SideTrack Bar + Grill — Best American Food Restaurant

New on the list in 2021 is SideTrack Bar + Grill, a burgeoning favorite in downtown Pleasanton on West Angela Street, located next to the weekly farmers market. SideTrack is known for their handcrafted burgers with certified American Wagyu beef as well as a selection of local craft beers and fine wines. Website

The Jelly Donut — Best Bakery/Dessert

The local neighborhood favorite for children and adults alike, The Jelly Donut on Hopyard Road takes the win this year for Best Bakery/Dessert for their wide selection of fresh and delicious donuts that melt in your mouth.

Buckhorn Grill — Best BBQ

Back on the list is Buckhorn Grill with readers lauding their quality Californian barbecue. A great place to stop by when visiting the Stoneridge Shopping Center, Buckhorn Grill provides a unique dining experience with their signature tri-tip platters among other barbecue favorites.

Bob's Giant Burgers — Best Burger

Bob's Giant Burgers wins yet again for the fifth year in a row as the Best Burger in town. The family-owned business continues to be committed to making customers happy with their impressive burgers and milkshakes made with fresh ingredients.

Pleasanton Catering Company — Best Caterer

Pleasanton Catering Company goes above and beyond to bring the utmost quality of one of the most important aspects of any event: the food. Their professional service and well-executed presentation ensures the best experience for guests, whether it is a simple luncheon or a large wedding.

Andy & Yu's — Best Chinese Restaurant

Winning Best Chinese Restaurant for a third time is Andy & Yu's, serving fine Chinese cuisine and award-winning wine selection in downtown Pleasanton. Owner and executive chief Andy Tsang, who has been cooking since the age of 12, said he is dedicated to serving the community with an exceptional range of delicious dishes.

The Press — Best Deli/Sandwich

An artisan cafe that specializes in handcrafted paninis, toastinis and other baked goods, The Press wins for a consecutive third year as the Best Deli/Sandwich. Their commitment to using fresh and local ingredients continues to uphold their dedication to "nourish your body and mind."

Meadowlark Dairy — Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

A previous Hall of Fame inductee and consistent winner of the Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt category, the iconic drive-thru Meadowlark Dairy in downtown Pleasanton has won the hearts of the readers once again with their flavorful soft serve swirls. Website

Bob's Giant Burgers — Best French Fries

Not only is Bob's Giant Burgers recognized for their burgers, but also for their french fries as they win their second title of 2021 -- Best French Fries. Their tasty selection of fries, including chili cheese fries, garlic fries and sweet potato fries, has caught the attention of many readers.

De La Torre's Trattoria — Best Italian Restaurant

With their trattoria classics, De La Torre's Trattoria is recognized for the fourth year as the Best Italian Restaurant. The neighborhood hidden gem serves classic Italian dishes, including various pastas, lasagnas, salads and pizzas, all made with locally produced ingredients.

India Garden — Best Indian Restaurant

Winning the title of the Best Indian Restaurant continuously since the introduction of the category in the Readers' Choice contest, India Garden is dedicated to serving a contemporary yet traditional taste of Indian cuisine. Readers enjoy their welcoming atmosphere that encourages anyone to try their different flavors, aromas and textures.

Lokanta — Best Mediterranean Restaurant

Taking the title of Best Mediterranean Restaurant for the fifth year in a row, Lokanta continues to be a downtown favorite with their California-style Mediterranean cuisine. Their combination of Turkish, Greek and Mediterranean dishes made with local organic produce aims to ensure a new and refreshing dining experience.

Rancho Grande Taqueria — Best Mexican Restaurant

Known for serving traditional Mexican favorites of tortas, enchiladas and burritos, Rancho Grande Taqueria is the newest winner of Best Mexican Restaurant. The family-owned restaurant focuses on bringing authentic Mexican food to the community and also caters for events.

Gay 90's Pizza & Pasta — Best Pizza

Established in 1959, Gay 90's Pizza & Pasta was the first pizza parlor in Pleasanton. Today, they are known for their sourdough pizzas made from scratch and also serve other Italian dishes such as spaghetti and soup. The restaurant decorations with historical memorabilia and knickknacks create a cozy atmosphere and a rustic vibe.

Strizzi's — Best Seafood Restaurant

The old-style Italian restaurant, highlighting its wood-fired grilled fresh fish fillets, has captured the tastes of readers again, as the past Hall of Fame member has taken the the title of Best Seafood Restaurant once again. Strizzi's in downtown invites diners to a classy dining experience with their weekly seafood specials and fine wine. Website

Gene's Fine Foods — Best Specialty Food Store

For the fourth consecutive year, Gene's Fine Foods has won Readers' Choice as the Best Specialty Food Store. Founded in 1952, the family-owned grocery store is committed to delivering the highest quality selection of products to its customers. Website

Bill's Cafe — Best Sunday Brunch

With their classic breakfast and lunch specialties, Bill's Cafe in Hopyard Village creates a warm and friendly environment for their customers. Their hearty brunch includes sandwiches, salads, baked goods, homemade soups, fresh squeezed orange juice, and much more.

Sozo Sushi — Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant

A repeat winner of Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant, Sozo Sushi has consistently served Japanese favorites including a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi specials, bento boxes and udon. Check them out on Hopyard Road off Valley Avenue.

New Thai Bistro — Best Thai Restaurant

Winning Readers' Choice as Best Thai Restaurant for the fourth straight time is New Thai Bistro. Its authentic Thai food with exquisite presentation, an abundance of options and fresh ingredients has impressed readers yet again. Website

Nonni's Bistro — Best Vegetarian Cuisine

Nonni's Bistro wins its seventh award at Readers' Choice, being previously recognized as Best Main Street Restaurant and Best Sunday Brunch. Serving modern European cuisine, Nonni's is known for its made from scratch breakfast pot with potatoes, sauteed onions, spinach, cheddar cheese and eggs.