Luke C.D. Stein — Peninsula RestaurantsThese are some of our favorite restaurants to eat at in the SF Bay peninsula area. Recommendations are very much welcome. SplurgeChez T.J.
Wonderful New American, although we’ve heard things may have gone downhill since the former chef’s departure. Kaygetsu
Gorgeous, delicious, contemporary kaiseki, featuring seasonally-appropriate menus. SpendyBistro Elan
Their French-inflected New American food has been a pleasure the several times we’ve eaten there. Nice service and a starched-but-convivial atmosphere round out the package. Evvia
Winning Greek; we share one moussaka and one whole fish. La Bodeguita del Medio
Classy California Ave. Cuban. Tasty food and a fun atmosphere. The cigar area in the back is a nice place for a few (not inexpensive) drinks. ModerateApplewood Pizza
Topping-loaded medium-dish pizzas in a wood paneled venue straight out of the 1970s. We think it’s great, but note mixed opinions (some neighbors call it “Craplewood”). Back-a-Yard
Other than an early closing time and limited table space, it’s hard to find a complaint about BaY’s great jerk everything. The chicken rocks, but the salmon and pork are even better. We haven’t yet sampled their barbecue or fried seafood menus. Don’t skip the corn festivals. The Counter
A truly delicious fat burger. For me? Blue cheese, grilled onions, pineapple, and roasted peppers, please. And bring the sweet potato fries with the burgers, not before. Darbar
Consistently good, filling Indian in downtown Palo Alto. Check for good coupons (always available online, with even better ones in the Stanford phone book). We like the keema chole. Ginseng Korean BBQ & Tofu
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ was delicious, and the service was notably excellent. Especially with their periodic coupons, a deal that can’t be beat when we’re hungry. Higuma
A home-style Japanese restaurant on El Camino in Redwood City? We never would have guessed. No particular element is amazing, but solid sushi, cooked food, decor, service, and prices make for a great all-around package. Queen House
Greasy, wonderful Chinese food on Castro in Mountain View. Three main dishes for $20 is an amazing bargain; the three cup tofu could be worth that much by itself. We usually hit Tea Era next door for pearl tea afterwards (and ask for “half sweet”). Shabuway
A contemporary shabu-shabu chain. I’d invest. (So Gong Dong) Tofu House
The kimchi tofu with pork and bi bim bap have become like comfort food for us. CheapLos Gemelos
Super-cheap, delicious beef-focused taqueria on Middlefield Road in Redwood City’s “Little Michoacan” neighborhood. Hand-made tortillas, spicy barbacoa, sopes. A new favorite. El Grullense J&G
A salmon-colored taqueria on El Camino between Stanford and Mountain View. Come for the carnitas, stay for the carnitas (and horchata). My first taqueria love. In-n-Out Burger
I love burgers, and this is a great “thin” burger in my book. My standard stop on the way back from the airport. Go for animal style. El Viejo
Great papusas at this downtown Redwood City Salvadorian. Pork, beans, cheese, loroco, and various combinations of the above have all been winners. Good (and slightly different) horchata. Special featuresBrunchFu Lam Mum
Our new go-to dim sum joint on Castro in Mountain View. La Pachanga
Great Mexican breakfast options (chilaquiles are a winner), including vegetarian. University Cafe
We did not initially have high expectations, but are consistently happy with the brunch dishes here. A shame the “pig sandwich” came off the menu. |