CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 3, 2025) — With graduation and prom season safely behind us, white table cloth restaurants aren’t on leave until the next celebration transpires. Be it birthdays, anniversaries, business meetings, engagements, and other milestones, diners are in constant need of finding quality experiences.

Young and old adults are looking for white table cloth venues that have ambiance, decent  food, and excellent service. Sometimes people desire a culinary experience beyond the likes of Dave & Busters or the Golden Coral.

Fortunately, there are many options locally for a  night on the town that might lead to scrapbook memories.

Steak Houses are often a popular choice. Brasas do Brazil at the far end of Park and Shop in Concord is a good selection. Patrons are treated to an excellent buffet prior to indulging in unlimited portions of BBQ beef, chicken, lamb and shrimp. Brasas do Brazil also features special mocktails for the under 21 set.

[broadstreet zone=”160420″]

Other places of note are primarily located in Walnut Creek. High-end dining for beef is headed by Fleming’s, Prime Rib at The Garden and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. All of these are on the expensive side but fill the bill for prom dinning.

For an Asian flair, explore Benihana in Concord’s Willows Shopping Center and Kobe Japan in Pleasant Hill. Both offer Teppanyaki cuisine, where a personal chef dramatically prepares your food on a tableside grill. This type of meal is ideally suited for parties of four or more.

Cooking your own Asian food has proven to be popular with the younger set. One of the best places for this is Shabuya at the Veranda in Concord. After partaking in a first-class salad bar, customers select thin slices of raw steak, shrimp, fish and vegetables to incorporate for hot pot and shabu-shabu cooking. Special sauces, including my favorite peanut one, enhance flavor.

For a Korean version, there’s nearby Gen Korean BBQ on Willow Pass. Unlimited portions of short ribs, wagyu beef, carne asada and shrimp are prepared on grills located on each table. The two hours of delicious dining will satisfy even varsity football players.

Another intriguing choice is Swagat in Concord. If you’re not a fan of spicy Indian dishes, chef Kumar can tone down the seasoning while still creating some of the best gourmet offerings in town. If one calls a few days before, Kumar will prepare a banquet for groups of eight or more featuring American and Indian food.

One of the best places for a quality dining experience is Wence’s in Pleasant Hill. It has a continental menu, ambiance and first-class service. From steak and seafood to their renowned baked macaroni and cheese with truffles, Wence’s is a can’t miss destination for any occasion.

For Italian food, my favorite high-end dining destination is Il Pavone on Olympic Boulevard in Walnut Creek. The Bigotti family has been operating this Tuscan style eatery since 1991. They have a wide menu appealing to all ages. I am a sucker for their veal piccata and mushroom ravioli. Il Pavone will create a memorable prom experience with gourmet food and personal service.

If one does not mind a short drive or has secured the service of a limousine, Port Costa’s Bull Valley Roadhouse is an excellent choice. This has proven to be a unique destination since 1897. Its history includes a speakeasy during prohibition and a stint being run by legendary restaurateur Juanita Musson. It is a fun yet elegant place serving American food for kids of all ages.

Another eatery that has been around awhile is Casa Orinda. Started to feed workers during construction of the Caldecott Tunnel in 1937, this restaurant has evolved into one of the premier dining spots in the region. The fried chicken, with a recipe supplied by Harland Sanders, is the best I ever had. Prom goers will appreciate this classy place and its refined elegance.

In planning prom weekend meals, it is imperative to make reservations. This can be done online or by personally visiting the restaurant. Talking to the proprietors can often result in special treatment.

Bon appétit!

Contact Rich Eber at richeber9@gmail.com.

Read more Taste and Tell columns.