Merging urban sophistication with a relaxed suburban attitude, Metro Lafayette is a stylish destination serving big city food. With the largest outdoor patio in the east bay, it's the perfect place for al fresco dining amongst mulberry trees, fragrant lavender and rosemary bushes and trellised vines. Metro has been honored the past three years with the prestigious Michelin Guide Recommendation.

The menu features an eclectic mix of California-French dishes including Maine Peekytoe Crab Cakes with avocado-green garlic mousse; Duck Confit Spring Rolls with spicy lime dipping sauce; Roasted California Halibut with tomatillo-crème fraîche, poblano chiles & fingerling potatoes; and Grilled Wolfe Ranch Quail with French red rice, watercress salad & green olive vinaigrette.

Owner/sommelier Jack Moore offers a wine list that appeals to all budgets and palates. The sleek interior, by Berkeley-based designers Sheahan + Quandt, make diners feel like they've ventured out of suburbia. Having spent much of his career managing the front of the house for celebrity chefs in northern California, Moore's vision is to offer innovative dishes and refined service in a sophisticated environment. A full bar, raw bar, and large outdoor patio anchor the space. With more than 20 years' experience at renowned restaurants in the Bay Area, Executive Chef Steve Jaramillo creates dishes that impress locals as well as those venturing east of the Caldecott.

Metro recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of Metro Montclair in Montclair Village. Visit www.montclairmetro.com or call 510/339-3322 for more information.

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