Tucked inside central Contra Costa County sits the three neighboring towns of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. Lafayette and Orinda have a long history of development and have evolved into upscale residential communities, while Moraga has remained more rural and focused on preserving open space. Together, they’re referred to as Lamorinda, and Lamorinda has something for everyone. There is Lafayette’s retail hub, Moraga’s charming, walkable neighborhoods, and Orinda’s scenic hills. The area is also conveniently connected to nearby cities like Oakland or San Francisco, with BART stations in both Orinda and Lafayette.
Many residents in Lamorinda are families with school-aged children since the schools in the area are highly regarded and consistently rank among the best in the state. The towns also offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, parks, and sports leagues. Lamorinda is also known for its small-town charm and sense of community. Each town has its own downtown area with shops, restaurants, and community events such as farmers' markets, festivals, and parades. Many residents work in professional fields such as law, medicine, and technology. However, there is also a growing arts and cultural scene in the area, with theaters, art galleries, and music venues, making it a great place for art lovers to reside.
In some cities, an expansive natural setting means sacrificing good food and drink, but this isn’t the case with Lamorinda, which has plenty of delectable, upscale restaurants to choose from. RÊVE Bistro is one popular option. With all the bells and whistles of a classic neighborhood French bistro, this spot puts French comfort food in the spotlight. Residents of the area can treat themselves to cassoulet, steak frites, or steamed mussels.
If Italian sounds better than French, there’s Postino Restaurant. The chef was born and raised in Contra Costa County, and his love for the area and its regional, sustainable produce results in a menu that combines classic Californian cuisine with Italian influences. The restaurant is housed in a charming, historic brink home, which makes for a dramatically elegant ambiance loved by both locals and tourists.
For elevated American fare made with sustainable ingredients, Social Bird Kitchen and Bar is not to be missed. The handcrafted cocktails and mocktails are unparalleled, and dishes like grilled Spanish octopus and slow braised short rib are sure to satisfy. The Park Bistro & Bar combines a refined philosophy of cuisine with a welcoming bistro ambiance. And while the atmosphere is certainly tempting in and of itself, the food is the real star, with gorgeously marbled steaks, classic French onion soup, and the artisanal cheese plate of your dreams.
There’s a deep appreciation for art and culture in Lamorinda, and residents here are lucky enough to have multiple events and festivals that bring excitement and energy to the area. The Lamorinda Arts Council organizes multiple art-focused events in the area, including the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. It’s one of the largest festivals in the county, bringing in 65,000 visitors to sip on quality beverages, peruse art from accomplished artists and craftsmen, and snack on food from local restaurants, food trucks, and vendors. The festival also features an expansive stage for musical guests, and some of the best local musical artists across genres perform here.
There’s also the Art of Mixology Craft Cocktail Competition, in which amateur and professional bartenders put their skills to the test and create delicious and unique libations. Locals get to taste-test the creations and vote for their favorite, making this event a unique annual celebration of mixology.
Orinda Theatre Square is a popular place for Lamorinda locals to convene for a fun evening or afternoon. The square has many local businesses and boutiques, but the heart of the square is the Orinda Theatre itself, which has been open since 1941. This landmark is filled with history and nostalgia. It has unique décor, muraled ceilings, and a signature marquee, making it a unique spot to watch a blockbuster movie with your friends and family.
Lamorinda is served by the Orinda Union School District, the Lafayette School District, the Moraga School District, and the Acalanes Union High School District, which is one of the best school districts in California.
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Danville, CA 94526
