Atherton, California, is in the heart of Silicon Valley and is one of the most affluent communities in the United States. The town is home to many technology executives and venture capitalists, as well as a number of luxury estates. Atherton is known for its spacious homes and manicured gardens, and it is a popular destination for golfing and horseback riding. The food scene is absolutely top-notch. If you’re not sure where to begin, read on! In this article, we’ve listed some of the best restaurants in Atherton—from cheery gastropubs to upscale international eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us take care of finding the perfect spot for your next meal.
Selby's
3001 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94061
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This Atherton institution is well-known within the local dining scene for its delicious, locally-sourced dishes and sophisticated presentation. Their menu features fresh ingredients from their partners at SMIP Ranch, including tender cuts of meat, crisp seasonal vegetables, and rich cheeses. And for those who enjoy fine wine and stunning cocktails, Selby's offers a luxurious selection of beverages to suit any taste.
Besides being a gourmet haven, Selby's is also known for its impeccable service. Guests are treated like royalty from the moment they arrive at this restaurant, thanks to complimentary valet parking and attentive staff. From delectable caviar to pan-roasted Alaskan halibut filet, you can rest assured that everything at Selby's will be perfect in every way.
The Refuge
1143 Crane St, Menlo Park, CA 94025
The pastrami sandwiches at The Refuge are truly a cut above the rest. These masterfully prepared delights are made using only the finest ingredients, especially the heart of the navel cut of beef that they use to create their succulent pastrami. And when you pair their delectable menu with their rich and refreshing Belgian brews, it is hard to imagine anything better. At The Refuge, everything from the atmosphere to the customer service has been designed with quality in mind. Run by husband and wife duo Matt Levin and Melanie Roth, this restaurant embodies their commitment to culinary perfection.
Oak + Violet
1400 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
At Oak + Violet, guests can enjoy a true culinary experience in an elegant atmosphere. Their menu is focused on sophisticated seasonal dishes, utilizing locally sourced ingredients and featuring creatively curated wine and cocktail lists. Some of the menu highlights include the freshly baked pastries in the morning; their crispy Brussels sprouts, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a soy honey sauce; their hearty Akaushi flat iron Wagyu steak, rich and juicy with unmistakable flavor; and their daily happy hour, which offers creative cocktails and delicious small bites to satisfy every craving.
Trellis Restaurant
1077 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
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This highly acclaimed Northern Italian eatery boasts a wide range of delicious and expertly crafted dishes, all with a distinctive California spin. Whether you're looking for a hearty bowl of rich, savory risotto or a refreshing dessert of zabaglione topped with fresh berries, the talented culinary team at Trellis Restaurant is sure to satisfy your cravings. Adding to the ambiance of this fine dining establishment is the outdoor roof deck, adorned with stately grape vines, as well as three luxurious private dining rooms. If wine is your drink of choice, you'll be delighted by the wide selection of imported Italian wines available here.
Sultana Mediterranean
1149 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
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If you're looking for some truly authentic Turkish cuisine, look no further than Sultana Mediterranean. This family-owned restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and luxurious ambiance, with an inviting outdoor patio that has delighted customers for more than 10 years. The menu at Sultana features delicious dishes like grilled octopus, Turley-style lamb pizza, and oven-roasted prawns. From start to finish, this restaurant offers a truly unforgettable dining experience that you won't find anywhere else.
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine
1165 Merrill St, Menlo Park, CA 94025
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At Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, diners will find a truly inventive and authentic selection of Thai dishes. All of the restaurant's delicious creations are made with only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients available, including organic produce from the area's many farmers' markets. Some highlights on the menu include the tsunami lobster, which is an extravagant preparation of fresh Maine lobster steamed in a fragrant seafood broth and served over a yellow curry paste with turmeric rice. The crispy whole branzino is also a must-try dish, as it features succulent trout that has been fried until perfectly golden brown and served alongside sweet tamarind sauce and crispy fried shallots. Of course, no trip to Farmhouse Kitchen would be complete without sampling one of their fantastic nightly specials—which are designed to showcase the best of the season. Whatever you choose, you're sure to leave with a full belly and a big smile.
Restaurant 3000
3000 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025
At Restaurant 3000, you will experience some of the best seasonal American cuisines in Atherton. This highly-regarded restaurant truly stands out from the crowd, thanks to its innovative approach to dining and incredible commitment to local ingredients. Each week, the menu is updated with fresh, seasonal ingredients that have been carefully sourced from local farms and suppliers. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, you will find something absolutely delicious on this exceptional menu. Some of our personal favorites include the rich and succulent grilled Pacific salmon and the hearty vegetarian eggplant Pomodoro. With its rich flavors and impeccable presentation, Restaurant 3000 truly offers an unparalleled dining experience that any food aficionado would love.
This dynamic and eclectic neighborhood is equipped to satisfy a diverse range of tastes and preferences. If you’re looking to purchase a home in Atherton, Stephanie Von Thaden would be happy to assist you. Informed by years of experience navigating the Atherton real estate market, Stephanis is confident that she can help you find just the right property to suit your needs. Contact Stephanie today to get started on the search for your dream home.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash