Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Walnut Creek (94596)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar
Tapas-style menu and patio make sharing easy with kids.
Notable Picks
8.5
Small-plates bistro with a leafy patio steps from the main drag. While known for wine, the flexible menu and outdoor seating make it workable for families who like to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beet & Burrata, Seared Scallops, Truffle Fries
What makes it special: Tapas-style menu and patio make sharing easy with kids.
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
San Francisco's beloved 88-year-old Italian-American institution makes its first East Bay expansion with signature booth seating, exhibition kitchen, and classic comfort dishes. The third-generation family operation brings nostalgic favorites like Joe's Famous Hamburger Sandwich and Chicken Parmigiana to Broadway Plaza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Joe's Famous Hamburger Sandwich, Joe's Spicy Rigatoni
What makes it special: SF institution's first East Bay location with 88 years of legacy
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Second-floor Spanish spot with a lively room, fast tapas pacing, and reliable paellas for sharing. It handles groups smoothly and keeps lunch moving without feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croquetas de jamón, Paella Valenciana, Gambas al ajillo
What makes it special: Shareable tapas and paellas that scale perfectly for teams.
8.2
Modern Thai with bright, balanced flavors and a sleek dining room that stays conversation-friendly at lunch. Dishes arrive fast and travel well for teams splitting plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy basil duck, Pad Thai, Khao soi
What makes it special: Refined Thai plates with quick pacing and clean presentation.
8.2
Compact ramen shop known for rich tonkotsu, balanced tantanmen, and reliable pacing. Bowls hover around the $15–$20 mark with efficient service and counter seating for solo slurps.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiroshi tonkotsu ramen, Tantanmen, Karaage
What makes it special: Focused menu with deeply flavored broths and quick turns.
8.1
Locally run California kitchen with seasonal salads, pizzas, and market fish that land under an hour. Approachable pricing and a roomy dining room make it easy for standing weekly check-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole, Margherita pizza, Brussels sprouts
What makes it special: Seasonal, well-priced menu with fast, reliable pacing.
8.1
This gastropub traces roots to 1893 and delivers elevated American comfort food with creative burgers, boozy shakes, and craft beers. The vintage Walnut Creek photos and intimate booth seating create nostalgic ambiance, while happy hour from 2:30-5:30pm weekdays draws the after-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Johnny Cash Burger, Gold Rush Burger, Boozy Shake
What makes it special: Heritage gastropub with creative burgers and boozy milkshakes
Worthy Picks
#8
Mixed Grain
7.9
Korean comfort staples—stone-pot bibimbap, stews, and BBQ plates—served fast in a straightforward room. It’s a quiet, efficient option when you want hearty food and a 45-minute turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bibimbap (stone pot), Spicy tofu stew, Short rib (LA galbi)
What makes it special: Hearty Korean favorites with dependable, quick lunch pacing.
7.7
French bakery-café with savory crêpes, sandwiches, and espresso that’s ideal for brief working lunches. Order at the counter and grab a patio seat to keep calls and laptops easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked salmon crêpe, Croque monsieur, Almond croissant
What makes it special: Counter-service French café with quick, light plates.