The Mercury News

Glorious OUTDOOR DINING

Enjoy delicious food and drink — and a warm summer evening — at these Bay Area spots

- By Jackie Burrell, Mary Orlin and Jessica Yadegaran jburrell@bayareanew­sgroup.com, morlin@bayareanew­sgroup.com and jyadegaran@bayareanew­sgroup.com

It’s early August, which means that the next two months will bring the Bay Area its best weather of the year. While those wild temperatur­e swings are still a daytime reality — blustery cold by the bay, sizzling hot inland — the nights turn pleasantly warm and perfect for outdoor dining and sipping.

These are some of our favorite new alfresco spots, with glorious patios, rooftops and even indoor spaces designed to feel like the outdoors. Bring a light jacket, just in case. You’ll probably stay awhile.

1 True Food Kitchen, Walnut Creek

If you’re craving healthful food packed with flavor, this casual yet contempora­ry eatery is one of your best bets. The menu — yes, it includes good-for-you cocktails and desserts — is based on the anti-inflammato­ry diet developed by health guru Andrew Weil and restaurate­ur Sam Fox, and we’re lucky to have two Bay Area locations. Just as enticing: both patio and indoor space are bright, airy and earthy-chic.

The patio: A sidewalk patio offers 16 tables perfect for people-watching in Walnut Creek’s bustling Broadway Plaza. Heat lamps are set up for those cooler nights. And the color scheme features impossibly cheery green and yellow tables and chairs. But honestly, with its high ceilings, spinach-hued banquettes and framed images of herbs and flowers, True Food Kitchen is just as pleasant and nature-inspired on the inside.

The dish: Portions are on the smaller side — price tags are not — but for our money, the Ancient Grains bowl ($16) is a fab choice. It features chewy quinoa, farro and brown rice with charred onion, avocado, grilled portobello mushrooms, crisp snow peas and miso-glazed potato, all laced with turmeric. Sip a rum-based Watermelon Mojito ($12) while it’s still in season, or go for an alcohol-free Honey Lemonade ($4), made with matcha and cucumber.

DETAILS » Reservatio­ns recommende­d via Open Table. Open daily for lunch and dinner; weekend brunch. 120 Broadway Lane, Walnut Creek; also in Palo Alto; www.truefoodki­tchen.com.

2Steins Beer Garden & Restaurant, Cupertino

Like its sister restaurant in Mountain View, the new Steins in Cupertino is modeled after the classic beer halls of Europe. It’s more than 6,000 square feet of reclaimed wood and beer-friendly grub, including upscale burgers and housemade sausages, fresh salads and seafood. On tap, an impressive selection of 30 craft and imported beers, including 10 seasonals.

The patio: This attractive patio along North Wolfe Road is nearly 1,600 square feet with plenty of wood tables, chic metallic chairs, heat lamps and upturned barrels to rest a stein upon. It’s also very popular. But don’t fret if you have to sit inside. The stunning living wall is so green and massive, you’ll feel like you’re inside a garden fortress.

The dish: People go nuts for the Mac & Cheese ($12) and Chicken Strips ($14) with House Hot Sauces, but we recommend the Grilled Sausage Plate ($16), which comes with a pork sausage and a beef and cheddar one, plus potato salad and thin slices of grilled country white bread. Trust us: Ask for a side of the thick pub cheese to slather on the bread. DETAILS » Reservatio­ns accepted for parties of eight or more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 10088 N. Wolfe Road, Suite 130, Cupertino; also in Mountain View; steinsbeer­garden.com.

3LiMA, Concord

Traditiona­l Peruvian dishes are the stars of John Marquez’s contempora­ry yet casual restaurant in Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza. The simple black leather banquettes and shiny wooden tables allow the avocado-hued walls to pop — almost as much as the bright, authentic flavors of ceviche, causa and Pisco.

The patio: With its overgrown greenery, red umbrellas and overhead arches, LiMA’s narrow patio is super tranquil. There are plenty of wooden four-top tables with trendy metallic chairs and heat lamps for fall, when the weather cools.

The dish: Lomo Saltado ($21) all the way. Add a fried egg ($3) to this stand-out dish and consider it shareable. The juicy beef tenderloin is sauteed and served with onions, tomato wedges, garlic and fries in a rich soy demiglaze. Looking to go lighter? Get the Ceviche Limeno ($16), with fresh fish of the day marinated in lip-smacking citrus juices with sweet potato, sliced red onion, cilantro, corn and seaweed.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns available by calling 925-309-7774. Open for lunch and dinner daily. 2151 Salvio St., Suite I, Concord; www. limaconcor­d.com.

4 Terrain Cafe, Palo Alto

Located adjacent to Anthropolo­gie & Co, this chic restaurant is part of the URBN portfolio that includes Terrain, a home decor and garden shop inside Anthropolo­gie. That brand of rustic American indoor-outdoor elegance extends to the menu, which is farm-to-table and on the pricey side.

The patio: This 40-seater is open year-round and looks out onto busy Stanford Shopping Center and its parking lot. But the real view is inside. Terrain Cafe’s dining room, which is so green and pretty it elevates the notion of a garden cafe. In addition to reclaimed barn-wood floors and bright plant centerpiec­es, there’s a massive antique floral chandelier detailed with bark. Plus, the house-baked brioche comes in terra-cotta planters.

The dish: Light fare such as salads, build-your-own farm boards and spritzers are ideal. Try the Terrain Garden Salad ($12) with grilled apricots, snap peas and Napa slaw. Get an order of the Pistachio Hummus ($8) with za’atar crackers, too. It provides the perfect rich complement to the baby greens. Thirsty? Pick from 10 housemade fruit spritzers ($4), or mix and match flavors. Pear Lime, anyone?

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns accepted via OpenTable. Open for lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. Stanford Shopping Center, 180 El Camino Real, Suite 102, Palo Alto; www.shopterrai­n.com/palo-alto.

5Danville Harvest, Danville

This farm-to-table spot formerly known as Farmer’s Almanac — trademark issues prompted the name change, but the owners and staff are exactly as they were when this charmer opened last summer — delivers on every front. It’s stylish and modern, with sensationa­l food created by Floridabor­n chef Tim Humphrey.

The patio: When the evenings are warm, this is the place to be, with market umbrellas and outdoor tables set atop a crushed rock patio.

The dish: Everything here is delicious, but the starters — Scallion Hushpuppie­s ($8), for example, and the DiStefano’s Burrata Toast ($12), served with brioche, country ham and lemony seasonal vegetables — are simply irresistib­le, especially with a glass of cava or brut rosé. And if you skip the entrees in favor of an Heirloom Tomato Salad ($8) or Little Gems ($9) with grilled asparagus and green goddess dressing, all those virtuous vegetables will balance out the second order of burrata. Just saying.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns accepted via Yelp. Open daily for lunch and dinner; weekend brunch. 500 Hartz Ave., Danville; www.danvilleha­rvest.com.

6 Vina Enoteca, Palo Alto

Rocco Scordella’s yearold gem is tucked away behind Stanford Shopping Center in the historic, three-story Stanford Barn, where rustic, soaring wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls make a splendid backdrop for a menu of pizza, pasta and Italian fare.

The patio: The quiet courtyard holds an expansive patio with huge umbrellas to provide shade for tables and stylish seating.

The dish: It’s tough to choose just one from among the halfdozen pizzas that line the menu — order an aperitivo while you mull the options. Word to the wise: The memorable Hot Sweet Hot ($18) pizza combines housemade n’duja — a spreadable, spicy salumi — with fresh pears, molten mozzarella and smoked scamorza. N’duja makes an encore performanc­e on the brunch menu, too, spread on bruschetta ($18) and topped with two sunnyside-up eggs.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns accepted via OpenTable. Open for lunch and dinner MondaySatu­rday; Sunday brunch. 700 Welch Road, Palo Alto; vinaenotec­a.com.

7 Teleferic Barcelona, Walnut Creek

The Padrosa family knows what they’re doing when it comes to tapas. They already had two flourishin­g restaurant­s in Spain when they opened this tapas bar in downtown Walnut Creek, turning the second floor of this stylish brick building into a colorful hot spot, complete with tiny cable cars that scoot across the ceiling and a menu of irresistib­le small plates.

The patio: A shaded, protected terrace offers alfresco dining — and the colorful, tiled bar will keep you well supplied in the sangria and cocktail department.

The dish: When in Spain — or Walnut Creek — order the Catalan gin and tonic ($13), served Barcelona style in a goblet with grapefruit, juniper berries and rosemary. It’s brilliant with the bright, garlicky prawns of the Gambas al Ajillo ($15) and the Paella ($14) with prawns, clams, pork and chicken, which is served from a giant pan. Just make sure you save room for the Churros con Chocolate ($8).

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns recommende­d via OpenTable. Open daily for lunch and dinner; weekend “brunchelon­a.” 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek; www.telefericb­arcelona.com.

8Duchess, Oakland

Oakland’s breezy, bayside location means most

outdoor dining comes with a side of cardigan — or down jacket. It can get chilly out there! But Duchess, the small Rockridge bistro that opened in December, offers a promising compromise, with an intimate dining room and a justopened patio — plus a new chef, Social Kitchen’s Andrew Greene, doing seasonal fare that pairs with cocktails by Luis Ramos, of Bourbon and Branch.

The patio: Sidewalk seating makes for good peoplewatc­hing, and if it gets cold, you can always relocate to the cozy dining room.

The dish: We are smitten with Duchess’ Fried Chicken ($11), a starter-size bowl of small, crisp, irresistib­le bites of chicken tossed in a tangy, sweet sauce and garnished with scallions and pickled cucumber. Pair it with a mezcal, gin- and strawberry-based Garden Warfare or a flowerador­ned gin and peach Duchess cocktail ($12). The platter of Roasted Vegetables ($20), maitake, asparagus, carrots and sun gold tomato with a scallion yogurt, is not only delicious, it’s almost too beautiful to eat.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns accepted via OpenTable. Open for lunch Thursday and Friday, dinner Tuesday-Sunday; weekend brunch. 5422 College Ave., Oakland; www.duchessoak­land.com.

9 Luna Mexican Kitchen, San Jose

Ever since it opened in June, this hot Mexican eatery has had lines stretching down the Alameda for chef Julio Juarez’s creative, fresh Latin fare. You’ll feel as if you’re dining at your abuela’s table, and indeed, Juarez learned to cook with his grandmothe­r and aunts. He translates those memories into tasty, beautifull­y plated dishes, made with organic ingredient­s.

The patio: Mariachi music sets the scene on the shaded side patio. Enjoy fresh, tangy Guacamole ($9.50) with the best ever, crunchy housemade chicharron­es, as you sip a refreshing tequila-grapefruit Paloma ($13). There’s a “para llevar” window for takeout, with a counter and a few stools, too.

The dish: Perfect summertime noshes include a lime and smoky chile-spiked Elote ($7) and Fruta con Chile ($8), with cool jicama, cucumber and mango to counter the heat of the chiles. The signature parrillada­s bring a mini grill to your table with your choice of steak fajita, adobo chicken or carnitas ($16 to $39).

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns accepted for parties of eight or more. Open Tuesday-Sunday. 1495 The Alameda, San Jose; www.lunamexica­nkitchen.com.

10 Posada Contempora­ry Southweste­rn, Livermore

Ever since Eduardo and Blanca Posada opened their namesake eatery, reservatio­ns have been hard to come by. So when they expanded the restaurant, they doubled in size. But demand for Posada’s creative take on Southweste­rn cuisine continues to grow, and a seat at the table is still a coveted reservatio­n.

The patio: You can dine inside in the lively dining room, but if you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back experience, book a table on the front sidewalk. Service is just as attentive and it’s easier to carry on a conversati­on away from the din.

The dish: Dive into the citrus-marinated Market Fresh Salmon Ceviche ($19). The buttery, honey-tinged salmon is served with avocado, a crunchy slaw and a bright, salty caper-citrus relish. Then tuck into the Duo of MahiMahi Tacos and Watermelon Salad ($17), with peppery, panfried fish, chipotle mayonnaise and a smoky pepper sauce. The crisp watermelon salad cools things off.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns recommende­d. Open TuesdaySun­day. 988 Murrieta Blvd., Livermore; www.posadarest­aurant.com.

11 Rootstock Wine Bar, Cupertino

When vineyards are planted, grapevine cuttings are grafted onto a stump called rootstock, which has an establishe­d root system and is key to growing healthy vines. Cupertino’s newest wine bar — an offshoot of the original Los Gatos location — has put down roots of its own in the expansive Main Street complex, in a big, bright, industrial-chic space.

The patio: Rootstock offers two sunny alfresco seating areas. Hang out under the party lights at the long communal table or opt for a cozier spot on one of the bright green sofas. Linger into the evening; heaters help chase off the chilly night air.

The dish: With wines available by the glass or flight, you can go rosé all day, sample local wines or create your own sampler. Pair that wine or craft beer with flaky mushroom or chorizo empanadas from San Mateo’s Cocina Milonga, or create your own Bruschetta Board ($10 for three, $15 for six) with options such as creamy avocado and sweet balsamic, beet and burrata, and bacon and pimento cheese. Don’t miss the Pork Belly Cups ($10), butter leaf lettuce filled with tender pork belly slices and spicy aioli.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns accepted only for large groups (15 or more). Open daily. 19389 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; www.rootstockw­inebar.com.

12 Tri Valley Bistro, Pleasanton

This cozy neighborho­od bistro is run by the Akdeniz family, who hail from Istanbul, but the menu offers a wide range of Mediterran­ean fare with some tasty culinary twists. The dining room is warm and sophistica­ted, all dark browns punctuated with bright turquoise hits. But on a warm day …

The patio: Grab a seat at one of the sidewalk tables, tucked under the black-and-whitestrip­ed awning with views of tree-lined Main Street. A couple of heaters keep things warm when the weather turns chilly.

The dish: Start summery with smoky Grilled Asparagus and Housemade Burrata ($12), served with green-olive salsa and Meyer lemon-dressed arugula. Proscuitto-Wrapped Prawns ($16) are drizzled with a balsamic reduction and nestled atop a creamy coconut-apple sauce, which provides a little tropical punch.

DETAILS >> Reservatio­ns recommende­d. Open daily. 519 Main St., Pleasanton; www. trivalleyb­istro.com.

 ?? NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF ?? Palo Alto’s new Terrain Cafe gives Anthropolo­gie shoppers an alfresco dining choice with farm-to-table fare.
NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF Palo Alto’s new Terrain Cafe gives Anthropolo­gie shoppers an alfresco dining choice with farm-to-table fare.
 ?? ANDA CHU/STAFF ?? Peruvian fare takes to the patio at LiMa, a new restaurant in Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza. Try their Lomo Saltado or Ceviche Limeno.
ANDA CHU/STAFF Peruvian fare takes to the patio at LiMa, a new restaurant in Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza. Try their Lomo Saltado or Ceviche Limeno.
 ?? ARIC CRABB/STAFF ?? Deviled eggs and other sumptuous starters make a light, summery bite at Danville Harves, formerly known as Farmer’s Almanact.
ARIC CRABB/STAFF Deviled eggs and other sumptuous starters make a light, summery bite at Danville Harves, formerly known as Farmer’s Almanact.
 ?? COURTESY OF YURI CHAUCA ?? Pair the signature Teleferic Barcelona Sangria with smoked salmon and mascarpone tapas at the Spanish-themed downtown Walnut Creek restaurant.
COURTESY OF YURI CHAUCA Pair the signature Teleferic Barcelona Sangria with smoked salmon and mascarpone tapas at the Spanish-themed downtown Walnut Creek restaurant.
 ?? DAN HONDA/STAFF ?? Vibrant, health-conscious dishes at Walnut Creek’s True Food Kitchen include this Chioggia Beet Salad.
DAN HONDA/STAFF Vibrant, health-conscious dishes at Walnut Creek’s True Food Kitchen include this Chioggia Beet Salad.
 ?? COURTESY OF LYNNA NGUYEN ?? Even the indoor dining room at the new Steins Beer Garden & Restaurant in Cupertino feels like you’re outdoors, thanks to a giant living wall.
COURTESY OF LYNNA NGUYEN Even the indoor dining room at the new Steins Beer Garden & Restaurant in Cupertino feels like you’re outdoors, thanks to a giant living wall.
 ?? JOSIE LEPE/STAFF ?? Rootstock Wine Bar’s patio offers comfortabl­e tables and big green sofas in Cupertino’s expansive Main Street complex.
JOSIE LEPE/STAFF Rootstock Wine Bar’s patio offers comfortabl­e tables and big green sofas in Cupertino’s expansive Main Street complex.
 ?? LIPO CHING/STAFF ?? Enjoy aperitifs and pizzas on the patio at Palo Alto’s Vina Enoteca.
LIPO CHING/STAFF Enjoy aperitifs and pizzas on the patio at Palo Alto’s Vina Enoteca.
 ?? DUCHESS ?? The fried chicken at Oakland’s Duchess offers sweet-tangy bites of crisp meat, garnished with pickled cucumbers.
DUCHESS The fried chicken at Oakland’s Duchess offers sweet-tangy bites of crisp meat, garnished with pickled cucumbers.
 ?? LUNA MEXICAN KITCHEN ?? The newly opened Luna Mexican Kitchen in San Jose offers fresh, flavorful fare indoors and on the restaurant’s charming patio.
LUNA MEXICAN KITCHEN The newly opened Luna Mexican Kitchen in San Jose offers fresh, flavorful fare indoors and on the restaurant’s charming patio.
 ?? DAN HONDA/STAFF ?? Mediterran­ean flavors rule Pleasanton’s Tri Valley Bistro, where co-owner Havva Akdeniz serves lunch on the patio.
DAN HONDA/STAFF Mediterran­ean flavors rule Pleasanton’s Tri Valley Bistro, where co-owner Havva Akdeniz serves lunch on the patio.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States