Bites Nearby: Cafe Attila in San Ramon

When you first walk in to Cafe Attila, it may feel familiar. This is because it is owned by the same couple who brought City of D'Lights to San Ramon. 

Co-owner Lynne Kawakami told me that Cafe Attila is the fruition of a dream for herself and co-owner Attila Gogos. They had wanted a bigger place with more seating for customers as well as more kitchen space than at City of D'Lights. They finally moved in March to their new establishment in the same shopping center and were very excited to add lunch dishes to the menu. 

On a recent lunchtime visit I had the pork tenderloin. It is listed as an open-face sandwich but I preferred eating my pork slices separately to enjoy the flavor of the meat and then savor the bites of country bread smeared with garlic-rosemary aoili. 

This dish came with Attila's signature slaw. I was originally a little bit put off because this is not a traditional sweet, creamy slaw. Attila's is dill and oil based. However, after a couple of bites, I was hooked. This is a refreshing twist on slaw. The pork tenderloin was $9. 

My companion had the spaetzle. Picture hand-made pasta noodles mixed with mushrooms, asparagus and applewood-smoked bacon in a sauce seasoned with sage. This hearty dish was delicious and satisfying, with its mix of sweet and smoky flavors. The spaetzle was $8. 

There are a few other lunch choices, including bocconcini, mozzarella that is made on the premises. I can't wait to try it the next time I'm there. Lunch items cost $7 - $10. 

The lunch portions are perfect because they leave you enough room to try one of the many desserts at Cafe Attila. My companion and I shared the Rigo Jancsi. How can you go wrong with a layer of devil's food cake laced with Kirsch liqueur and then covered by layers of white chocolate and dark chocolate mousses? It was beautiful to look at, but more beautiful to destroy while eating it!  

There are lots of dessert choices, including cookies, tiramisu and fruit tartlets. 

Most desserts also are available in full size versions because Cafe Attila has a cake studio. Whether you are looking for a signature cake such as the Pave Fraise or the classic opera or even wedding cakes, Cafe Attila is the place to find many delicious options for any occasion. 

Cafe Attila's serves breakfast, too. Lots of scones and muffins, as well as homemade granola, which is a favorite with the regulars. And you can buy the granola or scone mix to make at home. 

Try ordering a cup of tea when you visit. Mighty Leaf Tea is on the menu, an artisan crafted tea with whole leaves in pouches for brewing. This brings a whole new flavor to the traditional tea bag. 

Kawakami said to be on the lookout for afternoon tea at the cafe. There are so many wonderful petits fours to go along with the drink that it should make for an enjoyable afternoon treat. I look forward to trying it. 

Cafe Attila, 2211-B San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. 925-837-2886. Tues.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday.