Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chez TJ

    3.8 (841 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndFrench

    Chez TJ Photos

    CHEZ TJ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Dressy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Chez TJ

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Patio
    Wendy A.

    Nestled in a Victorian house in downtown Mountain View is a delicious Michelin-starred restaurant, Chez TJ, that we chose for our 15th anniversary. The food was great, and the 4-course menu was the perfect amount for us. I loved the blind tasting menu experience where we didn't know what was coming next. It was very delicious - and unexpectedly the appetizer of a potato drumstick (potato chip ice cream cone with potato ice cream). It was weird to have it as an appetizer- felt like it should have been the dessert. Again, the food was great. I have no complaints! I felt the Old Fashioned was a standout. Soft bourbon and well-matched with the garnish of fresh flowers from their garden. We really enjoyed our service with tasting notes from Ken in the early half of the dinner.

    Sylvia S.

    Super delicious food with more creativity than I anticipated. Think classic French but with a modern twist. Unlike many other places, everything tasted great. Highlights were the truffle, ravioli and squab. I was surprised that the squab had a kick! The desserts were well crafted. Service was good without pretentiousness. Highly recommend for anyone thinking about a nice evening out.

    Mukta D.

    My partner and I were here for a dinner. He made a reservation few weeks ago and included a vegetarian meal for me. Service 4/5 - service was excellent. From the moment, we stepped in, to the way we were seated, explanation of the menu etc it was all great. Two of our courses were late but let us know ahead of time. We didn't mind it much because it gave us more time to just chat. Food 2/5 - now, I am writing this as a vegetarian. While the food was delicious, the portion was absurdly small. It barely had any protein at all. I walked out of the restaurant at 10 pm feeling hungry. I was so hungry that I had to stop by at another place to get some food. I have tried other Michelin star tasting menus and I felt stuffed after those. The vegetarian meal was as expensive as the regular menu, so walking out hungry at 10 pm is really bizarre. And if it was literally just supposed to be tasting menu, then it should not be at dinner time. Diners should never have to leave hungry past dinner time after paying a good chunk of money and gratuity. Food looked pretty. My vegetarian meal plate and my partner's meat platter looked identical, I'll give that to them. But they forgot, looks are useless if people are still hungry. Ambiance 5/5 - nice and cozy. It felt like eating at a nicely decorated homey living room.

    Palate Cleanser: "Summer Breeze"
    Cherylynn N.

    2.5 STARS Taking slow food to the next level. Food especially fine dining should be savored and enjoyed but I didn't anticipate food service being mad slow at Chez TJ. It was so slow, I momentarily dozed off twice with drool dribbling down the corner of my mouth. Sexy! The welcome note indicates it takes 2-2.5 hours for the tasting menu but in reality takes 3-4+ hours. We spent 80%+ of our time just waiting for the courses (no reason given for the delay). Thirty minutes to plate each dessert is wild! Now that I got that out of the way, I choose Chez TJ for a special occasion splurge because they have outdoor seating. And, they've been consecutively awarded a Michelin star since 2007. Rezzies were easily made on OpenTable two weeks prior. M E N U Contemporary French: 6-Course Blind Dégustation (Tasting) Menu for $225 pp. One supplement available that evening: Truffle Risotto (+$65). Wine pairing: nightly - $175, grand - $295, vintage - $595. Abbreviated 4-Course Garden Menu for $140 pp available Wednesday and Thursday only. 20% service charge (additional tip is optional). D R I N K S Only darks are available. Odd that no vodka or gin was available for a martini. * Old Potrero 18th Century Style Rye, SF ($20 x2): https://tinyurl.com/228w8shk 6 - C O U R S E / T A S T I N G / M E N U ($225 PP) * Amuse Bouche: N25 Caviar Fantasy w/ caviar crepe, caviar avocado mousse, rice crackers // 3 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/2v4mne2z * Amuse Bouche: Full Belly Farm Heirloom Tomatoes, Piel de Sapo Melon w/ lemon epi // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/mtn25m5f (1) New Zealand Kinmedai, Iacopi Shelling Beans, Haricot Verts // 3 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/t42mt8ku (2) Maine Lobster, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Quince // 3 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/yz6dz7yc (3) Aladora Farms Duck, Fairytale Eggplant, Lonely Mountain Gooseberries // 3 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/9wj9drud (4) Westholme Wagyu, G&S Corn, Lobster Mushroom // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/m9db8s46 **Palate Cleanser***: "Summer Breeze": https://tinyurl.com/5brnzm2n (5) Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich, Black Cocoa // 2 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/387cpnu3 (6) Chocolate Mousse, Roasted Figs, Candied Walnut // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/vrcd4wse * Mignardises - Cherry pomegranate pâte de fruit, palmier, chocolate haysticks: https://tinyurl.com/y7k4aptd Highlights of the night? The heirloom tomato + melon amuse showcased great seasonal produce and the smoked ribeye cap, compliments of the chef was deliciously rich and smoky (accompanied the leaner than anticipated westholme wagyu course). Aside from that, I found *most* courses mid to underwhelming with no wow factor to keep my palate engaged and looking forward to the next course. While pretty, the caviar amuse was one note with bland accompaniments. Most protein courses: kinmedai, lobster, and duck were overcooked for my personal preferences. Subpar bread accompanied three of the courses, either underbaked (lemon epi) or dry + hard (duck bao). Not having a sweet tooth, IMHO, two chocolate desserts was a bit much. Texturally, the chocolate mousse was better of the two as the mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich was rock hard. Pet peeve: to introduce a course as "crispy..." only to pour jus on top of the crispy skin rendering it soggy. This happened with the kinmedai and duck courses. Lastly, two sets of mignardises were just thrown in a bag together. None of them wrapped or placed in a box to take home. S E R V I C E Staff is kind and well-intentioned. They did their best but were green, lacking finesse and attention to detail. For example, water glass sat empty several times in 80+ degree weather (as various staff walked by), had to ask for second round of drinks, trying to take plates away with unfinished food, placing fresh utensils on top of crumbs, etc. Another table was brought a stool for their purse. I wasn't offered one so I had to place mine on the table. A M B I A N C E Quaint, charming Victorian home with a lovely garden patio (mostly shaded). P A R K I N G Easy street parking. Overall, I'm glad I knocked Chez TJ off my list for a special occasion but our experience was very disappointing at $300+ pp. TBH, it felt like dining at a resto during soft opening week, not an established fine dining one. Maybe it was a very off day training new staff but at this price point, it's not near the caliber of Michelin star restos I've been to.

    Mulled Cider Sorbet
    Erika C.

    Glad I finally tried Chez TJ. The scallop, bonito, wagyu and sticky toffee dishes were my favorites. I think with the caviar, truffle, and wagyu dishes (no supplements), Chez TJ was a better bang for buck than Plumed Horse, which I tried several months back. But Plumed Horse's service and setting felt more like a fine dining experience, and there were more surprises by way of creativity at Plumed Horse. I think if I had to recommend one South Bay Michelin restaurant of the two, it'd be Plumed Horse. For service - I liked the host, who doubled as bartender, I think, for a short menu of craft cocktails. The drinks were classic - not a lot of "mixology" here - he made subtle, notable changes via the liquor used, which made each drink more smooth without changing abv. We chatted with him a bit about it, chill guy, passionate about his craft. The staff service was okay, less polished than I usually experience for Michelin. For the vibe, the place looked super casual. It was a Victorian house, sure, but in the way that a ton of houses are Victorian in San Francisco - very commonplace. Partly because they don't play up the Victorian details with the decor. Prime example - One odd design choice was this giant RGB backlit glass with a picture of a peacock. It was like something you'd see at a dim sum place. Kind of gaudy. It was out of place here but honestly funny and charming in a way. On to food - there were so many dishes: N25 Caviar Buckwheat Crepe, Salsify - idk about this one. This tasted more like a cold, soggy thick soba noodle than a crepe. Love caviar so I feel like I could've just had this as a caviar bump. Longer Table Farm Savoy Cabbage - tbh this is on our menu and I either forgot to take a photo or I have no idea what food fell under this description. Oops. Green Garlic Cornet, Hiramasa, Fermented Daikon - so good. Really surprising - just looked like a tiny decorative garnish but packed a punch with flavor. Full Belly Farm Potato Veloute - pretty good, not sure the narrow glass was my favorite vessel for it. No complaints, I like veloute and could've eaten a bowl of it. Silver Sky Ranch Egg, Perigord Truffle - they described this as "scrambled egg" to us but it was more like...watery, whipped, uncooked scramble egg - right before you cook it. I love eggs and truffle, so I still mopped this up, but I didn't love the texture or combination of the two. The bread going with it also overpowered the truffle more than I'd like... just personal preference. Hokkaido Scallop, Longer Table Farm Honeynut Squash, Pomegranate - scallop was perfectly cooked, I liked the combo of squash and pomegranate. I think the proportion of pomegranate could have been dialed down a smidge. Easy fix though, I just left more of it on my plate. Bonito, Black Trumpet Mushroom, Front Porch Farm Brassicas - bonito is not my favorite fish but this dish was so good. That sauce is life. Mulled Cider Sorbet - I just had a couple bites of this. Not into those kind of fall spices, especially for palate cleanser sorbet. To each their own, only I didn't finish mine so could just be me. Broken Arrow Ranch Quail, Toscano Farm Beets, Smoked Crema - I liked the kick of heat here, I feel like you don't get much of that in fine dining for French food. It tasted like an elevated spicy chicken wing. Not my favorite dish but it was interesting. Masami Ranch Wagyu, Longer Table Farm Puntarelle, Sunchoke Poppy Sunflower Seed - favorite dish. The sauce was on point. Meat was perfectly cooked. The crispy sunchokes and sunchoke puree were amazing. One of the best dishes of the night. Pain Levain, Naval Orange Ricotta - love a good bread and butter but did not love this bread and it was paired with ricotta, came off really sweet. I took a couple of bites. Blood Orange Semifreddo, Earl Grey, Pink Peppercorn - pretty good but this dessert made me think of the strawberry shortcake at plumed horse and I liked the latter way better. I didn't eat much of this. I prefer ice cream or gelato over semifreddo and thought this dessert was too sweet. Pear Miso Sticky Toffee Pudding, Brillat Savarin - love toffee pudding! Pleasant surprise. Petit fours Pecan Praline - way too sweet for me. I liked the texture though. Cherry Hibiscus Pâte de Fruit - this tastes the same to me every fine dining restaurant I go to. Espresso Financiers - liked this one best of the bunch.

    Ma L.

    The environment is so cozy as it is in a house which just like being invited from some close friends. To tell the truth, the dishes taste just so-so. They are just good looking rather than good eating. The wines we're actually good.

    Menu
    Brent B.

    4 stars for a solid Mountain View restaurant. I was visiting my sister in Mountain View and we decided to grab a reservation at Chez TJ to celebrate my birthday. Located on Villa Street near downtown Mountain View, we arrived at the venue to find a spot that almost struck me as being Southern proper in style (which appeals to me as somebody who has lived in the South for long periods of time). The host sat us at our table close to the small bar and the waitress came over to present options (e.g., which prix fixe options for food and wine). My sister is a vegetarian and my brother-in-law is a vegan, so the restaurant took extra care to make sure they received appropriate and tasty options. We started out with a couple fun appetizers, including a caviar dish, a fun scallop dish, and a really tasty truffle dish. After receiving a pallet cleanser, we moved on to several mains, which included lobster and wagyu, and some really great bread. The wagyu was fine, but the lobster was probably my favorite dish of the night. We then ended with a really solid semifreddo and a little dessert tray. I will say that our one complaint was that the food collectively wasn't very filling (we went to go grab some extra food from a nearby bar afterwards), but that is often par for the course at French prix fixe spots. Overall, Chez TJ provided us with a solid Michelin restaurant experience. While nothing blew me away enough to give 5 stars, I would be happy to check this spot out again next time I'm looking for an upscale Mountain View dinner.

    Lori S.

    Wow what an experience. This restaurant truly exceeded all expectations. If you are looking for fine dining in a very cozy and private setting this is your place. The food was beyond exceptional and the service was the cherry on top. The portions may look small but very well curated to satisfy your hunger. A very well deserved Michelin star. Special thanks to the chef, Ted, Minnie and Daniel!

    so delicious and not too gamey
    Ashley K.

    Oh gosh this was a fun experience. Really enjoyed it and their new chef, Stan, and there was a bit of room for improvement, judging it at the highest standard. This is a delayed review -- we were there in January on Stan's very first night of service, which was also a unique adventure for all. He came out to the table and greeted us, and he was just the nicest. Enjoyed geeking out about food with him and excited to see where he takes things. I've shared the menus, so I'll just touch on the highlights of the meal. The game bird entree portion was amazing and paired so well with the wine. The paso vino cheese was incredible. East component was really unique and interesting. There was one wine that tasted so heavily of magnolia, I felt like I was back in my hometown in the South. The desserts were so off the wall, too. Risks about, and it pays off. A very fun experience. There was an uni component that also was just expertly paired with the wine. As for improvement, their somm seemed a little... off that night, maybe? Maybe nervous? Not sure. His pairings were stellar, but something in his service there was a little lacking. Again, judging this place to the highest degree. Excited to hear that they'll be experimenting with other price points. Might end up back at some point, but for now, that night will definitely live in my memory :)

    Cod
    Sabrina L.

    Third time came here with high expectation based on previous experience. Unfortunately it did not reach the high bar -- atmosphere and service were not good as I expected. Firstly we got seated in a not super comfortable corner, back facing a through a door , the constant breeze/ wind through it made dressed up us super cold. Secondly, when the first appetizer arrived , we were waiting for the utensils to start. And no one mentioned anything or get us hand towel to be ready for it. The first dish experience already set the tone negatively. ... Overall, the total cost for two of us is about $680, we didn't add any add ons what they spent too much time in trying to sell those to us. Food was good but not at the level of $340 each kind of satisfaction. A place for special occasion but not high expectations. I missed the dates that Chez still offers dish option instead full course Only.

    3/13/2025 special early spring menu

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Dave K.
    145
    1037
    314

    10 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 76
    Thanks 32
    Love this 48
    Oh no 15
    Photo of Erika C.
    299
    1159
    3917

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ma L.
    0
    17
    96

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brent B.
    4247
    847
    4153

    2 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Wonderful experience at Chez TJ! Favorites are the Wagyu beef zucchini fritter and the shrimp tartlet. Lovely ambiance and staff!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Spring C.
    0
    63
    111

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Donna T.
    12
    85
    25

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dawn G.
    728
    433
    5206

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 22

    Chez TJ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chez TJ

    Hello! What's the dress code for this place? Thanks!

    I would say smart casual, and you can get away without a tie and jacket. A collared shirt is probably a must, because the decor is traditional and old fashioned, in a more formal sort of way. You will definitely feel underdressed in a collarless… 

    How much is their tasting menu?

    $195 plus tax and gratuity per person. Standard wine pairing is $120 additional per person. Grand… 

    Are they good with diet restrictions and replacements?

    It probably depends on how restrictive. It's a small place and they don't have a wide menu from which to make replacements. But i'm sure if you called them about your particular situation I'm sure they could let you know if it would be an issue or… 

    Is it ok to wearing T-shirts?

    The dress code is business casual, but my husband wore a collared-T, hoodie and jeans because our clothes were still in storage (we had just moved). It was fine. Didn't get any judgement from the staff. Of course, it really is a special occasion… 

    View All 6 Questions

    You might also consider

    Le Petit Bistro

    Le Petit Bistro

    4.0
    (488 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    Glorious. I've not been here in a decade and am kicking myself for having let it drop off my list…read more Charming staff, lightly renovated interior, and running at full capacity when we arrived, I was happy to see business was booming, and some familiar faces on the team. The food was excellent. Pate, snails, pork medallions, coq au vin, and chocolate mousse is what we had and it was all divine. Paired with two kir royales and some unpretentious house wine, we paid $155 pre-tip which I found to be an insane value. Je reviens.

    Overall between a 3.5 to 4 stars…read more It is a small, intimate neighborhood bistro. With the right expectations, it is a good spot for date night or friends gathering dinner! We came on a Wed night and it was slow. There were a total of 3 tables and one waitress. She was great but she was one person so expect services to be slower. There's no fancy plates or wine glasses, just solid French classic dishes. Our appetizer were great, good salad and very yummy French onion soup. For entrees we got the pork tenderloin and chicken cordon bleu. Chicken cordon bleu was really good, pork tenderloin was ok. Not bad but also not memorable. I will get the chicken next time when I come back. House wine was $10 a glass and it was a generous pour. Simple, pleasing CA cab. We got the cheese cake for dessert and that was only ok. I wouldn't get it again.

    Photos
    Medallions De Porc Aux Champignons
    Medallions De Porc Aux Champignons
    Interior LHS
    Interior LHS
    Sole

    See all

    Sole
    Maison Alyzee

    Maison Alyzee

    4.0
    (916 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Parking: free, street parking…read more Maison Alyzée has two locations : Mountain View and Burlingame. Founded in 2018 by Lyon native Laurent Pellet. Fun fact: Alyzée" is the name of the owner's daughter. It boasts marble counters, bistro-style tables, and outdoor seating on Castro Street to mimic the South of France. The owner recruited pastry chefs who relocated from France specifically for this endeavor. They also have monthly flavor, for example for May 2026: "Strawberry Bliss" cake. I totally recommend: mixed berry tart, coffee eclairs. The cakes and pastries are on the higher end price, perfect to surprise someone's birthday or special occasion or even to brighten your day with high quality artisan bakeries goods.

    Really lovely French style patisserie with a variety of flavors and textures of pastries and cakes!…read more One of my go to's for higher end cakes during special occasions :D Owners and chefs and staff are all very sweet and accommodating and you can tell they genuinely love their craft and sharing it with the community! They have rotating seasonal items and also accept ordering larger cakes through online orders or by calling in! Their 100% pistachio cake is amazing - not too sweet and the pistachio flavor really comes through but doesn't overpower. Very creamy texture that isn't too heavy and has a fun, crunchy outer shell. The matcha raspberry is also nice and balanced - matcha flavor complements well with the raspberry gel / jam inside and is mellowed out by the cream. Inside is very chic and great place to chat and catch up over a cup of coffee and even get some work done - water station and wifi is inside.

    Photos
    Maison Alyzee
    Discover the newest jewel in our collection--Strawberry Bliss (Zemlyanika Glava). A poetic balance of textures and bright, seasonal flavors,
    Discover the newest jewel in our collection--Strawberry Bliss (Zemlyanika Glava). A poetic balance of textures and bright, seasonal flavors,
    The 2026 Easter Petit gateau  (indvidual)  
Happy Easter !

    See all

    The 2026 Easter Petit gateau (indvidual) Happy Easter !
    La Fontaine Restaurant

    La Fontaine Restaurant

    3.9
    (709 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Casual Italian- French restaurant, voted best of Mountain View, right on Castro with ample outdoor…read moreand indoor seating. Only 2 other parties there when we arrived around Sat 12pm. We sat next to window so nice for people watching but got bit hot with sun, even with shade down. Later a few families (seemed like regulars) came in. Lunch menu feels more Italian than French to me - various pastas, pizza, sandwiches, plus entrees. For party of 4, we ordered clam chowder the soup of day, seafood pasta dish, Chicken penne dish, pasta with bacon, and chicken breast entree. Bread with olive oil on the house. My dish Chicken breast was tender and juicy, downed with a lot of buttery sauce, so it was filling.

    Brought my toddler and husband here to eat. They had high chairs for my toddler and even a coloring…read morebook and crayons. They even asked if we wanted to have the TV turned off when they noticed he was watching the tv. Very attentive. The food was great. It also came with complimentary bread that was warmed up and served with olive oil. My toddler enjoyed the free bread as well. We got the arancini, crab cakes , cordon blue , margarita pizza, mushroom truffle ravioli and steak frites. Our favorite dishes were the crab cakes , steak frites and the mushroom ravioli. The crab cakes were tasty and came with a lemon wedge and aoli, the steak frites came in a large portion. The meat was tender and came with a tasty sauce a mushrooms. My son enjoyed the fries that it came with , tasted like there was truffle oil in it. The ravioli was also good, nice and creamy. They also provided a free panna cotta for my husbands birthday. Overall, toddler friendly and expansive menu given that there are both Italian and French options.

    Photos
    Beet Salad
    Beet Salad
    Duck Breast
    Duck Breast
    Branzino

    See all

    Branzino
    La Boheme

    La Boheme

    4.0
    (619 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$

    La Bohème is exactly the kind of place you hope to find when you're craving a true French dining…read moreexperience. I was not disappointed. The ingredients were fresh, beautifully balanced, and honestly so good I considered ordering another round. The bread was solid too -- perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. We tried a range of dishes and everything delivered. The omelette stuffed with shrimp was generous and great value, the French onion soup, mussels, and entrecôte were all absolutely spot on, and the chocolate mousse to finish was delicious. Next time, I'm definitely coming back for the soufflé. Even the fruit bowl stood out -- you could tell it was freshly cut, with each fruit tasting crisp and distinct rather than blended together. It's those little details that really show care. The space itself is charming and cozy, with a lovely French ambiance. It's a medium-sized restaurant , with additional outdoor seating, and a decor that makes you want to linger. What really stood out, though, was the service. Absolutely top notch. You can tell the staff and chefs genuinely care about what they're doing -- and that makes all the difference. Honestly, I'm surprised it wasn't more packed -- it deserves to be. We'll absolutely be back to explore more

    Delicious - and they have kir!! I always judge a spot by…read moretheir escargot and I was not disappointed! The ingredients were fresh and well balanced and I honestly thought about ordering another. The bread was decent - crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and 4/5 on flavor. The omelette was stuffed with shrimp so it was a really good value and the fruit was honestly the best fruit bowls ever - you could tell it was freshly cut as the flavors were independent and everything was crisp. I was so happy to see kir and kir royale that I had two! The inside is honestly super cute and I'm sad this spot was more packed - it definitely deserves to be! You can tell the staff and chefs actually care about the restaurant, which is always wonderful to experience. I'll be back and explore more - and with a kir of course! Thank you!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Calamars
    Calamars
    Soufflé au Grand Marnier

    See all

    Soufflé au Grand Marnier
    Élyse Restaurant

    Élyse Restaurant

    4.3
    (548 reviews)
    11.3 mi
    $$

    Oh my! Just say that they're temporarily closed until the end of May 2026, so we lucked out having…read morethe chance to eat here last Friday 05-01-2026 for the first time. First off, great service! Upon arriving the hostess greeted us and asked if we had a reservation. When we told her yes and gave our first name, she immediately said our last name without looking down and seated us. Within moments our server, wish I remembered his name because he was awesome!, also greeted us and introduced himself. He didn't rush us or anything but politely asked if we wanted something to drink other than water. Then he took our order and everything came out in good time. The food was yum with great flavor and the space had a lively scene without it being crowded. So fun to see the double bar that has an opening to the dining room. Everyone was super friendly and wait staff totally professional and helpful. We look forward to come back and to maybe even host a private event since the have a room that can fit about 24 people.

    CHECK YOUR BILL!!. I recently dined at Elyse in San Jose and wanted to share a mixed experience…read more First, the positives -- the food was genuinely very good. The dishes were well-prepared, flavorful, and thoughtfully presented. The overall ambiance was also enjoyable, making it a nice spot for a dinner out. Unfortunately, the experience took a concerning turn at the end of the meal. Our bill came out to $86.42, and I handed my credit card to the waiter. Within seconds (thanks to my card alerts), I received a notification that $103.92 had been charged. When the waiter returned with the receipt, there was no mention of any discrepancy. After waiting a few minutes to see if it would be addressed, I brought it up myself. The waiter appeared flustered and then claimed he had accidentally charged me for someone else's food. That explanation didn't align with the itemized bill I was given, which made the situation feel questionable. He assured me that it would be corrected and that I should see the adjustment in a few days, which I'll be watching closely. Mistakes can happen, but the lack of transparency and the fact that it wasn't proactively disclosed is what left a bad impression. Being overcharged without explanation -- and having to catch it myself -- is not something I expect when dining out. I'd consider coming back for the food, but I'd definitely be more cautious when it comes to the bill.

    Photos
    Seared Salmon on a bed of risotto
    Seared Salmon on a bed of risotto
    Ribeye steak
    Ribeye steak
    Shady Scheme

    See all

    Shady Scheme
    Le Papillon

    Le Papillon

    4.2
    (1.3k reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $$$$

    Delicious food, excellent service, great atmosphere. Worth every penny!…read more We went to Le Papillon for our anniversary and it was outstanding. We go to upscale restaurants for special occasions several times a year, and it's been a while since we tried something new (instead of going to a known favorite) and been this impressed. We opted for the 3-course pre fixe and shared all 6 dishes between the two of us. Everything was amazing: well-cooked, well-seasoned, complex flavors all around. Bread, four bite-sized tasting dishes, and coffee were all complimentary and all delicious. One thing I can't stand about a fine dining experience is when the restaurant doesn't at least provide bread -- especially when the portion sizes are small and prices are high. Not a problem here! Service was very quick, thorough, and attentive but never invasive or overbearing. Five stars, no doubt. We will definitely be back!

    Dined here recently in June 2026 with my teenage son. We've wanted to eat here for some time…read more We understand it's a little more old school and knew exactly what we were getting into. Service was professional and our server was quite nice. I love the dining room and artwork. The best things we had were an amuse bouche of smoked trout roe and miso panna cotta, first course crab soufflé, asparagus salad and the dessert black sesame pudding. These were all done very well. Everything else was just okay to me - tomato soup, beef filet and sea bass (fish itself was nice). I could go on and explain each in detail what I didn't care for, but I will keep it brief. I would likely not come back - however, I am definitely glad we came here and tried it out after all the years of wanting to dine here, it was an enjoyable experience.

    Photos
    Rear dining room
    Rear dining room
    Grilled Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Jus and Yam Timbale
    Grilled Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Jus and Yam Timbale
    Amuse Bouche

    See all

    Amuse Bouche
    Gochi - Mountain View

    Gochi - Mountain View

    4.1
    (683 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$

    I've wanted to try this place for a while and it definitely lived up to the hype. Every dish was…read moreextremely flavorful. It's hard to pick a favorite but I have to go with the crispy rice claypot with black cod. I went with one other person but this place seems like it would be perfect for a medium sized party so you can try more of their amazing offerings! Make sure to make a reservation in advance because the place is pretty small. I can't wait to return!

    FYI: this place is very family friendly! they also have a time limit on how long you can stay at…read morethe restaurant which they remind you of when you check in for your reservation we came here for dinner before going to a concert at the shoreline! it's a quick 10ish minute drive away for anyone looking to eat somewhere that's not at the venue. WHAT I GOT: hotate carpaccio, tori soboro meshi, agedashi tofu, sake potato age PROS: very generous portions for a tapas place! when i think tapas, i'm thinking like bite-sized, on the smaller end, but be warned that gochi is serving tapas that are much bigger than that. they also have actual dinner sized menu items so you don't actually have to just order appetizers or small bites to get full. the dishes we got were all delicious, with the star of the show being the hotate carpaccio for me. extra shout out to the super crispy rice at the bottom of our clay pot dish. CONS: it seems like gochi is a hot spot for family dinners and gatherings so take that as you will. it's not a bad thing but there might be some kids seated on the other side of the restaurant who you might be able to hear loud and clear because of how much they're screaming. it's definitely an ambiance killer but not a total deal breaker.

    Photos
    Unagi Meshi Dinner
    Unagi Meshi Dinner
    Yakiniku Kimchee Meshi Clay Pot Rice
    Yakiniku Kimchee Meshi Clay Pot Rice
    Ins: silvia.journey

    See all

    Ins: silvia.journey
    Protégé

    Protégé

    4.4
    (559 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$$$

    I celebrated my birthday here and had a truly wonderful dinner experience in the cocktail lounge…read more The à la carte menu offers a thoughtful blend of Asian fusion bites--each dish more impressive than the last. We were attended to by four staff members, and while that may sound like a lot, their service was seamless. Every movement felt intentional and unobtrusive, enhancing rather than interrupting the ambiance. The craftsmanship of the food--wow. This Michelin rating is absolutely well deserved. Each dish had such depth of flavor that we couldn't help but murmur "mmm" with every bite. The presentation was, of course, stunning, with flavors that matched the beauty on the plate. I can't wait to return and experience the dining room next. I highly recommend adding Protégé to your "Best of the Bay" list.

    Protégé is a New American casual restaurant that offers both an a la carte and a tasting menu…read more We made reservations in advance, and we were excited to check this place out for dinner. Our party went for the a la carte option to order a variety of dishes to share, rather than to be restricted to options. We tried: +the Milk Bread - served with Stepladder Creamery cultured butter and Balinese sea salt +the 'Fish & Chips' - prepared with hamachi, Asian pear, red curry, and pickled jalapenos +Crab and Caviar - with dungeness crab, Protégé reserve caviar, and yuzu sabayon +and, the A5 Wagyu Tataki - with black sesame crackers, enoki mushrooms, and karashi For my entree, I tried the Flannery Beef Short Rib, which was served with sunchoke 'hash', charcoal-grilled king trumpet mushrooms, horseradish, and pimenton; I also tried one's Blackened Monkfish and the 'Peas and Carrots.' Everything was well-presented and aesthetically-pleasing, service was on point, and they checked upon our large party often. The restaurant itself is well-decorated, with nice photographs on the wall; request for the tufted seating, as it's more comfortable. +attentive staff +a la carte and tasting menu offered +reservations accepted

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Mango Cheesecake Chocolates
    Mango Cheesecake Chocolates
    Crab and Caviar

    See all

    Crab and Caviar
    Zola + BarZola

    Zola + BarZola

    4.2
    (629 reviews)
    5.6 mi
    $$$

    We had a wonderful dinner at Zola. There are many seating options at this restaurant. You can sit…read moreoutside, in the bar area (at the bar or small tables), and a couple of dining rooms. We were seated in the bar area at some tables. The bar is impressive. It's filled to the ceiling with different bottles. We felt like we had to try a cocktail to start. Our bartender was great and even went off menu for some of our drinks. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Once we were seated we got some appetizers to get us started. We ordered chickpea panisse, French onion soup, goat cheese mousse, and the apple salad. Everything was delicious. My favorite was the chickpea panisse. It looked like fried tofu, but it was so delicately soft in the center. The aioli that came with it was great too. My second favorite was the goat cheese mousse. It was beautifully presented and a good balance of flavors. For main dishes, we got a variety of things. We got salmon, hanger steak, flat iron steak, and poulet roti. Everything was delicious. I think the flat iron steak was preferred over the hanger, but both were good. I thought the chicken was delicious. It seemed braised with a lot of flavor. It was a generous portion with a large salad. It was very well done. We also got a couple of sides of macaroni and cheese. Those didn't disappoint. They came in hot iron skillets and were hearty and delicious. For dessert we got the mousse au chocolat. The mousse with ice cream was a great combination. The dessert was well balanced. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The staff was great, the food was delicious, and the vibe was fun.

    Stopped by this upscale French bistro with a distinct Californian vibe ~6:30 pm on a Friday and…read moreluckily scored a high top for 2 on the outside patio. The bar and dining areas inside were completely packed, so I'd definitely recommend booking a reservation rather than simply taking your chances like we did! Enjoyed a Colette (mezcal, lapsang honey, peach, salers aperitif, lemon) house cocktail while perusing the food menu, and we were off to the races. While our high top was a bit wobbly and the surface area not nearly big enough to safely hold all the dishes we ordered, we made it work ;). Our picks: SALADES Frisée & Apple Salad (arugula, pt. reyes blue cheese, pink lady apples, candied walnuts, sunchokes, honey mustard vinaigrette) LES PLATS King Salmon (melted spring onions, delta asparagus, crispy potatoes, citrus nage) Beef Cheek Bourguignon (roasted garlic pomme purée, nantes carrots, pickled red onions) LES GARNITURES Local Asparagus (hazelnut crumble, cara cara emulsion, pecorino) DESSERT Mousse au Chocolat (valrhona "Illanka", chantilly, cocoa crumble) Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta (mango passionfruit compote, coconut tuile) Sticky Toffee Pudding (warm date cake, toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream) 3 desserts were likely overkill, but we had 0 regrets!

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Poulet Sous Brique
    Poulet Sous Brique
    Manhattan de luxe (left); Colette (right)

    See all

    Manhattan de luxe (left); Colette (right)
    Naschmarkt - Palo Alto

    Naschmarkt - Palo Alto

    4.4
    (216 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    Full bar
    Private events

    A lovely spot to celebrate my friends graduation from Stanford! Our party was able to get a…read morereservation of 12 on a Saturday night for dinner. Parking was easy and we were immediately sat. The sausage appetizer was very delicious. I was not a big fan of their pretzel. My partner and I got the Jager Schnitzel and Kraut Rouladen. Both were large portions and tasted delicious. Kraut Rouladen was essentially a meatball wrapped in cabbage. Depending on your preference, you might wish there was a little more sauce. Either way, a great restaurant to try out in the Palo Alto area.

    Bland, bland, bland. Jäger Schnitzel was swimming in a mushroom cream sauce. The sauce was heavy…read morecream, butter, mushrooms, flour, and salt. That's it. No herbs. No wine. No garlic. No onions. No nutmeg. Germans love onions, so it should have been loaded with onions and garlic. Germans also love nutmeg in cream-based dishes, but this was devoid of herbs, spices and flavor. The mushrooms were not pre-roasted, which would have given more flavor too. It was painfully bland. Spätzle was also swimming in a similar, basic cream sauce of cream, butter, salt, and flour. The plain sauce on the noodles reinforces the plain oily mushroom sauce and it becomes heavy, oily, cloying, and overwhelmingly bland. There is enough salt in both dishes, just not enough flavor from herbs, spices, onions, and garlic. Also had the Apfel Strüdel; it was ok, edges were burnt, but acceptable with the provided vanilla sauce and whipped cream. Both the whipped cream and vanilla sauce had visible vanilla bean seeds. So they know how to flavor the sweet sauces, just not the savory. Ordered to go and the best part was the hot food containers; fully sealed and contained all the liquid while also keeping the food very hot! Not all places have considered matching their dishes and to go containers; Naschmarkt clearly has. I really wanted to love to Naschmarkt, but their food is far too bland. From what I see in the pictures, it wasn't just an off-night, that's is how they make their dishes regularly. As a German from Germany, that makes me sad because it could and should be much better.

    Photos
    Naschmarkt - Palo Alto
    Naschmarkt - Palo Alto
    Naschmarkt - Palo Alto

    See all

    Chez TJ - french - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...