arya steakhouse

Arya, a Persian steakhouse with a halal menu, seeks to be “friendly fine dining” to its diverse clientele. With old-world charm, the ambiance here is enhanced by wood ceiling beams, framed tapestries and rough-hewn stonework reminiscent of a castle. Expect exceptionally tender cuts of meat–from the lamb tenderloin kebabs over basmati rice stained yellow with saffron to the filet mignon served with a head of roasted garlic and herb butter melted with a chef’s torch at your table. All steaks are dry-aged and cut in-house, then seasoned with Arya’s custom rub. Don’t miss out on their decadent cheesecake with a baklava-like crust and a sprinkling of pistachio!-JH

rossotti’s alpine inn

A weekend staple for me and my friends, Alpine Inn is one of our favorite restaurants to visit. A traditional American restaurant, their menu ranges from wood-fire oven pizzas to salads, tacos to burgers (my favorite being the turkey burger). The beer garden has large picnic tables, string lights, and the biggest sports game on each TV, creating a warm and social environment. Tip: they don’t take reservations, so I recommend getting there about 45 minutes before you hope to eat.-KH

the barn

Located in Half Moon Bay, The Barn is a perfect place to stop and pick-up some lunch or dinner on the way to the beach. Their food, sourced from local farms, is absolutely delicious. From burgers to milkshakes to fried mac-n-cheese (a crowd favorite), their menu is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The restaurant—which is a barn itself—has exposed rafters and a reclaimed wood counter. Next time you plan a beach day, make sure to grab some food from the Barn and walk right across the street to the beach. Open Wednesday through Sunday. -KH

mademoiselle colette

 

This French pastry shop will teleport you directly to a quaint patisserie in Paris. The French decor, warm atmosphere and a beautiful patio will make you want to stay and sip your café au lait throughout the afternoon. They serve breakfast, lunch and pastries, along with coffees and teas. I never leave without ordering an almond croissant and a fresh baguette (which I can easily eat in one sitting). Their lunch options such as the avocado toast and Colette chicken salad are also some of my favorites. —KH

gott’s roadside

Gott’s Roadside has my favorite veggie burger. As someone who doesn’t eat burgers and doesn’t like the taste of Impossible meat, I crave a veggie burger that doesn’t try to hide its veggies. Gott’s has exactly this. My favorite is a regular veggie burger with tomatoes, onions, avocado, special sauce, and lettuce. Meat eaters in your family? Don’t worry, the restaurant serves plenty of regular burgers (with Niman Ranch beef patties) and tacos. Their onion rings and garlic fries will impress vegetarians and carnivores alike. My family started coming here years back and we’ve been going ever since. -KH

pressed juicery

Summer weather calls for refreshing juices, smoothie bowls and freezes all offered by Pressed Juicery. Although known for their juices, my personal favorite to order is their plant-based soft-serve, known as a freeze. Just as delicious as normal soft-serve, these freezes are vegan and a more healthy alternative. Opt for classics like vanilla or chocolate, or try out more adventurous flavors like acai or dragon fruit acai. Top off with chocolate chips or a drizzle of warm almond butter for some extra sweetness! —Kate Hammond

the sea by alexander’s steakhouse

Delicious eats from the ranch and the sea unite over white tablecloths at The Sea By Alexander’s Steakhouse. Elegance and a hungry appetite are no stranger to the restaurant; which specializes in tender wagyu beef and scallops or lobster freshly sourced from the bountiful waters of Maine. Chef Yu Min Lin finds the balance between traditional Japanese and contemporary cuisine through entrees that hit all the notes for pleasurable dinning.  Don’t miss their 5-course whiskey lunch, a ticketed and occasional event that explores how a whiskey pairing can enhance any meal. —Silas Valentino

oak + violet

Palermo native, Chef Simona Oliveri, brings her Sicilian touch and practiced designer’s eye to Oak & Violet’s farm-to-table kitchen. Her homeland’s cuisine, influenced by a variety of cultures—including Arabic, Greek, French and Spanish—relies heavily on seafood and fresh produce, ingredients that are abundant in the Bay Area. Seasonal small-plate highlights include the Sicilian-style Sardine Meatballs, a rustic vegetarian charcuterie board of grilled summer vegetables with dipping sauces and the almost-too-pretty-to-eat Tomato & Burrata Salad with watermelon, pistachios, fresh herbs and edible flowers. —Anni Golding

chef zhao kitchen

Chef Zhao Kitchen is an authentic Chinese restaurant at Edgewood Plaza. Normally, the place has a bustling, exciting atmosphere. Right now, they’re only open for takeout and delivery, but the great food remains the same. From their Dim Sum selections, one of their best dishes is the Steam Juicy Pork Bun (Xiao Long Bao) for $8.95. Also try the Beef Noodle Soup ($13.95), a tasty dish with tender beef, homemade noodles and flavorful broth that can easily serve two people. Chef Zhao gets my vote for one of the best Chinese food places on the Peninsula. —Zachary Silver

la viga seafood & cocina mexicana

If you haven’t been to La Viga, you’re missing out on the best tacos on the Peninsula. While their other dishes are fantastic, I always make a bee line for the tacos. My personal favorite are the camarones, crispy shrimp paired with pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce, the Pollo Asado and for any vegetarians: the rajas, a delicious mix of poblano peppers, roasted corn, onions and cheese. La Viga is open now for takeout, delivery and outdoor dining. —Sinead Chang

vesta

There are so many dishes to rave about at Vesta, my go-to place when I’m craving pizza or any of their fantastic appetizers. To me, a visit to Vesta is not complete without their Wild Arugula Salad (complete with a unique apricot vinaigrette) and their slightly spicy, slightly sweet Sausage & Honey Pizza. Other hits are their Mushroom Toast (mushrooms and creme fraiche, anyone?) and their Mushroom Pizza with truffle oil. I could go on, but I suggest that you make your way over to Vesta, open now for takeout and delivery, instead. —SChang

kali greek kitchen

Kali Greek Kitchen is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite for lunch. While you really can’t go wrong with their menu (my favorite is their Beef Rice Plate), don’t skip out on dessert either! Be sure to also grab an order of their Frozen Greek Yogurt. I like it plain but you can also get it topped with honey and candied walnuts, olive oil and sea salt or Amarena cherries. Kali is open right now for takeout, delivery and outdoor dining. —SChang

steam

Going to dim sum on the weekends has always been a treasured tradition in my family. As I’ve grown up on the Peninsula, finding good dim sum has increasingly become a challenge. However, Steam has remained as my go-to spot. Personal favorites include the Shrimp Har Gow and the Pea Shoot Dumplings and for dessert, you can’t go wrong with an order of their Sesame Balls. Steam is open currently for takeout and delivery. —SChang

zareen’s

If you live on the Peninsula and haven’t been to Zareen’s, quite frankly, you haven’t lived. The very first time I visited Zareen’s, I was immediately hooked, and it’s since become a staple in my family’s shelter-in-place diet. Our go-to order is always their Daal Punjabi and Chicken Tikka Masala, paired with Sheermal, a heavenly, slightly sweet flatbread with hints of saffron. Once they reopen for dining-in, remember to grab a cup (or two) of their complimentary Masala Chai. Both locations are available right now for takeout and delivery. —SChang

oren’s hummus

I would recommend Oren’s Hummus for their hummus alone. Their smooth, creamy hummus is absolutely to die for and unmatched by any other hummus I’ve had. However, Oren’s has so much more to offer. My personal favorites are their pita sandwiches with either beef kebab or chicken paired with their lemonade, perfect for a quick lunch. There really is no way to go wrong. All locations are open right now for takeout and delivery. —SChang

san agus

Manuel Martinez, owner of LV Mar and La Viga, has done the impossible—open a restaurant during a pandemic. San Agus’s offers their Taco al Pastor, reminiscent of the La Viga tacos that I am obsessed with, and other more casual items like their Huarache, a popular dish that hails from Mexico City. As for drinks, San Agus will be offering cocktails and wine soon, but if you have a sweet tooth, their Coco Horchata will work in a pinch. San Agus is open for takeout and delivery from Tuesday to Saturday in the evenings. —SChang

back-a-yard caribbean grill

Stop reading and start eating at Back-A-Yard—immediately. Allow Chef Robert Simpson to cook up his legendary coconut rice with salmon, chicken and pork sautéed in his unique blend of Caribbean spices. This off-the-beaten-path eatery is known for large takeout orders but the plastic tables outside allow for anyone to kick back and enjoy a taste of the island life. —Silas Valentino

galata bistro mediterranean grill

Mediterranean cuisine strikes the balance that Goldilocks pined after; the food is healthy yet scrumptious, filling not stuffing and the ambiance found within Galata Bistro could fit a casual lunch or a focused meeting between business types. With its sidewalk patio, an assortment of wraps and kababs and innovative vegetarian options (try the Gemista which stuffs a bell pepper with rice, zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes), Galata Bistro is an easy and breezy choice for downtown Menlo Park. —SV

fey restaurant

We’ve been huge fans since Fey first opened in 2013. The owner, Han Ying Wang Gao, greets everyone with a warm smile and the delicious hot and spicy Sichuan fare keeps bringing us back. We love the cozy booths (and fish decor) and rely on Fey’s larger round tables for countless family gatherings and special events. My favorite dish is twice cooked tofu, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth silky on the inside, with ever-so-flavorful fermented black beans. —Sheri Baer

johnston’s saltbox

My favorite dish is constantly changing at the from-scratch kitchen that is johnston’s saltbox. When looking for a place to eat with the family, Saltbox isn’t always the first place that pops into our heads… but when it does, it’s always the winner. They are usually pretty crowded. However, their backyard wine-bar where they offer blankets is the perfect 20 to 30 minute waiting area. If you’re lucky enough to come in when they’re serving hot corn fritters, you have my recommendation right there. —Gabby Occhipinti

sprout café

Whenever I come home from school in Los Angeles, I am sure to make my first pit stop at Sprout Café. Constantly filled to the brim with start-up employees and health nuts, Sprout is great for a quality build-your-own salad down to a saucy ham and brie grilled cheese. Customize a butter lettuce salad with furikake tofu and sesame ginger dressing if you know what’s good for you. —GO

milagros

Without a doubt my favorite Mexican cuisine in the Peninsula is Milagros. A charming and colorful dining atmosphere turns into a margarita wonderland at night. Their one of a kind pineapple salsa pairs perfectly with the ahi tuna tostadas or the chili-lime cauliflower street taco. Talk about California-fying your favorite traditional meals! —GO

crepevine

When our whole family of 11 gets together, this favorite is usually our compromise choice. The place is bright and lively and there seems to be an almost unlimited menu (which pleases a large group). You can go-healthy with a large salad with salmon (everything is one size: large) or you can do decadent with cinnamon French toast. For dessert try the Siena sweet crêpe with Nutella, chocolate sauce, strawberries and mixed nuts. Yum! —SC

redwood grill

Talk about a family-friendly favorite. With options for every picky and adventurous eater, Redwood Grill has the most diverse menu. No one likes to fill up on bread but no one can resist it—that’s why RWG serves complimentary popcorn instead. My mom loves the deviled eggs, my sister raves about the crispy brussels, and my brother & dad will order the steak every time without fail. Personally, I dabble in the garlic shrimp. —GO

local union 271

This classic family-owned, farm-to-table, Palo Alto restaurant stands out among a list of similar spots thanks to its beautiful menu. The array of choices is already impressive, but the quality of each meal is even more admirable. I come here after Sunday workout classes with my mom and sister to grub some scrambled eggs, tuna poke, and organic chicken tacos — I told you they have everything! —GO

curry up now

This Indian street food restaurant has multiple locations across the Bay Area and two on opposite sides of the Peninsula. Walk in, order online, set up catering, or stumble upon their food truck to get a taste. While their vegan menu means less to me (I’m a loyal meat eater), it still has more options than I’ve seen anywhere else. Pro tip is to get one of their Tikki Masala dishes and dip your sweet potato fries in the sauce. Magical. —GO

pizzeria delfina

With locations in both Burlingame and Palo Alto, Pizzeria Delfina satisfies your classic Italian needs. The prosciutto pie is on another level of greatness. Every time I go, which is usually for a reunion, birthday party, or family night out, I am brought back to when I lived in Rome for four months. I can never tell if eating there truly satisfies my cravings or just makes me even more inclined to go back. Either way— this is an easy Italian choice that makes my heart skip a beat for Roma. —GO