This welcoming and window-lined restaurant straddles a prominent corner in downtown Menlo Park. Inside, the space flaunts a flood of natural light; a buzzing vibe, and contemporary subtleties go a long way towards disproving the area's sleepy town moniker.

Californian cooking is the mission of the kitchen, with dishes delivering layers of flavor and creativity. Speaking of, begin with fresh-baked Boules (available on Fri and Sat), before embarking on a creamy Russet potato soup with green garlic "pesto" and parmesan. Mezze rigatoni arrive tossed with a ten-hour, Modenese-style pork ragù; and buttermilk fried chicken with sides like coleslaw is a sight for sore NY eyes. Caramelized milk jam pudding with candied pecans makes a crowning deal—and meal—closer.