The Duchess — Restaurant in Pleasanton

If you're looking for a charming spot in downtown Pleasanton that blends British cuisine with a touch of Parisian flair, 'The Duchess' is a must-visit. We stopped by for brunch on a Friday morning, following a friend's recommendation, and were pleasantly surprised.

The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and undeniably charming--a perfect mix of elegance and comfort. The friendly and attentive staff made the experience even more delightful.

For our entrées, we tried the 'Big Benedict'--a unique twist on a classic with a housemade bun, mini crab cake, avocado, poached eggs, and roasted bell pepper hollandaise. The flavors were well-balanced and downright delicious. We also had the 'French omelette', which was light and flavorful--a great choice.

For beverages, the 'hot chocolate' was a bit underwhelming, but the 'latte with vanilla syrup' was excellent. It had the right amount of sweetness and creaminess, making it a standout in the drink selection.

We couldn't resist dessert, and the 'crème brûlée' stole the show. It was easily one of the best we've ever had--perfectly creamy with a crisp caramelized top.

In summary, 'The Duchess' offers a delightful dining experience, ideal for a meal with family or friends. We'll definitely be returning for another round of their amazing dishes (and more...

🌿 Where Brunch Meets Peace | The Duchess Experience – with a California Soul 👑

I started my morning at The Duchess with The Crown — and it truly lived up to its royal name 👑 Fluffy Belgian waffles, crispy fried chicken, creamy eggs, and that perfect peach compote… every bite felt like a celebration. 🍑🧇🍗

But this place is more than just a brunch spot. Sitting under this magnificent olive tree, I felt something deeper than just shade — it was peace, strength, and stillness. 🌳 It instantly brought Avatar’s Tree of Souls to mind… something ancient and spiritual, quietly grounding me. 🎬🍃

The California sun, the stillness of the courtyard, the light trickling through the branches — it felt like time slowed down. ☀️✨ I took a moment to reflect, plan my week, and just be. It fed more than just my body — it recharged my soul. 📖💭

And a big shoutout to Siyar for the warm, welcoming service — you truly made this experience feel like home. 🙌💛

The Duchess isn’t just a place to eat — It’s a quiet corner of California where brunch becomes a ritual, and nature reminds you to slow down. Can’t wait to return… to reconnect, refocus, and enjoy more mornings like this. 🌿☕

#TheDuchess #AvatarEnergy #CaliforniaBrunchVibes #OliveTreePeace...

While visiting the area during the holidays, my gf and I wanted a small snack on our stroll. Honestly, not much on the snacky side in Pleasanton unless you want a slice of pizza. Anyway, I saw The Duchess from across the street and thought it looked too nice to pass by, even for something quick. It wasn’t too crowded since it was early on a Tuesday night. The ambiance and feel of the place is nice and the waiters were friendly.

Where this place shines, though, is definitely the food. I was skeptical at first, as I am with most restaurants post-Covid, since prices in general have gone up but quality has lowered. I don’t feel that’s the case with The Duchess. Prices aren’t cheap, but finding someone or somewhere that knows how to cook is a rare find these days. I had the cabbage soup (didn’t know that was a thing but it was very well done) and the lobster ravioli. Each item was light and very well done. It really makes me sad that we can’t have more flavors like this in the US. Even if other places served food half of this quality I would be happy.

Take this review as you will, though. I was just a hungry, out-of-state, food critic who found some...