Five Culinary Delights Coming to Los Gatos’ Dining Scene
Behind the closed doors of many currently vacant storefronts along Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue, changes are occurring. Delicious changes at that. Five new eateries are in the works, opening along Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue in the coming months.
1. Sidecar Modern Tavern
25 E. Main Street
sidecar7.com
Slated to open in Autumn 2019, Sidecar Modern Tavern is taking over what had been the home of European eatery, I Gatti, for 25 years. Designed to be a neighborhood hangout, Sidecar will offer shareable plates created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, distinctive handcrafted cocktails, and thoughtful service. The property is currently being renovated with an estimated launch date of September.
2. Namaste Indian Bistro
35 E. Main Street
namasteib.com
Just a few doors down, Namaste Indian Bistro (formerly Nick’s on Main before he moved to his new location in the Soda Works and rebranded it Nick’s Next Door) has signs in their doorway announcing they are hiring, which may be harbinger that they, too, will soon open their doors for lunch and dinner service. Namaste’s Chef Dilip creates authentic yet uniquely flavorful Indian fare including curries, dahls, na’an, tandoori chicken as well as drink favorites. The restaurant also has locations in Monterey and Santa Cruz and is a welcomed addition to Los Gatos’s culinary options.
3. The Soda Works
College Avenue adjacent to Nick’s Next Door
Speaking of Nick’s Next Door, Chef and owner, Nick Difu, is launching his newest venture. He is transforming the old Soda Works building, previously a cigar bar, that is literally right next to Nick’s Next Door, into an upscale yet low-key establishment. According to Nick in a Facebook post from May 2nd, the restaurant will be called “THE SODA WORKS” and it will be opening this summer. It will be a separate restaurant from Nick’s Next Door with its own menu focusing on Craft Cocktails, Traditional Cocktails, and Small Plates. It will be upscale with a couple of TVs and will be using the patio when the weather permits. There will be no reservations required or taken; everyone will be served on a walk-in basis.” Running the bar will be Nick’s award-winning master bartender, Jason D. Seele, previously bartender at the recently closed Jack Rose Libation House. Says SanJose.com, “Seele is renowned for his innovative, boundary-pushing cocktails, and one look at The Soda Works’ upcoming menu shows that trend continuing with ingredients like a Japanese whiskey, apples and Lillet Blanc wine in their Golden Age cocktail.”
The property is still undergoing tenant improvements and no hard date has been set for its grand opening.
4. Oren’s Hummus
1 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
orenshummus.com
Another culinary insight provided by the Chamber is that Oren’s Hummus will be eventually moving into the location now occupied by The Walking Store, which will be moving farther downtown to the space occupied by the children’s clothing store, Gymboree. Oren’s Hummus serves truly mouthwatering Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food and has an impressive hummus menu. Falafel, sweet potato fries, warm pita bread, kabobs and skewers, the menu definitely does not disappoint, including dessert! With locations in Mountain View and San Jose, Oren’s is yet another feather in the Town’s epicurean cap.
5. The Pastaria & Market
Relocating to 27 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
thepastaria.com
According to the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, the quaint Italian trattoria currently located on Main Street in an intimate corner location will be moving to North Santa Cruz Avenue, occupying the much larger space that was vacated by Opa! Originally operating as a pasta shop and deli when it first opened in 1995, the restaurant has become a Los Gatos favorite. Its new location will allow many more diners to enjoy its house-made, traditional Italian cuisine. The opening date for the new location is still to be determined.
And, as previously mentioned, Hapa’s Brewery will be opening its Los Gatos location between the Toll House and ACE Hardware in the near future as well.
