There’s no question that the San Francisco Peninsula is a gourmand’s delight. Discerning diners who own Atherton or Palo Alto real estate can sample some of the finest fares in the country, and the region was recently awarded a record-breaking number of Michelin-starred restaurants. The area has even edged out East Coast rival New York City for the most three-star establishments.

Where should you start your culinary journey? Here are a few spots that are guaranteed to tempt your tastebuds.

Tech-centric Menlo Park has come a long way since two Irish immigrants named the railway village after their hometown of Menlough in County Galway, Ireland. The now-bustling hub for tech giants and professionals has become known for variety and sophistication in its dining experiences.

Conveniently located in downtown Menlo Park, Camper boasts an open, contemporary vibe and serves some of the most forward-thinking California cuisines. Sourcing ingredients from local artisans, fisheries, and farmers, Camper focuses on creating fresh, ethically sourced, in-season meals it can share with diners. Camper’s revolving menus change often, shifting with the seasons to provide diners the best experience possible.

Charming Flea St. Cafe’s warren of rooms makes diners feel like they are enjoying a meal in someone’s home. This intimacy sets the stage for its exemplary farm-to-table fare, which has inspired chef Jesse Cool for more than 40 years. Jesse has been a leader in the local food movement and is dedicated to providing the freshest organic, ingredient-driven meals, elevating comfort food to a fine art. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner or chilling with friends at Flea St. Cafe’s convivial bar, this spot is an iconic example of sustainable California cuisine.

Elegant Madera is located inside the luxurious Rosewood Sand Hill hotel. This is the place to celebrate special occasions for those who own Menlo Park or Atherton real estate, with its expansive Santa Cruz Mountain vistas and sophisticated, tranquil atmosphere. Madera focuses on locally-sourced ingredients, creatively presented in a sophisticated yet accessible environment. The crackling fires provide more than a cozy atmosphere, as many dishes are prepared on the restaurant’s wood-burning grill and hearth. Private dining and private terraced rooms are also available.

If you’re looking for a meal with plenty of spice and vibrant colors, visit Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine on Merrill Street. From gorgeous plated dishes to the bright and captivating atmosphere, dining at Farmhouse Kitchen is a treat! From a Tsunami Lobster meal (a whole lobster with prawns, scallops, and calamari over turmeric rice) to incredible curry and Thai street food options, Farmhouse Kitchen offers explosive flavors, vibrant colors, and a tantalizing menu. Make your reservation today — they’re open daily for lunch and dinner.

La Stanza in Menlo Park offers house made pastas made from scratch in a welcoming and warm dining atmosphere. Guests enjoy classic pasta dishes, like rigatoni with Italian sausage in a cream sauce, eggplant parmesan, and impeccable main course entrees like Wild Tiger prawns with basil in a white wine lemon sauce. La Stanza provides an intimate dining experience for guests, priding themselves on their “living room” atmosphere and cozy, upscale-yet-casual environment. The owner and chef have over 30 years of experience crafting excellent Italian dishes from their roots in Sicily — if you’re craving authentic Italian, you can’t miss a dining experience at La Stanza!

Located in what is known as the most expensive ZIP code in the U.S., Atherton is synonymous with luxury. Selby’s has taken this concept back in time, combining retro cuisine with a glamorous mid-century vibe. Selby’s has an exclusive supper club focused on creating a complete dining experience, from customized tableside preparations to a clever martini cart that brings the bar directly to your table. The experience is so immersive that you’ll probably expect to see Don Draper stroll through the door.

Home to prestigious Stanford University and the heart center of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto real estate has some of the most sought-after addresses in the country. It’s no wonder this uber-exclusive city boasts fine dining with an international flair for every possible taste.

Fusing Northern California cuisine with the rich influences of Japanese cooking, Bird Dog’s multicultural approach brings contemporary, beautiful food to guests in a lively atmosphere that is never stuffy. Robbie Wilson, head chef at Bird Dog, is a native Texan who discovered his passion for food in college. He trained under several chefs, receiving classical French training under Michel Troisgros of the world-famous Maison Troisgros culinary school. His pedigreed background ranges from the famous New York restaurant Craft to Conundrum in Aspen, where Nobu Matsuhisa helped him develop an obsession for fresh ingredients and Japanese minimalism. 

The former Baumé has gotten a complete makeover. New in 2022, Bistronomie by Baumé combines fine French food with a lively, casual atmosphere, putting a new twist on classic dishes with an ongoing focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The casual fine dining concept also features an impressive selection of wine, top-notch service, and exclusively curated fare for the discriminating palate, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

With gorgeously lush interior spaces and beautifully presented food, Ettan made the list of “Most Instagrammable Restaurants in the Bay Area.” But there is more here than meets the eye, as Ettan’s aesthetic extends far beyond architecture and design.

Pioneering chef Srijith Gopinathan cleverly melds vibrant Indian cuisine with fresh California ingredients for a complete East-meets-West dining experience. Chef Sri formerly led the highly acclaimed Taj Campton Place in San Francisco and is one of the most decorated Indian chefs in the country. He brings his talents and vision to this new restaurant concept, adding a shining Cal-Indian star nestled conveniently amongst exclusive Palo Alto real estate. 

The first Fleming’s was opened in 1998 by Paul Fleming and Bill Allen and located in Newport Beach. The restaurateurs wanted to create the best dining experience and serve the finest quality prime steak and fresh seafood dishes. With an emphasis on creating a top-tier service experience, dining at Fleming’s is truly a special occasion. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of award-winning wines and unique wine experiences where guests can appreciate the art and craft of wine under the guidance of well-known experts.

Upscale casual makes another appearance at Protégé. The brainchild of Chef Anthony Secviar and Master Sommelier Dennis Kelly, Protégé’s mouthwatering menu provides fine dining while the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere makes diners feel comfortable. Guests can choose from two dining experiences: casual à la carte in the lounge or a chef-selected seven-course tasting menu in the intimate dining room.

For truly authentic Spanish food, you can’t get closer than Telefèric Barcelona, which was started three decades ago — in Barcelona. The passion and flavors of Spain remained authentic when Telefèric Barcelona landed in Palo Alto. The restaurant’s talented mixologists and innovative chefs bring these inspired tastes to life with its famous paellas, Spanish-style tapas, and exotic liquid libations.

For more information about fine dining and luxury living near Menlo Park, Palo Alto, or Atherton real estate, you can reach out to a local expert like Marc Hayden Bryman. Marc knows the area inside out. If you want to explore any of these areas, Marc can help.