Fuki-Sushi, 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/494-9383. Fresh seafood, vegetable and rice delectables, teriyaki and light, crispy tempura are the mainstays at this longtime local favorite gathering place. $$ Hachi Ju Hachi, 14480 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/647-2258. Traditional Japanese cuisine featuring pure, simple, flavorful dishes. $$ 94 South Bay Accent Jin Sho, 454 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. 650/321- 3454. A small but innovative menu mixes imaginative appetizers with traditional sushi and sashimi in a cozy, but elegant atmosphere. $$ Katsu, 160 Main St., Los Gatos. 408/ 354-0712. Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine is carefully prepared with fresh, local ingredients. $$$ Kazoo, San Jose. 408/288-9611; Willow Glen. 408/971-7754; Campbell. 408/871-1250. This traditional family-style Japanese restaurant serves an exclusive variety of delectable items. $-$$ Kubota, 593 N. Fifth St., San Jose. 408/279-8440. An excellent upscale pan- Pacific menu featuring seasonal specials and year-round favorites. $-$$ Kyoto Palace, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell. 408/377-6456. Traditional teppanyaki restaurant in Pruneyard Shopping Center since 1976. $$$ Masa’s Sushi, 400 San Antonio Road, Mountain View. 650/941-2117. In addition to sushi, you’ll find tempura and chicken and beef teriyaki. $-$$ Nami Nami, 240 Castro St., Mountain View. 650 964-6990. Cutting-edge, kappo-style Japanese cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. $$ Rokko, 190 S. Francis St., Sunnyvale. 408/ 732- 7550 (also located in San Jose). Full range of tasty fare, from fresh sushi to hot udon. $ Wakuriya, 115 De Anza Blvd., San Mateo. 650/286-0410. Serves multicourse kaiseki entrees featuring fresh seafood, poultry and meat. $$$ MEDITERRANEAN Arya Global Cuisine, 19930 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 408/996-9606. Enjoy Mediterranean, Italian and Persian tastes, as well as belly dancing on weekends. $$ Cin-Cin Wine Bar and Restaurant, 368 Village Lane, Los Gatos. 408/354-8006. Tastefully appointed bistro offers a creative menu of bold flavors using organic and sustainable ingredients. $$ Mizu, 1035 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose. 408/ 260-7200. Sushi bar and grill features fusion menu including Korean barbecue. $$ Odeum, 17500 Depot St., Morgan Hill. 408/782- 5151. Combines Greek and Roman cuisine with Spanish influences served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. $$$ Olio, 384 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408/378- 0335. With flavors from all across the Mediterranean, this stylish spot features an open kitchen and bar with hard-to-find wines. $$ Thea Mediterranean, 3090 Olsen Drive, San Jose. 408/260-1444. Sophisticated and stylish, the Greek and Turkish cuisine is heavenly. $$ Zucca, 186 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/864- 9940. Gorgeous trattoria purveys the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. $$ MEXICAN Agave, 194 Castro St., Mountain View, 650/969- 6767. Traditional Mexican flavors from old family recipes blend with health-conscious, Californiastyle of cooking. $$ Andale, 6 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 408/395- 4244. Mexican meets Southwestern, featuring mesquite-grilled meats and fresh salsas. $ BEST BITES DEALS ON MEALS There’s something about a comfortable, neighborhood café—a go-to place that’s good for grabbing a quick bite on a busy day or relaxing over a long lunch with a friend. Bumble in downtown Los Altos (145 First St.) takes the friendly café concept one step farther by offering supervised playtime in its bright children’s room. For an added fee, youngsters are kept happily engaged while their parents dine on organic and locally sourced dishes in the charming, 100-yearold cottage. Outstanding items on the seasonal menu include $12 sandwiches, such as the Veggie Melt—roasted Portobello mushroom, cheese, avocado and watercress topped with basil aioli on a toasted brioche—and a tasty BLT, with applewood bacon, sliced turkey, lettuce, avocado and sundried tomato pesto. The kids’ menu, which includes six child-friendly “bento box” options, will please even the most finicky eater. While the delicious Italian illy coffee is certainly a draw, those who frequent the Purple Onion Café (26 E. Main St., Los Gatos) also appreciate the inventive menu that elevates this eatery beyond the realm of a local deli. On the lunch menu are such treats as homemade tomato basil soup, grilled salmon salad with baby kale, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds, and a terrific Thai turkey sandwich. Look for specials like “decadent triple threat pork belly baguette” or delectable spiced pear pie. Hearty portions and affordable prices are hallmarks at Café Rehoboth (655 N. Sixth St., San Jose), a homey spot in Japantown that serves up authentic Ethiopian fare spiced to your preference. The menu includes beef, poultry, lamb and vegetarian entrees starting at $9. Eat with your fingers or ask for utensils; the helpful staff is always ready to answer questions and guide the novice diner. Try Doro Wat—fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks coated in a yummy, mild berbere sauce. Traditional American food (with some Mexican dishes thrown in for good measure) makes up the huge menu at Bajis Down the Street Café (2423 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View). Whatever you crave will no doubt be here, whether it’s the fried chicken and waffle special or a hot pastrami sandwich with melted jack cheese. Build your omelet from the array of ingredients at the omelet bar, or customize a skillet meal or a quesadilla. You definitely won’t leave this place feeling hungry or broke. —D.K. Casa de Cobre Café Pro Bono
South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2014
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