From South Korean fare to a vegan paradise, gourmands have plenty to be happy about in Silicon Valley right now.
Baekjeong has become an instant hit at Westfield Valley Fair.
BAEKJEONG
This popular South Korean restaurant boasts a big reputation in its various Southern California locations. But don’t expect the typical chaos of an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue joint. “What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, from our premium, carefully sourced meats to our signature side dishes,” says Samuel Kim, Baekjeong’s senior director of culinary operations. The venue’s superior service also means all meats are perfectly grilled for you at your table. Located in Westfield Valley Fair, online reservations are still hard to come by, and the wait for walk-ins can exceed two hours, so you’ve been warned. 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Ste. 1808, Santa Clara, 650.910.6328, baekjeongkbbq.com
KUMA NORI
After closing its popular Hawaiian brunch spot in San Mateo, husband and wife team Monica and Chad Kaneshiro re-emerged in late 2023 with a new dinner-only eatery. The couple’s interpretations of Japanese izakaya-type dishes maintain the team’s quirky, unconventional style, signature large portions and exceptionally bold Asian flavors. “Our food is deeply personal. Once people figure out what our food is about, we hope to be a place where people can hang out, chill and have a unique and fulfilling dining experience,” says Chad. 1861 El Camino Real, Burlingame, 650.689.5436, @kumanorishokudo
Twelvemonth is owner Bob Trahan’s ambitious all-plant-based restaurant in Burlingame.
TWELVEMONTH
You don’t have to be vegan to appreciate owner Bob Trahan’s ambitious all-plant-based restaurant in Burlingame. Even meat eaters will be impressed by how satisfying each dish on Twelvemonth’s seasonal menu looks and tastes, especially the savory creme brulee appetizer with spiced mushroom broth and preserved lemon, and a cleverly dubbed “Not Paella,” with summer squash and zucchini aioli. We also love the kitchen’s ever-changing array of pasta dishes. “We enjoy introducing diners to a new variety of produce, a new cooking technique or even a new ingredient,” says Trahan. Besides the large, beautifully designed dining room, discover a modern bar and an all-vegan bakery for expertly crafted to-go treats. 330 Lorton Ave., Burlingame, 650.443.7111, twelvemonthburlingame.com
Expect Turkish mezze on the menu at Meyhouse.
MEYHOUSE
The newest location of Palo Alto’s Meyhouse is a larger, more contemporary, stylishly designed version of its sister location in Sunnyvale, but with the same welcoming vibe. The extensive menu offers Turkish cold and hot mezze-style shareable plates like steamed Turkmen dumplings, a fava bean spread with scallions, tomatoes, dill, cumin and paprika. Look for various fish and meats from the resto’s mesquite wood-fire grill. Co-owner Koray Altinsoy wanted a way to share his culture through food and community. “Our approach is not merely about dining. We’re passionate about our craft and our aspiration is that our passion resonates in every meal we serve,” he says. 640 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650.521.0935, meyhouserestaurant.com
The exquisite interior of Meyhouse in Palo Alto
BACKHAUS
The resto’s newly opened second location in Burlingame plays off the success of the original bakehouse in San Mateo. Its minimalist design creates a calm space to linger and enjoy a menu of pastries and new brunch items with flavors influenced by those found in Northwestern Europe. “We’re still, at our core, a neighborhood bakery,” says co-owner Anne Moser. “We strive to connect with our community through unpretentious dishes that tell stories and feed the soul.” 261 California Drive, Burlingame, 650.477.2570, backhausbread.com
Photography by: WONHO FRANK LEE; COURTESY OF BRAND
