Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Portola Valley

We have a reservation at 6:30 for 4 people on a Monday evening. When we got there they sat us outside in the patio. I asked the host if we could sit inside the restaurant. They told us” NO” because there was nothing available inside. I can see that there was a lot of empty tables. So we just like ok we can sit in outside. Our dinner took over 2 hrs and I look inside the same table were still empty. I still don’t understand why can we sit inside. Anyway!! Their food has improved and the service was good.

All the dishes were great. We tried the Prix Fixe menu for lunch. Good selection to choose from.

What a good dinner experience! The food, the ambiance, service -everything. The host was very warm and welcoming which actually kick-starts your dinner experience on a good note. Everything we tried on the menu was delicious and so flavorful. Their lamb is really out of this world. Wine list (bottle and by the glass) is big and spans a range of $$ which gives options. Desserts were great too and different than what we’ve tried (same type). It’s a bit on the expansive side. Overall, an amazing dinner experience and will def go back again.

Outdoor dining at the Parkside is enchanting is good weather, while indoor dining in winter weather is cozy and intimate. The quality of the food is always remarkable, and the ambiance reflects impeccable taste. To be seated amongst the highly successful movers and doers, the cool, ambitious, intelligent, unpretentious sophisticates of Woodside and Portola Valley is a privilege. The patrons of the Parkside are from the demographic that put Silicon Valley on the global map. They have exquisite, subdued tastes and elect to dine at the Parkside; that speaks volumes.

Nopa is a really special place. It does everything SO well. I will start with the food. Their menu stays interesting over time with new dishes regularly introduced with the seasons and what’s seasonally available. The ingredient quality and preparation are really next level and I don’t think there is a single thing on the menu that anyone would not enjoy. The flavor of every dish is always surprising in a wonderful way with interesting combinations and textures. And plating is, of course, just beautiful. And my god, don’t just order one dish per person; share! You will be wowed. Their mainstay burger should not be missed either. If you’re into mixed drinks or wine, again, Nopa is standout. And even if you don’t drink, there are mocktails that I’m confident you’ll enjoy. Next let’s talk about the staff. Nopa has such a special and wonderful culture. Their entire staff is very well versed in the ingredients and preparation of their food. They’re also extremely kind and accommodating. There seems to be a genuine enthusiasm and shared belief that they make great food, and I would agree. They have opinions and can definitely suggest wine and beverage pairings to what you order. They know where ingredients were sourced from. And their attention to detail is also remarkable. I made a note on our reservation that we’d love a table instead of the high table if one came available and true to form, they came through. Someone took time to read the comment I had left! If you have a chance to dine here, take it. Even if you don’t have a reservation, there is a high table and bar area that may be able to accommodate a drop in. It’s a lovely atmosphere and always a joy to be a patron here. Thank you Nopa staff for the unique place you’ve created here.