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South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2016

BEST BITES DINING OUT U l t i m a t e R e s t a ur a n t R e s o ur c e SHUTTERSTOCK/ ANNA_PUSTYNNIKOVA April/May 2016 85 AFGHAN Kabul, 833 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 408/245-4350. Entrees include garlicky spinach stew, charcoaled meats and leek and onion dumplings. $$ AMERICAN All Spice, 1602 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. 650/627-4303. Michelin-starred restaurant serving evocative New American cuisine featuring Indian and other worldly influences. $$ Arcadia, 100 W. San Carlos St. (San Jose Marriott), San Jose. 408/278-4555. Created by Michael Mina, this stylish steakhouse puts innovative twists on classic American cuisine. Also an extensive wine list. $$$ The Basin, 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/867-1906. This casual neighborhood bistro in downtown Saratoga serves up a seasonal American menu tinged with Spanish and Italian influences. Low lighting and inlaid wood tables give the restaurant an elegant look, but the atmosphere is come-as-you-are. Dishes are creatively prepared, using an abundance of fresh, wild and organic ingredients from local sources. Small plates and daily specials are featured, along with standout entrees, such as wild mushroom rigatoni, thick-cut short ribs and hearty flavorful Spanish rice. Specialty martinis are popular at the bar, which also offers an extensive wine list. Enjoy a relaxing meal on the outdoor patio or a successful business dinner in the fully equipped private dining room. $$ Billy Berk’s, 99 S. First St., San Jose. 408/292-4300. This trendy restaurant offers a lively bar and wide-ranging menu of American comfort food with creative ethnic touches. $$ Bird Dog, 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/656-8180. Inventive small plates featuring crudo and boutique meats are a specialty at this energetic, sleek spot. $$-$$$ Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara. 408/980-6400. One of the Bay Area’s premier steak and chophouses, Birk’s presents itself as a traditional old-city grill, but then offers a decidedly contemporary twist. $$ Bourbon Steak & Pub (Levi’s Stadium), 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara. 408/217-2490. Modern American steakhouse featuring Chef Michael Mina’s creative interpretations on classic dishes. $$$ Bradley’s Fine Diner, 1165 Merrill St., Menlo Park. 650/494- 4342. New to the dining scene, an upscale rendering of the classic diner, featuring seasonal dishes from an award-winning father-and-son chef team. $$ Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650/851-8010. Nestled against the hills of Woodside, Buck’s wacky, unconventional interior is as charming as its food is hearty and delicious. Breakfast is legendary. $ Bumble Restaurant, 145 First St., Los Altos. 650/ 383-5340. Farm-to-fork dining featuring seasonal, locally sourced organic ingredients served in a relaxing, family atmosphere. $$-$$$ Café Stritch, 374 S. First St., San Jose. 408/280-6161. Trendy small plates featuring artisan pizza, chicken and ribs in a colorful, artsy atmosphere. $ Capers Eat & Drink, 1710 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408/374-5777. A comfortable neighborhood destination where you can savor exotic drinks and an expertly prepared meal. $-$$ Central Park Bistro, 181 E. 4th Ave., San Mateo. 650/558- 8401. Eclectic wine list, specialty cocktails and wood oven pizzas are among the highlights at this comfortably sophisticated restaurant. $$ Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond Harris Ranch beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining experience in a casual setting. $$-$$$ The Counter, Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row, 408/ 423-9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; and locations throughout the Bay Area. Build your own burger with more than 300,000 combinations to choose from. $ Crepevine, Mountain View, 650/969-6878; Palo Alto, 650/ 323-3900; San Jose, 408/ 297-1100. This popular spot specializes in breakfast and lunch comfort food served up in a familyfriendly atmosphere. $$ Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose. 408/264- 2011. Serving up succulent meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood in a lively, spirited atmosphere. $$$ East Coast Alice, 14560 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408/867- 1639. Long-time Saratoga restaurateur Alice Walsh is bringing


South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2016
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