0 Followers
Vanessa's Bistro 2
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Vanessa's Bistro 2
8.4
Chef Vanessa Dang brings 25+ years of culinary expertise to Vietnamese tapas with French influences. The art-filled space features an extensive wine list with 150+ bottles and a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 9pm until close, making it a favorite for post-dinner drinks and small bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Ahi Tuna Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Vietnamese-French fusion tapas with late-night happy hour
Who should go: Wine lovers, adventurous eaters seeking fusion cuisine
When to visit: Friday/Saturday 9pm-close for late happy hour
What to order: Garlic noodles, jumbo prawns, lychee martini
Insider tip: The late happy hour (9pm-close) offers same deals as early happy hour
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Locust St, public garages within walking distance - Locust St garage closest with first hour free, meters free after 6pm and Sundays
Dress code: Smart casual - the art-filled space invites stylish attire, nice jeans and a top work well, date-night dressy fits the vibe
Noise level: Moderate weeknights, louder weekend evenings - the intimate space amplifies conversation buzz, lounge seating areas are slightly quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during prime hours, late happy hour (9pm+) typically easier to walk in
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner only starting at 4pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple tapas options including wok-fried eggplant, vegetable spring rolls, tofu dishes, and shareable sides
Vegan options: Moderate - several naturally vegan Vietnamese dishes, staff can guide modifications, specify when ordering
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes work well, pho-inspired items available, staff familiar with accommodations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the intimate art-filled space sets a sophisticated mood, tapas-style sharing creates natural interaction, and the extensive wine list by the glass lets you explore together. The lounge seating area feels especially date-appropriate. Late happy hour makes it budget-friendly too.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually accommodate walk-ins with short waits. Friday and Saturday prime dinner hours (6-8pm) fill up - call ahead or book online. The late happy hour window (9pm-close) is your best walk-in bet on weekends when the early crowd clears.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - this is an adult-oriented wine bar and tapas spot. No kids menu, the sophisticated atmosphere suits dates and girls nights better. The small plates format and late hours don't cater to families with young children.
What's the wine situation? Impressive - 150+ bottles and 50+ by the glass, one of the most extensive wine programs in downtown Walnut Creek. The list spans regions and pairs intentionally with the Vietnamese-French fusion menu. Staff is knowledgeable and happy to guide selections.
How does happy hour work? Two windows - early happy hour weekdays 3-6pm, then late-night happy hour Friday and Saturday 9pm until close. Both offer $3 beers, $5 cocktails, $6 select wines, and $6 tapas. The late-night version is the real gem for post-dinner drinks.
Best For
Better for: Best late-night happy hour in downtown - no one else offers this quality of food and wine deals after 9pm. The Vietnamese-French fusion is unique to Walnut Creek, and the wine program rivals dedicated wine bars. Perfect for second-location drinks after dinner elsewhere.
Skip if: You want big portions or traditional Vietnamese pho-house experience - this is refined tapas, not heaping bowls. For casual Vietnamese go to a dedicated pho spot, for hearty late-night comfort try Broderick, for full dinner portions head to Limón.
Vanessa's Bistro 2
8.4
Vietnamese small plates with a French twist—shaking beef, lemongrass skewers, and crisp salads—served with a full bar and polished pacing. A downtown pick for date nights and lively, shareable dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shaking beef (bo luc lac), Lemongrass chicken skewers, Pork belly bao
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vietnamese flavors translated into modern small plates with cocktails.
Who should go: Date-night and small-plates fans
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 for easier seating
What to order: Shaking beef, lemongrass skewers, pork belly bao
Insider tip: Bar seats move quickest on busy weekends and get full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust and nearby public lots; expect limited spaces after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing bar energy but still comfortable for date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple small plates and salads feature tofu or vegetable-focused options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes if requested without sauces containing fish or egg.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free options; staff knowledgeable and accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, attentive service, and shareable small plates create a relaxed, flirty atmosphere perfect for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins can usually find bar or patio seating before 6:30pm; reservations recommended for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids; menu and vibe cater more toward adults and social dining, though teens will feel comfortable at early seatings.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Vietnamese flavors and cocktails in a polished, lively setting—ideal for social dining or date nights.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet traditional pho spot or large family portions; this leans refined and share-plate oriented.