Bay Area Restaurant Guide

If you’re looking for a place to eat in the Bay Area, there are so many delicious options to choose from!  These are my ten favorite restaurants on the Peninsula. From special occasion restaurants to breakfast and brunch, make sure to try these the next time you’re in town!

 

Very Special Occasions

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Flea Street Cafe – Menlo Park, California

Located on Alameda de las Pulgas (Avenue of the Fleas, hence the name “Flea Street Cafe”) in West Menlo Park, Flea Street Cafe is the perfect place to go for a special dinner.  Their California cuisine is always farm fresh and delicious. Their freshly baked biscuits are a must-try, and after your meal you can even take some home (highly recommended)!

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Mitsunobu – Menlo Park, California

Chefs at Mitsunobu create beautiful and tasty Japanese cuisine.  Whether you’re in the mood for some incredibly fresh sushi or a multi-course chef’s choice meal, Mitsunobu delivers stunning plates of food with bold flavors.  Located in Sharon Heights Shopping Center, Mitsunobu can make the perfect birthday dinner for sushi-lovers.

 

Light Lunches

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Leland Tea Company – Burlingame, California

If you enjoy tea time, Leland Tea Company, also called Rue du The, is the place for you! Their outdoor patio makes for a peaceful afternoon tea with family and friends. Order freshly baked pastries, choose from an option from their long list of fragrant teas, and try their delicious tea sandwiches. Yum!

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Jougert Bar – Burlingame, California

Jougert Bar, one of the highest rated restaurants on Yelp, serves a variety of different yogurt bowls and drinks, as well as soups and sandwiches. Feel free to make your own yogurt bowl creation or try one of their recommended bowls.

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Asian Box – Palo Alto, California (also located in San Francisco, Burlingame, Mountain View, and San Jose)

Asian Box brings a new meaning to fast food.  At Asian Box, you can choose a protein, base, sauce, and toppings to make your own Vietnamese-style box created exactly to your liking.  Even better, Asian Box only uses farm-fresh and sustainable foods in all of their healthy boxes.

 

Breakfast and Brunch

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Mayfield Bakery & Cafe – Palo Alto, California

If you are looking for a super delish breakfast, Mayfield Bakery & Cafe is the place to go!  They have a variety of options from granola and fresh fruit yogurt to homemade french toast. It’s a must if you’re in the area!

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The Village Bakery – Woodside, California

The Village Bakery is the Calia family’s go-to for freshly baked pastries and brunch.  Eat at their restaurant or make a quick stop at their bakery for pastries and tea. Whatever you do, make sure to try their kouign amann (pronounced “queen amann”), one of my favorites!

 

Best Restaurants for Any Occasion

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Rangoon Ruby Burmese Cuisine – San Carlos, California (also located in Belmont, Burlingame, Palo Alto, and San Francisco)

Rangoon Ruby is one of my family’s most favorite restaurants.  Their Burmese specialties such as samosas, tea leaf salad, and palata bread are always tasty.  Even better, their service, friendly and very informative about their dishes.

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Cuisinett – San Carlos, California

Cuisinett is a small French comfort food restaurant located in San Carlos.  Their food and the restaurant’s ambiance makes you feel like you’re eating at a French cafe.  My favorite dishes include their salmon provencal and moules frites, a traditional French dish of mussels in broth, perfect on a cold winter day.

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Pastis – Palo Alto, California

Pastis, located on food-focused California Avenue in Palo Alto, serves delicious French fare.  This traditional yet innovative French bistro is sure to please your palate with dishes like decadent french toast and assiette de fromage cheese plate.

 

Here is a map I created!

11 thoughts on “Bay Area Restaurant Guide

  1. Marco,
    Fabulous recommendations! I will put these notes in my iPhone for future west coast trips! I do think uncle Max’s homemade yogurt will have to be tasted by you for your review. He makes some pretty yummy stuff (made me think of him when I saw the yogurt place).
    XO

  2. Marco

    I cannot believe you omitted Yat Sing. I know it’s a favorite. (Ha.)

    Seriously, this is a very good and comprehensive list of our regular haunts, Now I’m hungry.

    Dad

  3. All amazing choices. My mouth is watering. I love the photo you chose to introduce this post — it is so enticing. Your descriptions are spot on and concise. Too often, reviews give away too much and get too technical about an experience that is meant for the senses.

  4. Well Done!!!! written like a professional food critic. I felt as if I were dining in every restaurant mentioned .I could taste the food and enjoyed every bite. Will love to visit again to go on a foodie spree. love Grandma Natalie

  5. Awesome Marco! You guys have taken us to a few of those places. I’d agree they were great. Can’t wait to come back and try some more. Nico is wondering if you took the pictures. He’s also keeps telling me now that he is hungry. Do they deliver to Tampa? 🤔 🍱

    1. Thank you! I got hungry while writing it. It would be very cool if they could deliver, but I doubt it. However, we do have a very good ice cream store near us that does deliver!

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