BEST BITES DINING OUT
April/May 2018 87
AMERICAN
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
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. $$
Bird Dog, 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto. 650/656-8180. Inventive
small plates featuring crudo and boutique meats are a specialty
at this energetic, sleek spot. $$–$$$
Birk’s, 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara. 408/980-6400. One
of the Bay Area’s premier steak and chophouses, Birk’s presents
itself as a traditional old-city grill, but then offers a decidedly
contemporary twist. $$
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. $
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. $
The Catamount, 50 University Ave., Los Gatos, 408/442-
5533. Inspired by breezy estates of the South, this restaurant
features an inviting atmosphere alongside modern American
cuisine and a refined cocktail program. $$
Chicago Steak & Fish, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos,
408/354-8858. A wide selection of Five Diamond Harris Ranch
beef cuts and seafood make for a classy dining experience in a
casual setting. $$–$$$
The Counter, Palo Alto, 650/321-3900; Santana Row, 408/
423-9200; San Mateo, 650/212-3200; and locations throughout
the Bay Area. Build your own burger with more than
300,000 combinations to choose from. $
District, 65 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. 669/292- 5252. The wellrounded
menu features shareable plates, pizza, house-made charcuterie,
and wines and whiskeys from around the world. $-$$
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. $$$
Eureka!, 19369 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, 669/266-
6752. Burgers take center stage at this gourmet gastropub. Bone
marrow, bison and Fresno fig are just a few of Eureka’s innovative
interpretations. $$
Flights, Los Gatos 408/354-3434, Campbell 408/364-1564.
Good things often come in threes, and Alexander Hult’s new
eatery in downtown Los Gatos serves its upscale comfort food
tapas-style in “tasty trios” along of flights of wine, beer, and
cocktails. $$-$$$
The Halford, Santa Clara, 408/243-1290. With a flair for fine
dining renditions of hearty dishes that pair well with craft beer,
this anglophile gastro pub dishes out savory favorites like Waygu
flatiron steak and maple-glazed duck leg confit. $
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. $$
Huntington Station, 30 E. Third St., Morgan Hill. 408/779-
3376. Generously portioned beef, chicken, seafood and pasta
entrees are served up in a casual, sports pub atmosphere. $$
Ladera Grill, 17305 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. 408/201-
9200. This eclectic epicurean eatery consistently garners accolades
including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. $$$
Lalla Grill, 55 River Oaks Pl., San Jose, 408/618-8072. The
mirrored 15-foot-long wall of spirits and colorful mod architectural
theme set the tone for vibrant dishes including ahi
ceviche. $$
U l t i m a t e R e s t a ur a n t R e s o ur c e