01
Best overall pick
Selby's
El Camino Real, Atherton • Upscale Classic American Restaurant • Special-Occasion Showpiece
Old-Hollywood glamor, meticulous cooking, and polished service make Selby's the benchmark fine-dining room near Atherton.
If you want a night that feels like an event, Selby's is where locals book the big celebrations. The menu leans indulgent—think perfectly cooked steaks, soufflés, and thoughtful takes on classic American dishes—backed by a deep wine list. Plan ahead, dress up a bit, and settle in for a long, luxurious meal.
02
Best farm-to-table
Flea St. Cafe
North Menlo Park • Californian Farm-To-Table Restaurant • Seasonal, Locally Sourced Favorite
Flea St. Cafe champions Northern California ingredients with a cozy dining room that feels unmistakably neighborhood-driven.
Just over the Atherton border, Flea St. Cafe has been doing thoughtful, seasonal cooking long before it was trendy. Menus change frequently with what local farms and ranches are producing, but you can always count on clean flavors and careful sourcing. It’s an easy choice when you want something special without the formality of a big-city dining room.
03
Refined countryside retreat
The Village Pub
Downtown Woodside • Refined New American Bistro • Upscale Yet Relaxed Getaway
The Village Pub pairs polished New American dishes with a warm, wood-paneled setting that feels like an elevated country inn.
A short drive into Woodside delivers you to one of the Peninsula’s most reliable fine-dining experiences. The kitchen turns out beautifully plated, seasonal dishes with a strong wine program and service that’s attentive without being stiff. It’s an ideal choice when you want a destination meal that still feels relaxed and a bit removed from the bustle of El Camino and downtowns.
04
Lively downtown pick
Evvia Estiatorio
Downtown Palo Alto • Lively Greek Taverna-Style Restaurant • Best For Convivial Group Dinners
Evvia brings a bustling, taverna-like energy to downtown Palo Alto with generous Greek flavors and a consistently packed dining room.
Expect grilled meats, seafood, and mezze that are ideal for sharing, all coming out of an open kitchen that keeps the room buzzing. It’s the spot many locals choose for birthdays, visiting family, and work dinners because the atmosphere practically guarantees a festive night. If you’re heading over from Atherton, booking ahead is smart—prime times fill quickly.
05
Power-lunch classic
Restaurant 3000
Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park • Contemporary American Restaurant • Business-Friendly Weekday Spot
Tucked along Sand Hill Road, Restaurant 3000 serves polished American fare to a mix of venture-capital regulars and nearby neighbors.
Weekdays, this is where dealmakers and office teams head for an upgraded burger, composed salads, and seasonal mains that go well beyond standard corporate café fare. Despite its business address, it’s welcoming to locals who want a quiet, well-executed lunch or early dinner after a hike in the nearby hills. It’s especially handy when you need a spot that feels professional without being stuffy.