Favorite Willow Glen Restaurants

[Ryan]

I'm wondering what everyone's favorite restaurants are? Any hidden gems that you think people are missing? What makes them great?

[Laura Beth D.]

Favorite Mexican quick stop is Taqueria El Dorado at the corner of Meridian and Hamilton.

Aqui, Tomato Thyme or Jake's are a great bet when we are out with kids, especially if there's a game we want to catch.

Make your own Pizza night (Tuesday) at Pizza My Heart is fun with kids

Tasting at the Grapevine followed by dinner at Vin Santo is a great date night.

[Richard Scharaga]

We love WILLOW STREET PIZZA the tequila chicken fetucini (sp?) is my favorite and they make a very good Mojito. The Garage in Naglee Park www.nagleeparkgarage.com is a favorite for Trout and they have awesome bread pudding. Check the web site they have an outdoor garden with music and movie nights. We recently tried Grill Em 2509 S Bascom 408 371 8729 - not a place to bring young kids but if you want steak in a unique setting this is a fun place to try. Full bar, you cook your steak and garlic bread over a large grill. Yuki Sushi off Winchester has been our favorite for over 20 years, try their house special soup WOW! Asian Bistro on Foxworthy & Cherry is a hidden gem to try. For almost authentic New York Pizza try Rosie's across from Andy's pet store on the Alameda or Tony Di Maggio's for Stromboli on Monterey Highway and Capitol 408 629 7775. Hop to see you for the last Music in the Glen tomorrow.

[Richard Scharaga]

Lucky us - our favorite Sushi restaurant Yuki's (see above) is coming to Lincoln Ave in May. I started eating at their original location back in the late 80's when I was the store manager at Good Guys on Stevens Creek.

[Chrystal]

Willow Glen Cafe on Meridian near the Goodwill and Dick's Bakery! Love their apple walnut salad with chicken, Perfect for lunch. Have not had a chance to have breakfast there, yet, but great service, too.

[Wendy Boucher]

We have many favorites - one is Jake's Pizza on Lincoln Ave. Not only do they have great pizza, sandwiches, and even cheese fondue, they have a selection of salads that even comply with the Weight Watchers Core program (the chicken salad is loaded with chicken, hard boiled eggs, and other veggies) and they offer fat free dressing along with it if you ask for it (that's hard to find in a restaurant). I think there is something for everyone there. We also love Aqui and Tomato Thyme!

[Thomas LoCurto]

Man that's a good question... I really like Noah's because I can go in there during the afternoon, get a panini or some soup and a drink and work on my laptop for school. It's usually pretty quiet and the people there tend to be really nice. I also really like Willow Glen Pizza, but it can get pretty crowded. My Dad really likes Bill's and the Plaza Inn next to Willow Glen Yoga.

[Sara Greenwood]

Are you all ready for the hidden gem in Willow Glen? Siena Bistrio. I went there the other night for the 1st time. Yum. I had a warm beet salad which was absoluting the best beet salad ever. I had a fusilli with shrimp and light pesto sauce. Yum again. I don't know why this place wasn't busier. Maybe because people don't know about it. The front door faces the back parking lot off Minnesota Avenue and near Casa Casa. I would highly recommend Siena's Bistro. It just became my new favorite favorite restaurant!

Sara Greenwood

[Laura Beth D.]

Siena is a great restaurant. It was so spotty for a such a long while that I honestly forgot about it. The new owners have been there for about a year now, I believe, and seem to be doing a great job.... We have date night on Friday and I think we are past due to check it out again! Thanks Sara

[James Michael]

I know a LOT of people like Aqui's, but if you like REAL Mexican food, (not microwaved) and authentic margaritas, check out the Plaza Inn. Anna mixes a mean Cadillac Marguerita and Ev is a friendly host. The food is plentiful, darn tasty and they will put on the the NFL or MLB game for you! (It's across the street from Commerica Bank on Lincoln)

[Richard Scharaga]

That place was supposed to be kept top secret LOL - it is the best bar in WG that stays open past 10pm

[EVB]

Sadly there are only a couple of restaurants that are truly worth eating at in Willow Glen, IMO. Vin Santo is Fantastic! John's XLNT is our FAVORITE breakfast spot. Everything there is incredible, but the Corn Beef n Hash is our favorite.

Aqui's tries too hard to be Andale Taqueria and it doesn't even come close. There are only about 5 things worth eating at Aqui's.

(What's this guy's experience to make such a claim some may ask?) Well I'm half Hispanic and was raised on Mexican food my whole life and I eat Mexican food at different restaurants 5 times a week.

Taqueria El Dorado... I used to eat here often, great burritos and tacos, but then Taqueria Al Pastor opened up near Walgreens and the pretend Kung Fu school on the opposite corner.

El Dorado food is way too greasy (yes that's traditional, but come on, let's consider our health a little and modern times) compared to Al Pastor. Al Pastor's Super Taco's and their Taco Salad are down right incredible. They also make some great salsa that I frequently purchase containers "to go" for parties in my home.

Well that's my take on restaurants in the WG.

[Andrew N]

Mexican: we like Tlaquepaque - 3 outlets in immediate WG area. Very kid-friendly and amazingly quick service when we have kids with us. Food is pretty good.

Pizza: either Round Table or Pizza My Heart -- the WG RT is long-time institution which provides good service and quick takeout service. Quality has not diminished over the long haul either.

Breakfast: John's XLNT next to WF Bank.

Chinese: we have discovered Edna Ray's (formerly of LG) - good food, reasonable prices, and good takeout service too.