We know that the entire Silicon Valley was once a superior orchard region and agricultural epicenter in California. The town of Campbell, in fact known as “The Orchard City,” was an important fruit drying, canning and shipping center, which made it into a central rail hub. In the late 1800s, the Campbell Fruit Growers’ Union was well established here with its expansive cooperative fruit-drying site. There are still some traces of this heritage, even if things look a lot diff erent in our modern day. The vast and varied Pruneyard Shopping Center gives some reverence to this stone-fruit history, but many people don’t realize that the Dubcich Farm is still here, a remaining piece of these agrarian roots. Throughout all of the eras, Campbell has served as a community space, whether for coming together to harvest trees or pack up boxes of fruit or for gathering together over a meal in the Pruneyard today. Here’s where to enjoy Campbell now.

Orchard City Kitchen is a buzzy, fun spot that is no secret to locals. The name of the restaurant, celebrating Campbell’s orchard-filled heritage, is taken seriously in their emphasis on using local, seasonal ingredients. In addition to their sourcing, creativity is also key to their menu with global touches, like the Lángos Hungarian fry bread with chimichurri, the K.F.C. (Korean fried chicken) or the tender, puffy pea fritter with pistachios and harissa. Flavors are generous and special touches in service, like the little paper bag for discarded artichoke leaves or the copper scissors to cut your fry bread, makes everything feel like one step up. Th is isn’t stuff you would generally make at home, which is why we go out in the first place. The Michelin Guide is aware of this as well, having granted OCK a Michelin Bib Gourmand mention nine years in a row. The cocktail program is spot-on and exciting, with fun drinks like the Queen Mary at brunch, with kimchi and miso. Craft beers and an eclectic wine list are also on offer and the convivial indoor and expansive outdoor patio spaces are usually full, a testament to OCK’s appeal.

Some would say that the Campbell Farmers Market, put on by the Urban Village Farmers’ Market Association every Sunday from 9am–1pm (rain or shine), is the best market in Silicon Valley. That’s a big
statement. But it’s hard to argue when you come across the vast variety of food vendors, farms and producers selling their goods here. Choose from organic kombucha from Boochman, award-winning krauts and sauces from Wise Goat Fermented Foods, a vast array of charcuterie from Fabrique Delices, tender scones from Sconery & Brit-Ish Baked, and so much more. Fresh curry paste, boba, heirloom corn tortillas, authentic ramen noodles, dumplings, pizza, spring rolls… the discoveries are endless. And of course there are fresh flowers and multiple farmer stalls with seasonal produce.

A longtime friend of Edible Communities, Manresa Bread is worthy of mention on this list. What started as a small farmers market stall itself, at that point called the Manresa Bread Project, has grown under the helm of baker Avery Ruzicka to five locations. But Campbell is special because it serves as the location for the bakery’s commissary, or large commercial kitchen space. Establishing this space was a pivotal endeavor that allowed them to grow. The downtown Campbell storefront, in a separate location from the commissary, is a lovely, open and sunlit place to settle into, enjoying the stellar baked goods and breads made with house-milled grains. Offerings change with the seasons, but they always have some of the long-time favorites, like Ruzicka’s famous biscuits and the monkey bread. They even have a monkey bread latte!

Best Artisan Empanadas (fondly referred to as “BAE”) is a father-daughter business that opened during the pandemic, in February 2021. Ernesto May, who learned how to cook traditional Peruvian food from his mom, worked in a variety of restaurants after coming to the United States, picking up more techniques and cuisines. His daughter, Stephanie Solorio, helped launch the business as co-owner, envisioning a less-than-standard place for the community to enjoy their favorite Peruvian empanadas, but with a multicultural twist. The dough is the same recipe that May’s mother taught him, and they bake a diverse lineup of breakfast and lunch empanadas fresh everyday, with globally inspired fillings. Don’t skip ordering their housemade sauces, like the spice Peruvian rocoto sauce. Anyone who knows a thing or two about coffee will immediately notice the La Marzocco espresso machine, a sure sign that someone here gives intention to their coffee program. BAE has partnered with Tico Coffee Roasters, also based in Campbell. Before you leave, spend some time with the large, fluffy llama stationed in the festive corner of the cafe.

Order online ASAP from the brand new Bloom Bagels, or get there super early right at opening for their fluffy hand-rolled or stuffed bagels in experimental flavors like the Shio Pan, inspired by Japanese salt bread, or the ube almond, stuff ed with ube almond frangipane, and topped with an ube glaze. The bloom selections are named as such, representing the petals of a flower that you can pluck off one by one. And their typical practice of dipping each bagel in butter adds to the far-from-standard offerings. But even if they were sold out of food, the tiny spot features an amazing drink menu, centered around local Linea Caffe espresso, housemade syrups, organic Straus milk and their partnership with Brooklyn- based Hawa Matcha, sourcing single-origin, ceremonial grade, organic matcha from multigenerational tea farms in Japan. A sign at the front encourages you to forgo the landfill-destined straw, with instructions to just tip the cup and sip for the ultimate way to enjoy their delicious cream and foam tops on treats like the ube sesame or pistachio hojicha iced lattes.

Recycle Bookstore is a community staple, opening in San Jose in 1967, expanding with a second location in downtown Campbell in 2004. Not just notable as an independent bookstore in our digital, alienated age, Recycle is a go-to for anyone who still values in-person gathering, local shopping and reading words on paper. It remains a destination for families for the kid book selection (and well-positioned for ice cream cones from across the street) and visits with the store cat. And folks have been known to score many used cookbooks from here, food books and cookbooks being the first adult aisle to the left when you walk in.

Eat Drink Local Campbell