The Meadows Restaurant

We used to be regulars at the previous Paradise Grill, because of the exceptional staff, the lovely feeling of being out in the country (in spite of a 4 minute drive from our suburban house), and the better than average food.But. (There's always a but.) The previous upper management apparently lost interest, we no longer recognized the staff, and the food suffered. And the drinks went WAY up in price.So we quit going.Another but. (A good one!) Julie and Trevor are back, the food is better than ever with a new chef turning out fresher and delicious cuisine, and it's still got that away from the world feeling.Like rediscovering an old friend who has actually improved with age, The Meadows is back. I hope they can keep this level of quality going, because if so, their previous patronage will return. After us, of course.October 3rd, 2015So, we've become regulars again. Even though The Meadow is still open only for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings (hope this changes, would be faboo venue for weekend brunches), we've tried to sample most everything on the menu and the specials as well.So far, so good. All the meals have been well above average restaurant fair, and given the quality and preparation, quite reasonable. Cocktails are tasty and well poured, the wine list isn't extensive but the selections are good. If you want to bring a bottle from home, corkage is $10.Perhaps the most obvious change is the attitude of the staff, they're really working hard to earn back the business. If you haven't been in awhile, check it out.

This review is for Mother's Day brunch at The Meadows restaurant. The food is average, the service is decent, and the setting is pleasant (with lovely golf course views).The spread was decent, but the quality of the food was quite average:1) Fruit medley - fresh and tasty2) Mac & cheese - decent3) Wild rice - okay4) Salmon - not very good (it was drowning in a not very appealing white sauce and made my mom nauseous)5) Omelette bar - good, though the toppings were a bit limited and the cook overcooked / burned one of our omelettes6) French toast - okay7) Cheese blintz - okay 8) Waffles - dry9) Pecan squares - a bit soggy10) Bagels - decentWe also had an unpleasant experience when we first arrived, but I must acknowledge that the restaurant staff did their best to handle the situation. We were seated at a table adjacent to one with a large family, and the large family indicated to the staff that they needed our table as well to properly accommodate their family. They had made a reservation in advance, as had we. It was unfortunate that the restaurant had overbooked. Our hostess first offered us a table in the bar (which was an isolated space on the other side of building, far away from the buffet). However, when we explained this space would not work for us (especially for my elderly mother, who can't walk very far or fast), the hostess spoke with the manager and found an alternative solution. They set up a new table in the main dining room that was quite close to the buffet - it was in a high traffic area, with lots of people brushing by us to get to the buffet - but it was much better than the previous offer. It was an unfortunate situation (they obviously shouldn't have overbooked in the first place), but our hostess handled it in a very professional manner (when the gentleman from the adjacent table came up to her and said, "You need to reseat these people now" she very professionally responded, "I will not uproot their senior citizens without first finding them an appropriate place to be reseated.") I really appreciated that.The restaurant had lovely floor to ceiling views of the golf course, and I would suggest requesting a table by the windows if you can.Overall, we had a decent Mother's Day brunch at The Meadows, though the food and seating situation could have both been much better.

Mediocre food and even worse service. Don't get confused if they're having an event dinner (which often happens). The restaurant, as you enter from the rear where the parking lot is, is on the left hand side, all the way to the front of the building.Kale salad was plumped up with lots of chopped celery. Ugh! Prime rib was big and properly cooked, but rib-eye steak, supposedly same weight (14 oz), was half the size and almost raw despite both meats being ordered med-rare. Short rib was chuck, not short rib, in a boring marinara. Vegetables on plate were ice-cold. This also happened to the scallop pasta: one order was sauced and perfect - but the other came without any sauce, and everything on it was ice-cold. If you are dragged here against your will, stick to the prime rib or maybe a burger.

This restaurant is amazing. We had a few well made (strong) drinks in the bar, then walked into the dining area where a nice table with a golf course view awaited us.Within 30 seconds a friendly waiter checked in and told us about the specials. He made sure our water drinks were filled, brought out the fresh baked bread, and asked if he could get anyone anything else (drinks, etc.). My brother-in-law Steve and I ordered the 8 ounce prime rib. When it came, it looked a lot larger than 8 ounces. We were both glad we didn't order the larger size. The quality of the prime rib was first rate. Not very much fat at all, and perfectly cooked. The only downside (and this may just be my personal preference) is that I thought the horseradish sauce could have been hotter. It was just a touch on the mild side. Maybe they can offer a choice between mild and hot when people place a prime rib order? This, however, is not worthy of a star reduction... just a suggestion.My sister-in-law Suzie ordered the boneless beef short ribs. She loved it so much she offered bites to everyone at the table. It was delicious.My nephew ordered fish and chips... he didn't share, but said they were the best he's tasted.My wife had the salmon. It came in a very artful presentation. Onion rings on the top, spinach, etc. First rate all the way. She loved it.Two things really going here are the atmosphere, and the quietness. Looking out onto the golf course was very nice. Lack of noisiness was priceless. So many restaurants these days are LOUD. For me, since I'm a bit older now, it's difficult to hear what people are saying when there is a lot of noise. Several of us mentioned how nice it was. We all could relax and enjoy the experience.One of our friends brought in a home made lemon pie, and Julie (manager) didn't have a problem with our BYOD (Bring Your Own Dessert) - just as long as she and the waitress could have a small slice. Julie was very friendly, and it seems like she's trying very hard to offer a first class dining experience to everyone. If you're planning on doing this, though, I'd suggest that you do what we did - call in advance and ask if it would be okay.If you're in the area, I encourage you to come here for drinks and/or dinner. I think you'll be as impressed as we were. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in the area.

My husband and I have dined here often and we never are dissappointed! We love the location - close to home, but not on the main blvd. The staff is attentive and personable. Most impressive - the food! My favorite is the braised short ribs. They are so tender and flavorful every time! The polenta that accompanies them is creamy and delicious, too! My husband had one of the specials - the rack of lamb. He describes them as being superb! We have also enjoyed their salmon and scallops in the past. Last night we finished our meal with the chocolate mousse cake - so yummy!We recommend this restaurant for a great dining experience! It is a gem!!

My wife and I ate there last night (02/17/18), celebrating my wife's birthday. Everything was wonderful - the service was great (albeit, the restaurant was not crowded and there was no event going on) and the prime rib dinner was one of the best we have ever had (every bit as good as the House of Prime Rib in S.F.). We could cut the prime rib with a butter knife, it was cooked perfectly and very tasty. I do not understand why this restaurant is not more crowded - beautiful setting, very nice ambiance, great service, wonderful food, and at a very reasonable price! I hesitated at posting this review, because I enjoy the peaceful experience and fear encouraging a crowd, but the restaurant does deserve the credit for an experience well done!

We were very apprehensive about this place based on other reviews.. bad service, good food.. We wanted good food and were close to this place so we opted to take a chance putting up with bad service for the good food!!Low and behold, our experience was very pleasant.. On a Saturday night around 730 pm, the place was half full, and the staff was on top of it. The bread and water came within a couple of minutes and the pleasant waitress was very attentive the entire time. Throughout the dinner multiple staff came to our table asking if everything was OK. Oh, and the food was excellent. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in Castro Valley.

Went to dinner with a party of eight and absolutely loved it. The food, service and view were wonderful. Julie, Food and Events Manager, was fantastic. She was congenial, along with stopping by periodically to make sure we were satisfied with our food and service. What a wonderful venue and best kept secret in Castro Valley.Don & Sherryl

Great food!!! My husband and I were here on Valentine's Day. Everyone there was so friendly and the food was delicious!! We had the kobe burger with avacado and bacon, the filet minionettes, and the very tasty Moroccan Cake- curry and chicken! Julie was our waitress and she was so friendly. It was a gorgeous scenery at the Meadows. We will definitely be back and bring our daughter. We also want to check out the Bar and Grill next time for lunch.

Today The Meadows earned their fifth star our party of 8 enjoyed a great meal, all of the entree's were perfect Short Ribs, Ribeye Steak, Prime Rib, & Evan the Children's Chicken Strips were all wonderful. Trevor and the wait staff as good as any restaurant I've been. Julie thank you for the Birthday treat. There only open Friday & Saturday for now. They are working hard please their customers and put out a good product. Give them a try. It' worth the trip up Redwood Road. I know we will be back.