Jin Sho offers standard sushi restaurant favorites, such as California rolls, cucumber rolls, fancy rolls, sashimi and nigiri, and teriyaki dishes alongside some unexpected choices. Try the specialty miso blackened cod or the chef's choice omakase menu. Fixed-price menus are available at both lunch and dinner. Desserts such as panna cotta and black sesame ice cream provide a satisfying end to the meal, and a wide variety of sake is also available. The sushi chefs come from the acclaimed Nobu restaurant in New York City and are highly skilled and passionate about food.
For more than 20 years, Le Papillon has offered an elegant setting in which to enjoy world-class French cuisine. Try the veal and duck dishes and sample from the extensive wine list. The setting is gorgeous and the dishes are painstakingly hand-crafted. Every dish that comes out of this here kitchen, is a work of art, in the truest sense. The restaurant itself is no less impressive, with spacious, elegant interiors bathed in demure mood lighting that pleases even the toughest critics. Another noteworthy feature of the restaurant is its service, that comes second to none - exceptionally attentive and efficient, they will make sure you leave Le Papillon feeling thoroughly satisfied and pampered to a fault. There are set menus available for those who cannot to choose among these phenomenal offerings. All in all, Le Papillon is an exquisite French restaurant, the epitome of fine dining in the capital of Silicon Valley - a definite must visit.
The Wine Room is literally as its name suggests: a dining space resembling the drawing room of a house rather than an establishment with a traditional bar counter. It is situated in a one-story house with a flat red roof and a bright outdoor lamp at its entrance, exuding a rustic charm. Inside there are sofas in red and cream hues with quirky patterns, mantelpieces with vases, black couches, and whimsical decor that adds a rather Asian glamor to the place. The idea is to taste globe-spanning wines in the way one wishes to, without worrying about critical reviews, the preferences of wine connoisseurs and the price of the bottle. Guests can sip wine such as Pinot Grigio, Rhône Blend, Riesling Spätlese, Tempranillo, Merlot and J Vineyards. The bar also serves a selection of tapas platters like Marinated Olives and wine-infused desserts. For the best experience, join the Wine Club and check their website for regular events. This lounge also host engagements, birthdays, theme parties, business functions and wedding receptions.
La Bodeguita del Medio brings authentic Cuban flavor and flair to Palo Alto - its other location - the original, is in Havana, Cuba. The restaurant features Cuban favorites for lunch and dinner such as arroz con pollo (chicken and rice with plantains) and seafood paella. Salads, vegetarian dishes, Cuban pulled pork sandwiches, plantain chips and several types of seafood are also available. The bar features a full cocktail menu, one of the largest selections of rum available, an extensive wine list, and Cuban beers that are not available anywhere else in the area. A traditional Cuban meal finishes with a cigar, glass of rum and dessert: after dinner guests are welcome to choose a cigar from the walk-in humidor and take their cigars and drinks into the indoor cigar divan (lounge) or outdoor patio.
Rediscover Italian cuisine at Caffe Rialce, which serves irresistible dishes at good prices. The enticing menu consists of pastas, pizzas and entrees, out of which the Concetta’s Cannelloni and Lamb Shank are a must try. Each item is carefully prepared in keeping with traditional Italian recipes, thereby leading to a fine authentic flavor. Private events can be successfully held in this large space, seating 250 persons at a time. The staff is well-versed with the menu and can give good suggestions about the choice of wine.
Academic Coffee on South 2nd Street is a Contemporary-style coffee shop. Opened in 2017, they serve an extensive variety of specially-brewed, high-quality coffees. In addition to coffees, they also serve teas and baked goodies like croissants, pastries, muffins and more. Patrons can even buy their choice of coffee and tea bags that are sourced from locations like Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and others. This cafe is a must-visit for coffee and tea lovers.
A Slice of New York is a pizza specialty restaurant with branches in San Jose and Sunnyvale. Here, you can create your own pizza by selecting a base, cheese and toppings. However, if you choose to go for their pre-created delights, their menu offers a good selection that includes Sutton Place with fresh mushrooms, Coney Island topped with pineapple and Canadian bacon, and Times Square, a blend of onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic and olives. The pizzas are complemented by Italian desserts such as Tiramisu as well as cake platters. This restaurant offers plenty of options for vegetarians too.
If you dream of lazy days listening to street jazz musicians while sitting in the hot Louisiana sun munching on seafood gumbo, look no further than Creola in San Carlos. With award-winning New Orleans-style cuisine featuring favorite Creole and Cajun specialties, this restaurant is sure to transport you to a spicier place. Standout flavorful dishes include Cajun Jambalaya, Catfish Belles Chase and the always savory Shrimp Creola. The cocktail list is equally as fun and flavorful with signature drinks like the New Orleans Hurricane and the Cajun Dirty Martini.
Fambrini's is an informal lunch spot popular with local office workers that is truly a hidden gem. Located above Bank of America, order your sandwiches, soup and salads at the counter and enjoy them on their outdoor rooftop terrace. On weekends, this is a perfect spot for a wholesome breakfast or lunch with family and friends. Especially on a sunny day the place is like summer on your plate. Their portions are quite generous and the prices are very reasonable. Be sure to try their tri-tip sandwich. When in Palo Alto a visit to Fambrini's Terrace Cafe is a must!
Radio African and Kitchen is the creation of chef Eskender Aseged, who immigrated to the Bay Area from Ethiopia in the late 1980s. Aseged started off in the restaurant business by hosting "pop up" events in his home and nearby cafes, serving Ethiopian cuisine to groups of friends. Now Aseged has put down roots in the Bayview district with Radio Africa. Traditional Ethiopian dishes are served with seasonal organic produce, hearty grains and nuts, freshly caught seafood and exotic spices. The menu changes weekly, so there is always something new to try.
Though this is the second location of the popular Phnom Penh House which opened first in Chinatown in 1986, it is the only one now in the city with its flagship eatery closing down to move to another town. Owned and run by brother-sister duo, Ty and Linda Do, this arguably the best place to get a taste of Cambodia. The rustic ambiance just adds to the charm of this eatery. Their extensive menu has something for everyone. Try their appetizers like Prahok Katis (ground pork in coconut milk and Cambodian anchovy sauce and Noum Om Beng (Cambodian crepe with choice meat or coconut and bean sprout stuffing) to whet your appetite. Savor piquant curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, fermented sauces, rice dishes and noodles. They also have good options for vegetarians as well. Complement your meal with a draft beer or wine.
Dolce Sicilia rules the hearts of the locals, serving a few of the most delectable Italian food options in San Jose. This cosy little cafeteria is a great place to grab a latte with dessert and enjoy it with your family or friends. Modestly furnished, the cafe has an inviting aura. Most of the options on their menu are vegetarian and child-friendly. Their menu specials include pasta, cakes, croissants, and cookies. They also serve a decent variety of breads and soups. Sweet tooth lovers may find this place a great destination for munching on good dessert options.