Well OK, I don't actually give the restaurants an award like the one above but they do get an accolade from me. These are the ones I consider to be the best in their categories.
Best Italian Restaurant
I have to start with Italian. There are probably more Italian restaurants in the Bay Area than anything else. Here my vote goes to Il Fornaio in Walnut Creek. Yes, I know it is a chain but the food is interesting and consistent (although this was not always the case), they seem to try hard and they have a great ambiance in the fireplace room or on the patio.
Best French Restaurant
This is tough. Where are they? My favorite French restaurants are no more. The Left Bank and Alouette's are sadly missed. Almost by default, the winner is Chevalier in Lafayette. It is on the expensive side but serves genuine French food and it does have the feel of a true French bistro.
Best Indian Restaurant
I'm going to cheat here. I know that there are lots of Indian restaurants around and many have fallen by the wayside. The majority though are mediocre at best, compared to those I remember in England. Swad in Lafayette was a strong contender but really, the best Indian food to be had is at The Afghan Counter in Emeryville Marketplace Food Court.
Best Chinese Restaurant
This another tough one. There are lots of really good contenders here. Uncle Yu's in San Ramon is good and I also like PF Chang's a lot but for the best combination of food and ambiance it is hard to beat Yan's China Bistro on the Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill border. Some of their specials are really special.
Best Seafood Restaurant
Again not an easy choice although there fewer seafood restaurants than you might expect in the San Ramon Valley. After much thought though, I still rate Scotts Restaurant in Walnut Creek as the best overall. Some of their dishes are very imaginative and I really like the traditional surroundings. Somewhat 1980s perhaps but still, very comfortable.
Best California Cuisine
This is where you should find truly imaginative food in modern up to date surroundings. And although the interior gets mixed reviews, I have no doubt that Metro in Lafayette fits the bill admirably. And their prices are not too over the top. Their patio is one of the best in the East Bay and I would go there just for the duck spring rolls.
Best Outdoor Dining
Given our climate, you would expect dozens of contenders here but alas, this is not the case. There are a few good contenders here though. Danville has Faz and Bridges. Pleasanton has Barone's and Lafayette has Chevalier and Metro, already mentioned. At the end of the day it was no contest though. Postino in Lafayette wins hands down. This really does have world class al fresco dining.
Best Overall
And the winner is .... Postino in Lafayette. Postino has had its ups and downs over the years and their food was not always great although the amazing interior, which has the feel of an English Country Manor, the great service and incredible gardens and patio all combine with what is now a varied menu with outstanding food to make a good restaurant great.
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