Panera Bread
132 Vintage Way Suite F17, Novato, CA 94945, United States
My experience at the recently opened Panera Bread in the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center was marred by (1) lack of product at 8:30 a.m. and (2) annoyed customer service.My first choice for breakfast was a quiche. I was told in a dismissive tone that they were out of all quiches. My second choice was a bagel with roasted vegetable cream cheese--a choice that was listed on the overhead menu. The Panera Bread employee looked at me with disgust and said, We dont HAVE vegetable cream cheese. When I pointed to the menu board and read roasted vegetable cream cheese as a listed choice, she then rejoined, Well, we dont have any.A cafe latte completed my order. I was given the bagel immediately, and the server then looked to the next customer without any indication of where I should go to retrieve the latte. I wandered around the counter, finally getting the attention of another server. She indicated that she would get someone to make the latte--and motioned for my original friend to make the coffee drink. She fulfilled the order without a word or a glance in my direction.When I got to the table and took off the cup lid to add sweetener, I found that the cup was filled only 2/3 full--that including the frothy milk.Truly I was shocked by this lack of customer satisfaction. Every other Panera experience has included personable interaction, servers circulating in the dining room to ensure that customers had everything they needed, and even offers of samples of featured goodies.As a result of how I was treated at the Vintage Oaks store, I will think twice before visiting any Panera. For sure I will not be back to this location. And I urge you to stay clear of this kind of treatment!
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China Village
107 San Marin Dr, Novato, CA 94945, United States
My first time there and everyone's reviews are right on. The food is amazing and service outstanding. I had the combination crispy noodles and chicken in black bean sauce. (Please note that I had already served myself when I took the photos.)
The Melt
880 De Long Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
My recent experience at The Melt left me with an undeniable appreciation for the simplicity behind their culinary mastery and outstanding service.The Impossible Burger, the star of the show, was nothing short of perfection. The patty, cooked to the ideal degree, delivered a burst of juiciness and an explosion of flavors. The addition of melted cheddar brought a creamy richness that elevated the entire experience to a new level. The jalapeño and pickle mix provided a welcome kick, infusing each bite with a refreshing zest. The Melt sauce served as the pièce de résistance, seamlessly tying together all the elements with its savory goodness. And the toasted, artisan bun? A marvel in itself, with a crispy exterior giving way to a soft and pillowy interior, creating the perfect vessel for this mouthwatering creation.What truly set The Melt apart, however, was the exceptional service. Rolando, in particular, deserves commendation for orchestrating a seamless dining experience from start to finish. Despite the myriad of questions from my party, all of whom can be described as fussy eaters, he navigated with ease, enhancing our enjoyment of the meal. The entire staff exhibited a level of attentiveness, friendliness, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction that is rare to find.The restaurants atmosphere played a significant role in making the meal even more enjoyable. The inviting, modern yet cozy ambiance created the perfect backdrop for savoring the culinary delights offered. Whether you identify as a vegetarian or simply someone seeking an innovative and delicious burger, The Melt is unequivocally the place to be.In conclusion, my visit to The Melt was nothing short of a five-star experience. From the scrumptious Vegetarian Impossible Burger to the outstanding service, this establishment has unequivocally won me over. I eagerly anticipate returning for more of those mouthwatering flavors and the genuine warmth of The Melts hospitality. This is more than a recommendation; its a comfort-food culinary adventure that should not be missed!
Creekside Bakery
1719 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
I cannot say enough good things about Creekside Bakery. I moved to Novato during the beginning of the pandemic and was in need of a cozy, warm and delicious new breakfast spot. This has quickly become my all-time favorite place to meet with girl friends or grab a quick bite (and take home a big box of pastries for my husband) to eat. With any good bakery, make sure you arrive early to have a wider range to choose from; my personal choices are the savory goods: quiche, tarte, croissant. Their food menu does not disappoint either, so far I've had the mushroom melt which tasted out of this world delicious.The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, special shout out to Alejandro on bar creating amazingly refreshing beverages in the summer and steamy, cozy lattes in the winter— also for preparing and providing ceremony grade matcha. They also carry Fentimans and Silk Road Teas.Outdoor seating is plentiful and spacious with comfortable picnic style benches with umbrellas for each table and dogs are welcome too (for outdoor seating, of course). Super family friendly!Thank you for all your hard work, craftsmanship and care Creekside!
Local Kitchens
880 De Long Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
If youre not familiar with Local Kitchens, they are a micro food hall that brings together a bunch of excellent restaurant brands under one roof. Have a group but cant decide what to eat? No problem, LK has eight different menus to choose from. Each individual brand is a star in its own right. Mix and match and create your own culinary tour in one place.Im working my way around the menu. On opening day I had Melts ( Melt Burger, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup). Second day I had Orens (Beef Kebab Peta and Chicken Kebab). The amazing thing is I can eat here 10 days in a row and never have the same thing twice.Service is fast, friendly and the food is hot and flavorable. Download the app and order online. Theyre super busy so preparation times can very, but the app is very good at letting you know how long the wait is, and their time estimates are spot on.
Forks & Fingers Catering and take out
372 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949, United States
My experience: I work near the restaurant and have eaten there roughly 4 times. Attention to the details below were conducted each timeThe Food: Good Quality, Tasty, Reasonably pricedThe Location: Good Size, Acceptable decorThe Staff: Friendly and welcomingNeeds work:CLEANLINESS AND HYGEINE1. Bare hands touching food. Didnt see hand washing (with soap) on any visit. Gloves really should be used since hands not washed. Have personally seen owner exchange cash and proceed directly to making an order (sometimes giving fingertips a water rinse).2. Im a little concerned with the pans they reuse to for the conveyer oven. Melted cheese and stuff is on it but I noticed they were used for new orders.This restaurant is very decent and provides valuable (and delicious) food options for the area. My only concern is for the health of their patrons. I will consider eating there again, but only after changes to food handling and dishwashing procedures are made.
Little Goan Indian Cafe
2007 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947, United States
Love love love Little Goan. Im recently back from living two months in India, and this is the best Indian Ive had back in the states since.Super authentic. Food has a home-cooked feel, in all the best ways. Awesome to-go choices. Lots of organic and natural food.Their veg dishes are phenomenal:* Saag paneer - awesome spinach and paneer, super balanced and not too rich* Bhaigan barta - wonderful subtle smoked eggplant without being too sweet* veg korma - well balanced and satiating* muttar paneer - delicious tomato based peas and paneer* mulligatawny soup - soul satisfyingThey have jeera rice (cumin rice) and even gluten free naan - which was tasty too.Dont go expecting much decor. Its authentic Indian after all. The heart is in the food.And theyve started a lunch buffet soon if thats your thing. Support this great new addition to Novato. Youll be glad you did.
Masa Sushi
813 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
We ordered two soups and a California Roll. One soup was ok the second was horrible I couldn’t even eat it. The California Roll was horrible the crab was old and dry. After leaving we went to Safeway and bought a California Roll that was way better than this restaurant. No free refills but they don’t tell you that. I don’t suggest going. Only go if you want to be disappointed.
Chianti Cucina
7416 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945, United States
Chianti Italian Restaurant...let’s talk about it. I should have known that it could only go bad after I step in and I saw the maxiscreen with football on. Starters were pre-made, carpaccio pulled out right away from the fridge, just added some arugula on top looking like a nest made by a disabled bird. Fried calamari I had to dip in the ketchup, which is a sacrilege but there was no way to add flavor otherwise. You can fry a roll of toilet paper and the taste will be the same. The pasta with meatballs was overcooked...in Italy. Not even in the hospital do they serve that. Anything else I ordered was not enough good to be mentioned. Espresso in the end was just a burned soup.I am Italian. Change the name of the restaurant and serve different food... 4.5 No way, you won that at the lottery...If you have 20% of self esteem ...don’t go there!
Taki Japanese Restaurant
452 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, CA 94949, United States
Absolutely the best sushi in Novato! Very good quality. They give you an authentic Japanese experience. We were very impressed with their customer service. Highly recommend the crazy roll. Miso soup and cabbage salad are both the best we ever tried compared to other sushi restaurants. Also, prices are not over priced.