Since Lettuce Restaurant & Catering is a local business itself, it makes sense that chef-owner Bahman Tehrani would want to give other Walnut Creek entrepreneurs a boost. That’s why he works with local farmers and ranchers whenever possible to source organic produce and high-quality meats for his fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

The Napa salad is one of the most popular, a bed of organic spring mix loaded with field-plucked berries, toasted sugar walnuts, rosemary chicken, and a sweet honey balsamic vinaigrette. When you’re in the mood for a sandwich, try the SFO on organic Acme ciabatta bread. It features oven-baked slices of chicken, avocado, tomato, shredded romaine lettuce, mayo, and provolone cheese. If you can’t choose a single item from the menu, opt for a half-and-half entree and enjoy a couple of them at a time.