BEST BITES DINING OUT April/May 2015 85 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. $$ Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara. 408/980-6400. One of the Bay Area’s premier steak and chophouses, Birk’s presents itself as a traditional old-city grill, but then offers a decidedly contemporary twist. $$ 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 awardwinning father-and-son chef team. $$ Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside. 650/851-8010. Nestled against the hills of Woodside, Buck’s wacky, unconventional interior is as charming as its food is hearty and delicious. Breakfast is legendary. $ Bumble Restaurant, 145 First St., Los Altos. 650/ 383- 5340. Farm-to-fork dining featuring seasonal, locally sourced organic ingredients served in a relaxing, family atmosphere. $$-$$$ Café Stritch, 374 S. First St., San Jose. 408/280-6161. Trendy small plates featuring artisan pizza, chicken and ribs in a colorful, artsy atmosphere. $ Capers Eat & Drink, 1710 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408/374-5777. A comfortable neighborhood destination where you can savor exotic drinks and an expertly prepared meal. $-$$ 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 in a family friendly atmosphere. $$ Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond Harris Ranch beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining experience in a casual setting. $$-$$$ The Counter, Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row, 408/423- 9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; and locations throughout the Bay Area. Build your own burger with more than 300,000 combinations to choose from. $ Dry Creek Grill, 1580 Hamilton Ave., San Jose. 408/264-2011. Succulent meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood in a lively, spirited atmoshere. $$$ Flames Eatery and Bar, 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose. 408/971- 1960. Modern take on the classic American diner featuring an eclectic mix of Greek, Italian and American specialties. $$ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650/329-8457. A meat lovers paradise that serves up prime cuts in a modern setting. $$$ Forest on First Café, 129 First St., Los Altos. 650/383-5760. All-natural, locally sourced fare, featuring child-friendly amenities and take-home meal options. $$ Gott’s Roadside, Town & Country Plaza, Palo Alto, 650/326- 1000. Enjoy mouthwatering comfort food made from the freshest local ingredients in a wartm, family-run kitchen. $ The Grill on the Alley (The Fairmont), 172 S. Market St., San Jose. 408/294-2244. The classic American steakhouse, complete with martini hour. $$$ Hangar Steak, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame. 650/552-3505. Part of the Marriott, this standout New American steakhouse offers delightful dining by the bay. $$ Huntington Station, 30 E. Third St., Morgan Hill. 408/779- 3376. Generously portioned beef, chicken, seafood and pasta entrees are served up in a casual, sports pub atmosphere. $$ John Bentley’s, 2915 El Camino Real, Redwood City. 650/365- U l t i m a t e R e s t a ur a n t R e s o ur c e
South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2015
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