Forkful 2024: Discover Downtown Pleasanton’s Top Restaurants

Get ready for a flavor-packed afternoon at Forkful, returning to Downtown Pleasanton on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 3-5 PM! This beloved event brings together the town’s top restaurants for a culinary experience that’s all about savoring the best of what Pleasanton has to offer. The participating restaurants for 2024 have just been announced, and we’re excited to introduce you to the lineup that will make this year’s Forkful unforgettable.

Meet the 2024 Forkful Participants

This year, 14 incredible restaurants will be showcasing their signature dishes in bite-sized portions. Here’s a taste of what each has to offer:

Zachary's Chicago Pizza: Known for its famous deep-dish pizza, Zachary's Chicago Pizza is a local favorite. You can expect a taste of their renowned, hearty, and flavorful creations that have made them stand out in the local dining scene.

Primrose Bakery: Owned by award-winning chef Jessica Eiland, Primrose Bakery blends classic European techniques with modern flair. At Forkful, you can expect to be treated to a sweet dessert crafted with tradition and innovation.

Wild One Grill:  Wild One Grill offers a unique take on Mexican cuisine, prepared by Chefs Leo and Bruno. They combine California's diverse food varieties and flavors with high-quality ingredients, creating beautifully presented and delicious dishes. Wild One Grill will bring a unique and exciting forkful to the table, perfect for those who love a bit of culinary adventure.

Bocado Un Petit Bistro: Bocado is a modern American bistro with a French base, specializing in elegant and flavorful crepes, panini, and salads. Their menu is inspired by global cuisines, featuring colorful and aesthetically beautiful dishes. In addition to their regular offerings, Bocado also serves a variety of desserts and ceviches. At Forkful, Bocado is sure to showcase its visually stunning and delicious dishes that reflect its diverse and international culinary influences.

Sidetrack Bar + Grill: Known for its comfort food with a twist, Sidetrack Bar + Grill offers a diverse menu including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Complementing their delicious food is a full bar featuring a selection of wine and craft beers. At Forkful, Sidetrack will be serving a bite that highlights its signature dishes, possibly combining delicious flavors with a great selection of beverages for a well-rounded tasting experience.

Beer Baron: Located in the heart of Downtown Pleasanton, Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen is an upscale venue renowned for its craft beer and cocktails, excellent food, and vibrant live music scene. They proudly offer over 25 of the finest beers on tap, an expansive collection of more than 400 bottles of whiskey from around the globe, and beautifully crafted cocktails. Beer Baron’s offering at Forkful will likely be a savory, indulgent bite paired with the perfect brew.

Sabio on MAIN: As one of Downtown Pleasanton’s most acclaimed restaurants, Sabio on MAIN combines innovative cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients. Their menu features a diverse range of dishes, from elegant entrees to creative small plates and desserts. Whether you're in the mood for rich, hearty flavors or light, fresh options, Sabio on MAIN offers something to satisfy every palate. Their forkful will undoubtedly be a highlight of the event, featuring a creative and beautifully presented dish.

Neighborhood Sports Bar: A lively spot in Pleasanton, Neighborhood Sports Bar offers a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, tacos, and pizzas. Known for its craft cocktails, craft beers, and support for local sports and artists, this bar provides a welcoming environment with live music, DJs, and an outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. It's also kid-friendly and pet-friendly, making it a great choice for the whole family. At Forkful, you can expect a crowd-pleasing forkful that’s sure to hit the spot.

Cellar Door: Cellar Door is the perfect spot to relax and savor a carefully curated glass of wine. Pair your wine with one of their artisan cheese platters or enjoy warm, freshly baked flatbreads for a delightful culinary experience. At Forkful, we can predict that Cellar Door will offer a forkful that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine, showcasing their culinary expertise.

Experience Burma: Bringing the vibrant and complex flavors of Burmese cuisine, Experience Burma brings a unique blend of Indian, Chinese, and Thai flavors to Downtown Pleasanton. Their menu encourages family-style sharing, allowing guests to explore a variety of dishes together. At Forkful, expect a forkful that captures the rich, diverse flavors that make their cuisine so special.

Nonni's Bistro: Nonni's Bistro, a European restaurant in Downtown Pleasanton, is renowned for its comforting and meticulously crafted dishes, all made from scratch and from the heart. Their menu offers a variety of soups, salads, and European-inspired appetizers, alongside hearty main courses featuring premium meats, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options. At Forkful, you can expect a forkful that embodies the love and tradition infused into every dish at Nonni's.

Oyo: Oyo’s cooking philosophy, inspired by the Guyanese term "muxalace" meaning “let’s lace this pot up with a little bit of everything,” reflects its diverse offerings. The menu offers an eclectic mix of flavors from Guyanese cuisine, including curries and lo-mein from Eastern Asia, jerk chicken and rundown fish from the Caribbean, pepper pot from West Africa, and South American paella. At Forkful, you can expect a forkful that embodies the essence of South American flavor.

Strizzi's: Strizzi's is a family-owned Italian restaurant celebrated for its wood-grilled seasonal fish with house-made toppings, pan-tossed pastas, and weekly specials including seafood and roasted meats. This Italian restaurant is known for its classic dishes that are always prepared with care and tradition. Strizzi’s forkful will likely be a comforting, delicious taste of Italy.

Pairings Restaurant: Pairings is a contemporary Italian-American bistro and wine bar, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and in-house wine club. Enjoy a diverse menu of Italian-inspired dishes and carefully selected wines. As its name suggests, this restaurant is all about matching great food with the perfect drink. We’re expecting their forkful will be a thoughtfully crafted bite that pairs beautifully with a selected beverage.

Don’t Miss Out!

Forkful is more than just a food event—it’s a celebration of Pleasanton’s community and culinary creativity. Whether you’re a local foodie or just looking to spend a delightful afternoon in Downtown Pleasanton, Forkful is an event you won’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars for September 7th, and get ready to grab your fork and dive into this year’s culinary adventure. With such an incredible lineup, Forkful 2024 is sure to leave your taste buds dancing. See you at Forkful!

Tickets are $60 and include tastings at each location, a map and program, a commemorative fork, and access to the champagne reception that will be held before the event at the Museum on Main. After you are done with all the tastings, you can vote on your favorite bite. The winning restaurant will be named Forkful's 2024 Best Bite and will be awarded the Golden Fork!

For more details and to secure your tickets, visit Pleasanton Downtown Association’s website.