As a city that was once blanketed in orchards, Sunnyvale has deep roots as an agricultural centerpoint. Today, a visitor here might not find obvious evidence of that history, as this tech epicenter has evolved into a Silicon Valley pulse point filled with glass buildings and concrete. But there are plenty of places still dedicated to honoring those thriving fruit trees and pasturelands that once dominated this region, celebrating the diverse culinary cultures that have since settled in here too.
A very new project that is certainly a worthy destination is an oasis amidst the Google campus. Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley opened this past spring, and its name is an indication of the fertile property and ethos behind the brand. Landscaped with hundreds of native trees and over 20,000 plants, and upholding sustainability elements like refillable glass water bottles, gray water irrigation system and no single-use items, the hotel is dedicated to environmental, zero-waste principles. And the real crown jewel here is Valley Goat restaurant, helmed by James Beard Award–winning Chef Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat and Cabra restaurants. The menu is global and unique in ways that surprise, like the pillow-like chickpea fritters or the pork shank with pickled cucumber salad, Asian pear, hoisin mayo and Izard’s addictive limey huacatay sauce, served with lettuce cups. Seasonality is central and local ingredients shine, all in a gorgeous design-driven space bedecked with lush plants.
For an authentic Turkish experience, head to Meyhouse Turkish Cuisine in the downtown strip of Murphy Avenue. It feels upscale and welcoming, with a full bar, large selection of Raki (anise-seed-flavored spirit) and vast menu of hot and cold meze that make it hard to choose what to order. Standouts include the kopoglu, roasted eggplant and peppers with tomato sauce and yogurt, or the warm humus with brown butter and pine nuts. Popular main dishes shine, utilizing the mangal—Turkish-style mesquite- fired grill—or the firin, or oven. Regardless of what you order, you’ll have the special fresh-baked Ramadan bread (called ramazan pidesi), a huge round, hot and chewy and covered with sesame seeds, that is constantly coming out of the oven. People who observe Ramadan usually only get to eat it during that holiday and at night, so it’s special for them to have it all the time here. Dessert is also special: A sweet at the end of a meal is a vital part of Turkish culture, and a symbol of hospitality and generosity. Executive Chef Omer Artun creates signature treats like künefe, a pan-seared shredded phyllo dough (kadayif) with a fresh mozzarella filling, and sobiyet, homemade baklava filled with pistachio and semolina cream. Reservations here are highly recommended, as it’s a local favorite.
Another oasis property, dropped in the middle of an SV tech center, is TETRA Hotel. Here you will find a few dining options, including the bright, modern Adrestia restaurant that serves a killer East-meets-West brunch (try the washoku Japanese breakfast plate). Steps away is a fun coffee shop that uses the Manufactory brand from San Francisco, and sells yummy Japanese grab-and-go sandwiches. If you are looking for a great cocktail, the highlight here is the Nokori Whisky Bar. They highlight a large selection of Japanese whisky, served in all kinds of ways. The highball selections are unique and very traditional, some of which utilize a special Suntory carbonation machine for exact bubbles. The ice is even intentional, made in long rectangle columns to fit in the highball glass perfectly. A bonus is the property location, directly alongside the Caltrain that can zip you all over the place. If you’re looking for a good spot to stay for football season, or even for the Super Bowl coming here in February 2026, they are offering an exclusive “Park and Pregame” package specifically for Levi’s Stadium events. It includes accommodations, parking, breakfast for two, a $40 food-and-beverage credit and two light rail passes to use during your stay.
There was a lot of buzz when Jagalchi, the giant new Korean food hall, opened in Daly City. It is impressive and comprehensive. But locals will tell you that Hankook Supermarket should not be forgotten; the Korean grocery store has been a go-to in Sunnyvale since it opened in 1990. This area along El Camino Real is the unofficial Santa Clara Koreatown, and Hankook is a stellar example of the diverse Asian foods you can find here. Shop for fresh produce, meat and fish for your own cooking projects at home, or hit up the extensive ready-to- eat hot food and banchan bars. It’s hard to choose from the countless types of kimchi, fried chicken, Korean BBQ and so much more. A few independent stores operate inside as well, like Baker’s Village for Korean treats and HK Super Deli for takeout.
“You know it’s good when all the Japanese businessmen go and sit all night,” says a local Sunnyvale resident about TANTO Izakaya Restaurant. Open for over 20 years, the name Tanto (meaning “much” or “often”) was given with intention, providing a gathering place for customers to eat generously and with joy. Chef specials include Asari Butter Yaki, or stir-fried clams in a butter soup, and Umaki Tamago, or omelet with eel. The extensive menu has all the classics and way more, making it difficult to choose (Tip: Go with a lot of friends and family so you can try many items.) Another local notes that it’s a place where her obasan (aunt) extols the rice, which is really saying something for an ingredient that is taken extremely seriously.
Not to be confused with the several similarly named restaurants in the area, the Casa Lupe Mexican Restaurant (officially called Casa Lupe Number 2) on S Bernardo in Sunnyvale is a family- owned favorite for homestyle Mexican food, and a go-to for multiple generations of locals. Despite being in a strip mall, the lively cantina atmosphere and goblets of margaritas will welcome you the minute you step through the door. Super friendly service, chile rellenos, diverse enchilada offerings and special touches like chilled glasses will keep you coming back.
