Menlo Tavern, 100 El Camino Real Menlo Park.
650/330-2790. This warm and inviting neighborhood
tavern features classic American comfort
food. Breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner
menus highlight regional and seasonal ingredients,
and patio dining makes the laid-back yet sophisticated
space a hit with aficionados on the weekend.
The extensive wine-by-the-glass, cocktail and
craft brew selection draws a lively tech-savvy after
work and late-night crowd. Locals network over
cocktails, such as the Mint Julep, harkening back
to classics, along with on-trend newcomers like the
whimsically named “Respect Your Professors.” This
versatile new venue is already a buzz-worthy local
destination. $$
Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way, Moss
Beach. 650/728-5595. Historic tavern offers
breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and a menu of
all-natural meats, wild-caught seafood and organic
produce, along with select wines and cocktails. $$
Orchard City Kitchen (The Pruneyard) 1875 S.
Bascom Ave., Suite 190, Campbell. 408/340-5285.
Led by Michelin-recognized Executive Chef Jeffrey
Stout, OCK offers inventive, seasonal dishes. $$
Parcel 104 (Santa Clara Marriot) 2700 Mission
College Blvd., Santa Clara. 408/ 970-6104. Seasonal
menu from acclaimed chefs Bradley Ogden
and Jonathan Hall combines freshness and sophistication.
$$$
Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave, San Jose.
408/320-1711. Thanks to deep roots in the San
Jose culinary scene, this homey spot elevates the
neighborhood restaurant concept. $–$$
Paul Martin’s, Mountain View, 650/917-9941;
San Mateo, 650/212-7400. Wide-ranging selection
of tasty seafood, beef and poultry dishes served in a
relaxed, contemporary setting. $$
Prime 109 Steak & Libation House, 43968
Pacific Commons Blvd, Fremont. 510/544-0034;
4150 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, 408/519-
3119. With craft cocktails and superlative steaks,
this eatery oozes old school elegance and charm. $$$
Protégé, 250 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650/494-
4181. Modeled after The French Laundry, this seasonally
driven restaurant features four-course dining
and a topflight wine and spirits program. $$-$$$
Roots + Rye, 3055 Olin Ave., San Jose. 408/429-
2909. Buzzing with energy, this lively “new American”
restaurant specializes in handcrafted signature
cocktails and contemporary comfort cuisine. $$
Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops (Doubletree
Hotel), 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose. 408/437-
2170. Spencer’s delivers exquisite prime beef
dishes. $$$
Sundance The Steakhouse, 1921 El Camino
Real, Palo Alto. 650/321-6798. Since opening
its doors in 1974, this upscale, family-owned and
operated steakhouse has earned critical acclaim
as one of Palo Alto’s top dining destinations. Pair
selections from the nationally recognized wine
list with exclusively aged, prime graded steaks or
indulge in house specialty, slow-roasted prime rib,
in the candlelit mahogany dining room. In addition
to the award-winning beef, Sundance prides
itself on fresh, succulent seafood, jumbo cold-water
lobster tail, savory side dishes and decadent desserts.
You’ll also enjoy the vintage sports lounge,
featuring an inviting fireplace and offering a full
dinner menu, handcrafted cocktails, local micro
beers and premium wines by the glass. $$
The Table, 1110 Willow St., San Jose. 408/638-
7911. Hot spot from Jim Stump, serving contemporary
American cuisine complemented by
hand-crafted cocktails and progressive wines. $$
Tender Greens (Stanford Shopping Center), 180
El Camino Real #1050, Palo Alto. 650/285-6702.
This casual farm-to-table eatery serves healthy fare
in a bustling buffet setting. $
Tessora’s Barra Di Vino, 234 E Campbell Ave.,
Campbell. 408/626-7711. An array of wines by the
glass, taste, flight along with craft brew and bites
make Tessora’s Barra Di Vino a local favorite. $
Umami Burger, 452 University Ave., Palo Alto.
650/321-8626. Specialty and classic burgers with
carefully crafted combinations of toppings. $$
The Van’s Restaurant, 815 Belmont Ave., Belmont.
650/591-6525. Hungry diners looking for a
late-night steak or prime rib can also choose from
lamb chops, fresh fish and pasta. $–$$
Vault 164, 164 S. B St., San Mateo. 650/348-8164.
An eclectic selection of American-style cuisine, with
a wide variety of aged steaks, chicken, pasta, sustainable
seafood and organic produce. $–$$
Village California Bistro & Wine Bar, 378
Santana Row, Suite 1035, San Jose. 408/248-9091.
August/September 2019 87
