Bites Nearby: Fontina Ristorante in Pleasanton

Have you ever had a meal that you kept thinking about long after it was gone? Later that night? The next day? I love when that happens. It happened to me when I had lunch recently at Fontina Ristorante in Pleasanton.  

Some of you may gasp when you hear the words "Blackberry Salmon," but I assure you it is simply delicious. A plump filet of salmon resting on polenta mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and covered in a blackberry sauce that is just slightly sweet.

Every mouthwatering bite was tasty. My companion had the chicken parmigiana, which was very satisfying with a crispy bread crumb coating and tangy marinara sauce. 

Another interesting dish is the cannelloni. It isn't surprising to find it stuffed with Italian sausage and fontina cheese. What is surprising are the roasted walnuts tossed into the mix. 

These dishes range from $14.95-$18.95 for lunch. For dinner, add $2 to each entree.

Fontina Ristorante has been in Pleasanton for 12 years and under new ownership for the past four. Dishes were added to the previous menu and now the most popular entrees on the House Specialities list are the blackberry salmon, calamari steak, lamb shank, and veal, served piccata and parmigiana style. 

This restaurant has a great selection of wines from the Livermore Valley as well as throughout California. There also are some wines from Tuscany, Italy. The wine list is ever changing so you can find something new to try every few months. A must try is dessert. The restaurant makes its creme brulee and tiramisu on the premises. Delicious! 

Fontina Ristorante has great starters, salads and sandwiches. It also has a children's menu featuring spaghetti, fettuccine, chicken alfredo, and spaghetti with meatballs at prices ranging from $5.95- $7.95. 

A special brunch menu is offered on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can find omelets, french toast and egg combinations all served with a complimentary glass of champagne from $12.95 to $14.95. 

This restaurant has a cozy feel and the staff is very friendly and helpful. It is definitely a place to visit for a satisfying meal.

Fontina Ristorante is at 349 Main St., Suite 150, Pleasanton. 925-462-9299. Open Sunday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; and weekend brunch 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m