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Vanessa's Bistro 2 Reviews List
Vanessa's Bistro 2
With over 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Vanessa Dang, brings to Walnut Creek Vietnamese tapas with a French twist. In just three short years, the success of Vanessa's Bistro in Berkeley has allowed Vanessa to open a second location in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek. With over 100 wines by the bottle, 40 wines by the glass, a full bar, and an assertion of delicious tapas on the menu, Vanessa's Bistro 2 will not disappoint your expectations.
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68 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 68 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(26)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- great for lunch(15)
- vibrant bar scene(12)
- hot spot(10)
- notable wine list(10)
Vanessa's Bistro 2 Reviews List
Review 1 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Vanessa's recently moved to its Locust St. location, off of the N. Main St. thoroughfare. The food is still very good; some dishes the portion size has gotten smaller. Hopefully the move to a less busy street will not hurt the business. Its one of the better restaurants in downtown WC."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2006
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Review 2 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went with friends to celebrate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went with friends to celebrate a birthday. The service was good, as was the food. We ordered the Fresh Spring Rolls, Maple Leaf Duck Confit Lettuce Wraps, Tuna and Salmon Poke, Coconut Chicken Curry, and Black Peppercorn Pork Loin. For dessert, we shared the Bananas Foster and the Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta. Everything was tasty and perfect! We would definitely come back."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 3 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My fav place in Walnut Creek
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My fav place in Walnut Creek - food was awesome as usual - service that night had much to be desired. Usually get great service. Order the scallop entree!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Taco Tuesday, awesome deal.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were there for Taco Tuesday and since the tacos are one of our favorite dishes anyway, we loved them even more with the special price! They are normally $9.00 for 3 Tacos and on Tuesdays, they are $10.00 WITH a margarita! Delicious and a great deal!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Helpful friendly staff a plus.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Helpful friendly staff a plus. Having owners present may have added to good service. Nice varied food choices, fresh and well prepared. Excellent green papaya salad!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was average at best this
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was average at best this time. Service uneven and took long to get drinks and then it was wrong drink. Don't sit in the back dining room as it is way too noisy!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2002
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Review 7 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We celebrated a birthday with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated a birthday with friends and had the back room mostly to ourselves. The food and drinks were very good. Great service and no doggie bags to take home. That should tell you something about the food..."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had a group of 6 and asked
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a group of 6 and asked for a table in the back room. We were the only people back there and the wait staff seemed to forget about us for much of the time we were there. We had to keep going out to flag someone down to take our orders. Otherwise, the food and drinks were tasty. At previous dinners here, they were much more attentive than this time. The restaurant wasn't that full so who knows what the problem was."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 9 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for ladies lunch and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great for ladies lunch and after work drinks and apps with friends. Staff is very friendly and accomodating. I've been here 5 times now since being introduced about 1 year ago. I have recommended several times and will continue to do so."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 10 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Yes! My "go to" restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything is good here. It's my "go to" place for interesting tasty food at a reasonable price and ample size servings."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My wife and I dine here often.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I dine here often. The you can't go wrong with the Tapas selection."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I would call this Vietnamese
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I would call this Vietnamese with a California influence. Food was really good, although no pho, but I can go to Saigon Restaurant on Newell for that. Will be back and bringing friends who have never had Vietnamese before. A gentle step into the flavors of SEA."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
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Review 13 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I used Open Table to figure
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I used Open Table to figure out a restaurant destination that would be different than your average experience. Vanessa's lived up to the task. We were blown away. Our server was great - she helped us order. All of her recommendations were excellent. The only disappointment you were out of Wellington and I was super excited to try it. But, I switched to the Panko Scallops and was pleased. Sweet and sour soup amazing. Loved the DJ!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very disappointing visit this time around.....
Food was good.
Hostess was not friendly or warm
Server was not very helpful, asked if a particular dish was spicy, he insisted absolutely not, but when we were served this dish, it WAS spicy.
The restaurant was about 10% occupied at the time we dined (5:45), I overheard the hostess tell a party she just sat, "we'll need this table by 7" So, all these empty tables in the restaurant to choose from and she sits the party down at a table she knows she will need....NOT a kid friendly restaurant, they looked at us as if we had the plague. I have visited this restaurant a few times prior (w/o kids) and it was fine."
Food was good.
Hostess was not friendly or warm
Server was not very helpful, asked if a particular dish was spicy, he insisted absolutely not, but when we were served this dish, it WAS spicy.
The restaurant was about 10% occupied at the time we dined (5:45), I overheard the hostess tell a party she just sat, "we'll need this table by 7" So, all these empty tables in the restaurant to choose from and she sits the party down at a table she knows she will need....NOT a kid friendly restaurant, they looked at us as if we had the plague. I have visited this restaurant a few times prior (w/o kids) and it was fine."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2013
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Review 15 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very, very good food. The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very, very good food. The only drawback is that the chair cushions at our table were split and the overall appearance is run down. Uncomfortable chairs (due to damage)is not OK while dining out."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2000
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 16 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really creative food with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really creative food with lots of fun options. We found the
back room a little quieter as close to the bar can
be very loud."
back room a little quieter as close to the bar can
be very loud."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 17 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good food, older kid friendly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great time with my 10 years old.
were seated on the back room which was great to carry a conversation.
the front is more noisy.
Server was accommodating when we requested sharing, really appreciated especially with a lactose intolerance. Portion was just about right for us."
were seated on the back room which was great to carry a conversation.
the front is more noisy.
Server was accommodating when we requested sharing, really appreciated especially with a lactose intolerance. Portion was just about right for us."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 18 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good, moderately priced French
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good, moderately priced French inspired Vietnamese food. Close to shops and boutiques in downtown Walnut Creek. If you're up to trekking out to restaurants aboard Bart, there is a free shuttle from the Walnut creek station to points within downtown Walnut Creek. This restaurant is within 1 block of the shuttle shop."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 19 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Congenial local ethnic restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first visit and we didn't know what to expect. We were very pleased with everything. The menu was extensive and the food offerings were healthy and full of special ingredients. Service was excellent and the environment was perfect for a weeknight casual dining experience. The space is small (not many tables), but the owner did a great job in placing the tables so that conversations could be held without noise interference from other customers. The bar was large for the space, but in my opinion, perfect for that after-work cocktail for local workers. All in all, we had a great experience. We like the idea of small food offerings via "tapas", which allowed us to order the quantity we wanted, and not be overfed."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely. A family favourite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Absolutely. A family favourite! My adult children look forward to their birthday lunch here."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of my favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is one of my favorite restaurants in the bay area. Food is phenomenal and very consistent."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 22 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot to bring a date
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great spot to bring a date for bite and drinks. I went with the organic chicken cooked in red whine and it was terrific."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic
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Review 23 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I've heard great things about
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've heard great things about this restaurant and after eating there did not understand why. Food was bland and portion sizes were small. Really wanted to love. So disappointed. Won't be coming back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
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Review 24 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
My friend and I had never
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend and I had never really eaten here. We weren't impressed with the food or the quantity per plate. Our waitress misheard our soup order and brought the wrong soup out, which she turned and gave complimentary to the table next to us - RUDE! The spring rolls weren't too appealing and we were sort of forgotten in the back room. I would not return to this place, perhaps the Berkeley location is better?"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2009
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Review 25 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A fellow celiac disease sufferer
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A fellow celiac disease sufferer recommended dining at Vanessa's and I just wanna say, "Thanks Elaine!" My wife and I met another couple for a relaxed lunch. The fresh vibrant interior mirrors my description of the food we enjoyed. Our selections trended more to the Vietnamese side of the menu offerings. The French influence was perhaps apparent in the delivery and presentation but all of us really enjoyed the Asian focus featuring spicy and tangy and fresh dishes. Shaking beef. Hot spicy soup. Salmon tuna poke. Slow cooked pork tacos. Lightly fried calamari salad. Yum"
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I would go again, and I would
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I would go again, and I would recommend to friends"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous food. My only criticism
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous food. My only criticism was that we were apparently there for Fat Tuesday and the DJ was super loud."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vanessa's Bistro 2
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic