OpenTable Diners’ Choice Restaurants on the Peninsula
Every month, online eatery reservation system OpenTable evaluates the newest reviews of its more than 400,000 diners, gathering information on which restaurants received glowing accolades. In May, three of the top ten winners were located in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Menlo Park. People from all over the Silicon Valley as well as California and the nation visit these top-notch establishments; if you haven’t been, we (and thousands of others!) recommend dining at Evvia Estiatorio, Chez TJ and Flea Street Café.
Evvia Estiatorio
Mediterranean and Greek Cuisine
420 Emerson Street, Palo Alto
650-326-0983
Reservations
2782 reviews | 4.8 stars | 90% of diners recommended
Named in honor of the largest Greek island, this Mediterranean and Greek-inspired bistro located on Emerson Street in Palo Alto is a favorite among OpenTable diners. A sister restaurant to San Francisco’s Kokkari Estiatorio, Evvia has been a fixture in Palo Alto for almost 25 years. Serving lunch, dinner, and dessert, their authentic Mediterranean menu is bursting with a variety of tantalizing appetizers, flavorful fish, savory roasted meat dishes, and seasonal vegetables, all served simply with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of olive oil. Diner favorites include grilled octopus appetizer, salmon entrée and the decadent baklava ice cream. Reservations are a necessity and must be made in advance.
“From the warm environment we walked into through the last taste of dessert I was impressed. The ambiance in this restaurant is what dinner reservations used to be. It is beautiful, warm, and well thought out. There is an extensive menu of authentic Mediterranean Cuisine and a lovely attentive staff to serve you. We enjoyed fresh whole fish, a succulent roasted chicken dish, a beautiful phyllo dough dessert and a very strong cup of coffee to send us out fully satisfied at the end of the meal. Everything was wonderful. Thank you Evvia for not just a delicious meal but a wonderful setting to enjoy it.” — Laura F. from San Francisco
Chez TJ
Contemporary French Cuisine
938 Villa Street, Mountain View
650-964-7466
Reservations
1187 reviews | 4.8 stars | 95% of diners recommended
Chez TJ is an award-winning, Michelin starred eatery in the heart of downtown Mountain View. Located in what was once a Victorian residence, the ambiance is one of European elegance and sophistication complimented by its lively French dishes. The prix fixe menu “encourages a relaxed, enjoyable evening of dining and conversation” while the four dining rooms “provide intimate settings for special dinners with family and friends”.
In addition to the prix fixe menu, there is a Chef’s Tasting Menu offered at $195. Any meal can be accompanied by a wine pairing for $120. Chez TJ is no stranger to being top of its game, having also received top restaurant awards from the SF Examiner in 2007, San Francisco Magazine and the San Jose Mercury News as we as achieving top scores from Zagat and Gayot Dining Guides. Menu favorites are the lobster ravioli, chilled corn soup, and the refreshing peach sorbet.
“AMAZING! The environment, the staff, the sommelier, the food, were all so amazing. We have such a great time there. My fiancé and I were blown away from every dish that we tried. I have recommended this place to several of our friends and we are planning on going back again. Thank you for a wonderful evening. We can’t wait to go back again!” — OpenTable diner from Dallas
Flea Street Café
California Cuisine
3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park
650-854-1226
Reservations
1965 reviews | 4.7 stars | 91% of diners recommended
Open for dinner only, Flea Street Café has been among the top rated restaurants in Silicon Valley since 1980. The meld of contemporary Californian and American dishes celebrate the bounty of the west coast with freshly caught fish, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and grass-fed and pasture-raised meats. Cultured and inviting, Flea Street’s sustainable menu offers “innovative yet approachable cuisine showcasing the very best of the season.” Distinctive cocktails feature small batch liquors while the wine list centers around California wines, with an emphasis on vintners from the Santa Cruz Mountains. In July 2017, Flea Street’s Oysterette was launched on the small outdoor deck, serving a new menu of raw oysters, avocado toast, and other menu delights along with signature cocktails.
“Flea Street Cafe is one of my top three restaurants in the universe! The cuisine is always creative and delicious. And don’t miss the house-made sorbet!” – Laurel from San Francisco
“Flea Street remains an excellent restaurant. Delicious food, meticulously selected and beautifully prepared. Worth every penny.” – Nancy P. from San Francisco
Evvia, Chez TJ, and Flea Street Café are just three of Silicon Valley’s amazing array of high-caliber restaurants. The next time you are looking for a culinary adventure, you simply can’t go wrong with these OpenTable Diner’s Choice Winners!
