Best Californian Restaurants in Los Altos

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Roja Los Altos

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Los Altos

Booked 12 times today

Roja Los Altos, located in the charming neighborhood of Los Altos, stands out as a beacon of French cuisine, despite its American Restaurant House description with Spanish and Italian influences. Diners consistently praise its authentic French offerings, with reviews highlighting dishes like the "Coq au Vin" and "Duck Confit Tortellini" as exceptional. The restaurant's commitment to high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients shines through in its French cuisine, making every dish not only a meal but an experience. Patrons describe the ambiance as "perfect for a beautiful evening," and the service as impeccable, with one noting, "the best vodka martini available anywhere." Roja Los Altos is highly recommended for those seeking a genuine taste of France in the heart of Los Altos.

2. Cetrella

4.7

Exceptional(857)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Los Altos

Booked 6 times today

Cetrella in Los Altos is a beacon of Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair, consistently lauded for its unique and inspiring menu that captures the essence of California's rich culinary heritage. The restaurant's atmosphere, described as both stylish and intimate, complements its innovative dishes like the lobster campanelle and king salmon on cauliflower cream, prepared under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Josuë Monterrosas. Praised as "exquisite" and "remarkable" by diners, Cetrella delivers an exceptional dining experience. Reviews often highlight the "great ambiance, service and food," making it clear why this establishment remains a cherished gem in the Los Altos culinary scene.

A photo of Dinah's Poolside Restaurant restaurant

3. Dinah's Poolside Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(811)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Palo Alto

Booked 6 times today

Dinah's Poolside Restaurant in Palo Alto is a quintessential American dining experience, celebrated for its delightful fusion of classic and contemporary flavors. Serving the Palo Alto area for over 55 years, Dinah's boasts a commitment to fresh, local ingredients, featuring cage-free eggs, free-range meats, and sustainable produce. The ambiance, highlighted by poolside views, enhances the dining pleasure, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Diners consistently rave about the quality, with reviews praising the "perfect steak frites" and "delicious clam chowder." The restaurant's ability to blend a relaxed setting with upscale American classics like steak and seafood makes it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. As one reviewer puts it, Dinah’s offers "great food, great service, and great ambiance," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic American cuisine in a charming environment.

4. Sekoya

4.7

Exceptional(144)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Palo Alto

Booked 22 times today

Sekoya Lounge & Kitchen in Palo Alto is a gem for those seeking an authentic Californian dining experience. Celebrated for its modern American cuisine with a Northern Californian flair, Sekoya offers a farm-to-table concept that truly stands out. With local, organic produce and sustainable seafood, every dish reflects the freshness and innovation of California. Guests rave about the "high quality, crazy good preparation" and the "eclectic menu" that transforms dining into a delightful culinary adventure. The fresh baked bread, house-made desserts, and the Hibachi Grill add a bespoke touch to the dining experience, making Sekoya a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Californian cuisine in a setting that pays homage to the iconic Sequoia and Redwood trees native to the region.

A photo of Naschmarkt - Palo Alto restaurant

5. Naschmarkt - Palo Alto

4.8

Exceptional(384)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Palo Alto

Booked 22 times today

Naschmarkt in Palo Alto is a premier destination for Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Austrian twist. This family-owned gem has been delighting diners since 2011 with its exceptional food quality and an inviting ambiance. Reviewers rave about their culinary experience, highlighting dishes like the "delicious beet stroganoff" and "homemade chicken apple sausage with caramelized onions and sauerkraut," which truly "knocked it out of the park." The authenticity of their Austrian-inspired dishes, combined with Californian freshness, such as the "perfectly cooked and seasoned" pork chop and the praised "Wienerschnitzel," makes Naschmarkt a culinary standout in Palo Alto. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and service shines through in glowing testimonials, making it a must-visit for an extraordinary dining experience.

A photo of Scratch (Mtn View) restaurant

6. Scratch (Mtn View)

4.2

Awesome(2340)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mountain View

Booked 18 times today

Scratch in Mountain View is a gem for American cuisine lovers, offering a delightful blend of American classics with a modern twist. Praised for its "delicious" and "perfectly prepared" dishes, Scratch ensures each meal is a testament to the bounty of American ingredients. From succulent braised short ribs to fresh seafood from the oyster bar, there's something for every palate. Patrons rave about the "extensive wine and cocktail list" and the "fresh and tasty" food that make every dining experience memorable. With its inviting outdoor dining and a commitment to fine American cookery, Scratch guarantees an "out of this world" meal in a "lovely atmosphere." Whether it's for a casual happy hour or a special occasion, Scratch is highly recommended for anyone seeking authentic and high-quality American dishes in Mountain View.

A photo of Wildseed Palo Alto restaurant

7. Wildseed Palo Alto

4.7

Exceptional(99)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Palo Alto

Booked 57 times today

Wildseed Palo Alto is a beacon for plant-based cuisine enthusiasts, offering a vibrant array of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, this restaurant prides itself on using the freshest seasonal produce from Northern California, ensuring that each dish, from the polenta cakes to the pea ravioli, bursts with uncompromised freshness and taste. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, noting the "amazing food/menu choices" and the "fabulous delicious healthy dining that is tasty and filling." Whether you're a seasoned vegan or a curious foodie, Wildseed Palo Alto promises a culinary adventure that's both satisfying and sustainable, making every meal a delightful celebration of plant-based goodness.

8. Caffe Riace

4.6

Exceptional(262)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Palo Alto

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Palo Alto, Caffe Riace offers a slice of Italy with its authentic and meticulously crafted Italian cuisine. Since its inception in 1997, this family-owned trattoria has become a beloved destination for those seeking genuine Italian flavors and a warm, family-style atmosphere. Guests rave about the "terrific" Bolognese and the "excellent" Sicilian variations of Italian staples, affirming the restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian cooking. The outdoor piazza dining, reminiscent of Italy itself, enhances the experience, with one reviewer exclaiming, "Outside piazza feels just like Italy!" Whether it's the intimate indoor settings or the lively outdoor patio, Caffe Riace promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience right in California Avenue, Palo Alto.

A photo of St. Michael's Alley restaurant

9. St. Michael's Alley

4.8

Exceptional(788)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Palo Alto

Booked 18 times today

At St. Michael's Alley in Palo Alto, the essence of American cuisine is elevated to an art form. Established in 1959 and reinvented in 2009, this restaurant has been a cornerstone of culinary excellence, blending traditional American flavors with innovative presentations. Diners rave about standout dishes like the mushroom cake and the perfectly cooked Branzino, with one patron noting, "The food, the service, and the atmosphere were all top notch." The restaurant's ability to maintain high standards over the years is evident from the glowing reviews, such as, "Always impeccable. We've been coming here for years...You won't be disappointed." The cozy yet sophisticated ambiance, combined with a menu that captures the diversity and richness of American cuisine, makes St. Michael's Alley a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in Palo Alto.

A photo of Wild Onion Bistro & Bar restaurant

10. Wild Onion Bistro & Bar

3.9

Excellent(49)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Palo Alto

Booked 2 times today

From plant-based pleasers to soul-satisfying comfort foods, Wild Onion, is a tribute to very essence of California cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cathievip
California Central Coast •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were probably the loudest group there. 8 of us. Dinah’s is very warm and welcoming with delicious food.
More info
Dinah's Poolside RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Palo Alto
•
4.5
N
Nadiavip
California Central Coast •106 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellence all around, delicious & authentic cuisine, the veal schnitzel was amazing as always. The service was top in terms of attention, gracious, friendly welcome, quick to respond to any request and cozy delightful venue! A real gem in Palo Alto. Our favorite to have a lovely meal! Thank you team!! We certainly will be back again & again!!
More info
Naschmarkt - Palo AltoPrice: Expensive• Austrian• Palo Alto
•
4.8
F
Fred
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I ordered the lamb shank and thought it was overcooked. My wife ordered the short ribs which were rather tough. The ambiance, wine list and service were great but the experience was overpriced.
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CetrellaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Los Altos
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The staff were very friendly and attentive. The decor was beautiful and made a great date night for my girlfriend and me. The mushroom tempura, skewers, and ahi tuna were the stars of the show for me!
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SekoyaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Palo Alto
•
4.7
C
Cheryl
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent customer service. One of the new partners in the restaurant came to our table and talked about their vision. When he had to leave the restaurant unexpectedly, he made sure someone came back to our table to find out how our meal had been. Food was also excellent. There were just enough options on the menu—not too few or too many choices. We will definitely return!
More info
Roja Los AltosPrice: Expensive• Californian• Los Altos
•
4.5

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Best Californian Restaurants in Los Altos

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Roja Los Altos

2. Cetrella

3. Dinah's Poolside Restaurant

4. Sekoya

5. Naschmarkt - Palo Alto

6. Scratch (Mtn View)

7. Wildseed Palo Alto

8. Caffe Riace

9. St. Michael's Alley

10. Wild Onion Bistro & Bar

See what locals rave about

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