One of the most fun things to do in Brentwood is to stare longingly at a menu like you’re a Michelin inspector. But if you’d rather actually eat great food, instead of just dreaming about it, then you need some guidance, because there are surprisingly few truly exceptional restaurants in this sun-drenched corner of California. Luckily, we’ve done the tasting for you. Here are the 15 best restaurants in Brentwood right now.
Sourdough & Co.
$ | (925) 626-7151 | WEBSITE
If exceptional sourdough bread, a welcoming atmosphere, and reliable service are items you require in a sandwich shop, then Sourdough & Co. should suit you just fine. While the slightly high prices might not garner the most enthusiastic endorsement from us, at least there are fresh turkey pesto cheese sandwiches here, which are really all you need for a satisfying lunch anyway.
Wence House California Cuisine
$$ | (925) 420-3969 | WEBSITE
When it opened in Brentwood, Wence House already had a reputation for offering the best California cuisine in the area (granted, that’s a claim that would spark some friendly debate). Now it also has a welcoming atmosphere and fantastic brunch options. Order the Michelle steak sandwich and one of their perfectly cooked Benedicts, sit in the cozy dining room, and know that there are few people in the world enjoying a better Sunday brunch experience than you at that precise moment in time.
Enishi Kitchen
$ | (925) 240-1358 | WEBSITE
If you can’t get into the trendier spots in Brentwood, head to Enishi Kitchen just off the main drag. You won’t get the same sleek decor you might find elsewhere, but you get the same chill ambiance, the same friendly service, and unlike some places, you can even come here for a reliable takeout meal that stays hot. The food tastes wonderful—try the Honey Walnut Prawns or the Tempura dinner special—and the staff is generally attentive, though occasionally you might encounter a grumpy server.
It’s kid-friendly, with plenty of parking, and dishes like the shrimp chow mein or treasure island roll are hits with families. Despite minor hiccups, it’s a solid choice for good food in the area.
El Camino Restaurant
$ | (925) 634-4011 | WEBSITE
There’s guacamole at El Camino, just like at the family dinners we used to enjoy. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the laughter of generations sharing meals in the cozy Brentwood dining room, though if the El Papa Burrito arrives, you may want to save room for tomorrow’s lunch. There’s authentic charm, but just like other local Mexican spots, the portions here can be huge or massive.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (925) 634-1500 | WEBSITE
You may be tempted to squeeze into that tiny parking spot right by the door of Little Caesars in Brentwood. That’s frustrating, nearly impossible, and likely to end with a fender bender, so you shouldn’t do it, but nevertheless, that’s how cramped the plaza is here. The menu features a couple of Little Caesars staples like the hot and ready pizza and Crazy Puffs, but is mostly focused on some decent soda options to go along with the grab-and-go items.
Attraversiamo
$$$ | (925) 420-6506 | WEBSITE
For most of the year, Attraversiamo in Brentwood is the type of modern Italian spot where you might see someone enjoying a smoked Old Fashion while savoring grilled octopus at the bar. During the summer, it’s the type of place where you might see someone enjoying a smoked Old Fashion while savoring grilled octopus surrounded by lively chatter, the glow of the drink smoker, and refreshing spring burrata. Man, summer’s the freaking best.
Lone Tree Drive In Chinese
$ | (925) 634-4629 | WEBSITE
Does the word ‘drive-in’ still mean what it used to? You won’t find carhops or roller skates here, and the only thing being served through a window is takeout, but since that sounds like a charming throwback to simpler times, we’ll let it slide. Plus, you can almost taste the decades of tradition in the General Tso Chicken at Lone Tree Drive In Chinese, so really, you could also say you spent your evening enjoying Chinese classics ‘with history.’
Four Legs Brewing
$ | WEBSITE
The beauty of a brewery is that you can pretty much call anything ‘family-friendly.’ Four Legs Brewing, for example, claims to be a pet-friendly establishment. What they mean is that it’s friendly for those who don’t mind sharing their space with dogs while enjoying a $7 West Coast IPA. So you can either bring your own furry friend or just enjoy the rotating food trucks outside, where a Chicken Katsu from Steam Bunz will run you about $14.
The spacious upstairs room is perfect for parties, provided you’re okay with the chill, relaxed atmosphere and the occasional spilled beer that everyone laughs about. It’s a fun, laid-back spot where the staff is friendly and helpful, and the cold glasses make the experience even better. Whether you’re catching a beer in the area or celebrating with friends, Four Legs Brewing delivers on its promise of good vibes and good company—just don’t expect anything too fancy.
Roadees’ Cafe
$ | (925) 684-7035 | WEBSITE
From the outside, Roadees’ Cafe in Brentwood just looks like a standard quick-service sandwich spot. But if you’ve eaten there, you know that it’s a much better option, and if you’ve sat in the outdoor area, you know that it’s a great place to spend a leisurely hour enjoying a fresh sub and some excellent potato salad.
Mi Mazatlan Mexican Resurant & Tequila Bar
$$ | (925) 420-5336 | WEBSITE
Much like a diner who scans a menu for the perfect meal, you’ll be equally spoilt for choice at Mi Mazatlan. Their outdoor seating has high-tops on the patio, picnic tables under string lights, and even more tables along the perimeter, all of which overlook the bustling Brentwood corner. There are also dozens of tequilas behind the bar and a molcajete mix on the menu, which means deciding what to order wasn’t that difficult after all.
Vitality Bowls Brentwood
$ | (925) 666-8748 | WEBSITE
The acai bowls at Vitality Bowls, just like the smoothies, are above average. But really the best part about Vitality Bowls is the generous portions that you can share with a friend, which do make the medium size suitable for two people. So grab a bowl at Vitality Bowls, then split it with a companion for a healthy treat. Rinse and repeat until you’re satisfied, or at least until the friendly staff catches on.
Brentwood’s Co. Co. County Wine Co.
$ | (925) 634-9463 | WEBSITE
So, you really want to go to Brentwood for a drink. We swear we’ve heard that one before, somewhere. If you’re looking for a cozy wine bar as well, then Brentwood’s Co. Co. County Wine Co. is your only choice. Let’s start with the good news – this place can be fully relaxed, if your evening happens to be accompanied by some country music. The bad news? It’s a fully charming space surrounded by wine bottles, so you won’t have much else to focus on.
But hey, look, there’s some charcuterie on the table!
Misaka Sushi
$$ | (925) 679-4890 | WEBSITE
When you walk into Misaka Sushi, you can request one of the large booths, but there’s no guarantee of quiet conversation during your meal. At least there are friendly staff and sea steak and unagi sushi at Misaka Sushi.
Fuji Grill
$$ | (925) 954-7508 | WEBSITE
The teppanyaki steak and chicken combo at Fuji Grill in Brentwood is just OK. But the garlic fried rice and grilled veggies with ginger soy sauce are more than worth ordering some just OK steak. If Japanese comfort food needed headshots, it would take them here at this clean spot with friendly staff, warm dishes, and lots of people taking out. The prices are a bit higher, but the fresh flavors and attentive service make it worth a special treat.
Jamba
$ | (925) 240-2999 | WEBSITE
There aren’t a lot of spots in Brentwood that could be described as tropical paradise, which we’re mostly fine with. Beachside smoothies would be nice, but we’re good without a bunch of stressed parents trying to find the kale smoothie at some health joint. But with bright colors, a (small) seating area, and cheerful counter service, Jamba comes close to approximating a sunny getaway (sort of).
The Cocowhip Strawberry Blueberry Waffle bowl, PB Chocolate Love smoothie, and classic Orange Dream Machine will keep you happy as you grab another refreshing sip. The staff, especially Landon during busy times, keeps things moving with friendly efficiency. While they’ve made changes like removing the oatmeal, the warm atmosphere and reliable favorites like the Banana Berry and Kids blueberry blastoff make it a refreshing destination.
It’s not Miami, but for smoothies and tasty bowls in Brentwood, Jamba hits the spot.