Hi there. I’m Heidi from The Infatuation. I love Asian fusion. I also grew up navigating restaurants with someone who used a wheelchair. Yes, inaccessible bathrooms and cramped tables will forever be my nemesis. And no, I won’t pretend every ‘accessible’ spot actually works. But I was thrilled to find these 10 Pleasanton gems that get it right—delicious food you can actually enjoy.
Momo Cook truck
$ | (510) 943-9872 | WEBSITE
Momo Cook Truck has the kind of vibe that will make you feel like you’re back in India. Or at the very least, like you’re at a bustling street food festival. On a lively Saturday evening with music playing, you can enjoy the atmosphere whilst tucking into some chicken momos, crispy chicken lollipops, or their signature paneer chilli momos. It’s also a great spot for some vegetarian options, and whatever you’re ordering you definitely want to get involved in the delicious Hakka noodles.
Tasty Pot
$$ | (925) 248-2126 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of options on the menu at Tasty Pot, but go ahead and ignore everything that doesn’t involve the word ‘hotpot’. It’s hard to believe that the soups served here are technically the same category of comfort food you’ll find at other Asian spots. They’re all steaming and fragrant and packed full of things like tender beef, fresh veggies, and rich broths.
Inside the chill atmosphere, the space itself is equally as easy to relax in – hello, cozy booths – and you’ll find the service is readily available to answer any questions, with orders placed quickly using their iPads.
Tommy Katsu Sushi & Grill
$$ | (925) 583-5289 | WEBSITE
We’re not entirely sure whether we’re more into Tommy Katsu’s buttery, silky salmon or their great bit-of-this, bit-of-that Happy Hour rolls. Either way, this restaurant in Pleasanton looks sort of like a casual, modern sushi spot designed by some deity of efficiency, and it’s perfect for anyone who can’t decide whether they’re in the mood for a Dragon roll or a Godzilla roll with extra customization.
Thanks to their bento box deal, you can try a bit of everything, all rounded off with some garlic edamame. Open with fast and attentive service, it’ll work just as well for a quick lunch as a lowkey family dinner, you can access the restaurant via their easy parking.
Rice junky
$ | (669) 900-3231 | WEBSITE
How to describe our beloved Rice Junky? Well, it’s basically a trip to the romanticised version of Asian street food that lives inside your head, with plenty of crispy chicken and zero fuss. If that sounds lovely, it’s because it is. A proper jaw-dropper of a spot, this tiny take-out joint has a loyal following and is accessed by a simple counter.
They serve some very decent bowls and even have a standout Cocaine Chicken Bowl for around $7, involving crispy Korean fried chicken and a seriously addictive sauce. Be sure to head for a couple of pre-lunch bites of their egg Kimbap, praised for its fresh ingredients and filling nature.
Sia Fusion Eatery
$ | (510) 794-8852 | WEBSITE
This might just be one of the most aptly named restaurants in Pleasanton. Why? Because it’s basically impossible to eat the Korean-inspired dishes here without going all ‘please sir, can I have some more?’ when you realise you’ve finished your bulgogi burrito. Everything from the soy garlic wings to the kimchi fried rice here is just that good.
A popular spot in the plaza, it’s a cool and casual space with plenty of natural light and you’ll want to arrive early, just because it’s so busy with locals.
Mirchi Cafe | Halal American & Desi Restaurant Fremont
$ | (510) 623-8500 | WEBSITE
You don’t have to be a food critic to figure out that this place serves halal American and Desi cuisine, but what the name won’t tell you is that this is one of the most enjoyable dining spots in Fremont. Open daily, they specialize in fresh and flavorful dishes that make their food stand out, and you can pair your meal with everything from superb burgers to exceptional steak. Located in a lively part of town, they’ve got a warm atmosphere with Coke Studio songs playing.
FYI, the waitstaff is wonderfully patient, and the smell of the food upon arrival is highly enjoyable, making it a favorite for many.
One House Bistro
$$ | (925) 235-8888 | WEBSITE
Thai food enthusiasts, we have a gem. This Asian fusion bistro in San Ramon is home to vibrant dishes that will make your taste buds dance, and also like you’re ready to linger in a cozy, floral paradise. As well as a curry that’s bold and aromatic, you’ll also find things like savory stir-fries, noodle dishes, and a selection of vegetarian options on their menu. But whatever you have for your main just be sure to soak in the ambiance with its gold chandelier and flower decor.
Bar Tatami
$ | (925) 800-0076 | WEBSITE
If you’re after a casual, affordable bite with Asian-inspired flair, you’ll like Bar Tatami. One of Pleasanton’s best fusion spots, it’s laid-back and has that unwind-after-a-long-day feel without you having to break the bank just to cover a burger and a drink. We’d recommend everything from the juicy Tatami Burger to the crisp side salad, but really you’re here for the ‘Blue Cadillac Margarita’.
The whole experience will set you back around $25 but you’ll get friendly service from bartender Bobby and it’s served with a cool respite from the heat, so really, you’re getting a meal and a moment.
Time Thai Kitchen Pleasanton
$$ | (925) 425-7029 | WEBSITE
Good food and good feelings are one of our favourite combinations. Partly because we’re really into alliteration, but mostly because places like Time Thai Kitchen prove that it’s perfectly possible to have a really satisfying meal. This unassuming Thai restaurant serves a whole lot of stir-fry, rice, and noodle dishes, but it’s the option to choose spice levels that really sells it.
Most of their seating is outdoors, but it can be a bit noisy due to cars, so it’s worth calling ahead to check availability rather than just showing up.
HalalStreet Hot Pot & Xinjiang Cuisine
$$ | (510) 335-3333 | WEBSITE
Here’s a fun story. Last month I caught a nasty cold and quickly discovered that most restaurants in Pleasanton offer about as much comfort as a concrete bench. Enter my port-in-the-storm, or rather, hot-pot-haven-in-the-storm, HalalStreet. A Central Asian-inspired buffet restaurant that looks like a clean, well-organized dining hall designed by someone who actually cares about customer flow, an evening here is very Silk Road caravan meets all-you-can-eat feast.
On top of all the organized ingredients indoors, they also have that friendly, helpful staff that’s perfect for first-timers.