In its eight years, this impressive wine bar and small-plate restaurant has been the must-visit destination in Contra Costa County. In downtown Walnut Creek, the restaurant features 16 wine flights and a small-plate menu. Chef Shane McAnelly came over from Zero Zero last spring, and he's moved the menu to a more Italian bent, though you'll still find the rock shrimp lumpia, little pork tacos and Moroccan-inspired lamb skewers. However, now there is more pasta and such dishes like braised chicken thigh with aji amarillo cream. The interior of the restaurant has a ceiling that looks like a wine barrel running the length of the narrow space. There's also prime seating outdoors.

 
Specialties: Wine flights; spicy meatballs with Parmesan-pancetta broth; mac and cheese; ahi tartare; pork belly with rice cakes; chocolate souffle.

Hours

Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily; dinner 5-9 p.m. Sun.-Thur., until 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Cuisines

• Asian
• California
• Small Plates

Features

• Online Reservation
• Bar Menu (3-5 p.m.)
• Corkage ($15)
• Credit Cards: All Major
• Disabled Access
• Full Bar
• High Chairs
• Outdoor Seating
• Parking: Free Lot
• Parking: Street
• Seating (72 (plus 12 at the bar and 55 outside))