By Lucy Ladis By Lucy Ladis | December 12, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature,
These are the hardest reservations to make in Silicon Valley.
Boasting a Michelin star, this inventive resto has an approachable yet elevated menu that is worth the stop. Lunch and dinner services include multiple courses at a set price alongside optional caviar service—expect notable dishes like the Maine lobster spaghetti and wood-grilled filet mignon, perfectly paired with something from the 104-page wine list. 2967 Woodside Road, Woodside
Chef Mark Sullivan transports customers back to the ’40s with his old-school menu bursting with Hollywood charm. The three-course prix fixe menu serves up fan favorites like the handmade ricotta gnudi, honey-lacquered duck breast and the Black Label burger. Alongside the caviar service, the hot spot boasts “The Coldest Martini on the West Coast.” 3001 El Camino Real, Atherton
Located in a historic Victorian home built in 1894, expect cozy yet sophisticated environs at Chez TJ. Offering contemporary French cuisine, the eatery serves a singular chef’s tasting menu crafted with high-quality ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind experience each night. 938 Villa St., Mountain View
It’s easy to see why Ettan’s reservation list is always at least two weeks out—the resto promotes an entirely original dining experience with a ring of mezzanine seating and a menu curated by Indian-Cal chef Srijith Gopinathan. Experience luxe dishes such as the Kerala fried chicken, local lamb pepper roast and familial comfort butter chicken. 518 Bryant St., Palo Alto
Protege is an elegant, intimate dining experience serving up new American cuisine in seven sumptuous courses. For a more casual experience with all the prestigious quality, grab a seat in the lounge, anchored by a modern 10-seat bar promoting house cocktails paired with ricotta dumplings or the bone-in Berkshire pork chop. 250 California Ave., Palo Alto
The owners of Flowers drew from their Italian and Greek heritages, making fresh ingredients and hospitality the heart of their restaurant—think plush chairs and pastel colors that create the perfect setting for a sumptuous Sunday brunch. With an extensive dinner menu boasting selections like the diver scallops, roasted bone marrow and the wagyu mini slider trio, Flowers truly offers something for everyone. 14577 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
This Palo Alto staple is built on the Hellenic tradition of hospitality, simultaneously crafting exquisite Greek fare for all to enjoy. The knowledgeable kitchen utilizes the wealth of fresh produce, meats and seafood in California, crafting authentic Greek dishes that transport guests back to the old country. 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto
The sleek environs at ASA allow the food to take center stage, with delectable dishes such as the Argentine steak and the carbonara showcasing the Italian and Spanish influences embedded in the resto’s kitchen. Guests are warmly greeted by owner Andrew Welch and politely asked to limit their dining to two hours, which is completely manageable due to the restaurant’s fast-paced service. 242 State St., Los Altos; 57 Los Gatos Saratoga Road, Los Gatos
Influenced by the rich cultures of California and Japan, chef Robbie Wilson’s prix fixe menu is sure to please. The inventive menu highlights striped bass, heritage pork tenderloins and additional caviar service. The sleek decor and boozy cocktail menu make this the perfect date night spot—just be sure to book your table in advance! 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto
Honoring Japanese culture, chef Hiroshi Kimura serves only the finest ingredients in his 12-course omakase menu. The resto holds only one table, made of Keyaki wood from an 800-year-old zelkova tree, that seats up to eight guests. Reservations for this uberexclusive resto can be made a week out and required advanced payment. 328 Main St., Los Altos
Originally named Casa De Tableta at its founding in 1852, Rosotti’s Alpine Inn has been attracting the luxury crowd for over a century. Check out the rustic beer garden’s extensive menu, including savory smoked brisket tacos, the Alpine double burger and an heirloom and burrata flatbread. The cocktail menu also inspires, with ginger Palomas, seasonal slushies and an endless selection of beer. 3915 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
Photography by: BY CARLOS LINDNER/UNSPLASH
