Best Cozy Restaurants in Orinda

Lovely dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday. We sat out on the outdoor patio which was nice and cozy despite the chilly weather that evening. Our server Arlene was friendly and gracious, providing the right level of attentiveness and interaction. The food was delicious as well. I love a good moules frites and the mussels were nice and plump and the fries were perfectly salted. It appeared there were other parties also celebrating birthdays the same night so if you are looking to have a good meal in a nice atmosphere, Reve Bistro is a great choice.

We'd been wanting to return to for some time. One word: FANTASTIC! Millennium is a VERY hot spot and it can be challenging to get a reservation on a day and time that suits you if you don't plan far enough ahead of time. PLAN EARLY if you can. I had a day/time in mind but had to adjust a bit, but got a spot at a "High Top" (tall table with chairs). When we arrived, the Maître d' showed us where we were "scheduled" to sit. It was close to the front door on a breezy winter night. IF we were at the other end of this longish table, it might have been okay (not perfect). We asked the Maître d' IF there were any options. He reviewed the options and said he could place us in the patio or at the bar. We went to the patio, which is more or less sheltered, but not fully enclosed. There was ample heating (as far as I was concerned) but it didn't suit my wife. We went back to the Maître d' station and he reviewed the situation anew. A colleague reviewed options with him, and Voila.....we were fortunate to get a very nice table for two! Thank you Millennium and staff for taking the time to accommodate us! Stars for service: 5 Attentive but not intrusive - timing was perfect throughout Stars for Food: 5 Creative, sumptuous and plentiful Stars for Ambiance: 5 Comfortable, unpretentious, interesting I hope this review helps you decide if Millennium is a place you want to experience. - Graystroke

Excellent all around. Savory chanterelles with pasta dish went well with other starters. Drinks well described and delicious. Appreciate the flow of conversation enabled by the sound panels in the ceiling.

Your prototypical neighborhood restaurant and bar that’s achieved something of a landmark status over the years (thus, attracting patrons and actual tourists from greater distances) for serving hearty meals, providing warm attentive service (by waitstaff, some of who have decades of tenure) and by offering a level of conviviality, bonhomie and ambience that makes you feel as if you’re dining with family and friends. Please forgive the evident bias in my review. I’ve been a proud “member” of The Casa (as it’s known by we locals) Family since 1971.

We had a delicious meal in a beautiful restaurant with great service.