An Insider’s Guide to Great Flavors, Local Traditions & Village Delights

There isn’t one restaurant, market, café, bakery or favorite table that defines eating in Los Altos. That’s part of its appeal. The dining scene all grew naturally from a town that locals simply call the Village—a place that has always celebrated seasonal, local ingredients, independent businesses, family traditions and the simple pleasure of discovering local favorites, one good bite at a time.

Long regarded as one of the defining towns of the Valley of Heart’s Delight, Los Altos grew from orchards, family farms and generations of fruit growers. More than a century later, the City’s landmark Heritage Orchard still borders downtown and its Blenheim apricot trees continue to bear fruit—an everyday reminder that what grows close to home still matters. Peppered with places that reflect its history, longtime storefronts, leafy streets and outdoor tables, the town has held on to the character that makes eating here feel a little more relaxed, a little more welcoming, and every bite a little slowed down.

Perhaps that’s one of Los Altos’ secret ingredients. Here, locally roasted coffee somehow tastes better outdoors. A house-baked croissant is reason enough to claim a sunny bench or table beneath the colorful heritage Chinese pistache trees before wandering on. Fresh seasonal produce starts tonight’s dinner. Handmade desserts, a craft cocktail, a cold lemonade or a chef-inspired meal rooted in family traditions is always worth the walkable detour.

The longtime bakers, chefs, market owners and food makers—many who’ve been here for decades—have a way of making it easy to say yes to one more stop. Maybe it’s dessert. Maybe it’s sushi, Italian, Chinese, pizza or a neighborhood favorite you return to again and again. Around here, it’s easy to leave with something delicious—whether it’s tucked into a market bag, enjoyed at a favorite counter or shared around an open table.

The Classics

The story of Los Altos begins with what grows here. Long before “farm to table” became fashionable, local families simply celebrated the harvest. That tradition continues today through neighborhood markets, the seasonal Thursday farmers market, fresh local ingredients and families who still appreciate cooking, gathering and sharing a meal together..

DeMartini Orchard Market • The town’s iconic red barn and oldest business, offering seasonal produce, locally made foods, artisan specialties and a living connection to Los Altos’ agricultural roots.

66 N. San Antonio Rd. • Since 1932 • Heritage Farmstand & Market • demartiniorchard.com

Sumo Sushi Boat • A family-owned favorite where fresh sushi is prepared before your eyes and delivered by floating boats, making every meal as fun as it is delicious.

355 State St. • c. 2008 • Sushi Restaurant • sumosushiboat.com

Pompeii Ristorante • Warm hospitality, unforgettable Italian cooking and one of downtown’s enduring neighborhood restaurants. Don’t overlook the wood-fired pizza, the spaghetti carbonara or, if you’re lucky, the family’s legendary cannelloni.

100 State St. • 1980s • Italian Restaurant • pompeiiristorante.com

Draeger’s Market • A longtime community favorite, equally a cook’s delight and an eater’s heaven, with beautiful ingredients, handcrafted foods, neighborhood produce and gourmet specialties. Try the handcrafted quiche and fresh-baked key lime pie.

342 First St. • Los Altos since 1980s • Gourmet Market • draegers.com

Cetrella • An elegant dining room, a tucked-away patio, seasonal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and a hidden speakeasy where locals know to knock before entering.

160 State St. • Since 2001 • Mediterranean Restaurant | cetrella.com

Everyday Goodness

Some mornings require nothing more than good coffee, fresh bread, a favorite pastry and time to enjoy the Village. These are the everyday stops that become part of the weekly routine. Newer favorites like Red Berry Coffee, Manresa Bread and Little Sky Bakery continue to add fresh energy to the downtown morning rituals.

Le Boulanger • A longtime neighborhood bakery known for fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches and easy outdoor mornings in the heart of downtown. Order the California Fresh sandwich and be sure to ask for it on freshly baked sourdough.

301 Main St. • 1990s • Bakery & Café • leboulanger.com

The Penny Ice Creamery • Handcrafted seasonal ice cream in imaginative flavors from the beloved Santa Cruz creamery that’s become a favorite stop in Los Altos.

170 State St. • Santa Cruz since 2010 • Ice Cream Shop | thepennyicecreamery.com

Satura Cakes • Beautiful cakes, elegant pastries and coffee enjoyed from sidewalk tables that have become one of downtown’s sweetest gathering spots. Don’t miss ordering a warm raspberry jelly doughnut.

200 Main St. • Since 2008 • European & Japanese Bakery Café • saturacakes.com

Worth The Short Drive

Some of Los Altos’ best-loved food traditions sit just beyond downtown, but they’re every bit a part of the town’s food story.

Chef Chu’s • Silicon Valley’s legendary Chinese favorite for more than 50 years, serving everything from mild family favorites to boldly spiced specialties, alongside takeout traditions and walls filled with signed photos from celebrities and generations of fans.

1067 N. San Antonio Rd. • Since 1970 • Chinese Restaurant • chefchu.com

Tom’s Depot Café • Hearty breakfasts, endless coffee and neighborhood hospitality keep pouring out at Loyola Corners.

991 Fremont Ave. • Current ownership since 1996 • Breakfast & Lunch Café