Katy's Kreek, Walnut Creek

Iceland native and restauranteur Ari Georgsson describes the menu of Katy's Kreek as "American with European flair." His team's passion for quality fare is evident in every Kreek meal, which includes northern European mainstays such as Icelandic cod and gravlax with dill mustard, along with more eclectic dishes like lobster tacos. Every single sauce is made from scratch and then used to paint a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel before decanted back into the jar. An exhaustive list of California wines complements bites. For many, part of the Katy's Kreek draw is the atmosphere: stone walls, plants, and a buttery color palette create a rustic, casual environment. And when they're finished eating linguine ordered from the kids' menu, children can dispel excess energy in the playroom while parents unwind.