BEST BITES
timeless Cantonese classics. Bite-sized delights
entice the palate with the traditions of Dim Sum,
which means “a little something from the heart.”
Shareable classics such as mushu pork with stir
fried vegetables, imperial vegetable egg rolls with
glass noodles and lobster and crab pot- stickers
pack in crowds of loyal locals and newcomers
alike. The modern décor draws design inspiration
from ancient imperial motifs, creating a supremely
elegant atmosphere in which to indulge in expertly
prepared Asian fare. $$
Tai-Pan, 560 Waverley St., Palo Alto. 650/329-
9168. Hong Kong-style Cantonese cuisine served
up in an airy, upscale setting. $$
Wenzhou Fish, Noodles & More. 625 N. Sixth
St., San Jose. 408/326-2910. Boasting a prime
location Japantown location, this family-friendly
eatery dishes out steaming bowls of noodles. $
CONTINENTAL
Alexander’s Steakhouse, 19379 Stevens Creek
Blvd., Cupertino. 408/446-2222. A luxury destination
for globally sourced beef and innovative
dishes, Alexander’s has redefined the traditional
steakhouse by melding classic American fare with
Japanese techniques and influences. The result is
an exceptional dining experience where steak takes
center stage, including certified, dry-aged Angus
and authentic imported Japanese Kobe beef. An
extensive wine list features over 2,500 bottles from
around the world, handpicked to complement
everything on the menu. Boutique sake, craft cocktails
and beer are also offered. Vaulted ceilings and
elegant table settings provide a sumptuous dining
atmosphere. The restaurant also boasts a large bar,
private dining rooms and an outdoor patio. $$$
LB Steak, 334 Santana Row, San Jose. 408/244-
1180. Sister restaurant of Left Bank Brasserie puts
modern French twist on American steakhouse cuisine.
Save room for luscious pastry desserts. $$$
Manresa, 320 Village Lane, Los Gatos. 408/354-
4330. Chef David Kinch amazes diners with his
creative, award-winning cuisine. $$$
Mosaic Restaurant and Lounge (Four Points
Hotel), 211 S. First St., San Jose. 408/282-8888.
This stylish bar and restaurant offers an American/
Asian twist on Continental cuisine. $$$
Viognier, 222 E. 4th Avenue, San Mateo. 650/
685-3727. This Cal-French restaurant blends California’s
bounty of fresh food with southern sensibilities.
Features a world-class wine selection and
seasonal dishes. $$$
100 South Bay Accent
ETHIOPIAN
Zeni Ethiopian, 1320 Saratoga Ave., San Jose.
408/615-8282. Inviting spot serves up a tantalizing
variety of flavorful dishes, many vegetarian,
with your choice of spice level. $
FRENCH
Baumé, 201 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. 650/328-
8899. New venture from the Michelin-starred
chef Bruno Chemel. $$$
Black Sheep Brasserie, 1202
Lincoln Ave., San Jose. 408/816-
7251. Stylish Willow Glen
Parisian-style brasserie melds
contemporary and classic
French and Californian
tastes. Full bar offers creative
craft beers and a changing
wine selection. $$–$$$
Chez TJ, 938 Villa Street,
Mountain View. 650/964-
7466. This Michelin-starred restaurant
is known for its high-end,
The
Bywater
contemporary French cuisine and use
of fresh ingredients. $$$
La Mère Michelle, 14467 Big Basin Way, Saratoga.
408/867-5272. Elegance and fine traditional
French cuisine combined with family pride provide
a memorable dining experience. $$–$$$
Navio (Ritz-Carlton Hotel), 1 Miramontes Point
Road, Half Moon Bay. 650/712-7000. This luxurious
seaside restaurant overlooks the panoramic golf
course. $$$
Le Papillon, 410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose.
408/296-3730. Acclaimed for its award-winning
French cuisine, this Bay Area institution blends
fresh ingredients with impeccable preparation. $$$
Left Bank, Menlo Park. 650/473-6543; San Jose.
408/984-3500. Popular eatery features contemporary
French cuisine and a variety of seafood prepared
with fresh, seasonal ingredients. $$$
Melting Pot, 1 Transit Center Way, San Mateo.
650/ 342-6358. Fondue spot features four flavorful
cooking styles and a variety of entrees with dipping
sauces. Be sure to save space for the chocolate
fondue. $$
The Plumed Horse, 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga.
408/867-4711. This 2011 Michelin-starred
restaurant delivers contemporary, seasonal California
cuisine based on solid French techniques. $$$
White Shallot, 3143 Stevens Creek Blvd., San
Jose. 408/246-5251. Serving traditional French
and Vietnamese menu items including ratatouille
and lemongrass tofu. $$
Zola, 565 Bryant St., Palo Alto. 650/521-0651.
Seasonal French cuisine features regionally sourced
meats and produce, complemented by a wide selection
of French and California wines. $$–$$$
GERMAN
Ludwig’s German Table, 261 N 2nd St., San
Jose. 408/771-9871. This spirited German locale
serves grub and brews in a contemporary interior
and outdoor beer garden. $$
Teske’s Germania, 255 N. First St., San Jose.
408/ 292-0291. Starting with appetizers like potato
pancakes and jalapeno cheese stuffed pretzels,Teske’s
serves tasty German comfort food. $$
GREEK
Dio Deka (in Hotel Los Gatos), 210 E. Main St.,
Los Gatos. 408/354-7700. Enjoy authentic Hellenic
cuisine served in a warm, relaxing setting. $$
Evvia Estiatorio, 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto.
650/326-0983. Evvia offers a lighter approach to
traditional dishes. Family-style dining; open spit
for roasting lamb. $$
Myth Taverna & Lounge, 152 Post St., San
Jose. 408/286-7678. Modern Greek cuisine served
in an ultra-urban atmosphere with elegant indoor
or patio dining and frequent live entertainment.
$$
Nemea Greek Taverna, 96
S. First St., San Jose. 408/279-
4225. Serves up modern Greek
cuisine made with the freshest
ingredients and featuring an
old-world-charm-style setting.
$$
Opa!, Multiple South Bay
locations, www.opa authenticgreek.
com. Fresh, homemade
meals steeped in Greek family
spirit and tradition. $$
HAWAIIAN
Coast Poke Counter, 87 N. San Pedro St., San
Jose, 408/320-4372. Located in San Pedro Square
Market, this poke place serves fresh cuts of premium
fish in an elegant setting. $–$$
Da Kine Island Grill, 23 N. Market St., San
Jose, 408/568-9700. Popular for its live Hawaiian
music performances, this feel-good vibe venue specializes
in exotic island-style cuisine $$
Hukilau, 230 Jackson St., San Jose, 408/279-
4888. Hawaii’s greatest culinary hits, including
pupu platters and macadamia infused dishes,
round out the menu of this tropical hotspot. $$
Island Grill, Clarion Hotel, 1355 N. Fourth
St., San Jose. 408/392-2468. This sleek, modern
restaurant serves fresh fusion fare with Pacific
Island flair without a tiki torch in sight. $$
Ray’s Hawaiian BBQ, Laurelwood Shopping
Center, 1330 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo.
650/212-0002. Classic Hawaiian dishes keep this
casual eatery packed with locals. $
Ono Hawaiian BBQ, 1706 Oakland Road, Suite
10, San Jose. 408/573-8988. 1041 Cochrane Rd.,
Ste. 160, Morgan Hill. 408/779-2688. With locations
all over the West Coast, this casual eatery is a
go-to spot for abundant Hawaiian plate lunches. $
INDIAN
Amber India Restaurant, Santana Row
408/248-5400; Los Altos 650/968-7511; Palo Alto
650/329-9644; Mountain View 650/968-1751.
Exquisite presentations and the food is perfectly
spiced. $$
Arka, 725 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Sunnyvale. 408/
733-2752. Indian cuisine that’s authentic and
innovative, and served in a comfortable, modern,
sophisticated setting. $
Darbar Indian Cuisine, 129 Lytton Ave., Palo
Alto. 650/321-6688. The tandoori grill here is outstanding,
as are the chicken and lamb specialties. $
Shiva’s Indian Restaurant & Bar, Castro and
California streets, Mountain View. 650/960-3802.
Enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine served in an
exotic yet casual atmosphere. $$
Vedas Indian Restaurant, 560 N. Abel St.,
Milpitas. 408/945-1500. Authentic Indian dishes
fragrantly spiced and served in a warm, inviting
atmosphere. $$
Pho
Wagon
