The Park Bistro & Bar

Awesome find! Thanks Unilocal!Started with a Cosmopolitan which was perfect– not over the top sweet and perfectly chilled. Had a small «greens» salad which was topped with stone fruit and soft cheese with sesame crisps. Sublime combo for a salad — couldn’t have gotten the larger one because it was that good. Split the pork chop with my husband which was cooked to perfection accompanied by Mac n cheese and spinach. Cleaned the plate. Finally, saving the best for last a pot de crème of butterscotch pudding with a homemade snicker doodle. Fantastic from start to finish!!!

Sunday Brunch. Three letters. O-​M-​G!
I recently went for a ladies brunch this past Sunday. While meeting new ladies was nice, but my underlying agenda was that I’ve always wanted to check out The Park Bistro & Bar. I live close by and I haven’t had an excuse to try it.
Food: For $ 39 Sunday Brunch you have access to the most beautiful little buffet in addition to picking out a hot entrée from the delectable menu. I ordered the California Eggs Benedict which substituted the Canadian bacon with mushrooms and tomatoes.
Let’s talk about the buffet. If you see my pictures, the layout is absolutely lovely. An elaborate charcuterie and cheese arrangement with high quality product (no subpar cheddar cubes here!), fairly large shrimp cocktail, adorable mini bagels with lox and all the accouterments, etc. Don’t forget the homemade desserts! Platters upon platters of adorable and picture perfect desserts. My favorite was the homemade meringue cookies!
Ambiance: Beautiful, bright with a touch of elegance.
Service: Attentive. My mimosa and coffee was always refilled.
I’m proud to say that I ate everything and I had made myself 3 generous delicous courses plus many refills of mimosa and coffee.

We are regulars on Thursday nights and have had various random problems with both food and service. For example, I always order a steak medium rare and generally get something anywhere from medium well to charcoal briquet. Almost always I have to send it back. If I’m paying $ 40 for a steak I want it to be perfect.
My biggest complaint about last night was the service. It wasn’t really busy (Thursday) but had to wait 15 minutes to get my drink from the bar. There was only one other guy sitting at the bar so not sure why it took so long? Maybe I was inconveniencing the bar tender?
During the evening several times I had to frantically wave my arms in the air to get any kind of attention. The manager on duty saw me and she just ignored me which pissed us off. If you see customers waving their hands in the air maybe you want to stop by and check it out??? Also whenever our server went on break there was no one subbing so we had to wait until the break was finished to get service.
The allowances I make for sloppy service depends on the cost of the meal. If I spend $ 150+ for dinner I expect impeccable service and not have to shoot signal flares into the air to get a drink refill.
Note to the manager: Whenever a server goes on break they should introduce the person covering for them to the table. Oh, and when you see a customer waving their hands in the air it generally means they are in dire need of attention. This is basic restaurant 101.

The service at the felt like I had to speak to a pint of discomfort. It was like I was a nuisance to the bar tender. I travel all the time and being treated this way doesn’t help the cause. They do have Pliny on tap but maybe they should have more help behind the bar– as the bartender seemed very busy– still waiting to get my food so maybe I’ll give this another star???

I used to come to LPH’s restaurant often, when it was called the Duck Club. I think the new restaurant is much improved. I really enjoyed my meal here, and the service was pretty spectacular as well.
I enjoyed the Mary’s Chicken. It was perfectly cooked, perfectly tender and perfectly seasoned. I also tried the braised pork. While it was very tender, I thought it was too salty. I very much liked the polenta though. The calamari was fried perfectly, unfortunately, heavily breaded and not enough actual squid.
Overall, I like this restaurant. Everything from the nice ambiance, great service, fantastic outdoor patio, and above average food works for me. I recommend it for both casual, business and fine dining.

It was our 49^th anniversary. When we walked in we were greeted with «Happy Anniversary!» The tables are fairly close together, but we could certainly have a good conversation. I thought the champs was too expensive by the glass so I had a mojito and hubs had a split of Justin cab. It was delicious. Hubs had the onion soup… outstanding. For dinner I had the filet which came with sides of roasted broccolini and a delicious scalloped potato. The filet was fantastic…8 oz and I brought home half. Hubs had the 12 oz premier steak
and enjoyed everything about it! For desert I had the butterscotch pudding and hubs had the toffee pudding. Wonderful! Service was crisp and non intrusive. Bill was $ 154.00 Valet parking was free. A great great restaurant in my hometown.

I drove by this hotel daily and never knew a restaurant is attached to the establishment until I saw it on Opentable as a 1,0000 point reservation. I must admit the hotel seemed nice. One would need to either park in the garage underneath the hotel or use valet parking. Our server, Vivian was very professional and knowledgeable about the menu, wine and alcohol selection. We were very impressed. She was very attentive and thoughtful about our selections. The ambiance is nice and romantic and with booths by the window that offer some privacy. We ordered the following drinks and food: Felino Malbec, papa taught me, and daughter devil, French onion soup, ahi tartare, Barramundi, and Park burger with egg, chocolate cake with vanilla gelato, and toffee pudding. I have to say the ahi tartar was just perfect. The soup was good but it would’ve been better if there was more cheese. The fish was just average. The burger was juicy and the fries were seasoned just right. The mixed drinks were great and flavorful and the wine was just the right pairing with the burger. The chocolate cake was so good and moist but the toffee pudding was just average. The service really made our experience even more enjoyable. Overall, the food was slightly above average. We will be back and hopefully, we will be more impressed by the food than the drinks. Definitely, it’s a place to try.

We celebrated easter brunch yesterday. It was just ok. The salad, dessert, and charcuterie selection was good. However, the entrees were hit or miss. My eggs bennies were solid yolk instead of runny, and fish entrée first came out too dry, then was sent back and returned raw in the middle the second time around. For $ 69/​head, I’d expect better skill. Oh, and we had to wait at least 20mins to be seated after our reserved time. Our server was good, kept smiling and kept the champagne flowing but we wont be going back.

Really good food in a not so accessible location. Valet parking required which luckily is free. Food is really good. I had the calamari app and Mac n cheese app, both very good. Turkey club for lunch. Had really nice and thick slices of turkey. Attentive waitstaff and a nice quite environment to enjoy an afternoon lunch.

What a delightful evening! Hubby & I went for a belated anniversary dinner, and couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. We started with cocktails. A dirty martini for me, and a nice IPA beer for hubby. We had a cheerful and friendly server — Randy, I believe. As we settled into a lovely booth with a gorgeous view of the patio & fountain, we were brought the most delicious amuse bouche. A tasty mouthful of beef tartare, with perfect curls of miniature shaved parmesan and just delicious miniature herbs. Mouthwateringly tender, just melted in our mouths.
We ordered the crispy calamari to start. We were served an enormous portion of the most tender, flavorful seafood in a crispy, delicious crust that paired so well with the fresh lemon and an outrageous harissa aioli sauce. We gobbled these morsels up, although we were keenly aware of saving room for the main event.
Burgers! Ordered medium, they came out perfectly crusty on the outside, and meltingly pink inside. These masterpieces came with perfect fries in stainless steel buckets, along with the most delectable aioli dipping sauce. We also spread this sauce on the burgers. Heaven! Hubby ordered blue cheese and bacon with his burger (I had blue cheese also). The fresh garnishes — ripe tomato, red onion, perfect butter lettuce, and crisp dill pickle spears — rounded out the generous platters.
To top it off — we were presented with a small ice cream sundae, gratis — with Happy Anniversary written on the plate in a hot mocha sauce. This sauce also was poured around the creamy ice cream, a perfect portion to share after such a umami-​packed dinner.
Our server, Randy, was so delightful — impeccable timing combined with a warm, friendly smile. We need to come here more often!

Food is decent — 3.5 stars. Ambience is above average — 4 stars. Service is subpar — 2 stars.

I have always enjoyed this place. Usually we go here after the kiddos are in bed– light, late dinner or just drinks. Relaxed, not pretentious, and easy environment. We sit in the bar area, the actual restaurant feels too hotely to me.

Great place to hang out if you’re staying at the Park with family or friends. All ages if you sit at a table. The service is friendly and prompt.

Tucked away in the 4 Diamond Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa sits a wonderfully charming restaurant «The Park Bistro & Bar». Driving at night on the 24 you can’t help but see this enchanted castle lit with white lights as it graces the hillside of Lafayette. After picking up my wife from the airport we decided to catch a late dinner at The Park Bistro & Bar. It was after 9:00 PM and most of the dining room was finishing their dinner and we were shown to a comfortable table for two. Our host Randy became our waiter as staff were winding down. Randy is an extremely nice man and made sure our first experience was memorable. Cold filtered water was delivered to our table in its own vessel and after the first pour the bottle left so that we did not go thirsty. We both ordered a glass of wine, mine an Italian red recommended by the house and my wife a Sauvignon Blanc. The wine came in mini decanters and poured partially as not to overwhelm the glass. We both ordered the small caesar salad to start. The salad was large for $ 5.00 and included a white anchovy, plenty of shredded parmesan and some very tasty croutons. The romaine lettuce was fresh and the dressing delightful. Next came the entrees, I had the Park Bistro Burger with added avacado and my wife ordered the calamari appetizer as her main dish. The burger was a perfect medium cooked, juicy and popping with flavor. It came with a large order of fries and would have to say it was one of the best burgers I have eaten. With the added avacado it came to $ 17.00. My wife’s calamari was the surprise of the night. The order was huge and tasty and perfectly cooked. It came with a wonderfully prepared sauce that we detected had a little hint of cumin. Even with my help she had to pack half of it to take home. The Park Bistro & Bar deserves and earned every bit of its awarded 5 stars. Service, ambiance, food and drink + value, it is hard to beat The Park Bistro & Bar when dining in the East Bay.

I was visiting my sister, who has been a longtime resident of Lafayette. She tried to take me to Millie’s for breakfast, but after one look at the waiting crowd on the porch and the noisy and packed horde inside, I said, «No thank you. I need a quiet breakfast.»
Luckily, I had checked Unilocal before we headed out for breakfast and I was able to suggest we try the Park Bistro instead — and I’m very glad we did! We enjoyed a wonderful and tasty meal, plus my sister was introduced to a new option for breakfast in her own town.
We both ordered the «Build Your Own Omelette» and they were delicious. The staff were friendly, professional and cheerful. The décor is upscale without being pretentious. We were seated in a comfortable, large booth overlooking the hotel courtyard and fountain. It was peaceful and relaxing and couldn’t have been any better for breakfast.
Next time I visit Lafayette, I’m hoping to try The Park Bistro for lunch and/​or dinner.

I absolutely love this place –in for some fun? Eat in the bar area. Want a quiet discussion? Eat in the dining room — I had breakfast this morning and while the restaurant was certainly quiet our waitress was so attentive –I just wish more restaurants would pay attentive to this and how that can make or break a meal.
The chef does a great job and it should be difficult when the bar or wait staff don’t deliver.
The only reason I did not give 5stars is the continual push pull with the bartender who wants to close out your tag in bar area in afternoons because «his shift is done» and he can’t figure out how to share tips — I’ve left with clients before need be as it’s rather insulting

I know following Papa/​Luis is a tough act. However the new bartender is not friendly nor engaging. This is a place where many locals go and mix well with the hotel crowd. We are regular once a week diners. Bartender has no personality and it was painful to listen to a guest next us try 10 minutes with no luck. We were there for an hour and a half. He never smiled once and seemed more interested in the tv than the guests or his fellow staff.
This needs to get better.

WOW. YUM! We were staying at the hotel and thought about going out but had heard some great things about the restaurant so we decided to eat at the hotel instead. I’m SO glad we did because everything was super tasty.
I ordered the prix fixe menu which came with a pear and Gorgonzola salad to start and boy was that good. I’m not a big vinaigrette fan but this hit the spot. My hubby and I switched entrees, so I had the petit filet medium with green beans and mash, and he had the short ribs with polenta. Both were good but I liked mine a bit better. We both cleaned our plates for sure. Lastly, we shared a seasonal buckle for dessert, which happened to be peaches-​mmmm.
Service was very friendly and even without a reservation on a Friday night it only took us about 15 minutes to get seated. I’m telling everyone to go here!

I’ve been here numerous occasions for lunch and cocktails and have always had good drinks and meals here. It’s not the main restaurant but in the bar area of the Lafayette Park Hotel. I had their grilled cheese & tomato soup. It was rustic whole wheat levain, garlic confit purée, white cheddar & swiss cheese. I also had them throw in a few slices of avocado. The cheese was stringy when I ate it, and that’s just the way I like it. Both the soup and sandwich were delicious. Parking is a little tough but you can drive into the underground parking lot and take the elevator up to the lobby level to get to the restaurant. Service was reasonable. Nice place in Lafayette.

Went to dinner here during an anniversary trip in June 2015. The food was incredible. The price a little high but it was the best meal we had in town that weekend.
For dinner I ordered a lemon chicken dish and my husband ordered the short rib dinner. Both were just delicious. Then for dessert he ordered a chocolate mousse and I got the blue buckle and it was just heavenly. It looked like a blueberry muffin but it was warm and had vanilla gelato with toasted almonds and then this amazing blackberry sauce all over the place. It was so amazing that I had to take a photo. It reminded me of homemade boysenberry cobblers that my Mom used to make, only better! Really impressed with the chefs here and highly recommend this place for a special occasion.

THE BEGINNING: My parents are celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary this year. Instead of one big gala, they’re stretching the party throughout the whole year. A few months ago, they flew half way around the world to hang with some of Mom’s relatives. Today, they are back home and spending time with us «kids.»
We had a surprisingly great dinner at The Park. I made dinner reservations at another restaurant with bay view weeks ago. This restaurant, which will remain nameless, was ultra swanky. I specifically asked for a table by a window with a sweeping view of the bay. I explained the occasion. I concluded the reservation secure in the knowledge that we would celebrate our parents’ anniversary in style.
I should not have felt so confident. I was not informed when I made the reservation and when I was contacted, on 2 succeeding occasions to confirm the reservation, that they could not guarantee a table by the windows. Imagine our dismay when we got to the place, to discover we were relegated to a back corner of the restaurant. Needless to say, I made a total stink and we all walked out.
THE MIDDLE: The Park Bistro & Bar to the rescue. We called around to about half a dozen restaurants but of course, no one could accommodate a last minute party of 11 for dinner on a busy Saturday night. Except for the Park.
We were seated at a long table with a marble top. The head server was nice, if a bit befuddled, but his support staff were all extremely attentive. Our water glasses were constantly filled and our dirty dishes were quickly whisked away.
The food was classic California cuisine and generally well prepared. Everything was seasoned properly. The flavors were clean and simple and intense without being overwhelming. Only a couple of stumbles. First, the purple potatoes that accompanied the ribeye were a tad undercooked. I don’t care for crunchy potatoes.
Second, the mac and cheese from the kid’s menu used a fancy «grown-​up» cheese sauce. My middle nephew didn’t care for it. He said it tasted funny. He wanted the neon yellow color and taste of processed American cheese. Since this is an individual person’s opinion, and a kid at that, we can’t fault the Park for this; however, they should take a cue from a kid that items on the kid’s menu should be familiar. It shouldn’t be gussied up and given the adult treatment. Leave that for the adult menu.
The creamy corn and bacon soup was fantastic and tasted just like buttered corn … with bacon! The flatbread with the caramelized onions and warm goat cheese was also delicious. The ahi tuna was fresh and was great paired with the taro chips. The fried calamari was OK, if a tad bit greasy.
The best entrée of the night was my mom’s short ribs. Mom rarely eats red meat but for some reason, the short ribs were calling her name. Boy, am I glad she answered the call. They were extremely tender and tasted divine. Except for the small taste she let me sample, I was polite and refrained from stealing more bites. I enjoyed my ribeye but I had entrée envy.
My oldest nephew’s burger was so juicy, it was very sloppy to eat. He had juices running down his forearms. My dad inhaled his salmon. My brother-​in-​law didn’t seem to have any complaints with his filet mignon. Several of us had the ribeye and barring the undercooked potatoes, we all enjoyed the beef. Even my youngest nephew, who was teething, must have enjoyed his food as he was quiet for most of the meal. My niece enjoyed her sliders so much, she didn’t even touch her fries. In fact, no one touched the fries. This is unheard of in our carb-​loving family.
THE END: The Park wasn’t our first choice but it was our last and best choice. While nothing was particularly innovative, and there were 2 minor mistakes, the food was delicious. Service was diligent without being obsequious. The overall experience gives this place 5 stars. Kudos all around.

The bar at the Park seems to be always hopping. A fireplace at one end is a favorite place to grab a table. There is an outside patio with fire pits and couches, but the freeway noise is loud despite the fountains. Arriving around 9:15 at night, we were able to enjoy French onion soup, sweet potato fries and a tasty sandwich in the bar. Another night we had a comfortable booth in the Park Bistro, formerly The Duck Club. There is no duck on the menu. The booths have white table cloths, the tables in the restaurant are wood. The food in the bistro is innovative and delicious with fresh, organic ingredients. We really loved the bowl of mussels, followed by a stone fruit salad with feta, seared day boat scallops over quinoa, and swordfish. A flourless chocolate cake with gelato completed a satisfying experience. Food is very delicious and satisfying. Recommend the scallops! Sit in a booth in the bistro or ask for the fireplace area in the bar.

I find myself coming here more often after the remodel… at least once a month now and the food and service are always great. I was just here again last weekend and I really enjoyed my meal.
On recent visits, I’ve had everything from a Turkey Club and a French Dip, to the short ribs, the filet mignon, the Chop-​Chop salad, and the angel hair and meatballs. What I like about the menu (the main dinner menu and the All Day All Night menu) is the variety. I can start out with delicious, generous crab cakes, a great charcuterie plate, a small green or Caesar salad, mac ‘n cheese, or flatbread, and then move on to my entrée and dessert. The entrees vary from salads and sandwiches to fish, chicken, pasta or steaks/​chops. Each dish is well prepared, plated and delivered with great, friendly service.
For desserts, they always have a great cookie plate (which varies but always includes a great mix of fresh, yummy cookies), a sundae bar (which my friends love), ice cream sandwiches, chocolate torte/​cake/​mousse, and other treats. The desserts are always tasty and end the meal on a happy note.
All the servers have been very nice to us and very prompt. We have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past couple of years.
There is valet parking available at the front of the Hotel (did I mention what a great property the Lafayette Park Hotel is???), a small self serve parking garage underneath the hotel, and plent of street parking on Mt. Diablo Blvd.
I really enjoy the location, the service, the quality and price of the view and the ambience. And I always look forward to going back!
Iced Tea Rating: 4 starts! It’s delicious White Peach iced tea with plenty of refills!

Great happy hour. Beautiful setting. Good service (took 10 or more minutes for our drink, but they apologized without us saying anything). $ 3 beers and $ 5 cocktails. Big bowl of delicious calamari for $ 5.
That makes it all sound cheap but it’s a very high end place. In fact, the only reason I don’t give it 5 stars is that I didn’t try a meal here, so I don’t feel qualified to judge them on their own terms. Maybe next time.
One last but big plaudit: they have bottles of Pliny the Elder! One of the best beers in the world.

Just finished brunch… Been to the Park Bistro many times for Happy Hr and dinner… But my first time for brunch. Took a girlfriend and her daughter to celebrate her daughter’s HS graduation. Beautiful fresh buffet arrangement. Delicious food as I know Park Bistro to have. I’m giving 4 stars because service was very slow. Waitress disappeared for a long time before coming to give us drinks. When she finally came to the table, she was sweating. But when it’s time to collect the bill, she must’ve came 5 times back to back. I felt very rushed to leave. However I will return. Hope the service will be better on my next visit. And I still recommend everyone give this place a visit.

HH 4:30p-6p M-​F. Decent wine, bottled beer, and select cocktails $ 5 & $ 3.
We sat outdoors by the fire pit. Nice.

This is a great place to dine at if you’re trying to get fancy wid it. Or even just have a casual dining experience. They have a cute set up and are attached to the hotel.
I ordered the salmon and my date ordered the scallops. Both of these entrees were delicious. I probably am in more favor of the scallop dish because of the crispy quinoa on top of the scallops and the brussel sprout leaves were sooo yummy. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Before our main course we ordered the crab cake and the ahi tuna tartare for starters. I feel that the crab cake was a little over priced for just one. I’ve been to other restaurants where they at least give you two for the same price, but needless to say these two starters were very tasty.
I would definitely return to try perhaps a meat dish and dessert!

Quiet little bar/​bistro in the hotel. The maitre’d was quite accommodating but I think he bartender might’ve been a little overwhelmed because our service seemed rushed.
The food wasn’t worth the price. I’ve had better food at chain restaurants like BJs or Claim Jumper’s. I don’t know it might just be me but I expected more.

Now, if you’ve been to C-​Blue in Walnut Creek, or say Hopscotch in Oakland; Food quality-​wise, this would be fairly similar in what you’ll get at Park Bistro! Crisp clean food that satisfies both the palate and stomach!
We were greeted and seated near the bar. I’d say it has a pretty cool traditional style of décor all around. A nice brick fireplace and a clean overall look all around. If you decide on a first-​date here, I’d add that it’s pretty welcoming and you can get a bit of privacy if it’s not busy. But even after dinner, you can always relax on the patio or in the quad area.
What we ordered:
~ Heirloom Baby Beet Salad ($ 11) — This had some endives and arugula, soft slow cooked beets, sweet grapefruit pieces, hazelnuts, and goat cheese. This was one refreshing salad! A great combo eaten all together.
~ French Onion Soup ($ 9), or they call it Onion Soup Gratinée — The soup was slightly salty (expected), but also caramelized sweet. Well balanced and soooo good! The melted gruyère cheese on top was also melted over edges which is a MUST when ordering French onion soup. The sour dough bread inside the soup and cheese just made for gooey fun!
~ The Park Burger ($ 15) — A sesame seed bun with a savory aioli, cheddar cheese, Brandt Farm beef, dill spear, and a cup size side of french fries. This was a good quality tender burger! The beef was topnotch! Nice and lean and not too fatty!
For dessert (drum roll):
~ Tiramisu Profiteroles ($ 8) — These were four little cream puffs with mascarpone cream inside, mmm! Sitting on a coffee custard and topped with chocolate sauce. Holy crap these were heaven in a puff! Eating the puff, chocolate, mascarpone, and custard all together made me feel like a child feeling the sun’s rays for the first time!
Our server was Taylor, she was pretty much on-​point throughout our lunch. Even the bartender came to refill our water glasses, and the hostess took our dessert order. Excellent service from the staff.
Now this place really is a hidden gem. If you really want to appreciate good food, I recommend giving this place a try. I’ve seen a few people order the Ruben Sandwich which looks really good. I plan to try this next time, as I also predict a 5^th star on my next visit!