rockstar! She made sure that we had everything we needed and was able to accommodate our demanding table of 10 for graduation. Thank you!!
More info
ZINOPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Berkeley
•
4.1
M
Mackenzie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 29, 2024
We had a wonderful experience enjoying holiday tea at the Claremont Hotel. It is a pricey treat, but we really enjoyed every minute. The rainy day outside made the vibe even more cozy and comfortable. Food was lovely and enjoyable and varied. Tea was really magical! Hope to do again someday.
More info
Claremont Lobby BarPrice: Very Expensive• American• Berkeley
•
4.4

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