Lobby and the bar inside Hotel Nia in Menlo Park.

The world knows Silicon Valley as the global hub for everything high-tech, but I know it as my backyard growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area. As an adult I spent several years living and working in Silicon Valley before we settled down and ended buying a house in Sacramento. More recently, I spent Easter weekend with some gal pals as a guest at the Hotel Nia in Menlo Park.

I feel like often the city of San Francisco steals all the glory of Northern California, but there are some major perks to heading to the South Bay. While the city of San Francisco is often covered in gloom and fog, in just a short 45 minute drive (depending on traffic), you can be in Silicon Valley’s gorgeous sunshine weather.

Like many places in California, one of the big attractions to the Silicon Valley are all the incredible dining options. They top the list in both fresh and incentives menu items paired with trendy and modern ambiance. Which is why this blog post is filled with not only a lot of restaurant recommendations but also pretty food porn photos.

Top Cities Listed From North to South in Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is comprised of 8 major cities and below I have the highlights from each one. They’re all conveniently located on the Highway 101 and you can easily hit up multiple spots in one day. I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a fair warning, traffic can be terrible during commute hours. Plan your itinerary around quiet times, best to drive around 10am - 2pm or later in the evening after work traffic clears up.

Redwood City

Downtown Redwood City

The most frequented area of Redwood City by foodies and those looking for general merriment. The main strip to visit in Redwood City is appropriately named Main St, and a great place to start is the intersection of Main St and Broadway.

Movies on the Square

A popular seasonal event in Redwood City is camping out and watching both new and classic films on warm summer evenings. Movies are shown Thursdays at sundown from June - August.

Philz Coffee

Famous for detail-oriented baristas who will handcraft your caffeine exactly the way you want it. Customer favorite is the Mint Mohito Coffee - sounds weird but tastes good!

Teaspoon

Serving fancy and colorful sweet teas and sweet snow in a cup. Known for out of the box flavors - avocado and mochi snow cup anyone?!

Go Fish Poke Bar

For those unfamiliar, poke is based around raw fish - like sushi but in a bowl rather than a wrap. This location has a bright and modern setting with poke bowls that are colorful works of edible art.

The Habit Burger

A California chain making quality burgers and sandwiches. Try a handcrafted milkshake or malt for dessert.

Ike’s Sandwiches

In their own words - “This ain’t your momma’s sandwich shop”. These sandwiches are stuffed to the limit with ingredients like thinly sliced rib eye, BBQ beer battered onion rings and gouda cheese. For all you sports fans, several of the sandwiches are designed by baseball Giants players themselves and you can order their favorite foods.

Milagros

Fresh California meets Mexican inspired cuisine. I’ve eaten here several times and it’s always a lively scene, especially during weekend brunch.

Timber & Salt

Fancy dinner spot which turns into a boozy nightlife scene, staying open until midnight on Friday nights.

Menlo Park

Hotel Nia

As you can see from the photos in this blog post, the Hotel Nia has great style and their cuisine options are top notch. As I mentioned in the intro, my girlfriends and I were guests of Hotel Nia for the weekend of Easter. We enjoyed some serious brunching in our sweet springtime dresses.

The Willows Market

The high-end neighborhood grocery store where you can find fresh produce from local farms.

Santa Cruz Ave

The main drag of Menlo Park where most of the action is happening. Find trendy shops, coffee spots and restaurants.

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

Pizza made with fresh dough and toppings. Try the Boston Pizza with fried eggplants.

The Refuge

This spot is for all you meat lovers, they are famous for their pastrami sandwiches. Also offering a wide selection of Belgian beers.

Mademoiselle Colette

A sweet and elegant French pastry shop serving a brunch and lunch menu that will make you feel like you’ve journeyed to France for a couple hours.

Susie Cakes

In stark contrast to the French vibes of Mademoiselle Colette, Susie Cakes is the colorful American cousin who specializes in modern and inventive baked goods.

Off the Grid

On Wednesday nights you can head to Merrill St. (by the Menlo Park Caltrain station) to explore the many food options available via hipster cool food trucks.

Palo Alto

University Ave

Of all the hangout areas of Silicon Vally, University Ave (university standing for Stanford) is probably the biggest and most popular. It is walking distance from the main Stanford campus and is filled with shops and dinning options. It’s a pleasant walk down the length of the main strip, very modern and lively scene.

Blue Bottle Coffee

This coffee brand has a serious California cult following along millennials. They are known for good brews and minimal and modern coffee shops.

Lemonade

A bright and cheerful healthy eats chain that specialized in California cuisine.

Sweetgreen

Yet another super healthy and fresh foods chain… are you beginning to see a trendy here? :)

Curry Up Now

Old world traditions of India meets the new and modern to create a trendy Indian fare California chain.

Stanford Shopping Center

This is not the typical mall you remember from your high school days. It’s perfectly kept-up and modernized, and on the expensive ritzy side. Because Palo Alto is famous for beautiful year-round weather, most of the shopping center is outdoors so you can enjoy sunshine and fresh air.

Fun Fact About Me - I worked at the Stanford Mall as a Levi’s rep while I took college fashion courses.

Mountain View

Googleplex

The main headquarters of tech giant Google has some fun attractions for guests, including the Android Statue Garden (popular for Instagram photos) and the Company Shop where you can stock up o Google fan gear. Because the Googleplex campus is so huge, best to put this address into your GPS: 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043.

Pizza My Heart

Popular and playful pizza chain that names its pizzas after local spots.

Downtown Mountain View on Castro St

This is the best area in Mountain View to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the sights. You can find many restaurants and great window shopping.

Vitality Bowls

If you’re looking for a sweet dose of fresh fruit and vitamins, try one of these superfood bowls.

Sunnyvale

In-N-Out Burger

Umm… it’s basically not a California trip without a stop at In-N-Out Burger. There’s many locations scattered all over California, be prepared because they’re always super busy.

Best Indian Food

Because many immigrants from India settled in Sunnyvale, you can find some of the best mom-and-pop restaurants serving super authentic Indian cuisine. Keep your eyes peeled for an Indian restaurant that looks super yum!

Nick The Greek

Hearty helpings of authentic Greek food in a trendy modern setting.

Cupertino

The Counter Burgers

This high-end chain gives you the opportunity to custom build your own burger to your heart’s desire. In their own words - “we are about creative construction.”

Aqui Cupertino

California meets Mexican favorites in a modern setting. Some locations offer the famous boozy “swirl” which is basically a fancy slushy with alcohol.

Oren's Hummus

Authentic Israeli restaurant serving the best hummus you can find in the bay.

Red Hot Wok

This small restaurant can fill up quickly with hungry patrons. It is specifically Taiwanese style cuisine which I have been told has its own distinctions from traditional Chinese, but still very delicious!

Santa Clara

Levi’s Stadium

Home of the 49ers football team but also a hot spot for musical concerts. Taylor Swift performed here not long ago.

Chikara

Japanese BBQ spot that stays open late on most days, as late as 12:30am! Restaurant decor is modern and inviting and you can enjoy cocktails with your meal.

Vally Fair Mall

Just as you would expect to see in the heart of Silicon Valley, this mall is shiny and modern with plenty to explore. You’ll find all your favorite brands plus a few new ones.

Santana Row

Located just footsteps from Valley Fair Mall, Santana Row is a beautifully designed outdoor shopping avenue. They really know how to set the ambiance with twinkling lights and music playing. A great way to spend some time, both in the daytime and evening.

Great America

If you’re a fan of amusement parks and rollercoasters, Great America is one of the most popular ones in Northern California. For the Halloween and winter holidays they hold special events for the whole family.

K1-Speed Indoor Go Karts

Calling all you adrenaline and action junkies! Let your Formula 1 alter-ego run free while you race around the track in a speedy go kart.

San Jose Nightlife

If you’re looking for a great way to spend an evening out and about, the San Pedro Square Market Bar, Three Sisters or Market Beer are good options for alcoholic drinks and lively atmosphere.