Gabriella Café opened for business in 1992, and has been popular right from its start. The cozy dining room and charming outdoor dining area -- cleverly created from the wide cobble-stoned space between the café and the neighboring building — both provide an intimate and romantic setting to enjoy Gabriella's freshly made dishes. Using fresh ingredients and including organic produce, the menu features such dishes as house-made charcuterie, spring vegetable risotto, grilled marinaded quail and pan-roasted yellow tail.
Tucked in the Vineyard Shopping Plaza, Fiore Restaurant offers a fusion of Italian and French cuisine. Owner Hareb Tadri hails from Morocco, has spent time in France and then went on to work in the restaurant industry in 1997. Fiore opened its doors in 2007 with an additional location in Pleasant Hill. It is a stylish bistro lots of character that attracts groups with its easy going environment and Parisian flavor. Catering services for private parties is also available.
Also known in the neighborhood as Caffé Marco, Marco's is more than just an excellent coffee house. Its coffee is brewed throughout the day as experienced baristas turn out an assortment of handcrafted espresso drinks. Marco's offers a distinct selection of appetizers, soups and entrees to satisfy every taste, including fresh juices, cookies, sandwiches and salads. It also presents a good wine list of California and European wines at fare prices. Free Internet access is available with purchase.
Sprazzo Cucina Italiana serves authentic family recipe Italian cuisine. Stephen and Odilia Chinelli, originally from Abruzzi, Italy, own and operate this restaurant decorated with the charm of a European cafe. Several paninis are served at lunchtime, along with some of the dinner selections. Pasta choices include fettucine al salmone, ravioli portabello, linguini diavolo and risotto scampi. Several chicken, veal and fish plates are served, along with a New Zealand rack of lamb. A specialty here is the gnocchi, with eight varieties made from an old Florentine recipe. Four different 10" pizzas are served all the time. The extensive wine list here includes many varietals from Italy, California, Oregon, France, New Zealand and South Africa. Reservations can be made by phone or online.
Toscana is a great place for celebrity sightings. Toscana also has a casual, down-to-earth feel. Owned by Mike Gordon and The Tonight Show's famed Doc Severinsen, Toscana has been in bustling since 1989. Toscana offers catering for private and corporate events. Meanwhile, its restaurant menu is filled with standard Italian fare. Toscana has also published its own cookbook filled with simple Italian recipes.
