Restaurants
CAMPBELL
Twist Cafe & Twist Bistro
245 & 247 E. Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008
408 374-8982
Although it’s an unassuming neighborhood cafe, Twist Cafe packs some culinary firepower. Co-owner Dominique Faury cooked for years in top U.S. and European restaurants, including Le Bristol, Taillevent and Apicius, Parisian restaurants that earned two and three Michelin stars. Before opening Twist, Dominique’s partner Eileen Faury was executive chef at the Westin Hotel in Palo Alto. Because of the café’s popularity, Twist expanded into the space next door to open Twist Bistro. The bistro menu is decidedly more French than the café and the setting more elegant.
CUPERTINO
Fontana’s Italian Restaurant20840 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408 725-0188
Founded in 1984, Fontana’s Italian continues to servean appealing Italian cuisine that draws on a California-Mediterranean influences. Specialties include scalone indorati, scallop and abalone steak sautéed in egg batter with lemon-butter sauce; rack of lamb with goat cheese mashed potatoes; and filetto alla griglia, beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes, portobella mushrooms and spinach, topped with gorgonzola and a red wine sauce. Full bar and diverse wine list.
Park Place10030 S. De Anza Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408 873-1000
Cupertino’s Park Place is the city’s top choice for fine dining. Located at the prominent corner of Stevens Creek and De Anza boulevards, Park Place combines a plush and inviting dining room and ample outdoor seating with Executive Chef Brad Kraten’s creative, globe trotting menu of dishes like tuna tartare, duck confit nacho, flatbread pizzas and more substantial dishes like the red wine braised boneless short ribs and sautéed sea bass with andouille sausage spiked jambalaya.
EAST PALO ALTO
Quattro2050 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
650 470-2889
Quattro Restaurant and Bar brings high-style, impeccably sourced Italian cuisine to Silicon Valley. Chef Alessandro Cartumini creates an ever-changing menu of modern Italian food that leaves spaghetti and meatballs far behind. The restaurant itself is a beauty. Located in East Palo Alto’s Four Seasons hotel off Highway 101, the restaurant has a sleek modern feel that’s airy and inviting. Contemporary paintings and sculptures on the walls add to the effect. There’s also an appealing outdoor dining area .
LOS ALTOS
Zitune325 Main Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
650 947-0247
Los Altos is a sleepy Silicon Valley suburb, Zitune offers a welcome—and needed—taste of big-city dining. Morocco was colonized by the French and has strong Mediterranean influences in its cuisine, so Moroccan food is familiar, but ingredients like preserved lemon, harissa and argan oil ring it in an exotic glow. Meals at Zitune start with a dish of harissa (a spiced chile pepper and garlic paste) scented hummus, olives and a light eggplant salsa. It’s a great opener for what’s to come. The rest of menu pairs traditional Moroccan ingredients and preparation with an undated, modern style.
LOS GATOS
California Cafe50 University Ave # 260
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408 354-8118
The California Café continues to satisfy with its fresh, inventive and reasonably priced menu of seasonal California-meets-the-world fare from Chef Taylor Boudreaux. Great cocktail list, too. The shaded patio and second-story dining atop Old Town makes the restaurant feel like a Santa Cruz Mountain hideaway.
Los Gatos Brewing Company130 N Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos CA 95030
408 395-9929
Acclaimed chef Jim Stump refined the microbrewery concept to an elegant sit-down restaurant that’s both casual and sophisticated. The Los Gatos Brewing Company serves a menu of California cuisine with hand crafted artisan brews in an artfully restored former auto dealership building in Downtown Los Gatos that’s become a favorite dining spot of locals.
Tapestry11 College Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408 395-2808
Set inside a beautiful downtown Los Gatos Craftsman building, Tapestry continues to serve refined version of California-Asian bistro fare like grilled romaine salad, creative spring rolls, grilled skirt steak, fresh fish and inventive desserts. The intimate dining room adds to the restaurant’s enduring appeal as a dinner date destination.
Valeriano’s Italian Restaurant
160 West Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408 354-8108
Located in a historic converted bank building, Valeriano’s has been a Los Gatos fixture for nearly two decades. Dishes range from beef carpaccio and chops to fresh chilled oysters, and of course pastas and caprese salads. The island bar at front and center is relaxed, conversational and populated by regulars.
Los Gatos’ dining scene is in constant flux, yet The Wine Cellar has remained a fixture since it opened more than 30 years ago. But the subterranean restaurant still feels like a secret because of its intimate location, hideaway bar and menu of upscale comfort food. Tucked under Borders books in Los Gatos’ Old Town, The Wine Cellar continues to please with its menu of fondue, great starters like grilled artichoke and crab cakes and satisfying, Asian and Mediterranean-inspired entrees like soy glazed wild salmon, grilled lamb chops and duck confit. An extensive remodel has given the venerable restaurant a fresh look that keeps this Los Gatos institution going strong.
MENLO PARK – Downtown
Bona Restaurant651-H Maloney
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 328-2778
Menlo Park’s Bona Restaurant shores up the gap in Silicon Valley’s offering of Eastern European food. Specializing in Polish cuisine, Bona Restaurant serves classics of the former Eastern bloc nation like borscht, sourdough soup, stuffed cabbage, potato dumplings, and everyone’s favorite meat pie–pierogi. Also look for Polish poppy seed cake and Polish beers.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
The Cantankerous Fish420 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
650 966-8124
The people behind Scott’s Seafood Restaurant opened Mountain View’s Cantankerous Fish in 2003 and the restaurant has become a classic for simple, but expertly prepared seafood fish in a causal and welcoming atmosphere. Look for popular dishes like grilled mahi mahi with coconut peanut curry, tuna two ways—seared and in a spicy tempura roll, and jambalaya made with fresh scallops, prawns, chicken, andouille sausage, and dirty rice. Great steaks and salads, too. Full bar with an appealing happy hour menu to match.
PALO ALTO
California Cafe700 Welch Rd
Palo Alto, CA 94304
650 325-2233
The California Café continues to satisfy with its fresh, inventive and reasonably priced menu of seasonal California-meets-the-world dishes like pan-roasted sea bass, jambalaya and grilled Kobe tri-tip. Great cocktail list, too. Located in the historic Stanford Barn.
Il Fornaio520 Cowper St # 101
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 853-3888
Palo Alto’s Il Fornaio celebrates the diverse food of Italy with an ever-changing menu of regional cuisine that goes well beyond the same old spaghetti and meatballs. The restaurant surrounds diner in an elegant dining backed with expert service and Italian heavy wine list.
The Fish Market3150 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 493-8862
As the straightforward name implies, Silicon Valley’s Fish Market restaurants focus on doing one thing: serving superior quality, fresh fish. There are fancier restaurant where you could spend more money, but the dependable Fish Market remains one of Silicon Valley’s top spots for seafood. It helps that the restaurant has its own fleet of fishing boats that supply it with ocean fresh fish. The lively raw bar and casual dining room are the go-to places for seafood lovers.
Junnoon150 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-9644
Junnoon is not an Indian fusion restaurant. The food is eclectic modern Indian food, the kind of food you might get at an upscale restaurant in Bangalore or Mumbai. Consulting chef Floyd Cardoz, best known for his high-concept Indian restaurant Tabla in New York City, has teamed up with other chefs at Junnoon who have similar experience with high-end Indian restaurants in New York City, Washington. D.C., and London. In spite of the colorful fabric that hangs over the windows, Junnoon has a muted, earthy feel that’s cool and comforting. There’ s a small bar with wide, comfortable upholstered stools up front near the lounge, and a window-backed corner with low couches and scattered pillows. The techno-ragas playing throughout the restaurant add to its downtown swank.
Reposado236 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 833-3151
Reposado serves traditional and inspired menus of regional Mexican cuisine in an upscale, beautiful setting. Chef Arnulfo “Arnie” Hernandez was born in the coastal Mexican state of Nayarit, but the food at his Palo Alto restaurant Reposado explores a range of cuisines from Mexico. The menu takes classics of Mexican cuisine and several lesser-known dishes and gives them a smart, urbane spin.
SAN JOSE – Downtown
Affinity300 Almaden Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 947-4444
Located within the Hilton San Jose, Affinity matches the cutting-edge stylings of the hotel by providing patrons with a sophisticated, yet relaxed dining experience. The menu offers a unique array of gourmet crepes made using rich, local ingredients. With offerings such as the Sage Crepe with sautéed chicken and mushrooms, served in a cream sage sauce, Affinity is sure to please. Dine either with casual table service in the dining room or al fresco on the beautiful patio.
Arcadia 100 West San Carlos Street
San Jose CA 95113
408 278-4555
2005 Bon Appetit Chef of the Year Michael Mina has done it again. A subtly elegant San Jose restaurant, Arcadia is known serving contemporary American steakhouse cuisine alongside Mina classics like a ahi tuna tartare with sesame oil and hot peppers. An exhibition-style kitchen allows patrons to watch as the chefs prepare favorites like filet mignon and bone-in specialties, and the extensive boutique wine list presents inspired pairing options.
Azúcar Latin Bistro71 E. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 293-8482
Latin American infused cuisine (it’s not Mexican food.) At Azúcar you will enjoy several entrees with traditional ingredients, a plethora of textures and flavors when combined create a unique taste. Set in a tropical yet chic setting, it’s the perfect downtown Latin spot. Close to Hp Pavillion, San Jose Rep & San Jose City Hall. Try their Filet Jalapena (steak) Camarones A La Jalapena (prawns) Ceviche (fish) or Arroz Con Pollo (chicken.) While there, enjoy live music & entertainment. Try one of their famous Mojitos at Happy Hour and stay for dinner & dancing. Azúcar is the perfect beginning or end to any evening.
Billy Berk’s99 S 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408 292-4300
Set in a historic, downtown San Jose brick and timber building with a large island bar, Billy Berk’s is a popular downtown dining spot before concerts, sports games and nights on the town. Variety is the culinary philosophy, with dishes like seared sesame-crusted ahi, dungeness crab, artichoke hot pot, hot and spicy chicken, guava glazed sticky ribs and braised Spanish pork roast among the menu options.
Clubhouse Restaurant & Sports Bar150 S. Second St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408 294-6843
The Club House Restaurant and Lounge is a newcomer to downtown San Jose’s restaurant scene. The S. 2nd Street restaurant takes the sports bar concept to new heights with 35 HD televisions, a great menu of contemporary American food with dishes like diablo wings, sliders, steaks, and flatbread pizza. The Club House also offers a wide selection of international beers and and a full bar.
E & O Trading Company 96 S. 1st Street
San Jose CA 95113
408 938-4100
The building is from the 1800’s and the dramatic décor is open and spacious with artifacts from Southeast Asia. You can order from an incredible selection of dishes from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. The open kitchen is like performance art to go with the ambiance and the food. The menu features an eclectic array of grilled satays, flat breads, and small plates served “family-style”, as well as a unique selection of Big Plates featuring traditional dishes from the region.
Eulipia374 South First Street
San Jose CA 95113
408 280-6161
Back in 1978, Eulipia helped introduce San Jose diners to contemporary California cuisine. For more than three decades, the downtown San Jose restaurant has continued to innovate and continued to satisfy. Almost a decade ago, Metro’s Christina Waters referred to the “delicious durability of Eulipia’s reputation.” That reputation is still strong.
Fahrenheit serves an inventive menu of contemporary cuisine with Asian influences in a stylish, modern ultralounge setting. Patrons can choose from comfortable booths, low tables, bar stools or outdoor seating, where they can keep an eye on a bustling city neighborhood that’s next to San Jose State University and San Jose City Hall. Fahrenheit’s Ahi Tuna Tartare, Fire Grilled Chicken, Steak Satay, Asparagus Rib Eye Steak Rolls and Pan Roasted Mussels are among its signature dishes. As the hour grows later, Fahrenheit heats up with DJ music, cocktail action and a good looking crowd.
The Grill on the Alley174 S. Market St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 294-2244
Classic American dishes served with modern flair, the menu at the Grill on the Alley is sure to suit the tastes of every guest. Steaks from fillet mingon, to New York pepper steak are cooked to perfection and there is always a fresh fish selection and even gluten free selections. Appetizers include fried calamari, artichoke dip, crabcake and steak tartare. For a more nostalgic meal, chicken pot pie, meatloaf and roasted brick chicken are also on the menu.
Il Fornaio302 S. Market St.
San Jose CA 95113
408 271-3366
Il Fornaio is a classy Italian restaurant providing authentic cuisine. Whether craving some Risotto alla Milanese, Pasta Arrabbiata, fine rotisserie chicken or Filet Mignon, this San Jose restaurant provides it all and provides it well. Il Fornaio’s elegant interior, wide windows and fully stocked bar makes it a cozy venue for curious gourmands.
Loft Bar and Bistro90 South 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95113
408 291-0677
Whether you’re seated inside or out, the Loft Bistro is one of downtown premier good times restaurants. The menu offers simple but satisfying dishes like grilled pork tenderloin, panko-crusted chicken breast and braised lamb shanks. The lively bar adds to the appeal and on warm days and nights, be sure to grab a spot at the outdoor, second story patio that looks over the downtown scene below.
Mezcal25 W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408 283-9595
Mezcal serves authentic Oaxacan cuisine in a contemporary setting in downtown San Jose. Traditional regional dishes including three kinds of mole—negro, coloradito and estofado — are on the menu, along with beef pork and chicken dishes. Mezcal has a mezcal and tequila bar with many specialty brands and an open air courtyard patio.
Morton’s, The Steakhouse77 Park Ave.
San Jose, CA 95113
408 947-7000
Downtown San Jose’s Morton’s, The Steakhouse draws upon more than 30 years of tradition. Morton’s cooks USDA prime-aged beef at temperatures that reach up to 1800 degrees. It also serves fresh fish and seafood, including lobster, along with hand-picked produce, appetizers and elaborate desserts.
Pagoda Restaurant170 S. Market St
San Jose, CA 95113
You might not think ‘Fairmont Hotel’ when a hankering for pot stickers and black pepper beef becomes overwhelming, but the simple and well executed dishes at the Pagoda Restaurant make the traipse through the hotel lobby well worth it. The décor is tasteful and the service attentive. The live piano player, who plays anything from Mozart to the Beatles, is an added bonus and makes this a fun and surprisingly romantic place for an impromptu date.
Paolo’s333 W San Carlos St # 150
San Jose, CA 95110
408 294-2558
A San Jose institution for decades, Paolo’s restaurant serves a variety of Italian classics in an elegant setting. Attentive, Old World service and a deep wine list have made it a staple of business diners, romantic nights out and dinners before ballet or theater. The desserts are especially memorable.
Silicon Valley Capital Club50 W. San Fernando Suite 1700
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 971-9300
Talk about a room with a view. Located atop the Knight Ridder building in downtown San Jose, the Silicon Valley Capital Club not only has one of the best views in Silicon Valley, but with chef Michael Miller at the helm it’s got one of the region’s most talented chefs. The members-only club offers members and their guests dishes like charred tomato soup, barbecued foie gras, pepper crusted pork chops, and steamed Maine lobster. Chef Miller also offers cooking classes the last Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm.
SAN JOSE – North
Blue Mango Fine Thai Cuisine635 Coleman Ave
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 885-9222
The menu at Blue Mango has a selection of five different preparations of tofu and an extensive Vegetarian menu. Vegetables, fried rice, noodles and spicy Thai flavors make this the destination for a traditional, yet modern Thai cuisine. The name was chosen for the popularity of mango in Thailand. There are lunch specials, and an excellent catering service.
Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops2050 Gateway Place
San Jose, CA 95110
408 437-2170
Spencer’s at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose serves aged, handcut Prime Steaks, succulent chops and sensational seafood served in a stately atmosphere. Featuring USDA natural and organic steaks and chops. Superior Farms double-cut lamb chops, A wide selection of wines, single malt scotches and small batch bourbons is available.
SAN JOSE – Santana Row
CITRUS Restaurant355 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 423-5400
Citrus restaurant combines a smart, sophisticated setting with an upscale steakhouse menu that features expertly prepared steaks, chops and seafood. From Angus New York steak to Colorado lamb chops to Hawaiian ahi tuna, your dinner starts with the finest ingredients available. Entrees are complemented with an array of gourmet takes on classic side dishes, including a featured mashed potato of the day (such as wasabi and chipotle flavors) and French fries with white truffle essence and fine herbs. Flavorful vegetarian plates are also available.
Village California Bistro & Wine Bar
378 Santana Row #1035
San Jose CA 95128
408 248-9091
A chic bistro and wine bar at Santana Row, the Village’s clientele spans mid-shopping lunchers to dinner dates. The menu highlights California-inspired cuisine crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The wine list emphasizes boutique wineries from around the world, with more than 300 selections, including many half bottles.
Yankee Pier378 Santana Row # 1100
San Jose, CA 95128
408 244-1244
Bradley Ogden’s Yankee Pier at Santana Row is a New England-style seafood house that serves ocean-fresh seafood from two coasts, along with produce from local California farms. Signature dishes include live Maine lobsters, fresh-shucked oysters, a variety of grilled fresh fish and beer-battered full belly clams. Chef Steven Wallin also prepares house-made desserts. Yankee Pier pours a selection of all-American wines, and has a full bar.
SAN JOSE – West
Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi, Too!
5245 Prospect Rd
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 446-9644
The classics of Italian American food are all at Frankie, Johnnie and Luigi, Too! right down to the red-and-white checkered tablecloths and straw-covered bottles of chianti. They’re classics because they’re good. Look for crowd pleasing dishes like lamb osso bucco, baked salmon risotto, chicken parmigiana, and the original “My three brothers and I,” tender medallions of veal, chicken breast and prawns sauteed in a light and creamy Bordelaise sauce.
Kaama385 S. Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95128
408 243-4200
Dedicated to the infinite pleasures of indulgent food, fine libations and good company, Kaama Lounge is a stylish San Jose restaurant and lounge. Located across the street from Santana Row, this intimate dining destination boasts an award-winning chef who scripts innovative menus of comfort food classics re-imagined with worldly influences. The beautiful setting is designed to suit everything from romantic dates to chic dinner parties.
SAN JOSE – South
The Fish Market1007 Blossom Hill Rd.
San Jose, CA 95123
As the straightforward name implies, Silicon Valley’s Fish Market restaurants focus on doing one thing: serving superior quality, fresh fish. There are fancier restaurant where you could spend more money, but the dependable Fish Market remains one of Silicon Valley’s top spots for seafood. It helps that the restaurant has its own fleet of fishing boats that supply it with ocean fresh fish. The lively raw bar and casual dining room are the go-to places for seafood lovers.
SAN JOSE – Willow Glen
Vin Santo1346 Lincoln Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 920-2508
Vin Santo is a local gem in the heart of downtown Willow Glen. Our restaurant strives to provide the highest quality food, service and ambiance.
SANTA CLARA
The Fish Market3775 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 246-3474
As the straightforward name implies, Silicon Valley’s Fish Market restaurants focus on doing one thing: serving superior quality, fresh fish. There are fancier restaurant where you could spend more money, but the dependable Fish Market remains one of Silicon Valley’s top spots for seafood. It helps that the restaurant has its own fleet of fishing boats that supply it with ocean fresh fish. The lively raw bar and casual dining room are the go-to places for seafood lovers.
Parcel 104 celebrates regional American cuisine with a fresh and inventive menu created by celebrated chef Bradley Ogden. A recent remodel makes this one of Silicon Valley’s most appealing dining rooms and bars.
Piatti Ristorante & Bar3905 Rivermark Plaza
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 330-9212
Santa Clara’s Piatti offers an easy-to-love, refined approach to Italian food. Located in Santa Clara’s Rivermark Plaza, Piatti offers hard-to-resist dishes like saffron marinated grilled quail, ziti with wild boar ragu, beer-braised cornish game hen, grilled Loch Duart salmon, and mustard crusted grilled Niman Ranch pork tenderloin. The extensive, Italian heavy wine list makes a great match. The restaurant also offers a great happy hour with bar snacks like fried risotto balls filled with mushrooms and Parmesan, house-made mozzarella with cherry tomato medley and arugula, and prosciutto, with pickled vegetables and housemade rosemary bread.
SARATOGA
Restaurant Sent Sovi14583 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
408 867-3110
Restaurant Sent Sovi is a beloved Silicon Valley favorite for intimate dining presided over by chef-owner Josiah Slone. Slone changes his menu quarterly. Cooking with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is de rigueur in Bay Area restaurants, but Slone’s cooking takes this edict to new levels of deliciousness.
SUNNYVALE
Ginger Cafe398 W. El Camino Real, #114
Sunnyvale CA 94087
408 736-2828
Flavorful dishes hailing from the Pacific Rim, with a bias toward Thailand and Southern China, populate the lengthy menu at Ginger Café. This casually elegant, intimate Sunnyvale dining spot is situated in a naturally-lit round dining room appointed with soft earth tones, rich woods, curtains, wooden Buddhas and ceiling fans. Ginger Cafe serves a menu that includes artfully presented dim dum, creative entrees, flavorful soups, salads and appetizers, including a range of vegetarian options. The full bar pours wines and a top shelf of premium spirits.
Il Postale127 W. Washington Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
408 733-9600
In the heart of Sunnyvale, Il Postale serves Italian American cuisine in the historic brick building that was once the home of Sunnyvale’s post office. Its open kitchen, the restaurant’s centerpiece, prepares pasta, fish, meat and vegetarian/vegan options. Il Postale also has a full wine list and wines by the glass, a full bar and outside patio dining.
Thanks for sharing such a huge list. Really helpful.
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