Explore the Best Concord California Restaurants

Concord, California, the cornerstone of the East Bay, offers a blend of urban calm, accessible nature, and a growing arts scene. Downtown Concord is a hub of activity with various dining options, shopping centers, and entertainment venues catering to multiple interests.



I spent 24 hours dining and exploring Concord. Only 30 miles from San Francisco and Oakland, Concord pulses with culture, life, and history and serves as a perfect starting point to discover the San Francisco Bay area, the East Bay, and the charm of neighboring cities.



Read More: California’s Best Places (The Ones the Locals Love!)


Concord’s Neighbors


Walnut Creek lies south of Concord and is known for its refined elegance. Towards the north, the historic city of Benicia has a charming waterfront and an artistic community. Pleasant Hill is southwest of Concord and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and walkable downtown. Lafayette is southwest of Walnut Creek and is known for its oak tree-studded hills and small-town downtown.



From the summit of Mt. Diablo, you can capture panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area to the west, the Sierra Nevada to the east, Mount Loma Prieta to the south, and Lassen Peak in the Cascades to the north.


Concord Restaurants


The food scene in Concord has a distinctive atmosphere – welcoming, laid-back, and exceptionally diverse, with a remarkable selection of 27 different ethnic cuisine options.



When I was in Concord, I visited great restaurants. Here are my favorites.



The Veranda Outdoor Entertainment. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


The Veranda


The Veranda Shopping Center 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd. Concord, CA 94520



The Veranda is a mixed-use retail center with open-air shopping and dining, a gourmet grocer, Whole Foods, a luxury movie theatre, and other contemporary experiences.



The Veranda, with its stunning architecture, lush landscaping, refreshing water features, and top-of-the-line amenities, is the perfect spot for people to unwind, indulge in some retail therapy, savor delicious meals, or attend special events.



During my fall visit, I was excited because of the beautiful setting and fantastic entertainment. Fortunately, We had front-row seats for the stage show musicians, which was absolutely thrilling. The icing on the cake was that our after-dinner drinks and desserts were brought to us during the performance, making us feel like VIPs.



Limoncello and Ice Cream at The Veranda. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


Longport Fish Company at The Veranda


We enjoyed the ambiance over cocktails and appetizers at Longport Fish Company . Nick Renzo, one of the owners and the Chef with a long history, told us that Longport Fish Company is a seafood-focused restaurant, but they have a wood-burning grill for steaks and chops. Everything they get is fresh and sustainable.



Longport Fish Company Dining Room. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



Our group enjoyed Baked Oysters, Truffle Fries, Dynamite Cauliflower, and Grilled Bread with butter. When I return, I’ll order the Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese.


Doppio Zero at The Veranda


Known for authentic Italian Cuisine and dining experiences, Doppio Zero  is a destination you will want to take advantage of. Southern Italian Cuisine uses fresh tomatoes, sweet basil, and creamy mozzarella with pasta-based dishes, tangy marinara sauce, and the ubiquitous olive oil.



Doppio Zero was founded by two Italian-born Americans, Gianni Chiloiro and Angelo Sannino. They made a name for themselves in the dining industry and, in 2014, founded Doppio Zero.



Doppio Zero Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



The Neapolitan Pizza is renowned at Doppio Zero because it’s made with imported 00 flour–the lightest and finest available grade. The homemade pasta is freshly made every morning using organic eggs and the finest flour.



Marechiaro at Doppio Zero. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



I ordered the Marechiaro—homemade squid ink tagliolini, jumbo scallops, clams, and roasted garlic in a light spicy tomato sauce. It was the first time I had that style of pasta. It was rich, thick, and toothsome.



Residual Sugar Wine Bar at The Veranda. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


Residual Sugar Wine Bar at The Veranda


Residual Sugar Wine Bar  offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can drink premium wines by the glass and taste artisanal cheeses and charcuterie from around the world.



Tortillas To Go. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


Tortilleria El Molino


Tortilleria El Molino 1500 Monument Blvd., Ste F1 Concord, CA 94520



Tortilleria El Molino  is a family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant that focuses on food to go. Open seven days a week, the menu is simple but authentic. The colorful menu (the colors of Mexico–red, green, and yellow) is posted on a large sign over the front counter for all to see from anywhere in the restaurant easily.



Breakfast is served from 7 am to 11 am, and the modest price includes the breakfast plate or a burrito. All their tortillas are made in-house!



Dining on the Patio Tortilleria El Molino. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



When we were there for lunch, we ordered at the counter, helped ourselves with beverages and utensils, and found seats at the few picnic tables outside under the shade on the patio.



Pupusas at Tortilleria El Molino. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



The Pupusas, made with fried pork skin, beans, and cheese, were new to me. I also ordered a carnitas taco, which was tasty in the fresh soft taco.



Luna Ristorante Dining Room. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


Luna Ristorante


Luna Ristorante 2118 Willow Pass Road – 100B Concord, CA 94520



According to TripAdvisor, Luna Ristorante is one of the top-rated restaurants in Concord. It is open for lunch and dinner and serves traditional Italian dishes, from seafood and veal to always fresh-made pasta.



Bruschetta, Shrimp, and Gnocchi at Luna Ristorante. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



We enjoyed a generous array of appetizers and small bites, shared amongst us, that included bruschetta, shrimp, gnocchi, and desserts that were a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The service was excellent!


More Popular Restaurants in Concord


In my short time in Concord, visiting these restaurants was impossible, but I will check them out next time I’m in the area.



Taco Trail Promoter at Tortilleria El Molino. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


Concord Taco Trail


The East Bay’s go-to destination for authentic Mexican food is named the Concord Taco Trail.



Concord has been home to authentic, family-owned taquerias and restaurants since 1869. Over 40 locations offer signature and specialty tacos from al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada to grilled tilapia, shrimp, vegetarian, and filet mignon.


Todos Santos Plaza


The 2.5-acre downtown Plaza of Concord, Todos Santos, is perfect for community gatherings. In 2018, it was recognized as one of the three Great Places in California by the American Planning Association.



A bronze statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, the founder of Concord in 1869, was erected in Todos Santos Plaza  at the 150th Anniversary, about five years ago.



The Plaza is a gathering place for families and those wanting to relax in nature. Many events, like outdoor concerts and a farmer’s market with food trucks, are held in the Plaza.


Afghan Cuisine


Afghan Cuisine 2995 Monument Blvd. Concord, CA 94520



Afghan Cuisine  serves authentic Afghan food with vegetarian for lunch and dinner. The food is Halal, and the meat is raised farm fresh in California. The Skewered Lamb Kabob and Qaboli Palau are favored dishes.


Alpine Pastry


Alpine Pastry 1848 Willow Pass Rd. Concord, CA 94520



Alpine Pastry  specializes in decorated and traditional cakes, desserts, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked delicacies. You have countless options and choices for decorated cakes, 15 traditional cakes, and a showcase full of irresistible desserts. Special orders require a few days’ notice.


Aung Burma


Aung Burma 2151 Salvio St., E Concord, CA 94520



Aung Burma specializes in the fusion of Thai, Chinese, Asian, and Indian cuisines. Dine indoors, on their outdoor patio, or takeout.



Aung Burma  features vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes. Some featured dishes include steamed shrimp, Burmese crispy pork belly, tea leaf salad, and butter noodles, as well as an assortment of vegetable dishes. My favorite dish is sweet sticky rice for dessert.


Barney’s Hickory Pit BBQ Restaurant


Barney’s Hickory Pit BBQ Restaurant 3446 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519



While Kansas City may be the Barbeque Capital of the World, Barney’s Hickory Pit  is a close second. Barney’s is an old-fashioned BBQ joint that has been serving all the basics since 1957. Whether it’s customers who tried it for the first time as part of the Concord Comfort Food Week or those who’ve been dining there since the 1970s, everyone says Barney’s serves up some of the best BBQ around.


Brasas Do Brazil Churrascaria


Brasas Do Brazil Churrascaria 1631 Willow Pass Rd. Concord, CA 94520



The Brazilian steakhouse Brasas Do Brazil Churrascaria  has an upscale ambiance. Grilled meats are served at your table. It’s an exciting method of dining with a fixed price and all-you-can-eat.


Diggers Diner | American Restaurant


Diggers Diner | American Restaurant 1895 Farm Bureau Rd. Concord, CA 94519



Diggers Diner is a top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor . They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, with gluten-free options and vegetarian-friendly.


Lima


Lima 2151 Salvio Street, Suite i Concord, CA 94520



The award-winning Peruvian Chef and restaurateur John Marquez and his team at  Lima  prepare food and drinks based on Peruvian traditions.



The house-made drinks caught my eye. The Chicha Morada is made from purple corn, pineapple, and cinnamon; the Maracuya is exotic passion fruit juice; the Emoliente is Peruvian hot tea made with chamomile, barley, flax seeds, and lemongrass.


Puesto Concord


Puesto Concord 2035 Diamond Blvd. Concord, CA 94520



It’s all about tacos at Puesto Concord . Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American, Eric Adler, Tacoteur, and his family were immersed in authentic Mexican cooking since childhood. Now, as they travel to different cities, they bring back the flavors and cuisines they discover to incorporate into their own cooking.



Blue corn is the corn of choice at Puesto because it’s more “floury,” It is superior because it provides more health benefits and protein than average corn. The blue corn starts as organic, non-GMO masa and is hand-pressed. Using blue corn is an homage to the sophisticated palates of Mexico City.


Eureka!


Eureka! The Willows Shopping Center 1975 Diamond Blvd. Concord, CA 94520



Eureka!, located in the Willows Shopping Center, is a restaurant experience elevated to an art form. Its great scratch kitchen serves classic items with a modern twist, like carrot-fed Angus beef burgers, salads, and desserts. A grand collection of the best small-batch whiskeys, local craft beers, and innovative cocktails makes Eureka!  a destination for socializing. The post Explore the Best Concord California Restaurants appeared first on She Buys Travel .