Best In Silicon Valley

2023 Best Italian Food Vito's Trattoria Mondays through Saturdays you can find full tables of happy diners at independently owned and operated Vito's Trattoria, which this year celebrates 20 years serving up original Italian recipes in San Jose. It's no wonder, then, that Vito's has been recognized for four out of five years at Best Italian Food in Silicon Valley. People and service sit at the center of everything they do at Vito's, from romantic dinners for two and family dinners to parties in the private room for 20 to 30 people. "I've been here for 18 years and some of the servers have been here for longer than I have," says George Nobile, who co-owns Vito's with his son, Anthony. In particular, he mentions a server named Ismael, who is beloved by team members and patrons alike. "I've even employed Ismael's sons over the years." On one recent Saturday night, several tables received attention from Ismael as he moved discreetly around the dining room ensuring people's comfort and tending to their needs before they needed to ask. At other tables, servers and bussers interacted with diners, bringing smiles and recommendations for delicious dishes, such as the night's special – a melt-in-your-mouth, panko-crusted halibut. "Our customers develop a connection with our staff, and that brings them back almost as much as the food does," says George. "Anthony is the bartender and extremely personable. And my kitchen manager, Otilio, has been with me for 13 years." By delivering consistency in the recipes, individually making each meal per order and responding to staff and customer feedback, Vito's delivers an exceptional dining experience in an elegant but family friendly environment. During the weekdays, businesspeople enjoy bringing their colleagues to Vito's, where the main dining room seats 72. Fridays and Saturdays find families and local residents returning for the great service and food they've grown accustomed to. For classic, New York Italian recipes, George says, "There's nothing like our marsala sauces; they're second to none!" Whether the veal piccata, the fresh seafood dishes or pizzas and pastas, the made-to-order cuisine and portion sizes result in clean plates, big smiles and good memories of every meal. Vito's is tucked away in San Jose's North First Business District with a U-shaped parking lot located conveniently across from the main entrance. Vito's Trattoria 90 Skyport Dr., San Jose (408) 453-1000 vitosnytrattoria.com Best Steakhouse Alexander's Steakhouse When the Alexander's Steakhouses came to in Cupertino in 2005, the Alexander's name soon grew synonymous with a fine-dining interpretation of the classic American steakhouse. Infused with Japanese-inspired ingredients, recipes, plating and dining room ambiance, the restaurant brought the concept to all new levels. The tradition continues at the Best Steakhouse in Silicon Valley', where exquisitely crafted a la carte and prix fixe menus are prepared with imaginative skill. Every dish — whether a Wagyu kobe beef plate, the slow-roasted prime rib or the Ora king salmon or is plated with mouthwatering artistry. Dining here is an experience that invigorates all five senses. From the peaceful, minimalist setting and the calm, impeccably mannered staff to the colors, scents, and tastes of each culinary presentation, a sense of richness abounds. Other specialty items include Golden Osetra Caviar and Alexander's signature cold appetizer, the Hamachi Shots. The staff are well trained to meet all service needs, including pairing recommendations for food with wines, cocktails, whiskeys or festive, non-alcoholic concoctions. Private dining room spaces that seat 20-30 people make ideal settings for business lunches and dinners or private celebrations with family and friends. Accented by Japanese screens, frosted windows or doors to the outside, each space is fully private but filled with natural light. Two of the spaces can be combined to accommodate groups of 80. Beyond its flagship Cupertino location, other beloved restaurants from the founders of Alexander's Steakhouse include 2 Alexander's Patisserie locations in Cupertino and Mountain View; The Sea in Palo Alto (Japanese seafood); the South of Market location of Alexander's Steakhouse in San Francisco; the multi-level bistro, ONE65 San Francisco; and AFICI on Folsom Street, with contemporary American cuisine in a comfortable fine-dining space. Alexander's Steakhouse 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (408) 446-2222 alexanderssteakhouse.com S18 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 111 Advertising Section SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2023

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