20 Best Restaurants in Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Mountain View, California!

In our small city, nestled between the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains and the bustling Silicon Valley, we are blessed with a rich and diverse culinary scene.

As someone who calls this place home, I've had the pleasure of exploring and delighting in the many flavors that our local eateries have to offer.

From classic California cuisine to international delicacies, there's always something new and exciting to discover.

So, come with me on a culinary adventure through our sunny streets as we uncover the 20 best restaurants in Mountain View, California!

Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen, and I must say, it lived up to my expectations.

The moment I walked in, I was impressed by the clean atmosphere and inviting décor.

For my meal, I decided to try the Turkish breakfast, specifically the little chef menemen, which was a delightful combination of soft-boiled eggs, tomato, onions, and peppers.

It was served with a side of pita bread and was both fresh and light.

I also tried the Keftedes wrap, which was generously filled with plump, moist meat chunks, sliced pickles, lettuce, and other tasty ingredients.

The wrap came with two kinds of sauces: a spicy orange concoction and a sour cream-based sauce with veggies.

Both were delicious and complemented the wrap perfectly.

My friend opted for the salmon wrap and the hummus trio.

She absolutely loved her salmon wrap, especially when topped with the hot sauce available upon request.

While the hummus trio was good, we agreed that the traditional and spicy hummus was the best of the three.

We enjoyed our meal outdoors, as there were seven tables available for al fresco dining.

Los Amigos

One of my favorite places to grab a bite in the Mountain View/Sunnyvale area is Los Amigos.

This locally owned and operated gem offers casual dining with sports on TV, outdoor seating, and a kid-friendly environment.

As a fan of Mexican cuisine, I've tried many items on their menu, and I can confidently say that their burritos are some of the best around.

The Carne Asada and Al Pastor burritos are top-notch and should not be missed.

And don't forget their Carnitas - absolutely delicious with generous portions of meat!

For something lighter, the Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a perfect choice and the right portion size for me.

Los Amigos also offers mouthwatering Tortas.

I remember ordering the Carnitas Torta for take-out, and even though I was expecting a soggy sandwich, it still had a toasty crunch to it!

I can only imagine how much better it would taste if eaten fresh at the restaurant.

The Super Tacos are another great choice, especially the Asada and Pollo options.

Yes, they're hefty and can be a bit messy with all the toppings, but that's the charm of enjoying an authentic Mexican taco.

Plus, their Fish and Shrimp Tacos, dressed with pineapple salsa and cabbage, are simply divine.

To make your meal complete, don't forget to try their Jamaica drink.

Sushi Tomi

I recently visited Sushi Tomi after several years.

This cozy spot serves sushi and sashimi, as well as chef's choice meals.

The best part about it is the freshness of their fish and the amazing presentation.

During my visit, I was blown away by the Extra Special Nigiri Dinner, which was a steal at $35.

This dish offered eight pieces of melt-in-your-mouth sushi, including premium choices like uni and fatty tuna belly.

I also tried the Tomi Special Roll, which featured fresh fish and a delicious sauce.

It was the highlight of my lunch, and I'd highly recommend it.

The regular salmon and unagi rolls were decent as well, with soft and fresh fish.

The food was delivered at an acceptable pace, and the overall atmosphere was warm and inviting.

Momoya Sushi

Last week, I decided to treat myself to a delicious dinner at Momoya Sushi, a local Japanese restaurant in Mountain View.

I've been coming here for many years, and the quality has never disappointed me.

I started my meal with the miso soup and salad, which were fresh and satisfying.

I couldn't resist ordering the Baja sushi roll – the combination of lemon cilantro and extremely fresh salmon was incredibly refreshing, making it one of my all-time favorite rolls.

I also tried the three amigos roll, which featured a combination of three different fish.

The diameter of the roll was huge, and I secretly wished there was even more of it!

The chicken teriyaki bento box I ordered was also delightful.

The chicken was grilled to perfection, and the teriyaki sauce was simply mouthwatering.

The bento box also included gyoza, salad, and salmon sashimi.

Although the sashimi was cut a bit thicker than I prefer, it was still delectable and fresh.

Throughout the evening, the service was friendly and efficient.

Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas

Last week, I decided to try out Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas in Mountain View, as I had already visited the Cupertino location a few times.

Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the amazing ambiance of the restaurant.

I started with the mentai kinoko, their signature fusion pizza, which was a delightful 5/5.

Next, I tried the unagi meshi, which was fresh, light, and full of vibrant flavors.

The gyuuniku maki was an inventive dish with a slightly plain beef flavor, but the creativity made it worth trying.

For dessert, I indulged in a green tea crème brûlée, which was a perfect way to end the meal.

While the menu seemed smaller compared to the Cupertino location, I still had a great experience at Gochi - Mountain View.

Chez TJ

One of the best dining experiences I've had in the area was at Chez TJ, a cozy Victorian house that serves exquisite French-inspired cuisine.

What truly sets Chez TJ apart, however, is the phenomenal food.

I opted for the tasting menu, which consisted of eight meticulously crafted courses.

Each dish was a work of art, both visually and in terms of flavor.

The ingredients were fresh and locally sourced, showcasing the best that local markets have to offer.

My favorite part of the meal was undoubtedly the dessert.

I was served an airy chocolate cake that tasted exactly like a brownie, paired with ice cream "balls" that were simply sensational.

It was the perfect ending to a truly memorable evening.

As someone with dietary restrictions, I appreciated that Chez TJ was able to accommodate my needs without compromising on quality or taste.

La Fiesta

One of the best places to satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican cuisine in La Fiesta.

I've been a regular at this family-owned restaurant since 1977, and I can confidently say that it has been voted the #1 Mexican restaurant for 11 years in a row for a reason.

The atmosphere is lively and colorful, making it a fun dining experience every time I visit.

The menu at La Fiesta offers a variety of Mexican dishes, but some of my favorites include Tortilla Soup, Grilled Chicken Salad, Pollo Tapatio, and Mexicanas Enchiladas.

The Tortilla Soup is a soul-warming broth with plenty of chicken and other ingredients, perfect for a chilly day.

The Grilled Chicken Salad is light and refreshing, featuring perfectly grilled chicken atop crispy lettuce and avocado slices.

As for the Pollo Tapatio, it's a comforting dish with a spicy and earthy sauce over chicken and pepper pieces.

What sets La Fiesta apart from other Mexican restaurants is its famous Grandma Sauce.

I usually order it with cheese enchiladas, and it never disappoints.

The sauce is creamy with a hint of sour cream and chili, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

On top of the amazing food, La Fiesta also offers great service.

Additionally, their margaritas are some of the best I've had.

They've even been voted Best Margarita for two years in a row by The Voice.

I also appreciate the convenience of La Fiesta's location, as there's parking right in front of the restaurant.

Casa Lupe Mountain View

One evening, my friends and I were craving some Mexican food, so we decided to try out Casa Lupe Mountain View.

We were pleasantly surprised to find a new favorite sit-down Mexican restaurant!

The moment we walked in, we were greeted with a colorful and typical-for-the-genre ambiance.

We decided to dine outside, where they have a cute and comfortable outdoor dining area.

Their fresh-made chips were amazing, and they were more than happy to refill them at no extra cost.

We also ordered some of their tequila-spiked drinks.

We tried a variety of dishes from their menu, like the carne asada burrito, which was large and filled with beef, rice, and beans.

The sauce it came with had a kick, and it was so delicious.

We also shared a combination platter that included chili relleno, beef burrito, and pork tamale.

Although the platter was a little bland on its own, adding some of their yummy salsa made it much better.

Casa Lupe Mountain View is certainly a place that caters to the American palate, and it serves its purpose well.

Savvy Cellar Wine Bar & Restaurant

My friends and I decided to spend our evening at Savvy Cellar Wine Bar & Restaurant, looking forward to an all-purpose venue that offers a bottle shop, a tasting room, and a bar that serves small plates.

The moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly host and wine connoisseur, who invited us to sit anywhere we liked.

Scanning the QR code to order, we decided on a Margherita warm flatbread, cheese & charcuterie, which came with delicious bread and parmesan truffle tator tots.

The dishes were superb, with the flatbread being incredibly cheesy, the tots delightfully crisp, and the array of meats and cheeses, like prosciutto and manchego, truly satisfying.

As for the wine, I was pleasantly surprised by the house wine expert's recommendation.

I tried a German Riesling Spatlese, a sweet style from Jochen Clemons 2016, and a heavier French dessert wine.

Both were fantastic, but I ultimately chose the Riesling for a lighter sip.

The ambiance at Savvy Cellar was nothing short of wonderful.

The lighting was dim, with lovely fairy lights bordering the inner second-story walls.

The music was soothing, featuring cover guitar hits you'd typically only hear at fancy hotel bars.

It seemed like a popular spot for regulars to unwind with a glass of bubbly near closing time.

Bay Biryanis

I recently visited Bay Biryanis with a couple of friends on a Friday night, and I have to say, this small corner location definitely exceeded our expectations.

Although it's primarily known for its to-go orders, we decided to dine in and found the compact seating quite cozy.

The menu featured a wide assortment of biryanis, including some unique offerings like Goat Gongura Biryani and Goat Ulavacharu Biryani.

As a local resident, I'm no stranger to Indian cuisine, but I was impressed with the selection.

We ended up ordering samosas, gobi manchuria, butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, and garlic naan.

The samosas were incredibly flavorful, and the gobi manchuria, with its well-seasoned batter and spicy sauce, was a clear winner.

Both the butter chicken and paneer tikka masala were full of flavor and perfectly cooked, while the garlic naan was generously topped with garlic, resulting in a delightful taste.

The restaurant does have limited parking available, so I would recommend parking on the street or in a nearby public lot.

Masa Sushi Japan

Masa Sushi Japan is a compact, counter-service sushi restaurant specializing in sushi rolls and nigiri.

I was pleased to find out that this is the same Masa's that used to be on San Antonio Road, just moved to a smaller location closer to downtown.

I sat at the counter and ordered some sushi rolls, which were not only well-priced but also tasted amazing.

The fish was of great quality, and although the rice could have been a little more moist, I still enjoyed every bite.

I particularly loved the abundant amount of tobiko on top of my roll.

In addition to sushi, I also decided to try their make-your-own poke bowl, which turned out to be a fantastic choice.

For just $15, the bowl was generous enough to split into two meals.

Their online ordering system made it easy and convenient to customize my poke bowl and even add free extras.

Although I didn't try their miso soup or gyoza, I've heard great things about their miso coming in a delightful sippy cup and their warm, polite service.

Garden Fresh

I recently visited Garden Fresh, a small vegan Chinese eatery with a utilitarian setting that serves healthy, always fresh, and prepared-from-scratch dishes.

I am amazed by the variety of flavorful vegan versions of familiar Chinese dishes they offer.

During my visit, I tried their Hot and Sour Soup which was extremely delicious, hot, and spicy – perfect for the chilly weather.

I also ordered the Veggie Ribs, which were chewy and tender, just like seitan.

The dish was super spicy, and I loved it!

Their Veggie Duck was my absolute favorite, and I highly recommend trying it.

This dish is filling and has a considerable amount of mock meat, making it a protein-rich choice.

I also enjoyed their Jasmine Tea, which was an ideal accompaniment for a winter meal.

The service at Garden Fresh was impeccable.

Oren's Hummus

Last Saturday night, my wife and I had a rare kid-free evening and decided to indulge ourselves in some delicious Mediterranean food.

We headed to one of our favorite spots in Mountain View, Oren's Hummus, located on Castro Street.

If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend checking out their menu here.

We were pleasantly surprised to find ample seating and were able to choose our own table.

We ordered the mint tea, which we adores.

It's a simple but fantastic beverage with mint leaves in hot water.

We also got the Jaffa hummus and a chicken kabob, which we savor because Oren's is one of the few places that use all dark meat chicken.

This suits our dietary requirements perfectly, and it's incredibly tasty.

We also shared a side of their green falafel, which, let's be real, is the best falafel out there.

I opted for the hummus braised lamb bowl, and it did not disappoint.

The lamb was shredded and lightly sweet, while the hummus was nothing short of spectacular.

With a side of pita, I made a few bite-sized sandwiches and still had plenty left for dipping.

To end our meal on a sweet note, we shared a Turkish coffee and chocolate mousse.

Yugen Ramen

One of my favorite go-to spots for a quick and delicious lunch in the area is Yugen Ramen.

This busy Japanese eatery offers a variety of ramen bowls and izakaya-style small plates, making it perfect for a satisfying meal.

During my latest visit, I had the pleasure of trying their deluxe tonkatsu ramen, which came with both chashu and kakuni (tender pork belly).

The broth was amazingly flavorful, and the noodles had a great texture.

I also decided to order their chicken karaage, which turned out to be a delightful addition to my meal.

Their outdoor seating area is quite spacious, with heat lamps for colder days.

I appreciated that, as it allowed me to enjoy the beautiful downtown Mountain View atmosphere during my meal.

Yugen Ramen also offers a range of drinks, including a variety of sake and some unique alcoholic slushies served in Capri Sun-style pouches.

I found that to be a fun and refreshing way to complement my ramen.

ViVe Sol

One day in May, I decided to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at ViVe Sol, a Mexican restaurant in my neighborhood.

I expected it to be crowded due to the festivities, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that seating was quick and efficient.

The cantina setting and colorful patio added a festive atmosphere to the dining experience.

For my main dish, I decided to try the Aztec tortilla soup, which was not only massive in size but also packed with delicious flavors.

The combination of crunchy tortillas, gooey cheese, and savory tomato broth made for a delightful meal.

Being vegetarian, I appreciate that ViVe Sol offers vegan and vegetarian options like the Enfrijodalas, a dish that my friend ordered and enjoyed.

The chips and salsas were also a hit, with the green salsa standing out as a favorite.

The service was attentive and friendly throughout the evening, going above and beyond to make our dining experience enjoyable, even neatly boxing our leftovers.

Khao Kang Thai Kitchen

Ever since I first tried Khao Kang Thai Kitchen, it has become one of my go-to spots for delicious and authentic Thai cuisine.

The restaurant offers a variety of curry bowls, noodle dishes, and other Thai staples that you can enjoy in a relaxed setting.

One of the things I love about Khao Kang is its extensive menu that features a variety of popular dishes based on traditional family recipes.

On one of my visits, I went with a group of friends, and we decided to share a few dishes family-style.

We ordered pad see ew with chicken, tom kha, larb salad, pineapple curry, and another curry that I can't recall the name of.

Everything was absolutely delicious, and the thinly sliced meats were a pleasant change from the large chunks you'd usually find at other Thai restaurants.

Phởtochau 999

As a frequent visitor to Phởtochau 999, I can personally attest to the excellence of the Vietnamese cuisine served in this cozy, down-to-earth space.

Located just steps off Castro, it's a gem in the heart of Mountain View.

I usually start my meal with their delicious veggie spring rolls, which come with a flavorful peanut sauce.

Then, I choose between the Pho Dac Biet and the Shredded Pork / Pork Chop with Rice, both of which are generously portioned and well-priced, particularly for a downtown area.

The veggie pho is another excellent option, with a variety of toppings like broccoli, carrots, napa cabbage, fried tofu, and fried onions swimming in a pleasant broth.

For an extra treat, I recommend trying the vermicelli bowl with tofu, veggies, and a fried egg roll.

The tofu is sliced thinly, seasoned well, and cooked with crispy edges that make it absolutely crave-worthy.

Plus, the portion size of protein is really generous, and it comes with two egg rolls!

Service at Phởtochau 999 is always quick, and I've never had a problem finding a seat, even on weekdays.

Bajis Cafe

As a regular visitor to Bajis Cafe, I must say their American breakfast and lunch options are both delightful and satisfying.

The diner-like setting creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to begin my day.

The extensive menu offers a variety of dishes to choose from.

One time, I decided to share breakfast with my friend, and the meal was fresh, flavorful, and filling.

The Vegetarian Delight dish, in particular, is scrumptious with an omelet filled with assorted veggies and split falafel, all on a bed of generous feta cheese.

The interior of Bajis Cafe is warm and inviting, with gorgeous decor and spacious seating.

This comfortable vibe allows me to chat with friends for hours without feeling rushed.

Udon Mugizo

Udon Mugizo offers a hearty and delicious udon meal.

The laid-back cafe atmosphere and exposed brick walls gave the place a cozy and welcoming vibe.

As I took my seat, I noticed that they offer outdoor dining, which is perfect for enjoying the lively downtown Mountain View scene during summertime.

I decided to order the vegetable udon, and to my delight, it was actually vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with no fish or meat in the soup.

The portions were massive, and the udon noodles had a fantastic chewy texture.

I also couldn't resist trying their tempura, which was crispy and perfectly cooked, as well as the takoyaki that came with just the right amount of octopus meat.

As a sake enthusiast, I was pleased to find a good sake list to pair with my meal.

During my visit, I noticed that Udon Mugizo is a family-friendly establishment, with high chairs available for toddlers and large tables to accommodate groups.

I saw families with kids happily enjoying their meals, making it a perfect spot for a casual dining experience with loved ones.

Vaso Azzurro Restaurant

As soon as I walked into the warm, white-tablecloth atmosphere of Vaso Azzurro, I was welcomed like family.

I opted for their popular mushroom ravioli dish and was blown away by the authentic and fresh Northern Italian flavors.

The ravioli was the best I've ever had!

The garlic oil concoction served with the bread was also a delightful surprise.

Being a fan of live jazz, I was pleased to find out that they occasionally host live jazz performances, making the atmosphere even more pleasant.

Vaso Azzurro also offers outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a lovely meal outdoors during warmer months.

To top it all off, I decided to try their affogato for dessert.

As a coffee lover, I was amazed at how the rich espresso flavor blended perfectly with the ice cream.

It was such a decadent treat that I can't imagine enjoying coffee any other way now!

Final Thoughts

Mountain View is truly a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences.

Whether you're a fellow resident or a visitor exploring our lovely city, I highly recommend trying out these fantastic dining establishments.

Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!