Parkside Grille

"A wonderful restaurant embraced by nature! We went there at night so the weather is nice and crisp. The restaurant inside is warm and festive. We enjoyed the service and the quality of the food. Of course the price tag is relatively high but it is expected. What we didn't expect is how big the food is! We particularly impressed the lamb chop cooked to perfection. The chocolate lava cake is a bit overcooked but the flavor is top notched. Usually in my family people just tried to be courteous and mindful of the sugar intake. However, we can just kept digging in until the cake disappeared lol. Highly recommended for a date night or a special event. Come hungry!"

"Ambiance - 5/5 Very cool hidden spot. Road to get there is very dark if you are driving at night but well worth the drive Service - 5/5 Waiter constantly checked on us for water, etc. he was very friendly and had casual conversations with us. Food - 5/5 Peppered Ahi Tuna was Risotto with shrimp was very good as well."

"A Rare Gem Nestled in the Redwoods Parkside Grille is an absolute treasure located in the heart of Portola Valley. It is a rare find that perfectly blends high-end Californian comfort food with a warm, festive atmosphere that feels both upscale and approachable. Set against a beautiful backdrop of towering redwoods, the restaurant offers a unique "roadside" charm that makes you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle. It is an ideal spot for anyone looking for a memorable meal where the quality of the hospitality matches the excellence of the kitchen. Highlights of the Experience The experience is defined by a sense of ease and genuine care from the staff, making it a standout destination in the area. Exceptional and Fun Service: The service is truly top-notch. Our server was energetic and kept the table entertained by cracking jokes all night, which added a wonderful personal touch to the dining experience. Remarkable Kitchen Efficiency: We were pleasantly surprised by the speed of the service; despite the restaurant being busy, every dish arrived quickly and at the perfect temperature. Famous Wood-Oven Bread: You have to try their amazing bread. Whether it is the wood-fired focaccia or the complimentary house-baked muffins, the bread is a highlight in its own right and sets a fantastic tone for the meal. Phenomenal Culinary Quality: Each dish we ordered was phenomenal. The menu features standout items like the Asian-marinated skirt steak and the Greek-style lamb chops, both of which are expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Inviting Natural Ambiance: The setting is stunning, with the option to dine on a multi-level patio under 800-year-old redwoods, providing a serene and crisp outdoor experience that is hard to beat. Final Verdict: Highly Recommended I am giving Parkside Grille a well-deserved 5-star rating. It is rare to encounter a restaurant that hits every mark so consistently—from the humorous and attentive staff to the phenomenal speed and quality of the food. It is a high-end comfort food experience that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it perfect for a special occasion or a high-quality weekend dinner. I highly recommend making a reservation to secure a spot in this beautiful forest setting; you won't be disappointed!"

"My wife and I came here for our anniversary dinner. I got the Caesar salad and the pasta with sausage. To drink I got the Berry smash. The pasta was delicious. It was very creamy. The salad was good too. My wife got the risotto which was also delicious."

"We’ve been coming to Parkside Grille for a while now, and it truly feels like a hidden gem. The goat cheese appetizer is absolutely incredible and honestly keeps us coming back every time. The bacon mac & cheese and vodka pasta are also family favorites—consistently delicious and super satisfying. Most visits, we leave really happy with our meal and the overall experience. That said, we had one disappointing dish during my birthday dinner recently. My brother ordered the margarita pizza, and unfortunately, it missed the mark. The crust was flat, bland, and dry, and there was barely any sauce under the cheese (we actually had to lift it to check). It honestly tasted worse than a frozen grocery store pizza and felt more like a basic kids’ meal than something you’d expect from a restaurant of this quality. We’ll definitely still be back because the rest of the menu is so strong, but hopefully that pizza was just a one-off."

"We chose Parkside Grille to enjoy our New Year’s Eve and made a reservation to be seated outdoors, fully aware that the evening would be cold and rainy. Despite the weather and the fact that we ultimately ended up being the only guests dining outside after the others who were there left, the restaurant graciously honored our request and made every effort to accommodate us. Given how busy the dining room was, I initially worried that service might suffer. Fortunately, our server, Laramie, was exceptional. She checked on us at just the right intervals, answered our questions thoughtfully, and offered honest, helpful recommendations when asked. Her attentiveness and professionalism ensured that we felt well cared for throughout the evening. We started with the focaccia and flatbread with butter, both served warm and fresh. While the focaccia was enjoyable, the flatbread stood out thanks to its subtle char and depth of flavor, likely from the wood-fired oven, and we found ourselves wishing for more of it rather than the focaccia. For my entrée, I ordered the Petrale sole special, which was beautifully prepared. The fish was moist and flavorful, the mashed potatoes were creamy and well-seasoned, and the vegetables were cooked perfectly to my liking. My partner chose the wood-fired chicken quesadilla, which he enjoyed. The tortilla was nicely crisped, and the chicken was tender and not dry. While it came with guacamole and pico de gallo, we both felt an additional sauce, perhaps a chipotle crema or another salsa could elevate the dish and add a bit more depth of flavor. Our cocktails were equally enjoyable. The passionfruit margarita and the berry smash (if I recall correctly) were refreshing, and well-balanced. To finish the meal, we shared the decadent chocolate torte. As advertised, it was rich and indulgent, with the accompanying berries providing a welcome contrast that balanced the intensity of the chocolate. Overall, the experience was cozy, quiet, and exactly what we were hoping for on New Year’s Eve. Parkside Grille delivered warm hospitality, solid execution, and a relaxed atmosphere that made for a memorable evening—even in less-than-ideal weather."

"A great restaurant in a serene setting. If you can get a table amongst the redwoods it’s worth it. We’ve been here to celebrate birthdays or just go out with friends and family. We’ve liked just about everything we’ve tried. Only once was the service slow, but they were super slammed that night. The wait staff has always been cheerful and helpful."

"Nestled in the Redwood trees of Woodside, this charming restaurant is a relaxing venue for elevated Californian cuisine. The baked goat cheese was delicious, as was the seared ahi tuna. The staff is efficient and friendly, and there’s a decent sized free parking lot."