Below is a list of our favorite local restaurants. All of them are reasonably priced, they’re all family-owned and operated, and most importantly they all support local food and wine. Gilroy is a small but growing community that still feels like small-town America. If you decide to visit any of our friends be sure to tell them we sent you and they’ll make sure you feel like family.
Gilroy
Garlic City Café – American and Mediterranean fare with garlic specialties
7461 Monterey ST, Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 847-7744
http://www.garliccitycafe.com
$$
A wonderful café/diner located in downtown Gilroy that’s a little hard to find due to its small storefront but is well worth the effort. Excellent service and a wide selection of classic salads, sandwiches, and pastas.
The Milias Restaurant – Old school dining room and lounge with a western flair, full bar
7397 Monterey ST, Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 337-5100
www.themiliasrestaurant.com
$$$
Originally opened in the early 1920’s as part of the Milias Hotel there’s a lot of history in this building. Owners/Chefs Anne and Adam have kept a lot of that historical feel and added the best dinner menu in Gilroy with full selections of seafood, meats, and pasta.
Old City Hall – Classic Americana, full bar
7400 Monterey ST, Gilroy, CA 95020
(842) 842-3454
www.oldcityhall.biz
$$
Classic surf and turf dishes in a charming forming municipal building. We like lunch in the outdoor courtyard listening to live music.
Westside Grill
8080 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95050
(408) 847-3800
http://www.thewestsidegrill.com
$$$
A simple menu of well-made comfort food and an excellent wine menu make this the destination for locals looking for a quiet lunch or dinner.
Ladera Grill – American cuisine, full bar
17305 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill 95037
http://www.laderagrill.com
$$$
An intimate gathering spot for locals. Don’t feel like you have to dress up to go here, it’s on the fancy side for Morgan Hill but around here we consider pressed Levi’s “fancy”.
Parktown Pizza – Craft Pizzas, Craft Beers on tap
16375 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
http://www.parktownpizza.com
$$
More sports bar that pizzeria from the ambience but don’t be fooled, Parktown Pizza has some of the best, most creative pies in the area. Check out their “Indian Menu” for some unique pizza flavors. Also, a large selection of beers on tap!
Rosy’s At the Beach – American/Seafood, full bar
17320 Monterey, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
http://rosysatthebeach.com
$$$
A casual dining experience located no where near the beach – but we like the beach vibe. It can be a little crowded and noisy but it’s a happy noise of local people enjoying their favorite hang-out. We like to site outside and watch the world go by or in the bar with all of our new friends.
Sicilia in Bocca – Traditional Italian, wines by the bottle and glass
25 W Main, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
http://www.sicilianinboca.com
$$
The definition of old-school “family” Italian. Large portions of authentic Sicilian food and a decent selection of local wines.
Morgan Hill
Trail Dust BBQ – Barbeque, Craft Beer bar
17240 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
http://www.traildustbbq.com
$$
A full traditional southern style BBQ menu with a great selection of craft beers. All their proteins are smoked daily. On the plus side everything is fresh, on the negative side they can run out of your favorite towards the end of the evening.