Last week a friend and I met to enjoy lunch at Restaurant Asa, which opened a few months ago. It was the first time there for both of us and we were anxious to give it a try since we’d only heard good things about it. The eatery’s location is super convenient and is a big plus: Asa sits just across from the Los Gatos Lodge, adjacent to the Best Western Inn of Los Gatos – at the corner of Alberto Way and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. This is the same location where Grill 57 was until this summer. There’s no shortage of nearby parking, which cannot always be said of restaurants in town.
An attractive, inviting patio dining area sits behind the planters in the photo above.
Inside, a waiting area features two comfy couches. A well appointed wine case is to the right and a full bar to the left. The room is open, clean, quiet (while fairly full), and offers pleasant decor.
And the bar is off to the left:
The last establishment in this location had distinct bar and dining areas, but Asa has all of the space on both the right and left, except at the bar itself, as regular dining tables.
How’s the menu? If you’re not in the mood for breakfast or brunch, the actual lunch offerings were somewhat limited. (The lunch menu on Asa’s website does not reflect the choices we saw that day and may be out of date.) The breakfast menu is quite large, though, and my friend and I both decided on a frittata. It was excellent, light, flavorful, and served at a perfect temperature.
The service was good and the staff pleasant. The food came in a timely manner, but we were never rushed. The prices were fair for Los Gatos. No complaints.
Bottom line: I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially if I really wanted breakfast or brunch. The dinner menu looks excellent and I’d love to go for supper, too.
Finally, I’d like to add that reservations are not a bad idea, particularly on a Friday when more folks decide to go out for lunch. That morning I phoned in to reserve a table. I was told that they were not needed, a walk in would be fine. At our arrival time, though, there were very few empty spaces and then we were asked if we had reservations. Better safe than sorry – do make them just in case they fill up.
Restaurant Asa (or Asa South – Los Gatos) – there’s another in Los Altos
57 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
408.540.7004
As always, this restaurant review was done without the knowledge of the owners or staff. When I write reviews on businesses of any kind, it’s because I liked it and thought my readers would enjoy it, too. I get no payments, favors, or gifts in exchange. (I am open to suggestions if there’s a business, cafe, or restaurant that you love & think I should review here on the Live in Los Gatos blog.)
