From enjoying a simple meal with family and friends to a celebrating a milestone birthday or entertaining out-of-town guests or clients, there are noteworthy South Bay restaurants to suit every occasion come dinnertime. Looking for Michelin-starred French cuisine in Mountain View, thoughtfully prepared Mexican in San Jose, modern Vietnamese in Palo Alto, or classic New England-inspired seafood favorites with a waterfront setting in Half Moon Bay? We’ve got you covered on all fronts. Here are our South Bay Best Dinner picks in the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, San Jose and the coast, selected by our editors — look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.
Featured Photo: The Farmers Union
In and around the Peninsula
135 S B St, San Mateo
Curry Pizza House has been around for a while, with locations all around the country and many in California, but San Mateo recently got one of its own. For a unique fusion of flavors from other cuisines with beloved Italian pies, the crafty curry pizza menu reflects a variety of traditional Indian dishes and spices. There is also a classic pizza menu for those that aren’t feeling as adventurous.
3130 Alpine Rd unit 350, Portola Valley
Portola Bistro draws its inspiration from French and Italian influences for a charming, European dining experience. There are classics like pizza and unique creations of their own, but all are served with an elevated twist.
135 Castro St, Mountain View
There are a surprising number of beer gardens in Redwood City (ie, more than one). And yet, we need more. Das Bierhauz in particular is German-inspired, with German dishes and a comfy atmosphere. There’s also an outdoor patio for the nice nights or those that like the fresh air. Pair your meal with one of their German draft beers to wash everything down.
1143 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos
650.593.4269
Since Ajay Walia opened Saffron in 2003 in San Carlos, the restaurant has been winning fans with its flavorful modern Indian fare, including appetizers like lamb sliders topped with chutney and slaw on a hot buttered bun and masala spice-dusted fries and signature curries like the signature makhani daal, black lentils simmered for 24 hours with tomatoes and spices. Save room for a scoop of Humphry Slocombe rose and fennel ice cream spiked with candy-coated fennel seeds.
This charming eatery specializes in Californian-New American cuisine: think fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu is constantly changing, but exceptional comfort food is a constant. If you enjoy a spicy cocktail, we recommend the Comin’ In Hot. Make sure to save room for dessert, it will most definitely be worth it.
At Oak + Violet’s chic new American restaurant inside The Park James Hotel, cocktails and sharable starters like the crispy Brussels sprouts and shrimp and prosciutto croquettas, as well as mains like the grilled ribeye with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, garner high marks from locals and visitors alike, who also appreciate the many veg and gluten-free options on the menu. Enjoy it all in the elegant dining room or, better yet, in the spacious outdoor courtyard, where there are plenty of couches to spread out with a group. Regular live music performances and island-inspired Friday happy hours with tropical drinks and bites provide two more reasons to visit.
546 University Ave., Palo Alto
This modern Vietnamese spot has an extensive menu of unique small and large plates. The upscale, chic décor matches the Michelin-star food and incredible service. We recommend the Banh Mi Roti and Garlic Noodles, and don’t miss their lengthy cocktail list. The drinks are just as tasty as they are aesthetically pleasing.
62 E 4th Ave, San Mateo
Tang Bar has just opened a second location in San Mateo, following their first in Stonestone Galleriea; the hot pot restaurant is originally from Australia. They offers tons of options for toppings to add to your noodles, from different kinds of meat and seafood, to plenty of veggies. There’s even a vegan mushroom broth for those that prefer it.
242 State Street, Los Altos
Named after proprietor Andrew Welch’s son, Asa focuses on elevated American classics like a pork chop with roasted apples, sauteed kale and mashed potatoes, but also takes a cue from Spain and Italy with dishes like saffron- and paprika-infused paella Valencia with shrimp and chorizo and a rich carbonara pasta. Fittingly, the robust wine list showcases stellar winemakers from both California and Europe, however the exquisitely crafted seasonal cocktails are also not to be missed.
2120 Broadway, Redwood City
This 100% Halal restaurant serves dinner and lunch, each with extensive menus. Start your meal at Varam with a mid-course such as their paper masala and follow it up with an entrée like the “Varam” chicken curry.
2967 Woodside Rd., Woodside
A high-end eatery specializing in American cuisine. Grab a seat on their back patio, kept warm by multiple heat lamps and surrounded by plants and Meyer lemon trees, the ambiance is one of a kind. The menu changes seasonally to always offer the freshest fare year round, so you can’t go wrong with anything. If you’re having a tough time choosing, the pub burger is a fail-safe. Save room for the chocolate soufflé.
1105 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos
San Carlos is welcoming the newest Turkish restaurant, Esnaf. The name comes from the Turkish word for artisan business, reflecting the restaurant’s authentic Turkish details in the menu and dining room.
In and Around Silicon Valley
115 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
This historic Victorian mansion at 115 N. Santa Cruz Ave in Los Gatos has a new tenant: Gardenia. This Asian-French fusion coffee house and restaurant is the flagship location for Gardenia Coffee Inc. Enjoy dishes like smoked Wagyu brisket French dip and grilled tako “escargot,” along with a mimosa flight featuring guava, strawberry and peach.
Every month, Ritual at Manresa brings chefs from international Michelin-starred restaurants to Los Gatos for three-week residencies each month with Chef David Kinch joining as culinary ambassador.
One of the most reviewed restaurants on Yelp in the South Bay, Orenchi Ramen is a popular, intimate Japanese spot known for their ramen dishes. While you must try their ramen, we also recommend ordering the karaage and shishito peppers.
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd #1891, Santa Clara
Transport yourself to the scene of elevated dining in modern Hong Kong and China at iCHiNA. Traditional dishes, premium wine, and cocktails complement the lavish ambiance at this contemporary Cantonese restaurant. An internationally recognized and esteemed culinary team is dedicated to enhancing flavors while preserving the heart of classic dishes like Peking Duck. Reserve a table at the JiuBa lounge for an unforgettable afternoon tea and dim sum or try the fully immersive and multi-sensory Virtual Reality Dining experience where an 8-course tasting menu is matched with audio and visual effects designed to complement the menu and stimulate the senses.
25 E Main St., Los Gatos
A New-American tavern serving high-quality dishes and drinks. You can expect a laidback atmosphere, ‘90s music, and speedy service at Sidecar Tavern. Come for the drinks, but stay for the food. We recommend ordering family style to try as many dishes as possible, but don’t miss the cauliflower appetizer. If you’re coming for dinner, book a reservation in advance.
40 N Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos
The Lexington House is a contemporary eatery serving seasonal California cuisine in downtown Los Gatos. Although indoor dining is limited, the attractive outdoor patio’s atmosphere is equally as elegant and comfortable. We recommend skipping the entrees and ordering multiple small plates. The beautifully presented small plates pack big flavor with quality ingredients.
Ensconced in a charming 1894 Victorian home in the heart of downtown Mountain View, Michelin-starred Chez TJ boasts its own garden, from which many of the ingredients for its contemporary French dishes are sourced. You never know what will be on chef Christopher Lemerand’s nightly multi-course tasting menu, which draws inspiration from the bounty of the Bay Area, as well global flavors, but that is part of the experience. Diners can choose to complement their meal with a curated wine pairing.
In and Around San Jose
With just six items on its menu and nothing over $4.99, it’s no surprise that San Jose’s Campus Burgers has stayed busy. The $1.99 basic smashburger paired with Campus Burgers’ midnight closing time is a late night snack match made in heaven — especially given that the San Jose State University library is just a short walk away from the burger joint.
1098 Lincoln Ave
408.600.0810For fans of the sweet and tiny Sausalito taqueria — brainchild of Joanne Weir and Larry Mindel — this new location at Willow Glen will be a welcome experience. The new space is 6,300 square feet, two floors, entrees and large plates on the first floor and smaller plates are served on the rooftop terrace.
151 W Santa Clara St., San Jose
A cozy tavern with American eats, craft beers, and multiple TV’s making it a great sport-watching spot. From Smoked Brisket Tacos to Spicy Prawn Linguine, there’s something on the menu for everyone’s taste buds. We recommend the Fried Chicken with buttermilk smashed potatoes and bacon gravy, you will not be disappointed.
Named for the Hindi word for passion, this restaurant in San Jose’s Santana Row shopping district brings just that to their contemporary Indian cuisine. Fitoor celebrates the country’s diverse cuisine while using local ingredients, and the restaurant cultivates a sophisticated atmosphere with live music and sleek, modern decor.
Sit back and enjoy the show at Flowers Saratoga. Their tagline — Beautiful Food Meant to be Shared — says it all. A sensory treat from the elegant decor and theatrically presented dishes to the artfully prepared cocktails, your instagram feed will thank you.
Luna prides itself on its wholesome Mexican food prepared with clean ingredients using ancient methods, starting with the masa for its tortillas, which is made daily using the ancestral method of nixtamalization, where corn is soaked in alkaline overnight, rinsed and then ground with stone. Standouts include a variety of enchiladas, from mole poblano to rojas; cochinita pibil, 24-hour marinated, achiote-citrus pork, slow-braised in banana leaf; and the chile relleno stuffed with roasted corn, squash, cheese and quinoa. There are plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options here, as well as a robust menu of signature and classic margaritas, tequilas and mezcals.
Known to fans of La Folie and Left Bank Brasserie, acclaimed chef Roland Passot hones in on Mediterranean flavors, creative cocktails, and Mediterranean and California wines at this culinary gem on San Jose’s Santana Row. The colorful array of small plates includes lamb and beef kufta meatballs with pomegranate, pine nuts and tahini and a trio of creamy dips, while larger portions include lamb shank “tagine” served atop a bed of couscous spiked with dried pears, cranberries and golden raisins and vegan potato gnocchi in a broth flavored with Calabrian chili and sundried tomatoes.
181 E Santa Clara St, San Jose
With Italian-American flavors and atmosphere, Rollati Ristorante serves the classic dishes with some dishes inspired by seasonal marketplace ingredients. They have housemade pasta as a main attraction, but pizza and other tasty Italian classics complement the menu, too.
In and Around The Coast
For the adventurous eater, Dos Pescados has now opened in Aptos, with a new and creative menu. This is not your average Mexican joint, as many of the dishes have a funky fusion flavor twist. And most of the plates come as tapas style, which is essential for trying multiple dishes.
Open since 1987, Pasta Moon embodies the farm-to-table concept in real terms, building its menu around organic produce, the catch of the day, and the finest cuts of meats and poultry. Eco-friendly and inventive, you’ll find a world of house-made pasta here ranging from puttanesca to lasagna to pappardelle and beyond. Don’t sleep on the drinks either. There is a bevy of unique seasonal cocktails offered like the Tulum margarita with Hornitos reposado tequila, jalapeno agave, lime and cranberry, and the Atticus Finch, with Old Forester bourbon, Campari, benedictine, and plum bitters.
Sitting on this New England-inspired seafood house’s expansive oceanfront patio perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific with a platter of oysters and a glass of rose in hand is a perfect way to watch the sun go down. Follow it up with one of Sam’s many sustainable seafood specialties like paella spiked with clams, mussels, scallops and prawns; lobster spaghetti for two; local halibut with wild mushrooms and sherry cream sauce; and of course, a steaming bowl of chowder, available in both New England and Manhattan varieties.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
