- Hong’s Gourmet
Hong’s Gourmet, located in Saratoga Village, never fails to impress even if Chinese cuisine is not your go-to. Though their service can take longer during busy hours, the food is worth the wait. By the way, you’ve probably had their food before because they often host fundraiser events for a variety of our school’s clubs and teams, such as VEX robotics and the Saratoga Falcon.
- Bell Tower
Converted from an 1896 church, Bell Tower is a popular brunch spot in downtown Saratoga for anyone craving a good ol’ traditional American breakfast with everything from eggs benedict to French toast. The restaurant gets especially crowded and lively on weekends when people chat with friends and sit down to enjoy some coffee under the warm sun.
- Mandala
Mandala is yet another restaurant located downtown bringing vibrant Indian flavors to the table. Mandala has a great, spacious atmosphere and is a great late night option since they operate past midnight.
- Anchors
Anchors is a great spot to have dinner with friends. Thanks to their extensive selection of items, everyone finds something of their preference. Anchors is known for their exquisite seafood with flavors from all around the globe. My personal favorites are their pastas, such as their shrimp linguine and their fish tacos; the best is that there is always something new to try every time I go, and it’s guaranteed never to disappoint.
- Saratoga Bagels
Saratoga Bagels, located between Cox and the Argonaut Shopping Center, is one of my favorite spots to go for brunch. The restaurant’s wide variety of customizable options gives customers a much more flexible and personalized experience. My top pick is the signature Lox bagel. It also offers vegetarian options such as their Baja Omelette bagel.
- Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of the best fried chicken places nearby. There is a lot of hype surrounding their signature hot chicken, which you must sign a waiver for to try. The restaurant is across the street from Westgate Shopping Center, so if you ever find yourself at the mall wondering where to eat, Dave’s is always a solid option.
- Mint Leaf
Mint Leaf is an upscale Asian restaurant located in the heart of downtown with a great atmosphere inside. The menu includes a large selection of Thai classics and some fusion dishes all making for a great family dinner.
- Sushi Heaven
The name speaks for itself, and Sushi Heaven is a must go for all the sushi fanatics out there. The restaurant has a great calm and peaceful atmosphere which is great for a dinner with the family. They prepare your sushi right in front of your eyes, which is a great experience and guarantee of quality. The food is great but the price tag is quite hefty compared to an average sushi place, as a typical dinner is about $30.
- Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
Ike’s is known for its bold and unique flavors all served in their signature “dirty sauce,” a tangy and mild sauce that goes great with any of their sandwiches. I have to say, their sandwiches are worth the 1,000 calories. Located near Prospect and Lynbrook, it is a great place for athletes to go post-game to devour a scrumptious sandwich. Ike’s has plated some of their signature sandwiches for celebs like Joey Chestnut, Halsey, and Marshawn Lynch. Additionally, their numerous accolades such as “Best Sports Sandwich” from ESPN speak for how tempting a trip to Ike’s can be.
- La Cueva
The best Mexican restaurant in town is La Cueva, which serves up a broad variety of mouth-watering authentic Mexican dishes alongside some fusion foods, such as fish tacos, chicken burritos and chicken enchiladas. All are to die for. The restaurant’s generous portion sizes and affordability contribute to its reputation as being one of the best dining spots around. If you have not been to La Cueva, I highly recommend you order takeout as it is normally super busy and crowded.
