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Created by Tom McGhan Updated On: March 26, 2012
There's some Santa Clara in here too, I suppose, but this list should get you the down low on where to go and what to know when it comes to noms in Sunnyvale. Check out my list on San Jose too!
116 E El Camino Real (Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd), Sunnyvale, CA
Burger Joint · 44 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Bored while waiting for your food? Grab some peanuts from the boxes on top of the trash cans... but unlike the original DC location, don't leave the shells on the floor!
1627 Hollenbeck Ave (at Homestead Rd.), Sunnyvale, CA
Vietnamese Restaurant · Serra · 16 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Don't let how nice this is compared to other pho places fool you; it's one of the best. For pho, get the lean steak (tai), but if you wanna mix it up, get the banh xeo, a vegetarian crepe-like treat!
806 W El Camino Real (at Hollenbeck Ave.), Sunnyvale, CA
Sandwich Spot · 81 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: I prefer the Top Sirloin to the Prime Rib. Blasphemy? Maybe, but it also saves you $1 to spend on a pickle. As a Baltimore native, I ALWAYS add horseradish. It's damn strong though, as it should be.
Tom McGhan: The gyro meat here is the best I've had in any greek restaurant. Ever. Get a gryo sandwich, platter, or add it to a salad. You won't be sorry you did.
3531 El Camino Real (at Lawrence Expy), Santa Clara, CA
Korean Restaurant · 4 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Try to resist the smell as you pass by, and inevitably fail. You won't feel bad about it though, because of the kindly old man and nom-a-liscious sweet potatoes.
1111 W El Camino Real (at Grape Ave), Sunnyvale, CA
Grocery Store · 16 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: The change from Sunnymount was rushed but Felipe's ownership has brought fresher and more varied produce, lower prices, and even more local stock! I especially like the cheese prices & selection.
669 S Bernardo Ave (at El Camino Real), Sunnyvale, CA
Bakery · 11 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Don't be fooled by the happy hour prices on cookies and breads: the cookies are dry and fall apart; the breads are dense and have a horrid texture. Stick to the speciality items.
143 E El Camino Real (at Grant Rd), Mountain View, CA
Supermarket · 37 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: You *can* use this place as a grocery store, but the rest of use use it as a grab and go sushi place. Reasonable prices for restaurant quality!
Mexican Restaurant · Ponderosa · 11 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: I think the food here is solid, but you should make sure to get something with carne asada. Don't miss out on the salsa bar, either. Just be prepared to deal with their... wacky color choices...
673 Grape Ave (btw W El Camino Real & Blair Ave), Sunnyvale, CA
Indian Restaurant · 24 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Total hole-in-the-wall in a "shopping center" flanked by a dive bar and dry cleaners. It's only missing a check cashing joint, but the food is great and the prices are right, so do carryout, yeah?
1484 Halford Ave (at E El Camino Real), Santa Clara, CA
Bakery · 4 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Want to get something different for a friend's birthday? Try a sweet potato cake. It's mildly sweet, with a subtle sweet potato flavor. Yummm.
126 E Fremont Ave (at Sunnyvale Saratoga), Sunnyvale, CA
Breakfast Spot · 12 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: If you want to order a savory crepe or sandwich AND a dessert crepe (no judging!), just ask and they'll delay making your dessert crepe until you're ready.
150 W El Camino Real (Sunnyvale Shopping Center), Sunnyvale, CA
Japanese Restaurant · 14 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Get the pork & green pot. Thin pork strips & kale in a light broth. Order some rice on the side too, combine, and add a little soy. Delicious.
Tom McGhan: The red curry duck is a coconut curry, which seems counterintuitive to combine, but the sauce is amazing and the meat us delicious. Get it with a side of rice and pour the curry sauce over it!
1661 Hollenbeck Ave (at W. Homestead Rd), Sunnyvale, CA
Dessert Shop · Serra · 4 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Compared to the Santa Clara location, this place is completely dead, especially on Friday nights. That is either good or bad, depending on what you're looking for :-)
980 El Camino Real Ste 100 (at LaFayette St.), Santa Clara, CA
Eastern European Restaurant · 12 tips and reviews
Tom McGhan: Get the Pljeskavica with cheese and mushrooms. It's basically a balkan-style hamburger, except it's HUGE, and made with a spice palate specific to the area. Eat with some of the sour creme. Nom.