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Our incomparable SEMIANNUAL
84 South Bay Accent
Here’s the dish.
DINING GUIDE
pleases your palate
AFGHAN
for whatever
Kabul, 351 W. Washington Ave., Sunnyvale. 408/245-
4350. Entrees include garlicky spinach stew, charcoaled
meats and leek and onion dumplings. $$
AMERICAN
Alderwood Restaurant, 155 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz.
This upscale eatery serves coastal, wood-fired cuisine
including steaks and fresh seafood, finished with French
flair. $$-$$$$
All Spice, 1602 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. 650/627-
4303. Michelin-starred restaurant serves New American
cuisine with Indian and other worldly influences. $$
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. $$$
The Basin, 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408/ 867-
1906. This casual neighborhood bistro in downtown Saratoga
serves up a wide selection of seasonal American fare
tinged with Spanish and Italian influences. $$
Big Basin Burger Bar, 14413 Big Basin Way, Saratoga.
408/647-2136. Enjoy hand-packed, 100 percent grass-fed
beef, bison and turkey burgers plus innovative and ultrapremium
craft beers. $
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. $$
Bosc+Bartlett (Santa Clara Marriott), 2700 Mission College
Blvd., Santa Clara. 408/988-1500. With an onsite chef
garden, this spot specializes in shareable bites, craft beer
and wine and poolside dining. $$-$$$
Bourbon Steak & Pub (Levi’s Stadium), 4900 Marie
P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara. 408/217-2490. Modern
American steakhouse featuring Chef Michael Mina’s creative
interpretations on classic dishes. $$$
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. $
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. $–$$
Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los
Gatos, 408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond
Harris Ranch beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining
experience in a casual setting. $$–$$$
The Counter Custom Burgers, Mountain View,
650/948-2333; Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row,
408/423-9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; Cupertino,
408/477-2917; Fremont, 510/796-8800. The Counter
Custom Burgers is a much-needed update to the
burger joint, featuring fresh, antibiotic- and hormonefree
humanely handled beef, along with other all-natural
options like chicken, bison, vegan and mahi mahi. It
doesn’t stop there; an array of cheeses, toppings, sauces and
an assortment of buns (including gluten-free), customizable
salads and bowls—make for a build-your-own checklist
menu that can produce more than a million combinations.