94 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM Notable new(ish) restaurants the beat on your eats alongside some very fun fusion—namely the mouthwatering lamb burger topped with tomato, bell pepper, blue cheese and rosemary aioli. An intimate space with warm, low lighting, it's a prime place to settle into your evening. So pour another glass of pinot and linger a little longer. 3081 S Delaware Steet. Open daily. el comal LOS ALTOS Bringing bold Oaxacan and Yucatecán flavors to downtown Los Altos for just over a year now, El Comal is already turning heads. Folks go wild for their mole, a traditional sauce with rich earthy layers of spice and chocolate. This savory sauce cloaks the Mole De La Casa (chicken with sundried peppers) as well as the enmoladas (enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken), adding depth to every bite. Vegetarians get their moment too thanks to huitlacoche delarosa PALO ALTO Bread baskets may be a tired opener, but Delarosa offers plenty of compelling alternatives for your carb cravings. This Italian gem, tucked into the Stanford Shopping Center, leans into playful starters like puffy fried gnocco fritto served with creamy burrata, salty prosciutto and marinated onions for a bright acidic lift. Or sourdough toast with burrata, hazelnuts and a drizzle of honey. Then of course, there’s the pizza. Their margherita will satisfy the traditionalists craving the simple charms of sauce, cheese and basil, while topping devotees have plenty of options to explore. All pies—from the wild mushroom pizza with onions and thyme to the spicy soppressata with salami, green chili, olives and onion—come piping hot and perfectly blistered from the brick oven. The retro vibes add to the atmosphere with vintage photos, splashy orange accents and a neon sign enhancing that nostalgic glow. 136 Stanford Shopping Center. Open daily. bahche SAN MATEO For a wine bar with Greek and Mediterranean bites, beeline it to BAHCHE. Conveniently located across from the Hillsdale Shopping Center, this family-run spot serves classics like grilled octopus, lamb chops and spanakopita, {food coloring} tacos heaped with black corn, roasted poblano peppers, jalapeño and mozzarella. When the plates are cleared, wander over to Linden Tree Books across the street to satisfy your literary cravings. 266 Main Street. Closed Mondays. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: MICHELE MIN - DELAROSA
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