SVDINING are gracefully presented at this attractive restaurant. Beer, wine. 11:30am-2pm Tue-Fri, 5-9pm Tue-Sat. 250 Third St. 650.941.8150.
ALDO LOS ALTOS Italian. $$. Downtown Los Altos is ghostly quiet after dark but Aldo has injected some life into this corner of town with its lively wine bar, friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. 11am2pm, Mon-Fri; 5pm-close daily. 388 Main St. 650.949.2300.
BEAUSÉJOUR Continental. $$$. Elegant seafood, meat and game dishes lean toward reducing fat without compromising taste. Call for reservations. Full bar. Lunch 11:30am-2pm Mon-Fri; 5-9pm daily. 170 State St. 650.948.1382.
CHEF CHU’S Chinese. $$. Speedy service, superb preparation and the ability to cater to varied tastes keep this landmark in business. Full bar. 11:30am-9:30pm Mon-Thu, 11:30-10pm Fri, noon-10pm Sat, noon-9:30pm Sun. 1067 N. San Antonio Rd. 650.948.2696.
ESTRELLITA RESTAURANT Mexican. $$. Estrellita’s reverence for regional Mexican cooking distinguishes it from the enchilada-and-taco masses. The menu is full of Mexican-American standards, but the changing selection of specials make this restaurant a star. Full bar. 11am-2pm, 5-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-2pm, 5-9:30pm Fri-Sat, 5-9pm Sun. 971 N. San Antonio Rd. 650.948.9865.
LOS ALTOS GRILL American. $$. The handsome Los Altos Grill celebrates big plates of grilled meat and fish with plenty of fixings on the side. Try the spit-roasted chicken, fresh fish and big burgers. The long, horseshoe-shaped bar is a big draw, too. Full bar. 4:30-9:30pm Sun-Mon, 4:3010pm Tue-Sat. 233 Third St. 650.948.3524.
SATURA CAKES FrenchJapanese bakery. $. Satura Cakes offers sweet treats for adult tastes. A Japanese take on a French patisserie, these confections are prepared fresh daily and meticulously
crafted using the finest organic ingredients. 8am-8pm daily. 200 Main St. 650.948.3300. (Also 320 University Ave, Palo Alto. 650.326.3393.)
SUMIKA Japanese. $$. Sumika is a Japanese pub, but that doesn’t do it justice. It’s elegant, yet still a great place to drink beer and sake. The specialty is kushiyaki, small bites of grilled chicken, beef and vegetables cooked on bamboo skewers over charcoal. 11:30am-2pm, 6-10pm Tue-Fri, 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-11pm Sat, 5-9pm Sun. 236 Central Plaza. 650.917.1822.
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ALDO’S Italian. $$$. A warm and engaging atmosphere sets the scene for fullbodied flavors and healthy ingredients. 11:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri, 5-9pm Thu, 5-10pm Fri-Sat. 14109 Winchester Blvd. 408.374.1808.
CALIFORNIA CAFE New American. $$$. An innovative approach to Pacific Rim staples makes for some lovely surprises. The ace service matches the smart setting. Full bar. 11:30am-10pm MonFri, 10:30am-10:30pm Sat, 10:30am-9:30pm Sun. 50 University Ave. 408.354.8118.
CIN-CIN Eclectic wine bar. $$$. The heart of Cin-Cin’s menu is an eclectic mix of small plates, tapas-size dishes that partner well with a great wine list. 4-10pm Mon-Sat. 368 Village Way. 408.354.8006.
DIO DEKA Greek. $$$. Dio Deka is doing its part to elevate Greek food in Silicon Valley. There’s much to recommend at this handsome restaurant. Most starters are large so they’re best shared. 5:30-10pm Mon-Thu, 5-10pm Fri-Sat, 5-9pm Sun. 210 E. Main St. 408.354.7700. FLEUR DE COCOA French bakery. $$. Almond croissant. Almond croissant. Almond croissant. Los Gatos’ Fleur de Cocoa is rightly known for its chocolate confections and pastries, but I can’t stop thinking about the little pastry
SANJOSE.COM
shop’s spectacular almond croissants. There’s plenty of other good stuff and not all of it sweet, like the croque monsieur and the quiche. 7:30am-6pm Tue-Sat, 8am4pm Sun. 39 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408.354.3574.
FORBES MILL STEAKHOUSE Steakhouse. $$$$. When Metro first checked in with Forbes Mill in 2003, it was called “a big, burly brasserie equipped with style as well as substance.” It’s holding up well and still does things in a big way. 5-9pm Sun-Thu, 5-10pm Fri-Sat. 206 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408.395.6434.
GREEN PAPAYA Vietnamese. $$. California cuisine meets Southeast Asia by way of Paris, with inventive updates of clay pot and five-spice authentica. Beer, wine. 11am-3pm, 59:30pm Tue-Sun. 137 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408.395.9115.
I GATTI New Italian. $$$. I Gatti fits like a glove along peaceful Main Street. The chef understands the basics but isn’t afraid to create refreshing twists on traditional recipes. 11:30am-2pm, 5-9:30pm MonSat, 5-9pm Sun 25 E. Main St. 408.399.5180.
KAMAKURA SUSHI AND SAKE HOUSE Sushi bar classics. $$. In a smart setting, Kamakura showcases a procession of impeccable sushi and sashimi platters. 10:30am2pm, 5:30-10pm daily. 135 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408.395.6650.
LOS GATOS BREWING CO. Brewpub. $$$. Most brewpubs seem to be cooking from the same menu, but executive chef Jim Stump has created a diverse menu of upscale comfort food that goes well beyond burgers and grilledchicken sandwiches. The handsome wood-accented interior and open kitchen with its wood-fired pizza oven and rotisserie grill add to the restaurant’s appeal. Breakfast 10am-2pm Sat-Sun; lunch 11:30am-3pm; dinner 5-9pm daily. 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408.395.9929.
MANRESA High concept. $$$$. Drawing from produce grown at his own farm, superstar chef David Kinch is
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