For 24 years, I’ve been exploring and writing about the Bay Area’s Peninsula — including but not minimized to the moniker Silicon Valley. San Mateo County can suffer from suburban malaise and mediocrity when it comes to restaurant standards, especially compared to the dense, world-class glories of nearby San Francisco.
But this is also one of the most people-diverse regions in the world. Blessedly, the food reflects that with hyper-regional authenticity from across regions of India, Mexico, the Philippines and beyond in this huge county, thanks to dense populations from these countries and beyond.
It takes more digging and research than in SF, but the Peninsula is packed with food gems — and is rising as exciting openings keep rocking the south Bay. Part one here.
Silicon Valley’s Most Promising New Fine Dining Chef: Tasting House, Los Gatos
Los Gatos’ Tasting House is not new, opening as a restaurant and wine shop in 2022, then launching their stellar Champagne bar in 2023. It has been a Wine Spectator award-winning destination ever since, with an impressive 10 sommeliers on staff. In 2023, they wisely welcomed new chef Julian Silvera, who brought NYC and Florida Michelin-star experience working for major chefs like Wylie Dufresne (Alder, wd-50) and Jon Bignelli.
Now I must get to his new tasting menu restaurant, Vicinity, which just opened in Los Gatos February 3, 2026. Tasting House serves an a la carte bistro menu, Champagne flights with caviar and snacks and Champagne afternoon tea. But in spring 2025, they launched a 15 Champagnes, 15-course Chef’s Tasting Experience.
Visiting in September, I was wowed by the deep Champagne focus — a rarity most places — and by Silvera’s ambitious, thoughtful menus, working with over 30 local farmers sourcing the best ingredients. Making my top 12 restaurants of the year, it’s the Valley’s most promising fine dining “newcomer,” clearly a preview of what’s coming at Vicinity.
Read the rest on Substack: Where to Eat Now: SF Peninsula Rising, Pt. 2