Best Restaurants with a Fireplace in Lafayette

FABULOUS! We did not know what to expect from Julia’s, but we were excited to be in such an historical setting. We got to dinner early (after the Cal game), so we had drinks in their bar, which is adjacent to the restaurant. What a highlight-drinks were spectacular and old school while still being hip and cool. This is a great place for all ages in a stunning location. You really feel a part of the local history. Dinner—OUTSTANDING. All of our orders were different and really a fulfilling experience. The beauty of the building and its facilities makes this space unique, but really the team there, from the bartenders, to the host to the serving staff in the restaurant, are so professional and focused on hospitality—-something that is harder and harder to experience. We will be making this a regular part of our visits to Berkeley.

The food, wine, and customer service was excellent. The environment was very relaxing and homey. Shadowbrook is the perfect place for a date night and/or a night out with friends.

Our dinner experience was superb. Our only complaint was the noise level which was a problem considering we were 6 people with three having hearing issues. Once I raised the question of noise the maître d tried to help us, but there were no tables available. My next visit with a group will be asking for a quieter place to sit. Our friends all loved their dinners. Two of us had an exceptional linguine with sea food. Our dish had plenty of shrimp, scallops, clams and muscles (all sweet and fresh) with baked cloves of garlic and cherry tomatoes making up the sauce. My husband had the bolognese in egg noodles. Delicious. The linguine, like all of their pastas are made in house, making all of the pastas noteworthy. My dish was so delectable that I had to push the dish away before I devoured it all. It was enough for two people to share especially with a salad which were quite large. Two friends had the barramundi fish dinner on Il Fornaio specials menu. They raved about it. My other friend had a large salad with broiled large shrimp and a vegetable soup. Last, but not least, the attention of our wait staff was excellent. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly and unobtrusive. The atmosphere is beautiful and elegant and we intend to go back next week to celebrate our 44th anniversary. Thank you for a truly wonderful meal.

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.

Great food and great seating! Attentive waiter. Very nice evening.