Reader, we did it. We left 2020 in the dust and now we’ve arrived in a brand new year, where surely everything will be better. But no one promised a miracle overnight, unfortunately. Across Silicon Valley, restaurants are still doing what they have to do to survive, which means navigating the world of takeout and delivery only. Despite the challenges, a couple new eateries have even opened in recent weeks while everyone looks for the light at the end of the pandemic.
Newly Open
Insomnia Cookies
42 S 1st Street, San Jose; 669.900.1412
Cracking open a six pack never felt so warm and gooey before Insomnia Cookies landed in San Jose last month. The newest location of the national bakery sells ice cream, brownies and cookies in a range of quantities, including six packs of course. Open daily from noon to 1am.
The Foundation
facebook.com/thefoundationsanjose
2705 Union Ave, San Jose; 408.559.0904
Once a taco truck roaming the streets of San Jose, The Foundation is now slinging it’s homemade Mexican-style street tacos inside Stevie’s Bar & Grill in Cambrian. Open daily from 12pm to 8pm.
Date Night (at home)
LV Mar
2402 Broadway, Redwood City; 650.241.3111
From sweet and savory to tart and tangy, LV Mar offers a creative array of tapas and tacos inspired by Mexican flavors. Its cocktail and mocktail menu includes sangria, mezcal and bottles of wine starting at $20. Open daily at noon for takeout and delivery.
Elements Restaurant
6471-10 Almaden Expressway, San Jose; 408.927.8773
Located in San Jose’s scenic Almaden Valley, Elements Restaurant blends the rich flavors of French and Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. It’s open 12pm to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Birks
3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara; 408.980.6400
Meat-lovers looking for a romantic night out can find a mix of steaks, pork chops and seafood at Birks. It’s open for lunch from 11:15am to 2:30pm Tuesday to Friday and for dinner 5pm onwards Tuesday to Saturday.
SpiceKlub
10310 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino; 408.899.6171
Inspired by molecular gastronomy, SpiceKlub serves vegetarian Indian street food in Cupertino, where diners can enjoy traditional flavors in a laid-back setting. It’s open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30 pm and for dinner from 5pm to 9pm Tuesday to Sunday.
La Catalana
3720 North First St STE A, San Jose; 408.324.1321
For 10 years, La Catalana has been transporting diners to Catalonia with its traditional tapas and wine. It’s open 4pm to 9pm Tuesday to Thursday and 4pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday.
Kemuri Japanese Baru
2616 Broadway, Redwood City; 650.257.7653
Kemuri, which means “smoke” in Japanese, embodies that flavor in its dishes, cocktails, sake and spirits. While its menu is chock full of meat dishes, the menu also has a healthy dose of vegetarian options. Open for takeout and delivery during lunch and dinner time daily.
Vesta
2022 Broadway, Redwood City; 650.384.6500
Nothing says comfort food like pizza and Vesta, which offers wood-fired pizza and small plates, is the kind of pizza that customers line up for down the block in downtown Redwood City. Open for takeout and delivery between 11am and 8pm Monday to Saturday and 3pm to 8pm Sunday.
Casual Fare
Restaurant Gish
1998 Homestead Rd STE 113, Santa Clara; 669.230.5162
Restaurant Gish, offering home cooked Korean-American fare, is a two-man show from owners Ray and Stan. According to their nephew, it’s the best restaurant of its kind in town, but diners can decide for themselves by ordering takeout or delivery every day except Mondays.
Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant
1663 W San Carlos St, San Jose; 408.216.9695
Kategna’s Ethiopian food is bursting with flavor, which can be easily mopped up with a spongy sourdough bread called injera. It’s open 11:30 am to 9:30pm every day except Wednesdays.
Qua Da Restaurant
2863 Senter Rd, San Jose; 408.440.0180
Pho lovers will find happiness at the bottom of a bowl at Qua Da Restaurant, which also serves up beef skewers, hot pot and shrimp dishes daily from 9am to 9:30pm. Delivery is available via DoorDash.
Starbird Chicken
1875 Bascom Ave STE 112, Campbell; 408.385.7688
1088 E Brokaw Rd, San Jose; 408.451.9052
1241 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale; 650.988.6630
1141 Triton Dr, Foster City; 650.570.0593
A Bay Area favorite, Starbird Chicken has spent years perfecting its fried chicken, which it promises will not be greasy, but will be fresh and hand-battered. Open 10:30am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 10:30am to 9pm Sunday.
Mesquite and Oak
856 N 13th St, San Jose; 408.418.3180
Authentic BBQ and a cold beer are American staple and Mesquite and Oak doesn’t fall short. Its drink list includes a large selection of California-made brews.
Must-Sees & Events in Silicon Valley: Week of Jan. 6 
