Message from California Cafe
In the heart of Los Gatos Old Town shopping district, California Cafe has a beautiful oak-shaded outdoor patio and an expansive interior overlooking the lush Santa Cruz Mountains and the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Try our award-winning children's bento box, house-baked pretzel bread or any of chef's delicious seafood dishes. When you are in need of "Liquid Therapy," enjoy any of our exquisite California wines or lively signature cocktails. From large corporate affairs to intimate social gatherings California Cafe offers a variety of options including private and semi-private rooms, off-site catering, as well as the opportunity to buyout the entire restaurant.
Editorial by
California chain known for exemplary service cranks up the class in Los Gatos.Key Points
- Sunday Brunch
- Seasonal Menu
- Extensive Wine List
The Inside Scoop
- Save Money - Prix-fixe dinner specials are often in rotation on the seasonal menu, but usually only on weekdays.
- Save Time - A user-friendly wine menu with selections like "Food Friendly Whites," or "Classics" makes pairing the right glass with your meal a breeze.
Reviews for California Cafe
This is a great place to have a get together with some friends or to bring a date. The decor is simple but elegant, and the food is top notch. Some dishes put a bit of a strain on your wallet, particularly the steaks, but the pastas are very reasonably priced.
PROS: Quality food, comfortable accomadations
CONS: Some dishes expensive, possilby a wait
Posted 11/17/05 | Report Abuse
Was this review helpful to you?
The California Cafe Bar and Grill in Los Gatos offers great food and wonderful service. During the day time you can check out all of the great stores that Los Gatos has to offer on University Ave. and grab a bite to eat during lunch time or even better yet grab a drink during the night hours.
Posted 07/10/05 | Report Abuse
Was this review helpful to you?
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
The staff at California Cafe made my birthday dinner totally memorable. I felt like they rolled out the red carpet the minute I walked in the door, doted on me all evening and they are now my favorite spot in LG. The food was awesome and even though they were busy, we got close parking and fast friendly service.
Pros: Incredible Food & Service
Cons: Parking can be tough at busy times but doable
Posted 08/10/09
Love this california cafe. Its got a very california feel to the inside.. Im from utah so i can tell.
Posted 12/16/08
Table for Six had an event at California Cafe. We had really, really had a good time here. I would remember this restaurant to anyone. Every one was so nice, helpful and especially friendly.
Great Place!
Ruth W
Pros: Many Thumbs UP
Posted 04/09/08
I have been to California Cafe several times and I always receive good food and good service. My husband and I even had our Rehearsal Dinner here of which they were extremely accomodating and offered wonderful service and dishes for a large group of 40 people (a majority of people ordered the filet mignon and everyone received it hot and impeccable).
Sometimes the service can be spotty but the food is always right on target. Last time I was there, a waiter assistant served us the Three Way starter we ordered and upon placing the plate down, had 1/3rd of the food slide right off the plate and on to the table. He apologized, walked away, and didn't return. Strange but we didn't argue and the food was still good.
Their calamari is excellent! Served with a sweet sauce and never rubbery. They offer plenty of meat options as well as seafood and vegetarian. Their menu (and mixed drinks) change often which makes it very fun to frequently revisit. Over the past holiday they offered a Sangria with apple and cinnamon as well as a pomegranate margarita. Excellent!
You owe it to yourself to visit this restaurant several times throughout the year.
Pros: reasonable prices, entrees, drink choices
Cons: sometimes spotty service
Posted 12/30/07
I've enjoyed Cal Cafe over the past 10 years on many occasions. Sometimes for business meetings in the bar, for lunch, banquets and a few times for dinner. The food has fluctuated between good and average. The current chef seems to know what's going on because the the last few times I have been to lunch were banquets and what I thought would be another rubber-chicken experience. Not so.....I was impressed with the salmon and the chicken dishes. The staff is friendly and efficient.
Pros: Sometimes you can walk-in
Cons: Sometimes you can't walk in
Posted 03/06/07
The menu looked impressive, but what a huge disappointment. Food was cold and overcooked. The service was slow and unattentive. The bar failed on at least four occasions with three different customers to be able to pour a simple Martini! California Cafe used to be one of my favorite restaurants...too bad it just a faded memory now...
Pros: Pretty decor
Cons: Everything else!
Posted 07/06/06
I have been here several times and am always impressed. the butternut squash soup is incredible, they serve wild salmon and have fun and healthy drinks. Some of thier dishes have a slight asian flare, however if that is not your thing there is plenty on the menu for you as well. They even hand out recipes!
Pros: food/taste, healthy
Posted 04/03/06
The sophisticated atmosphere and well-presented dishes make this place perfect for special occasions. With a picturesque view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Los Gatos Creek Trail, brunch tastes all the more wonderful. The prices are a bit steep for everyday dining, but fine for a treat.
Pros: great atmosphere, knowledgable staff, excellent food
Cons: a bit pricey
Posted 11/08/05
we had dinner here the other night and were blown away at the level of execution in the kitchen. everything tasted so fantastic! we started off with the cheese plate that was paired with honey comb, fresh strawberries, nuts and crostini. they served it all on this great looking marble piece. the tuna sashimi small plate was excellent too but the winner was the ribeye that seemed to melt in my mouth. the bar, although a great space, was a little lacking but that may have been because we came for an early dinner. definitely a hot spot, i cant wait to come back and try a meal on their gorgeous patio.
Pros: FOOD, scenery, FOOD!
Cons: bartender
Posted 07/06/05
Nice place to have dinner, good, consistent food, good wine selection.
Posted 04/05/03