Discover the Best Restaurants in Downtown Sunnyvale: Our Top 5
I've lived in the San Francisco Bay Area all my life, and I spent nearly four of those years living in Sunnyvale. One of the high points was exploring the restaurants downtown! Even though I don't currently live there, it's still one of my go-to places for date nights and happy hour meetups.
There isn't a huge nightlife in the Bay Area (probably because everyone loves to work), unless you head to San Francisco — and even then, don't expect much after 9 pm. In the South Bay, San Jose and Campbell are some of the livelier places to hang out.
In my opinion, Sunnyvale is an underrated city. Although its name may have originally been a marketing tactic, it's also appropriate given the microclimates in the San Francisco Bay Area. When I first moved there, I was pleasantly surprised by how many sunny days there were.
In addition to the nice weather, Sunnyvale's downtown is one of its best features. While downtown Sunnyvale may have less energy than Santana Row or Campbell Avenue, it more than makes up for it with its charm. The heart of downtown, historic Murphy Avenue, dates back to the 1860s. It may have started as a dirt road, but it's now a fun street (closed off to vehicle traffic) filled with dozens of shops and restaurants!
General Tips for Exploring Downtown Sunnyvale
Before I get into our top five restaurants in downtown Sunnyvale, I want to share a couple of general tips about exploring downtown.
Plan for Parking in Downtown Sunnyvale
There is ample (and free) parking in downtown Sunnyvale, but particularly at lunch and in the early evenings, the lots closest to Murphy Avenue fill up quickly. While there is high turnover, there's generally a lot of competition at these times.
Because we're lazy and don't like to walk, we often choose to circle one of the lots, and many times, a spot will open up. However, if you're in a rush, you're probably better off parking in a nearby garage (this one is our go-to). It's just a short walk from Murphy Avenue, and it's free!
Check Restaurant Hours/Availability in Advance
Again, the nightlife in downtown Sunnyvale isn't the liveliest, and some restaurants have irregular hours. Although Google hours are generally correct, I wouldn't rely on them completely.
Reservations are also something to consider. In general, we haven't made reservations and have had very few issues with walk-ins. However, that's partly because we love so many restaurants downtown that we don't mind pivoting if one is closed or has a wait.
If you have your heart set on going to a specific restaurant, it's generally best to call ahead. When I share our top five restaurants, I'll provide more details about hours and reservations for each so you can be prepared!
Check Out the Farmers' Market
Although we often visit downtown Sunnyvale for happy hour or dinner, we also love going on Saturday mornings to experience the weekly farmers' market! Open from 9 am-1 pm every Saturday (rain or shine), this market hosts a wide variety of vendors and locally grown products and is a fun place to hang out! Consider visiting a restaurant for brunch before or after exploring the market.
Stop for Coffee or Boba
Since I consider cafes in a different category, I didn't include coffee or boba places in the list of our top 5 favorite restaurants. However, Sunnyvale has a lot to offer here!
My #1 favorite coffee shop is Coffee & More Cafe. Their coffee and chai are amazing, and they have tons of seating, so it's a great place to work or hang out! Bean Scene Cafe is another excellent coffee spot.
Additionally, if you like boba, you have a variety of options. While it's not on Murphy Avenue, Teazzi Tea Shop is just a few steps away and is a favorite spot of my husband's.
Our Top 5 Restaurants in Downtown Sunnyvale
Now, I'm going to share our top five favorite restaurants in downtown Sunnyvale! This list was hard to narrow down, since there are so many good ones. I'll go over each restaurant and share why we love it, details about hours and reservations, and anything you should know before visiting.
One note: these aren't ranked in order of importance because narrowing them down even further is impossible!
1. Metro City Restaurant & Bar
Metro City is first on the list because it's perhaps our most frequented haunt in downtown Sunnyvale. There are actually two locations in Sunnyvale. While they're both good, if you want to visit downtown, be sure to go to the one on Murphy, not Duane.
Why We Love It
We love Metro City because it's affordable, casual, and delicious. Their happy hour prices (available from 3-6 pm on weekdays) are insane — $6 for a margarita (you can't even get a latte for that anymore!).
They also have a happy hour deal on starters. Some of our favorites are the tacos, mozzarella sticks, and boneless chicken wings. The portions are generous, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available all day. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
We especially love going there for brunch. The Eggs Benedict is one of the best I've had, and they have excellent mimosas.
If you're looking for some solid diner-style food at an affordable price, Metro City is the place to go.
Hours & Reservations
Metro City's hours are 8 am-9 pm daily.
For parties of 12 or more, you can make a reservation on their website or by calling the restaurant. For smaller groups, it's first-come, first-served. However, we've never had a problem getting a table, even with groups of 8-10.
Things You Should Know
The atmosphere is very casual. Although it can get lively, particularly at the bar, it can also feel a little dead. The service definitely has a more relaxed vibe, but the staff are very friendly!
If you're looking for ambience, this probably isn't the pick. But if you want something casual, easy, and inexpensive, check out Metro City!
2. Fibbar Magees
Right across the street from Metro City is a traditional Irish pub, Fibbar Magees!
Why We Love It
Fibbar Magees provides an authentic Irish pub experience, complete with delicious food and drinks (the potato leek soup is surprisingly good). The atmosphere and staff have a lot of energy, and they have a decent amount of indoor seating, as well as outdoor seating in front and a covered patio in the back.
Hours & Reservations
Fibbar Magee's is open from 3 pm-2 am on Mondays and 11 am-2 am Tuesday through Sunday. On Tuesday nights, they also offer trivia at 7 pm!
You can make a reservation by calling or emailing the restaurant. Although we've often done walk-ins with no problem, if you plan on going at a busy time, I recommend reserving ahead of time. We went on St. Patrick's Day, and it was absolutely crazy even though we arrived early.
Things You Should Know
Fibbar Magees is a bit pricier than Metro City, but they do have a happy hour menu. Although the staff are lovely, they're generally pretty busy, and so service can be a bit slow. If you want to experience an Irish pub, Fibbars is a great place to check out.
3. The Oxford Kitchen & Gastropub
The Oxford Kitchen & Gastropub is an upscale British restaurant with a modern feel.
Why We Love It
If you're looking to prioritize ambience, the Oxford is an iconic spot, featuring unique British vibes and decor. They recently expanded their menu, and the food is high-quality. I particularly like the chicken tikka masala (very flavorful and surprisingly not very spicy, which I appreciate), and Spence enjoys the beef stroganoff. Additionally, the service is top-notch.
Hours & Reservations
The Oxford is closed on Sunday. It's open 11 am-2 pm and 4-10 pm on Friday/Saturday, and 11 am-2 pm and 4-9:30 pm Monday-Thursday.
You can make a reservation on OpenTable or by calling the restaurant. We haven't ever found reservations necessary, but on weekends/at busier times, it might be a good idea.
Things You Should Know
The Oxford is one of the pricier restaurants in downtown Sunnyvale. We don't go very often, but it's fun for a treat! If you're looking for a good special occasion restaurant, this is a great pick.
4. Dishdash Middle Eastern Cuisine
According to their website, the first Dishdash in the Dishdash Restaurant Group was founded in Sunnyvale in 2001 by Palestinian immigrant Emad Ibrahim and his wife Nadiah Mshasha. Due to popularity, they then expanded to multiple locations around the Bay Area, including grab-and-go Dish n Dash.
Why We Love It
Dishash offers a fine dining experience that everyone needs to try at least once! I'm not a huge Mediterranean food fan, but I find Dishdash's selection and quality to be unmatched. I highly recommend the Beriani Dajaj, but everything they serve is amazing.
In addition to good food, they have unique and delicious cocktails, and the service is excellent.
Hours & Reservations
Dishdash is open from 11 am-9 pm Monday-Thursday, 11 am-9:30 pm on Friday, 11:30 am-9:30 pm on Saturday, and 4-9 pm on Sunday.
Whether you go for lunch or dinner, I recommend making a reservation, as this restaurant is pretty popular. While they do accept walk-ins, you may have to wait for a table.
Things You Should Know
Similar to The Oxford, Dishdash is on the pricier side. To save money, consider going for brunch or lunch. However, at some point, I recommend the full dinner experience (complete with Baklava Crumble for dessert!).
5. Tao Tao
We love Asian food, and Tao Tao has become our go-to Chinese restaurant in the Bay!
Why We Love It
Tao Tao pairs a wide selection of dishes with outstanding quality and service. Additionally, it has a full bar, which I've found somewhat unique for Chinese restaurants. They offer great cocktails, in addition to beer and wine.
Our favorite dishes are the shredded chicken salad with mustard and peanuts (must try!), tomato beef chow mein, pepper beef chow fun, and honey walnut prawns.
Hours & Reservations
Tao Tao is closed on Mondays. It's open 11:30 am-2 pm and 3:30-8:30 pm on Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 am-2 pm and 3:30-9 pm on Friday, 11:30 am-2 pm and 3-9 pm on Saturday, and 3-9 pm on Sunday.
You can make a reservation by calling the restaurant. Although this might be a good idea at busier times, they have ample seating, and we've never had an issue with walk-ins.
Things You Should Know
Due to the restaurant's tinted windows, it can appear as if it's closed, but it's usually open at the times stated on its website. You can always call ahead to confirm.
Also, the chicken salad is amazing, but beware the large portion size! A small salad is more than enough for two people, and can even serve three or four if you are ordering other dishes.
That covers our top 5 favorite restaurants in downtown Sunnyvale! If you're looking for a fun place to eat, you really can't go wrong with any of these choices. Next time you find yourself near Murphy Avenue, enjoy a meal at one of our favorite spots.
