The chilled green grape chaas, an elegant spin on the chaat classic pani puri, is one of the most unique bites of food we’ve had in a long time, and also a perfect representation of the food at this Indian spot—both comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly new. What sets Eylan apart is its emphasis on California produce and woodfire cooking.

Camper feels like the kind of restaurant every suburban downtown wishes it had: low-key enough that you can roll in on a Tuesday and snag a seat, but also full of newness since the menu changes frequently. The housemade pastas, like lemony English pea agnolotti and rich, savory pork ragu, are the move here. And if it’s on the menu, we like the perfectly seared flat iron steak for an entree. It’s perfect for nights when you want a memorable meal out but don’t want to deal with city traffic.

Flea Street has been doing the farm-to-table thing since before it was even called that. Highlights of their menu, which changes frequently, include the scallop crudo, brightened by guajillo and citrus, and the pistachio and fennel-crusted lamb chop with a sweet-spicy habanero nectar. For mains, the housemade pasta carbonara with guanciale and spring peas is decadent without being heavy, and the slow-braised grass-fed short rib is full-throttle comfort.

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine (with locations in San Francisco and Oakland) is a maximalist fever dream, but in the best way possible. The Hat Yai fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and spicy, and the panang neua—tender beef in a rich panang curry—is salty-sweet perfection. The cocktails are just as bold, with drinks like the tamarind whiskey sour. It's a fun spot for a casual date or group dinner when you want big flavors, lots of rice, and exactly zero chill.

Sultana isn’t flashy, but flash isn’t what brings you there—it’s the food. The menu leans Turkish, with dishes like the divan kebab—lushly spiced beef and lamb rolled in lavash and served over garlicky yogurt—and a smoky baba ghanoush that could easily replace your main. The white tablecloths and wood-paneled dining room feel old-school, and the back patio is one of the better under-the-radar spots to eat outside in Menlo Park. It’s ideal for a relaxed weeknight lunch or dinner.

Each dish at this tiny, ornately decorated omakase spot is nearly flawless. And with just eight seats, it’s easy to lock in on every detail. At at least $200 per person, Ren should be high on your list for a seriously intimate, seriously high-end omakase experience. Be sure to book your reservation at least 2-3 weeks in advance, since they offer only two seatings per night.

The raw bar is the most impressive part of the new Menlo Park outpost of this popular seafood spot—stacked with impeccably shucked oysters, buttery crudo dressed in wasabi-lemon vinaigrette, and a Dungeness crab louie that feels like a love letter to California seafood. The excellent burger, topped with gruyère and sauce gribiche, ensures that even your one friend who detests fish will be happy with their meal.

This polished, Parisian-style brasserie delivers classic French comfort food with California flair. The menu leans into the hits: steak frites with herb butter, beef bourguignon, and a rich cheese fondue that’s made for sharing. The space is grand, with high ceilings, vintage posters, and a patio that’s great for a long lunch or a breezy dinner. It’s a little on the swanky side, but when the craving for classic French food hits, it more than gets the job done.

The Menlo Park Burma Love outpost brings the bold, vibrant flavors of its San Francisco flagship to the Peninsula. Like its sister restaurant in the city, you’ll find modern takes on Burmese cuisine. The tea leaf salad is a must-order, and the coconut chicken noodles are rich and comforting. It’s the perfect spot for a casual weeknight dinner, especially if you’re craving bright, bold flavors. And try stopping by on weekends for brunch.

You’ll find this place in a quiet office park, but don’t let that fool you—the team here is putting out some of the best breakfast and lunch in Menlo Park. The Bodega 2.0, Sand Hill’s take on a classic breakfast sandwich, has a welcome kick from a smear of calabrian chili aioli. The fried chicken sandwich is the standout. Lighter options like the kale and quinoa salad and the roasted vegetable grain bowl are just as satisfying.

At this sleek, contemporary sushi bar, the high-quality fish is pristine. If you’re in the mood for rolls, the Kyosho Special—stuffed with spicy tuna, crab, and shrimp tempura and topped with avocado and unagi—is a crowd-pleaser. The spicy scallop roll is rich and briny with just enough kick, and the chicken katsu curry is satisfyingly crispy. The dark wood, low lighting, and large black curtains create a welcome sense of calm—perfect for a solo sushi fix.

A quick, cheap lunch is not easy to come by in Menlo Park. But at Mexcal Taqueria, the $2.75 tacos are so good, you’d happily pay double for them. The carnitas are rich and tender with crisp edges, the al pastor offers a flavorful, slightly sweet kick, and everything lands on housemade tortillas that are soft and warm, with just the right amount of chew. The chile verde is a sleeper hit and don’t skip the salsa bar.

This family-run deli and market has been a Menlo Park staple since the early ’90s. The tri-tip steak sandwich—thinly sliced steak grilled in-house and piled generously high onto your choice of roll (we go for the dutch crunch)—is juicy and smoky, but the turkey-avocado club hits just as hard. Grab a side of their housemade potato salad and a cold soda or iced tea from the fridge, and you’ve got the kind of lunch that never goes out of style.

The sleek dining room at this place feels almost romantically private, with its low lighting, sheer drawn drapes, and white paper lanterns gently illuminating each table. The menu feels just as elegant, the scallion croissant with rou song butter is a standout, and more far-fetched dishes, like the lu rou lasagna—vibrant green chrysanthemum pasta sheets filled with Taiwanese braised pork and bechamel—work flawlessly. Be sure to make a reservation well ahead.

Son & Garden in Menlo Park is a maximalist’s dream—floral ceilings, pastel lattes, and brunch plates that look like they were styled for a boudoir photoshoot. It’s the kind of place where your drink might come in a bear-shaped glass and your pancakes are garnished with edible flowers.

Don’t be fooled by the word “dessert” in this Middle Eastern spot’s name—the savory dishes are just as strong, especially the smashed falafel wrapped in warm pita, and the dips tray, featuring housemade hummus, baba ghanoush, and beet. For dessert, the baklava is a must-try—flaky, buttery, and just sweet enough. For something richer, the chocolate pistachio knafeh cheesecake should be at the top of the list. It’s a great choice for a quick lunch.