Looking for the best restaurants in Cupertino? Well, you came to the right place. Here you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants for every price range and taste.
We also have the addresses and websites, so you can have a look for yourself. Feeling hungry and want to try something new? Then read on…
Galpao Gaucho, Brazilian Steakhouse
$$$$ | (408) 366-2300 | WEBSITE
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Even with over 30 reviews, Galpao Gaucho still has a perfect 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Why? Well, it could be because it’s a great place to go with friends.
It could be because their service was still impeccable during COVID-19 restrictions. Or it could be because of the food, which locals have described as ‘impressive’.
It might be a little outside the normal price range for a regular trip, but it’s ideal for an occasional treat. And what a treat it is!
Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas
$$ | (408) 725-0542 | WEBSITE
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Now this place is a gem. It’s loved by many people in the area, and it’s not a surprise. The food is authentic and you get a wide selection of choices.
Local people have tried different things every time, and haven’t been disappointed. Many have said that they’re always full after eating here.
The service is also very fast. Also, if you don’t finish your sake during your visit, they’ll hold the bottle for you until next time (within 3 weeks, that is). Word to the wise, it can be pretty busy, so always book in advance.
Aqui
$$ | (408) 996-1443 | WEBSITE
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This is a great place for casual dining. Its menu is full of fresh, well-seasoned food, and chips and dips are available as starters.
There’s something for everyone on the menu. Aqui caters to vegetarians and vegans, and they have a selection of gluten-free options. There are also lots of drink options.
Some are unusual, so they’re a real treat. Be careful though; they’re strong! This is a great restaurant to try Mexican food with a Californian twist.
Coconut’s Fish Cafe
$$ | (408) 216-9553 | WEBSITE
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This is the home of healthy, Hawaiian seafood. Known for its signature fish tacos, the dish does not disappoint. It’s huge and pairs well with the mahi-mahi plate. If fish isn’t your thing, don’t worry.
There are other options, like steak or chicken tacos. There are also lots of vegetarian options, where you can swap out the meat for a tasty veggie patty.
If you ask any locals about this place, everyone that knows it will tell you that it’s ono – which is ‘delicious’ in Hawaiian. They are currently open for delivery, curbside pick-up, and to-go orders.
Benihana
$$ | (408) 253-1221 | WEBSITE
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Do you want dinner and a show? Well, you’ll love Benihana. They make the food in front of you in a brilliant display. You’ll see smoke, fire, and a volcano before your dinner is served.
After it’s ready, you can enjoy watching other people’s shows. The chef’s signature is to flip the shrimp into the air and catch it in their pocket!
The food is fresh Japanese sushi, which is a tasty end to a fun show. Be warned, with a lot of people reacting, it might get a little noisy!
Thai Bangkok Cuisine
$$ | (669) 342-7300 | WEBSITE
Thai Bangkok Cuisine is the home of balanced Thai food. To achieve balance, you need an even mix of sweet, savory, umami, spicy, soft, and crispy. This place has them all!
A lot of people have made this place a regular haunt. Their Pad Thai is particularly popular. They even serve cold food, like their Green Papaya Salad. Fair warning: there is no outdoor seating.
This one might be best for a winter meal, or take out in the summer.
Pacific Catch
$$ | (408) 899-2604 | WEBSITE
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Pretty new to the Cupertino landscape, Pacific Catch has a modern feel. It has up-to-date decor and friendly staff. You go in expecting a novel experience; that’s what you get.
Calamari, Poke Bowls, and Korean BBQ are just some of the things on the menu. They have a truly eclectic mix of seafood options. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, this is a great place to spend a chilled afternoon by the sea.
Alexander’s Steakhouse
$$$$ | (408) 446-2222 | WEBSITE
It might be a long wait to get served at Alexander’s, but it’s worth it! They have a fantastic little wine bar in the restaurant, which is a great place to wait.
Every dish is made to order, and there’s a wide selection of sides to choose from. With Waygu beef on the menu, it’s pretty pricey, but it’s perfect for an occasional treat.
With its excellent service and ambiance, Alexander’s would be a fantastic option for a date or a high-end business dinner.
Rio Adobe Southwest Cafe
$ | (408) 873-1600 | WEBSITE
The food here is exactly right every time you go. Fresh and tasty, the food is just as good to eat as it is to look at. They have a refillable soda dispenser and a salad bar too.
The Havasu salad with steak comes highly recommended. The Pablano and cheese quesadilla is perfect for vegetarians.
With its reasonable prices and great service, this is perfect for a quick bite. Once you’ve tried this place, you’ll be wondering: ‘Why haven’t I tried this place before?’
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
$$ | (408) 865-0149 | WEBSITE
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This place is fun. Every dish is made to order so you can have it exactly as you like it. It’s a classic Japanese barbeque where you cook your food at your table.
The staff are helpful and will guide you through the process. They will give you advice on cooking times and suggest items that you’ll enjoy.
To top it all off, they have a wide selection of desserts available. Even though it’s busy, they do seat small groups at the last minute. It’s best to book ahead of time though. Just don’t expect a quiet visit!
Eureka!
$$ | (669) 266-6752 | WEBSITE
The first thing you notice when you walk in is how friendly the staff are. They will give you plenty of recommendations throughout your visit, and help with anything you need.
There’s a chilled atmosphere with TVs showing football, and there are heaters, so it’s perfect for winter. The menu is small but of high quality.
They’ve put a lot of thought into every item. If that’s not enough, they have a ‘hoppy’ hour; $5 beers and bloody Mary’s! Word to the wise, prices are a little higher during the pandemic because of their 16% service charge.
Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (408) 359-4690 | WEBSITE
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This is the home of comfort food. This lodge-style restaurant serves a slice of pure Americana. You can try favorites like the gigantic Bison Burger with Havarti cheese, or the House Club with roasted chicken breast and avocado.
If that’s not your style, they have a huge gluten-free and vegetarian menu to choose from. There’s something to suit everyone. True to their name, they even serve dogs! Service is prompt and friendly too.
La Pizzeria Cupertino
$$ | (408) 863-0308 | WEBSITE
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From the name, you’d think La Pizzeria just does pizza. Well, you’d be wrong. This is a full Italian restaurant. They have everything made from traditional Italian recipes.
This is a family-run restaurant, created by the mother and son team, Antonella and Simone. They have brought all of their recipes from Rome, and the restaurant is like a little piece of the city in Cupertino.
You might be surprised to learn that American versions of these dishes are a little different. For example, traditional pizzas just have cheese and tomatoes. Nothing else. Bear this in mind when you go.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
$$ | | WEBSITE
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This place serves all the American classics: burgers, rib-eye steaks, fries, jambalaya… you name it. BJ’s is the ideal place to sit back, eat some food, enjoy a beer and watch the game.
Speaking of beer, BJ’s has a microbrewery, so the house beer truly is the house beer. On top of that, the desserts are top-notch.
I would highly recommend going on a Wednesday for the lunch specials. They are to die for. Fully loaded hamburgers for $10. Fantastic.
Arya Global Cuisine
$$ | (408) 996-9606 | WEBSITE
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While some restaurants have their seating to meet quotas and increase capacity, Arya’s has room to mingle. That’s the community feel that you get here.
Arya’s wants you to feel comfortable and have the best time you can. They do fantastic Persian food, along with samples from all over the world.
They have a little something from every continent. There’s something for every taste and palate. It has a nice ambiance for a business lunch or an evening with friends. Just make sure you book ahead because it can get quite busy.
Kong Tofu and BBQ Korean
$$ | (408) 863-0234 | WEBSITE
A family-run place, sharing family recipes with Cupertino. This is a cozy place to go on a cold winter evening for some warming ramen and dumplings.
Or you could come with a group and share some Korean barbeque. Whatever it is that you want and whatever you order, you’ll be made to feel welcome.
To top it off, when they’re busy, they’ll still come to you; they have a button to call the server over if you need anything. The staff is a family and you’ll be made to feel like family too.
Olarn Thai Cuisine
$$ | (408) 255-2170 | WEBSITE
Olarn is a cute, cozy Thai place. They serve a range of meals from pad Thai to pancakes. Everything comes at varying spice levels, so you can still enjoy some Thai food, even if spice isn’t your thing.
The service is speedy, and you’ll be seen promptly. So far, this is a real hidden gem at the heart of Cupertino, so it’s still a little quiet. It’s perfect for a quiet dinner with someone special. Be warned, it’s a little pricey, but it’s a nice treat.
Summary
So there you have it: the 18 best restaurants in Cupertino. There’s a little something for everyone in town, with samples from all around the world.
There are great family pitstops, date spots, and a few high-end places perfect for business lunches. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the best on this list.
