My favorite Bay Area Restaurants.

I love good food but probably not as much as my husband loves it! He definitely brought the joy of eating to our family so I also have him to thank for all the pounds that I am constantly trying to shed :-)

A perfect restaurant for me is a combination of great food, ambience and service so when I find that in a restaurant, I become a regular.

Having lived in the Bay Area for almost 19 years, we have many favorite places to go out for meals be it a date night, a night out with friends, a family dinner, Sunday brunch or just a coffee date. So here's my list of favorite restaurants by event, some are new and some have been around for a while. Check them out if you get a chance and tell me what you think.

Date Night 

Reposado: Mexican (Palo Alto)
Love their margaritas and blue corn crepas stuffed with crab, shrimp and red snapper! Yum.

Sent Sovi: Californian (Saratoga)
Sweet, romantic, excellent service and food.

Gary Danko: Contemporary (San Francisco)
Wow on all factors. Definitely try the tasting menu.

Boulevard: American with French Influence (San Francisco)
Excellent for foodies.

Dinner with Friends 

The Village Pub: American (Woodside)
Love their roast chicken (seasonal) and Hamburger.

Mamacita: Mexican (San Francisco)
Fun ambience, great margaritas, innovative menu.

Fresca: Peruvian (San Francisco)
Two locations. I am partial to the Filmore street location. Amazing Paella and Sangria. Guacamole and plantain chips are a great appetizer.

Le Colonial: French/Vietnamese (San Francisco)
Beautiful Restaurant. Interesting Menu

Flea Street Cafe: Californian (Menlo Park)
Best Margaritas. Love their Summer Organic Vegetarian Tasting.

Joya: Modern Latin (Palo Alto)
Their churros with hot chocolate sauce can't be missed.

Le Fondue: Swiss (Saratoga)
Fun, eclectic setting. Love the traditional cheese fondue the best.

Betelnut: Asian Fusion (San Francisco)
Yummy cocktails, fantastic menu, vibrant environment.

Evvia: Mediterranean (Palo Alto)
Their lamb chops are to die for!

Family Friendly 

Gambardellas: Italian (Menlo Park)
Especially like it in the summer as you can get a table outside and the kids can play in the courtyard with fountain and see the Caltrain go by!

Le Fondue: Swiss (Saratoga)
The activity of making fondue keeps the kids engaged and entertained

Benihana: Japanese Teppanyaki (Burlingame)
This location is great as you can see the airplanes taking off and landing from the tables near the window. Plus the concept of teppanyaki is always fun for kids. The chefs are very entertaining and really do a great job keeping the kids engaged.

Dutch Goose: American (Menlo Park)
Casual tavern setting, fabulous burgers, pool table and all the makings of a fun night.

Sunday Brunch 

Cafe Barrone: Menlo Park
Love their extensive choice of scrambled eggs. Amazing waffles and other great breakfast menu items. Fountain, courtyard setting and location next to a book store all make it appealing.

Empire Tap Room: Palo Alto
Lovely courtyard setting. Decent brunch menu.

Mistral: Redwood Shores
Located on the water. Sometimes have live music on Sundays. Great brunch menu.

Cafes 

Cafe Venezia (Palo Alto)
Best cappuccino and selection of desserts.

Cafe Coupa (Palo Alto)
Must try their Spicy Maya Hot Chocolate.

Cafe Barrone (Palo Alto)
Love their Frozen Mocha and Cafe Barrone.

Mayfield Bakery Cafe (Palo Alto)
Amazing hot chocolate with a giant marshmallow.