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The Top Restaurants In Woodside & Portola Valley, California

Southeast of Salton Sea
Southeast of Salton Sea | © W. Michael Wiggins / Alamy Stock Photo

Nestled among California’s rolling hills and luxurious green grasses, these ten restaurants in Woodside and Portola Valley are well worth a visit.

The Village Pub

The Village Pub is renowned for its exquisite food and respected wine program. Founded in 2001, the Village Pub has quickly gained recognition both locally and nationally as a fine dining location. Dedicated to the use of fresh and local ingredients, the restaurant has partnered with SMIP Ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains to ensure quality ingredients and superior taste. The Village Pub is considered ‘contemporary American,’ yet roots itself in a French and Mediterranean inspiration, maintaining extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, a pub menu, and a wine list. If you are looking for an upscale meal for your next celebration, romantic outing, or just a lovely meal, the Village Pub is the perfect place for you.

Buck’s of Woodside

Buck’s of Woodside is known for its eclectic décor and reliably fabulous food. With a colorful array of airplane models, shoes, license plates, statues, clothing, historic pictures, and much more hanging from the ceiling and stuffed in various nooks and crannies, Buck’s never fails to amaze and entertain in the décor department. Buck’s offers a wide array of dishes. If you need to satiate your sweet tooth, make sure to order the French toast made with butterflake croissants, you will not regret it. The casual, friendly, and fun atmosphere at Buck’s, in addition to the delicious food, is sure to guarantee your next family outing is a hit.

Parkside Grille

Settled in the great redwoods, Parkside Grille is known for its classic American comfort food. The menu is chock full of bold and exciting dishes, from the white prawns-lemon risotto to Greek marinated grass-fed lamb chops. Family-owned, Parkside commits itself to the use of fresh and local ingredients to ensure only the highest in quality, taste, and experience. Parkside is great for a family outing or celebration, as it provides friendly service, incredible food, and a great location in the scenic town of Portola Valley.

Portola Kitchen

Portola Kitchen offers ‘rustic California-Italian cooking’ in the heart of Portola Valley. With full brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, Portola Kitchen is the ideal place to take your family or casually gather with a group of friends. Even the brunch menu remains true to Italian roots offering pizza in addition to the classic pancake and egg dishes. Portola Kitchen also offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu for the over-21 members of your party. Portola Kitchen is the perfect place for your next group gathering, due to the reasonable prices and wide array of dishes.

Alice’s Restaurant

Alice’s Restaurant is the classic diner accompanied by old trucks and rows of motorcycles parked out front. Out on Skyline Boulevard, in the groves of scenic redwood trees, Alice’s is the ideal place to take a break from your drive through the windy mountains and enjoy some delicious, traditional American food. From burgers to salads to Texas-style BBQ, Alice’s offers a warm, hearty meal for anyone seeking ‘the good old days.’

Alpine Inn Beer Garden

The Alpine Inn Beer Garden is one of the oldest establishments in the Bay Area, and it had been through many name changes before settling on the current one in 1956. Locals refer to the Inn as ‘Rossotti’s’ and enjoy the rich history and community feeling. Alpine offers the perfect food stop with classic American offerings like burgers, sandwiches, and fries. The old-time feel, local history, and happy surroundings will assure a great dining experience in addition to a tasty American meal.

Woodside Bakery and Café

The Woodside Bakery and Café serves as both a sit-down restaurant and a great stop for coffee and some pastries. The restaurant offers full service breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is appreciated for the casual yet elegant setting. The café acts as a quick stop for coffee to-go, a quick sit down with a friend, or as an ideal bakery. The expansive menu options and choices at the Woodside Bakery and Café will not disappoint.

The Little Store

The Little Store is the quaintest restaurant you will ever see. The cheery exterior of a small home, the red and white checkered table cloths, and the taste of classic American home-cooked food will make your dining experience one to remember. Serving a mix of French and American cuisine such as burgers, BBQ pulled pork, and tuna melts, The Little Store is appreciated by locals for reliable, hearty food coupled with a comforting atmosphere.

Old Port Lobster Shack

The Old Port Lobster Shack is a great for seafood lovers. The Shack offers a wide array of seafood choices, including ‘chowdah,’ oysters, shrimp, calamari, and (of course) lobster! In addition to the wonderful and bountiful seafood options there is an assortment of other foods, such as burgers, BBQ, and salads for those not quite in the mood for seafood.

Amigos Grill

The Amigos Grill is a great place to pop in for a quick sit-down lunch or dinner. Noted for fast and friendly service, the Amigos Grill is a reliable option if you are seeking some authentic Mexican food. The casual and modern interior provides the space for a quick and yummy meal. The menu comprises a classic array of Mexican options, such as enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, and tacos. You will leave the Amigos Grill happy and satisfied.

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