108 South Bay Accent
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. Second
St., San Jose. 408/771-9871.
This spirited German establishment
serves grub and brews in
a contemporary interior and
outdoor beer garden. $$
Teske’s Germania, 255
N. First St., San Jose.
408/292-0291. Starting
with appetizers like potato
pancakes and jalapeno
cheese–stuffed pretzels,
Teske’s serves tasty German
comfort food. $$
Wursthall, 310 Baldwin
Ave., San Mateo. 650/931-
4282. Led by James Beard
Award-winning Chef Kenji López-
Alt, this gourmet bierhaus serves handcrafted
pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut and other
German delicacies. $$
GREEK
Dio Deka (Hotel Los Gatos), 210 E. Main St., Los
Gatos. 408/354-7700. This innovative, yet Old
World establishment emphasizes Hellenic cuisine—
a melding of Greek and Mediterranean influences—
with healthy seasonal fare such as fresh fish, the
highest quality meats and sun-loving fruits and vegetables.
The menu transports diners to Athens as they
sup on authentic appetizers such as lamb meatballs,
spanakopita and grilled octopus, traditional Greek
village salad and entrees such as Mediterranean
Branzino, mesquite grilled lamb
chops. Also on offer is an incredible
selection of USDA Prime steaks
from Allen Bros. of Chicago.
Dio Deka impresses with more
than 1,200 wine labels, as well
as a variety of Greek beers
and a selection of premium
Ouzo from top producers in
Greece. $$-$$$Evvia Estiatorio,
420 Emerson St., Palo
Alto. 650/326-0983. Evvia
offers a lighter approach to traditional
dishes. Family-style dining;
open spit for roasting lamb. $$
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. $$
Ono Hawaiian BBQ, 1706 Oakland Road, Suite
10, San Jose. 408/573-8988. 1041 Cochrane Rd.,
Ste. 160, Morgan Hill. 408/779-2688. With locations
all over the West Coast, this casual eatery is a
go-to spot for abundant Hawaiian plate lunches. $
Ray’s Hawaiian BBQ, Laurelwood Shopping
Center, 1330 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo.
650/212-0002. Classic Hawaiian dishes keep this
casual eatery packed with locals. $
INDIAN
Amber India Restaurant, Santana Row 408/248-
5400; Los Altos 650/968-7511; Palo Alto 650/329-
9644; Mountain View 650/968-1751. Exquisite
presentations and the food is perfectly spiced. $$
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. $
Shan, 3739 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408/248-
8433. Fine Indian and Pakistani cuisine featuring
savory dishes rich in Eastern culinary traditions. $
INTERNATIONAL
Arya Steakhouse, 885 Middlefield Road,
Redwood City, 650/367-4939. Fine
steaks and Persian cuisine are the
focus of this upscale dining establishment,
and a variety of wellseasoned
dishes round out the
extensive menu. $$$
Kumino, 580 N. Rengstorff
Ave., Mountain View.
650/964-3300. This casual
setting for creative cuisine and
fusion fare is a must-do destination
for frugal foodies. $
ITALIAN
Bella Saratoga, 14503 Big Basin Way,
Saratoga. 408/741-5115. Wonderful Italian dishes
such as salmon ravioli and eggplant parmigiana.
Charming outdoor seating available. $$
Café Pro Bono, 2437 Birch St., Palo Alto. 650/
326-1626. A local favorite for years, Café Pro Bono
offers an elaborate dining experience in a warm,
friendly atmosphere. Dinner choices are seemingly
endless, from classic Italian pasta dishes such as
spaghetti with Bolognese sauce and organic lemon
linguine and clams to creatively prepared Mediterranean
entrees such as Greek chicken smothered in
fresh oregano sauce or Niman Ranch filet mignon
BEST BITES
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. $$$
LB Steak, 334 Santana Row, San Jose. 408/244-
1180. Sister restaurant of Left Bank Brasserie puts
a modern French twist on American steakhouse
cuisine. Save room for luscious pastry desserts. $$$
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. $$$
ETHIOPIAN
Zeni Ethiopian, 1320 Saratoga Ave., San Jose.
408/615-8282. Inviting spot serves up a tantalizing
variety of flavorful dishes, many vegetarian,
with your choice of spice level. $
FRENCH
Baumé, 201 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. 650/328-
8899. New venture from the Michelin-starred chef
Bruno Chemel. $$$
Black Sheep Brasserie, 1202 Lincoln Ave., San
Jose. 408/816-7251. Stylish Willow Glen Parisianstyle
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, contemporary French cuisine
and use of fresh ingredients. $$$
Le Papillon, 410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose.
408/296-3730. Acclaimed for its award-winning
French cuisine, this Bay Area institution blends
fresh ingredients with impeccable preparation. $$$
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. $$$
Melting Pot, 1 Transit Center Way, San Mateo.
650/342-6358. Fondue spot features four flavorful
cooking styles and a variety of entrees with dipping
sauces. Be sure to save space for the chocolate
fondue. $$
Navio (Ritz-Carlton Hotel), 1 Miramontes Point
Road, Half Moon Bay. 650/712-7000. This luxurious
seaside restaurant overlooks the panoramic golf
course. $$$
Pho Wagon
The Sea
