Silicon Valley Chefs’ Food Guide: Where They Eat Off the Clock

Best dining in Silicon Valley

John Madriaga, Executive Chef at Vina Enoteca

Vina enoteca Executive Chef John Madriaga grew up in the South Bay. His impressive CV includes three Michelin stars Sleep In Copenhagen and Mirazur In France. However, as for his recommendations, he leans more back to his childhood when talking about his favorite spots in Silicon Valley. Otherwise, he goes to places recommended by former restaurant peers or enjoys restaurants that are different from what he cooks each night.

• 2082 North Capitol Street, San Jose, CA 95132

Pho Kim Long is a long-time favorite of Madriaga’s, first suggested to him by fellow chefs. “My colleagues at Manresa, where I previously worked, introduced me to their version of bun ryu, a dish of tender crab meatballs served with shredded cabbage, pungent shrimp paste and spicy seasonings that can be added to taste,” he explains. Aside from bún riêu, Pho Kim Long specializes in pho, crispy fried noodles and a variety of other Vietnamese noodle soups.

• 2628 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051

For Madriaga, Stan’s Donut Shop is “the best in the Bay Area.” Much of its appeal lies in nostalgia. The Santa Clara store has been a favorite of his since childhood, and it still brings up fun memories. His specific order: maple glazed donuts, brownies, and banana yogurt muffins.

• 1253 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

For a more casual option, Madriaga heads to Slice of Homage in Sunnyvale. Steven Barrantes, the pizzeria’s chef, has been in the business for 20 years. He started out as a dishwasher, worked his way up to general manager, and is now owner. When Madriaga goes there, his favorite food is Detroit-style pizza because of its thick, crunchy edges. “It looks like it’s going to be heavy, but it’s really light and crunchy,” he says.

Andrew “Cheeto” Tai, Executive Chef at Be.Steak.A

Andrew “Shito” Thai offers the perspective of a chef who runs one of Campbell’s most elegant restaurants. Its Michelin recommended B.Stick.Atakes place in a steakhouse built on special-occasion dining and the pressure of making a high-touch restaurant feel seamless. This background makes his off-duty preference all the more telling, as his answer moves away from fine dining and more towards comfort.

• 3005 Silver Creek Road, Suite 190, San Jose, CA 95121

A Thai tends to skip a fancy meal, unless he is doing R&R. His daytime restaurant is Hue Restaurant in San Jose. “It’s a family place that serves the cuisine of the central region of Vietnam, and they do it really well,” he says. When asked why, Tai said: “It’s really simple for me. We people who work in this industry take pride in our ability to provide guests with a sense of comfort – where the hospitality and/or food makes someone feel at home.” And this hospitality is the job, night after night. So, when a Thai sits down, he wants to experience exactly the same thing.

Stephanie Izard, executive chef at Valley Goat at the Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley

Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard is the newest member of this group. I opened Goat Valley in Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley In Sunnyvale last year, she found herself getting to know the area with new eyes. “The first thing that attracted me to Silicon Valley was the weather, the amazing growing season, and access to some of the best products in the country,” she said.

When Izard met with the Treehouse team, she explained that it seemed like the right home for the Valley Goat. “There is a fun, welcoming energy to the hotel that fits perfectly with our culinary style, and I love how connected it is to the outdoors and surrounding community.” Her favorite restaurants in Silicon Valley range from Chinese hot pot to Korean BBQ to a brewery in Santa Clara that serves the best beer.

• 286 Barber Court, Milpitas, CA 95035

For hot pot, Izard recommends Shancheng Lameizi in Milpitas. “Great place for Chinese hot pot,” she says. “The broth is full of flavour, and is the perfect type of meal for gathering around the table with friends and trying a little of everything.” Appeal is built into the format. What’s better than a table full of broths, vegetables, meats, seafood, and sauces, with a shared dinner every time?

• 595 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

At 10 Butchers Korea BBQ in Sunnyvale, Izard describes tender jeon and perfectly seasoned beef as her favorite dishes. The interactive nature of the meal is part of the draw, which makes sense since Izard’s special menu is built around family-style dishes, where sharing is part of the experience. For Izard, the interactive experience of cooking together at the table can’t be beat.

• 2520 Augustine Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Barebottle Brewing Co.’s recommendation. It has a direct connection to her restaurant. “I love the range of beers they offer, and we already serve many of their beers at the Treehouse,” she says. “They are constantly experimenting with interesting approaches while making beers that are incredibly accessible and food-friendly.” Whether you’re heading to Santa Clara Brewery or enjoying a beer at Treehouse, his beers stand up well on their own or work easily with dinner.

Paul Rouhadfox, Executive Chef of Tetra Hotel

Paul Rudafox approaches restaurants with a careful and disciplined eye. A native of New York, he now drives Adrestia in Tetra Hotel in Sunnyvale after studying at the Culinary Institute of America and serving in the Marine Corps. His style is based on sensing when to keep a dish simple and when to let it become more complex, which may be why his suggestions range from focusing on subtle charm to relaxed charm.

• 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070

Rohadfox finds The Plumed Horse to be one of the best dining experiences in the area. “The menu is always evolving, the service is attentive but unobtrusive, and the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable,” he says. “Their tasting menu is excellent, and the caviar service adds an extra layer of luxury. Consistency is key in this industry, and they execute it flawlessly.”

• 800 California Street, Mountain View, CA 94041

When Rohadfox wants something a little more accessible, he turns to Limón in Mountain View. The place focuses on Peruvian dishes with Latin and Asian influences. The atmosphere is lively and a great place for families or groups. His favorites are classic dishes like pisco sour, bright ceviche and grilled chicken, especially with aji amarillo sauce.

Michie Kim, co-chef of Yeobo, Darling

Meichih Kim’s recommendation comes from the reality of the restaurant and family schedule. Now she’s running Yobo baby With her husband, Chef Michael Kim, the two have built their careers in some of California’s most respected kitchens, including the now-closed Michelin-starred Korean restaurant Maum. Sundays of service are for their son, so the meal should be tailored enough to fit into family time.

• 1302 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Che Fico Parco Menlo draws inspiration from its sister restaurant in San Francisco, bringing its Italian-Californian cuisine to Springline in Menlo Park. The menu at this location focuses on naturally sourdough pizza, handmade pastas, and seasonal Bay Area ingredients. “Since we have Sundays to spend with our son, we enjoy our family time together and enjoy pizza and pasta,” Miche Kim said. The choice is simple. They want a reliable Sunday place with food their family will enjoy.

Sergio BoxExecutive Chef and Partner at Macarena

Chef Sergio Box looks for restaurants that really know what they’re doing, whether it’s pizza in a lively setting, Mediterranean dishes that stay consistent, or fine dining that inspires him. Executive Chef and Partner macaroni In Palo Alto, Box runs a kitchen specializing in Spanish cooking. For him, self-control is as important as flavor. His choices reflect the same idea, as he prefers places where he feels confident without putting in much effort to impress.

• 420 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Evvia has become one of the most trusted sites in the Bay Area for Box. “The quality of the ingredients is exceptional, and it is one of the most consistent restaurants I have been to,” he says. “It’s a place that makes classic Mediterranean cuisine look easy.” Built on strong ingredients and a talented team, this Palo Alto institution has built its reputation on rarely missed Greek and Mediterranean classics.

• The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Box’s more far-reaching pick is Navio, the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay restaurant he visits when he wants to see another kitchen operating at a high level. “They work with exceptional ingredients and a chef-driven approach,” he explains. He enjoys discovering new techniques, offerings, and ideas while enjoying experimenting with beautifully prepared cuisine. This is his choice when looking to refresh his perspective as a chef.

Nico Molinos, Executive Chef of EOS and NEX

Nico Molinos brings a Mediterranean lens to downtown San Jose. He grew up in Corfu, Greece, and trained in kitchens including… Le Bernardin and Keith/Ken. Now he leads a restaurant built on California ingredients and Mediterranean influences. His recommendations stay close to the South Bay, but they all satisfy different desires.

• 30 Fountain Alley #160, San Jose, CA 95113

For Molinos, the Goodtime Bar in San Jose comes with a personal connection. “Chef Alex is a good friend and one of the best chefs in the area, in my opinion,” he says. Cooking supports this praise. Molinos points to the tostadas as a standout dish, along with the fennel salad, which he describes as “bright, with great acidity.”

• 368 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Molinos also recommends Vicinity, where Chef Julian Silveira’s tasting menu format provides a more upscale experience. “Chef Julien is constantly raising the bar,” says Molinos. “His storytelling through his courses really makes you feel special and you really feel the love and passion with every dish.” He explains that a meal is not just about what arrives on the plate, but how each dish builds on the last.

• 4477 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

“My wife and I always love going there,” he says of Omee.J Sushi. “Their sushi is some of the best I’ve ever had, highlighting freshness and quality.” He especially loves the crunchy bits of sushi rice, which he describes as “amazing, umami, and addictive.”