This is a bit different from what I usually write about, but I’ve had enough people ask me for food suggestions to do it. I have now lived in the Peninsula (which to me means Redwood City – Sunnyvale) for almost 9 years and being someone that loves food, I have tried most of the restaurants in the area. (Note: I may be missing some of the new restaurants, since I am cooking more thanks to my New Year’s Resolutions. So please share some of these in the comments too)!
For people that are visiting, new to the area, or those just curious, I want to share my list of the best cheap food places that are around here. Not just where to go, but what to order – which I think is something that restaurants hugely undervalue. If I go somewhere that is supposed to be great, but order the wrong thing, I’m not going to come back. (Note to restaurants: I’m a sucker for pictures in the menu so please help me out).
So here is the list in no particular order. To be included the restaurant has to be cheap (less than $12), have quality meat, and be delicious.
Sunny Bowl in Mountain View – Tuna sashimi (extra), brown rice (if you want to go healthy). Both the stone pot and normal bowl are fantastic, but if it’s your first time get the stone pot. Take a look. If you are afraid of uncooked fish get the beef (not the chicken).
Med Wraps in Palo Alto – Chicken shawerma plate (not the wrap). Get half baba ghanoush and half hummus if you want to be fancy. Usually they will also give you a free falafel (which is delicious).
Back-A-Yard in Menlo Park – White meat jerk chicken plate (you can go dark meat too, I just don’t like dealing with bones)
Muracci’s in Los Altos – Katsu Curry.
iDumpling in Redwood City – Pork, Shrimp and Chive and Chicken and Spinach Dumplings. (I just happened to be there yesterday so I took a picture. It’s not as pretty as it could be since I remembered to take it mid-meal)
Plutos in Palo Alto – Main salad (plus 7 toppings) with turkey (white meat). I know it’s a chain but it hits the spot every time.
If you haven’t been to these places, do yourself a favor and go. I’ll write one about SF soon too.
Did I miss anything? Please share your favorites in the comments so I can try them too.