First things first, as a long-time resident of Livermore, CA, I have settled into my favorite restaurants, and while we love to try new restaurants and food, these are the 5 Livermore restaurants that we keep going back to because they are always delicious.  I will recommend and rave about these restaurants to everyone, but I encourage you to visit the First Street corridor, which has a diverse community with a real culinary range. And let me know if I am missing out. 

As a Livermore real estate agent and East Bay local, I spend a lot of time showing people around this city. And one of the first questions new residents or relocating buyers ask me? "Where should we eat?" This guide is my honest answer.

Below are five Livermore restaurants that represent the best of what, in my humble opinion, this community has to offer, from elevated Southwestern dining to a downtown institution that truly feels like home.

1. Posada Alta Cocina
988 Murrieta Blvd, Livermore | Elevated Southwestern | $$

When people ask me which restaurant in Livermore CA they should visit, I almost always say Posada. Chef Eduardo Posada founded this Alta Cocina concept in 2013, and it has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in the Tri-Valley. He's at the restaurant every day, checking on the quality of every plate. The kind of place you bring out-of-town guests when you really want to impress.

The menu is rooted in Southwestern and Mexican-inspired cuisine but executed with the polish of fine dining. Think ribeye aguachile with earthy, mineral notes that actually complement a Bordeaux, hanger steak tacos with house tomatillo sauce, and ceviche made from whatever is freshest that day. My favorite dish, the Ceviche, unfortunately, this is not an item that's on the menu year-round, but when it's available, you bet I'm ordering it. 

Posada holds a Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and maintains a curated cellar with selections ranging from local Livermore Valley labels to prestigious international bottles. If you're exploring Livermore wine country, a dinner at Posada is the natural finish line.

Must-Try: Ribeye Aguachile, Mahi-Mahi Tacos, Watermelon Salad, King Ranch Chicken Enchiladas, Guacamole with Blackened Shrimp

Local Tip: Posada also hosts intimate wine pairing dinners with only 24 seats, centered around curated themes. If you want a special occasion experience unlike anything else in Livermore, reserve early. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends, and they are closed on Mondays.

2. Saigon Cafe
2011 2nd St, Livermore | Vietnamese | $

I could eat Pho every day, I'm not exaggerating, I LOVE Pho. Tucked into downtown's Second Street, Saigon Cafe is the kind of place that locals actively try to keep to themselves. It has a mom-and-pop feel, and it smells so good as soon as you enter. A humble, no-frills Vietnamese restaurant that has quietly built one of the most loyal followings of any Livermore, California restaurant. Over 4,000 DoorDash ratings averaging 4.7 stars. That is not an accident.

The pho here is genuinely exceptional. The broth is clear, deeply seasoned, and aromatic in the way that only comes from patient simmering (I wish I had this kind of patience; I would make pho every day). Regulars go for the Pho Dac Biet, loaded with rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe, customized tableside with fresh basil, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. The portions are generous, and the price point is one of the best values in the entire Tri-Valley.

Beyond pho, imperial egg rolls, oh my god, this is ordered at this household every time, no exceptions.  If you've never tried Vietnamese food before, Saigon Cafe is the perfect introduction. If you already love it, you'll feel right at home.

Must-Try: Pho Dac Biet, Imperial Egg Rolls, Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, Beef Cube Steak with French Rice, Thai Iced Tea

Local Tip: Saigon Cafe is closed on Wednesdays. Lunch crowds move fast, so don't be deterred by a line at the door. Dine-in only for the combo deal, which includes a spring roll, a bowl of pho, and a soda for excellent value.

3. Uncle Yu's at the Vineyard
39 S Livermore Ave, Ste 125 | Asian Fusion | $$$

Ranked among the top restaurants in Livermore on TripAdvisor and winner of Diablo's Best of the East Bay Award, Uncle Yu's at the Vineyard has been a cornerstone of downtown dining since opening its Livermore location in 2006. It is upscale, approachable, and genuinely exciting. And right below our downtown office, how convenient is that! 

The kitchen sources Snake River Farms Wagyu beef for all beef dishes, alongside organic produce and wild-caught seafood. The result is a menu where familiar Chinese-American preparations feel transformed. The pea sprout dumplings, salt and pepper calamari, and the beef with aged orange peel are dishes regulars come back for specifically.

Let's talk wine, one of my favorite subjects. They have a list of roughly 600 bottles, about 50 available by the glass, with a strong emphasis on Livermore wines. Every Monday, corkage fees are waived on all local Livermore bottles. 

Must-Try: Pea Sprout Dumplings, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Beef with Aged Orange Peel, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Lobster Shu Mai

Local Tip: Uncle Yu's has a private Harvest Room for parties up to 50 and a beautiful outdoor patio for groups up to 100. If you're planning a corporate dinner, rehearsal dinner, or milestone celebration in Livermore, this is an excellent venue option. Request the patio on a warm evening.

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4. Los Caporales Taqueria
2118 First St, Livermore | Authentic Mexican | $

I went to Livermore High. I used to skip class to get tacos here (sorry, Mom and Dad). This is authentic Mexican food done exactly right, and I am uniquely qualified to be a judge of this. I am like a taco sommelier, and I grew up in a Mexican household having homemade Mexican food every day, yes, I know, I am lucky. 

So what does this taco sommelier order? Tacos al pastor or Tacos de Asada, these are meats that are seasoned differently in different regions of Mexico, so like a good wine, you know it's a good restaurant if it's a well-balanced taco, and if the salsa is spicy, don't forget that. The super carne asada burrito and carnitas taco plate are outstanding, but the Camerones Diablo, the Plato Ranchero, and the scrambled eggs with chorizo at breakfast are equally worthy. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and unpretentious. 

Los Caporales is open every day from 8:30 AM and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The outdoor sidewalk patio on First Street is one of the best spots in downtown to watch the world go by over a plate of food that costs less than you would expect and tastes better than most things at twice the price.

Must-Try: Super Carne Asada Burrito, Carnitas Taco Plate, Camerones Diablo, Chorizo and Eggs (Breakfast), Horchata

Local Tip: There is a large shared lot behind the restaurant in addition to street parking. Go early on weekends for breakfast burritos, which are enormous. The self-serve salsa and chip bar is complimentary and genuinely excellent.

5. First Street Alehouse
2106 First St, Livermore | American Pub | $$

We had our wedding rehearsal lunch. Do I need to say anything else? Since opening in 2000, this family-owned pub has become what the owners themselves describe as "the heartbeat of downtown Livermore," and anyone who has spent real time in this city would struggle to argue otherwise.

The Alehouse houses over 6,000 beer cans in what is considered the world's largest publicly displayed collection, with rotating taps alongside an impressive lineup of bottles and cans. My wife's family sold a few cans to him so that I can name-drop, thanks! The food goes beyond pub standards with standouts like the Brie Pesto burger, prime rib dip sandwich, honey glazed fried chicken, and Thai beef salad.

What makes the Alehouse special is harder to quantify than the menu. It is the family photos lining the hostess stand. The footprints set in the concrete. The staff that actually seems glad you're there. If you want to understand what makes Livermore a genuinely great place to live, spend an afternoon here.

Must-Try: Brie Pesto Burger, Prime Rib Dip, Beer-Battered Garlic Fries, Honey Glazed Fried Chicken Sandwich, Whipped Feta Dip

Local Tip: Thursday through Saturday hours extend to 11 PM. The outdoor patio is excellent for people watching on First Street. Beer specials rotate frequently, so ask your server what's new on tap.

One of the things I tell every buyer I work with is that Livermore is not just a place to buy a home. It is a place to build a life. The restaurant scene is a small but meaningful part of that story. From Sunday pho runs to date nights at Posada to catching the game at the Alehouse, these are the kinds of routines that turn a neighborhood into a community.

If you are considering a move to the Tri-Valley and want to know what life actually looks and feels like here, I am happy to talk. As a Livermore-based agent and a longtime resident of the 925, I give it to you straight. No hype.

And if you already live here, I hope this list gave you at least one new place to try. Now get out there and eat something good.

Ready to talk about buying or selling in Livermore? Call or text me at 925-940-9723 or visit the925agent.com. Eddie Rios, The 925 Agent, DRE #01996305.