The Best of Silicon Valley 2021

Introduction | The Short List | Food & Drink | Arts & Culture | Cannabis | Beauty, Health and Wellness | Family | Recreation | Romance | Everyday | Editor's Picks

This is where we mine our personal list of amazing vendors and favorite places to make some well-deserved recommendations.

Best New Restaurant - Peninsula

Selby's

3001 El Camino Real, Atherton
This new classy New American establishment snagged a Michelin star on its first go-around, but just to make sure they didn't let it get to their heads, we dragged a toddler along, left a stuffed animal behind and asked the valet to gas up the car. Score: 100%
 

Best New Restaurant - Los Gatos

Epernay

29 E Main St, Los Gatos
A classic French dining spot with post-millennial updates and a deep champagne cellar opened in 2021 and quickly snagged a coveted Wine Spectator award. It draws upon a venerated culinary tradition without a trace of stuffiness.
 
 
 
 

Best New Restaurant - Campbell

BE.STÉAK.Ă

1887 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Jeffrey Stout's ambitious, long-awaited tour de force opened in the Pruneyard earlier this year and has quickly established itself in the top tier of the region's dining establishments.

Best Century-Old Whiskey Bar

The Milius

7397 Monterey Rd, Gilroy
In Silicon Valley, it's hard to find anything that's survived a decade, no less a century. This old school establishment will celebrate its 100th anniversary next summer and retains warmth and friendliness, without pretension, with a smartly curated selection of hard-to-find American and imported whiskeys alongside a lunch and dinner menu.

Best Welder/Metal Fabricator

Yes Welding

183 Ryland St, Unit C, San Jose
We've thrown challenges at them: a waterfall metal slab desk floating on an old timber beam, a mobile cart to roll up fake grass for events, a welded steel storefront and other things you'll never need. Each time, Juan Alva's team has come through famously.

Best Window Washer

R & R Window Cleaning

(831) 588-4243
Sometimes we like to keep this kind of stuff secret, because we don't want to have to wait in line. But nah. Randy Sauro deserves the props, and he's a hard-working rock & roll musician to boot.

Best Mobile Dog Groomer

WE LOVE DOGS! MOBILE PET GROOMMING

[email protected]
The mobile revolution has come to other species, who can now enjoy a blow dry, brush-out and nail treatment without straying far from the yard. It's convenient for their human companions as well, thanks to Amanda and Arnie, who bring spa services to owners' doorsteps and accommodate special requests. A feather to go with the new hairstyle? No problem.