Vanessa’s Bistro in downtown Walnut Creek specializes in “Vietnamese tapas with a French Twist,” offering a menu that also includes big sandwiches and 11 different entrees. For tapas, try the tantalizing poke of ahi tuna and salmon belly with sweet mango, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado, or get three fried sole tacos drizzled with garlicky cilantro aioli. For larger appetites, order the oven-roasted pork sandwich, made with shredded pork, caramelized onions, julienned carrots, and sriracha aioli served on a baguette. Sides range from vegetable pad thai to wok-fried eggplant to sweet potato fries.

Vanessa’s Bistro offers a funky, casual atmosphere with lots of greenery, large paintings of Vietnamese open-air markets, and a dimly lit dining room with leather seating. On Tuesdays, all tapas are half off; Wednesdays, bottles of wine are half price; and it’s happy hour all day Sunday, with $6 tapas.