If you gave us a few glasses of Napa Valley cabernet and asked us to name our favorite restaurants in the Bay Area, an unreasonably large number would be in Concord. And, even in 2026, this East Bay city remains an incredibly exciting place to eat. Whether you’re looking for a casual taqueria with a killer patio, a cozy Italian spot for a family dinner, or a modern California establishment that just earned its first Michelin star, here are Concord’s best.
Ranchero Catering Food Truck
$ | (925) 788-1317 | WEBSITE
This food truck on Concord’s streets is open for events every day except Sunday, and it’s ideal for a quick bite and some tacos on the go. We especially like the carnitas street taco and the amazing burrito, which has a filling that tastes like the lovechild of home cooking and street food. Think of Ranchero Catering as the perfect event spot to grab some delicious food and catch up with friends. Although (unlike other food trucks), they serve churros that are a must-try for any party.
Denny’s
$ | (925) 798-4040 | WEBSITE
Between their classic sandwiches, excellent fries, and family-friendly atmosphere, Denny’s serves the very best comfort food in the neighborhood. They have a 24-hour operation with clean, well-lit booths in their convenient spot where you can get a meal with crayons and coloring sheets for kids (which is discounted for AARP members). They’re open around the clock every day.
Molli Restaurant & Lounge
$$ | (925) 676-5252 | WEBSITE
Molli Restaurant & Lounge will redefine your expectations for event venues. Because unlike typical party spaces with rigid policies and sterile atmospheres, Molli offers a modern, warm environment with genuinely accommodating service. All of it is seamless, especially the attentive staff including the manager and the flexibility with outside cake delivery and no facilities fees.
The menu features consistently tasty options, with standout dishes like the birriarollos and the perfectly cooked lamb rack, along with favorites such as loaded nachos, sliders, and crispy Brussel sprouts. Dessert is a must—the unique Lava Cake and fried ice cream are perfect finales.
Evening gatherings get especially lively here, but they have ample parking in the lot and are conveniently located near Brendan theatre, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing night out with someone special or a family celebration, complete with a great kids menu and welcoming staff. The delicious drinks, including the strawberry and mango margaritas, round out the experience beautifully.
Isla Restaurant
$ | (925) 822-3996 | WEBSITE
Isla is Concord’s semi-secret Mexican seafood spot. Meaning, it’s always a good option for a family dinner with the kids, a casual meal featuring some of the best fish tacos around, or a random lunch on a weekday afternoon. They make delicious ceviche, stuff you can snack on like chips and salsa, and a reliable fish and chips for the little ones.
Tang Jip
$$ | (925) 265-8333 | WEBSITE
Most of Tang Jip’s menu focuses on Korean classics, like bulgogi, tofu soup, and spicy pork. But the difference between Tang Jip and your typical Korean spot is that you can enjoy generous portions with free banchan refills in a surprisingly private setting despite the high ceilings. This place has been around for a while in a busy Concord shopping mall, so if you haven’t explored the local Korean scene lately, you might have missed it.
You should change that—they’re open for lunch and dinner with options like the hot stone bibimbap that comes in a Delpot to keep it sizzling, though service can feel a bit dry and robotic at times.
Panda Express
$ | (925) 602-0611 | WEBSITE
Another reliable option for quick Chinese-American fare is Panda Express. They offer a clean and spacious environment with a wide range of menu choices at affordable prices. Get the orange chicken, which is always fresh and hot, and satisfyingly familiar at the same time.
Skipolini’s Pizza
$ | (925) 680-6888 | WEBSITE
This Concord pizza spot in a former bank building serves up generous pies and salads from open to close daily, with patio seating available when weather permits. Alongside standout items like the Prego Pizza with its fresh toppings and the flavor-packed Garlic Bread, Skipolini’s offers family-friendly classics like the Pepperoni, Pineapple, and Garlic White Sauce pizza cooked just right.
The super friendly staff creates a welcoming, cozy atmosphere in the clean dining room, making it a popular choice for repeat visits after a long day.
Papi Clary’s Kitchen
$ | (925) 222-7786 | WEBSITE
It’s possible birria tacos have been devoured in a Concord parking lot before, but never in history have you been able to enjoy monster birria quesadillas, garlic noodles with spicy chicken, and fried chicken fries at a Papi Clary’s-sanctioned indoor table. Now, you can (every day from lunch through dinner).
Sushi Momoyama
$$ | (925) 686-1888 | WEBSITE
If you’re a Concord local, you may already know Sushi Momoyama as the go-to spot for satisfying sushi cravings, grabbing a quick Bento lunch meal, or picking up some Gyoza to go. But you may not realize just how vibrant the atmosphere becomes on Saturday nights, when the lively ambiance draws crowds that form lines even before opening. The experience is often worth the slightly challenging parking, with top-notch service that makes diners eager to return.
While there have been occasional minor issues like lukewarm soup, the consistently excellent food quality—featuring must-try rolls like Momoyama, Caliente, and Volcano—creates an unforgettable dining experience that keeps customers coming back.
by the slice pizza
$ | (925) 671-2777 | WEBSITE
If you want to stay on top of what’s reliable and satisfying in Concord, close your browser and go eat By the Slice Pizza’s pies. This pizza spot has a few grab-and-go tables set-up with simple wooden stools you can sit on while you enjoy generous slices full of perfectly consistent dough with sauce, an enormous and over-the-top “kitchen sink” pizza, and the best Hawaiian in the area. By the Slice Pizza is only accepting cash, and they’re closed on Mondays.
Five Guys
$ | (925) 672-6030 | WEBSITE
Oh man, you’re craving a burger and you really want something fresh and customizable that’ll hit the spot. Grab a soda and an order of sweet potato fries with your burger from the counter at Five Guys, and claim one of their family-friendly tables inside the restaurant. The portions are always generous, but that’s only more reason to come back hungry. Fast forward weeks from now, you’ll probably start telling your friends that this is “your go-to place.”
El Yahualica Tacos
$ | (925) 686-0319 | WEBSITE
The two main draws at El Yahualica Tacos are the clean, bright patio for outdoor dining (which is a rare find in Concord, unless you’re visiting a friend with a backyard setup) and the festive Mexican food. We especially like the birria taco with consume and the al pastor tostada, but everything you order here will make you feel like it’s possibly your favorite casual meal. If you can’t get a spot on the patio, they also have first come, first served tables inside their bright dining room.
Big Bang Boba & Chicken-Concord
$ | (925) 349-9550 | WEBSITE
Big Bang Boba & Chicken runs a daily menu with caramel creme brûlée drinks and cheese corn dogs. This is the sort of casual spot you might show up for a boba and a snack, and then unintentionally order a full round of fried chicken wings. Their drinks, like the strawberry matcha and strawberry energy with cheese foam, are better than a boba shop’s offerings need to be – and the sweetness levels here are fully customizable.
Come during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the occasional slow service.
The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop
$$ | (925) 808-7056 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a cozy spot in Concord with a great beer selection and a relaxing patio overlooking Todos Santos Plaza, try The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop’s fire pit seating and bring-your-own-food policy. Plan on sampling everything, like the rotating IPAs and lagers or a crisp cider and adventurous bottles, with friendly staff ready to help you choose.
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop – Concord, CA
$ | (925) 326-1088 | WEBSITE
Perhaps the long lines at other Concord sandwich shops have you looking for a reliable alternative nearby. Head over to Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, conveniently located with spacious parking and wheelchair accessibility. The restaurant offers a clean, welcoming environment where you can grab a quick lunch or meet a friend for a casual meal. Their service is friendly and efficient, with staff like Karen, Kailey, Julianna, Will, and Jezele ready to help.
The large menu has many well-cooked options, and the sandwiches, especially the bread, make each visit special. While prices have increased to around $20 for a sandwich and chips, the food is prepared quickly and the overall flavor remains good, even if some recent visits noted slightly less cucumber and lettuce than usual. It’s a solid spot that keeps customers planning to return.
