| About: | The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards provides each visitor with warm hospitality in an unforgettable wine country setting. The award-winning menu reflects the Wente spirit of innovation and generosity with regional American dishes, influenced by Italian, French and California cuisine. All recipes reflect the season's freshest ingredients, primarily estate-grown or hand-selected by the restaurant's forager from local farms and ranches. A full-time master gardener tends the organic vegetable and herb gardens on the Wente estate. |
| Hours: | Lunch & Dinner daily, Brunch Sun. |
| Categories: | Banquet Rooms, Catering Services, Tourist Attractions, Californian Restaurants, Mediterranean Restaurants, Restaurants, American Restaurants, Wineries, Golf Courses, Wedding Venues, Conference Centers |
| Parking: | Valet |
| Brands: | Lampkin Grips |
| Amenities: | Banquet/Private Rooms, Beer, Chef's Table, Parking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Reservations, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine |
| Chef: | Arthur Wall |
| Cuisine: | American, California, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Regional |
| Ambiance: | Casual, Elegant, Family Friendly |
| Feature: | Bar, Brunch, Entertainment, Great Wine List, Healthy Options, Outdoor Seating, Private Rooms, Take Out, View |
| Reservations Policy: | Suggested |
| Smoking: | Non-Smoking Restaurant, Smoking Area |
| Dress Code: | Casual Dress |
| Price: | $25 - $55 |
| Other Contact Info: | Fax: (922) 456-2401 |
Sat out on the patio area on beautiful spring day. We were maybe 5 minutes late for their 2:30 closing for lunch but no one said anything. Afterwards our meal went well into their post lunch closing but no one said a word. The waiter was experienced in dealing with our questions as we are âolderâ diners so are not shy about asking questions or expressing our desires. The meal was wonderful. The waiter offered to substitute Steelhead trout instead of Rainbow trout that was originally on the menu as they were out of that days offering but mentioned you would may prefer substitute instead and he was right. My filet mignon was perfectly cooked. He recommended their premium chardonnay (âNthâ degree) and it was outstanding you must try it. Lastly our guests were traveling in from out of town and we were surprised they brought along their small house dog. Not a problem, the helpful waiter said leave the pet with the valet parking staff since it would be too hot in the parked car. Some others may have had different experiences maybe not so good but only fair nice reviews should be posted as balance. We would of course go back again another day as it was very memorable.
If you want to be overcharged for bland, cold food served by below-par staff, go here. I threw away a $25 gift certificate they sent me months ago, apparently trying to regain my business...I wouldn't eat at Wente if they were the only restaurant in Livermore!
First let me say, I have no problem with paying big prices for meals I either haven't thought of or can't make at home. So, when I read the menu, with all its exotic descriptions of fantastic and innovative food combinations, I was ready for an unforgettable evening. I ordered the "Braised Duck Ravioli, English Peas, Baby Artichokes, Roasted Corn Broth- $13 " and the "Rack of Lamb, Cannellini Bean-Braised Lamb Ragu, Artichokes, Oven-Dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Natural Jus - $36." Sounds pretty wonderful, doesn't it! Instead the flavors were bland and boring. The service was so slow, we were tired of being there long before it was time for the check.
Granted the atmosphere is very grand, but it doesn't make up for the lack luster flavors and inflated prices. The cheapest "ala carte" item on the menu was $26, and that was for a vegetarian pasta. If you want a salad, add to that another $10.
I certainly expected more than I received. We won't be back.