La Foret

Kelly Huang

We had dinner there to celebrate our anniversary. Restaurant is a bit oldie, but service and food are amazing. Apparently it is the first two story hotel in CA. During the night time, we can only hear the river sound but no view. While my husband was expecting it has view (from his search criteria). Oh well, food is great. They also gave us a complementary desert to celebrate our anniversary. Definitely can’t compare their setting with many fancy restaurants in Palo Alto. But food and services totally worthy the visit. (Parking is easy. They have their own parking lot. It’s at somewhere of nowhere)

M2 Mary Le

I had a low key bday dinner there with my older sister who treated me with the fixed 5 course menu and my own plate of escargots. Love the fact that they respected our space, sister chats, but always checked in frequent enough to add water, bread, replace utensils and plates, etc. the view was fantastic the room was AC and have enough light to not be hot. We sat along the window for the view and service again was fantastic. It was her 5th visit and my first. Definitely felt pampered for my bday.

Danielle Sepulveda

I couldn't have asked for a more magical experience. The food was phenomenal!!!!!! I dont have the words to express how delicious everything was. My husband and I came here to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant was beautiful the staff was great and the food was to die for! It was a meal that we will reminisce and talk about for years to come. I highly recommend.

Oscar Cuenca

Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, LaForet stood as a beacon of French culinary excellence. As a gourmet foodie and a connoisseur of fine wines, my anticipation for their New Year's menu was tinged with excitement. Known for its exquisite cuisine and elegant pairings, LaForet promised a dining experience that would linger long in memory. Upon entering, I was greeted by an ambiance that exuded both sophistication and warmth. The restaurant's decor, a blend of rustic charm and understated elegance, set the perfect stage for the evening's culinary journey. Premier Course: Salade Francaise. The first course was a Salade Francaise, a delicate ensemble of butter lettuce, marinated cucumber, and shaved radish, dressed in a mustard tarragon vinaigrette. Each bite was a revelation of freshness, the tangy vinaigrette complementing the crisp greens beautifully. Deux Course: Ahi Tuna Crudo. Next, the Ahi Tuna Crudo arrived. The dish was a symphony of flavors, with the citrus and ginger ponzu providing a zesty counterpoint to the rich, velvety tuna. It was a testament to the chef’s ability to balance bold flavors with subtlety. Trois Course: Lobster Tail. The third course featured a poached cold-water lobster tail, served with a lime beurre blanc. The lobster was cooked to perfection, its succulent flesh melting effortlessly in my mouth, while the lime beurre blanc added a bright, creamy richness that elevated the dish. Quatre Course: Quail. The roasted Canadian quail was next, accompanied by a huckleberry reduction. The quail, tender and flavorful, paired wonderfully with the sweet and tart notes of the huckleberry, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Cinq Course: Choices. Salmon poached in Chambord with a Port Wine Reduction and the Rack Of Lamb. For the fifth course, I was torn between two tempting options: the Salmon poached in Chambord with a Port Wine Reduction and the Rack of Lamb. My wife chose the lamb, which turned out to be a culinary highlight, perfectly roasted with garlic and rosemary to a succulent medium-rare, and beautifully enhanced with its natural juices and a touch of tarragon mustard. I, on the other hand, decided on the salmon. Poached to perfection in Chambord and complemented by a rich Port Wine Reduction, the salmon was tender and flavorful. However, after tasting both, I might lean slightly towards the Rack of Lamb as the standout dish of the two. Six Course: Dessert Choices. The meal culminated with a choice of desserts. I chose the Souffle Grand Marnier, a light yet indulgent end to the meal. Its airy texture and subtle orange liqueur flavor were a perfect palate cleanser. Wine Pairings. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, France NV. Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast 2022. Duckhorn Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2021. Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2022. Groth Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2019. The optional wine pairing was a journey in itself. Beginning with the Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, each wine was meticulously chosen to complement the courses. The Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc was a standout with the Ahi Tuna, its crisp acidity and citrus notes harmonizing with the dish. The Duckhorn Chardonnay and Flowers Pinot Noir were equally impressive, showcasing the depth and versatility of Californian wines. As the evening drew to a close, I reflected on the exquisite meal and the impeccable wine pairings at LaForet. Each course was a testament to the chef’s mastery of French cuisine, and the wines were a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the flavors and elevating the entire dining experience. LaForet was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of the finest in culinary artistry, a reminder of the joys of French dining, and a benchmark for gourmet experiences.

Alvin Tam

Came here for my birthday dinner and had a wonderful experience. We opted to sit outside by the creek which made for a lovely evening. Everything on the menu looked very good but we decided on the steam and lamb which were very delicious and the temperature on the meats were just right.

april

My first time having venison didn't disappoint..yummy ! The grilled shrimp appetizer was outstanding! I wanted to lick the plate. French 75 was mild and sweet the expresso martini was on point. The steak medallion dinner was very well seasoned and tender 😋 Cream brulee was very creamy and not too bad. Our waiter Alan was gave great recommendations and was very friendly. Looking forward to coming back and trying all the exotic meats they offer..

For a couple of years, my wife and I had been wanting to dine at La Foret, but the 45-minute drive always kept it on our “someday” list. We finally made it this past Friday — and it was absolutely worth the trip. The food was exceptional: high-quality ingredients, perfectly executed dishes, and beautifully balanced sauces that complemented rather than overwhelmed the flavors. We shared three appetizers, two entrées, and the soufflé for dessert — and every single dish was spot-on. Not a single miss, which is rare. We were also fortunate to have Alan as our server. He was engaging, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable, and truly elevated the entire experience. I can’t recommend La Foret enough. We’ll definitely be returning soon.

Love this place! We were visiting my brother and wine tasting in Morgan Hills. I suggested French food. He took us here and BAM! The service was excellent. The food was well seasoned and sauced. The atmosphere was quiet elegance and it was easy to chat with each other. I wish I lived closer so we could visit more often.

Torsten George

For a couple of years, my wife and I had been wanting to dine at La Foret, but the 45-minute drive always kept it on our “someday” list. We finally made it this past Friday — and it was absolutely worth the trip. The food was exceptional: high-quality ingredients, perfectly executed dishes, and beautifully balanced sauces that complemented rather than overwhelmed the flavors. We shared three appetizers, two entrées, and the soufflé for dessert — and every single dish was spot-on. Not a single miss, which is rare. We were also fortunate to have Alan as our server. He was engaging, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable, and truly elevated the entire experience. I can’t recommend La Foret enough. We’ll definitely be returning soon.

We did a search on OpenTable for romantic restaurants in the San Jose for our weekly date nights. This came up and we were looking forward to a French menu with a sweet ambiance. I ordered the second tasting menu with prawns, salad francaise, scallops, elk, lamb and lava cake with vanilla Gelato. I had the pear ginger mocktail. My date had the mushroom tortellini, the prawns and the steak diane with a glass of Grand View Syrah. Overall the food was good. We especially loved the prawns, the tender elk, the lava cake and our drinks were divine. Unfortunately the bread was basic, tortellini sauce was not to my dates liking, the salad was 95% lettuce, the "scallops" was just one scallop (tasting menu, I know, but still a bit of a letdown), the lamb was over seasoned and the steak diane was just okay. While the waitstaff was pleasant and attentive - they must have changed out our forks at least 6 times - the biggest disappointment was the lag in time between the 5th course and the main course. Then it took forever for the lava cake and espresso to come out. Felt like 30 minutes. By the time we left, we had been there for 2 and a half hours and the bill (with tip) was $430. Considering we didn't try the caviar, the wagyu, or the Louis XIII cognac, the dinner felt a bit steep. Ambiance was classy and intimate, with red wallpaper, chandeliers, and a red rose on every table. But by 6pm, there was no longer a view to be had. Nice little hidden gem but we will not be back due to price and extended wait times between courses.

Very warm, cozy and inviting. Their menu included exotic meats like elk, wild boar, venison and bison (just to name a few) … wow right? Unfortunately the rack of lamb, and ribeye we were hoping to get were unavailable (something about electrical issues they were experiencing the week before? 🤷🏻‍♀️) Luckily, we started and enjoyed feasting on beef tartare, sea scallops and salade francaise (yummilicious 😋). We decided to try tournedos of beef chanterelle, american wagyu and wild boar. Every dish we consumed … simply delicious. If you want to enjoy a well appointed dining facility, extensive wine selection, world class cuisine while being attended by professional staff, look no further … La Foret is quite an experience.

Service was great and our server took great care of my husband and I. The quail and the souffle dessert are absolute must-have when you visit this place! They also have a "I can't decide option" for dessert, which was extremely clever (I won't spoil the fun). I also appreciate the interesting variety of meat cut offered here (wild boar, elk, venison, etc.). If the meat portions were a little bigger, it would definitely be worth the price. Overall, I would label this as a classic stable and would come back!

This was my first time experiencing dinner at La Forêt. La Foret offers a very nice dining experience. Our group had varied offerings, including the tasting menu. Everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the prawns, and they were good. I also had the shrimp salad with butter lettuce. It was very refreshing. I also had the "I can't decide" dessert platter. I suggest skipping this and just choosing a dessert. The creme brulee was delicious. The restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, but it is a very cool concept. If you're in the area, I would suggest giving it a try.

Very food, great service, great ambience. Enjoy on special occasions.

My first time visiting La Forêt French Cuisine was a mostly wonderful experience. The service was excellent—attentive, warm, and professional. However, the pacing could have been a bit faster; our dinner took about three and a half hours to complete, which felt slightly prolonged. The entrées were the highlight of the evening. The elk was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish I would highly recommend to anyone visiting. Unfortunately, the dessert didn’t quite live up to the rest of the meal. The soufflé was just okay, with a flavor that was reminiscent of drinking wine but lacked the balance I was hoping for. Overall, La Forêt delivers an exceptional dining experience, especially with their entrées and service, though the dessert and pacing could use some improvements.

GiGi Rose (Bastakokak)

Very warm, cozy and inviting. Their menu included exotic meats like elk, wild boar, venison and bison (just to name a few) … wow right? Unfortunately the rack of lamb, and ribeye we were hoping to get were unavailable (something about electrical issues they were experiencing the week before? 🤷🏻‍♀️) Luckily, we started and enjoyed feasting on beef tartare, sea scallops and salade francaise (yummilicious 😋). We decided to try tournedos of beef chanterelle, american wagyu and wild boar. Every dish we consumed … simply delicious. If you want to enjoy a well appointed dining facility, extensive wine selection, world class cuisine while being attended by professional staff, look no further … La Foret is quite an experience.

Kimberly Threadgill

This was my first time experiencing dinner at La Forêt. La Foret offers a very nice dining experience. Our group had varied offerings, including the tasting menu. Everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the prawns, and they were good. I also had the shrimp salad with butter lettuce. It was very refreshing. I also had the "I can't decide" dessert platter. I suggest skipping this and just choosing a dessert. The creme brulee was delicious. The restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, but it is a very cool concept. If you're in the area, I would suggest giving it a try.

Bao Dang

Service was great and our server took great care of my husband and I. The quail and the souffle dessert are absolute must-have when you visit this place! They also have a "I can't decide option" for dessert, which was extremely clever (I won't spoil the fun). I also appreciate the interesting variety of meat cut offered here (wild boar, elk, venison, etc.). If the meat portions were a little bigger, it would definitely be worth the price. Overall, I would label this as a classic stable and would come back!

James Lee

My first time visiting La Forêt French Cuisine was a mostly wonderful experience. The service was excellent—attentive, warm, and professional. However, the pacing could have been a bit faster; our dinner took about three and a half hours to complete, which felt slightly prolonged. The entrées were the highlight of the evening. The elk was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish I would highly recommend to anyone visiting. Unfortunately, the dessert didn’t quite live up to the rest of the meal. The soufflé was just okay, with a flavor that was reminiscent of drinking wine but lacked the balance I was hoping for. Overall, La Forêt delivers an exceptional dining experience, especially with their entrées and service, though the dessert and pacing could use some improvements.

We booked reservations on Valentines weekend. When we booked online, only outdoor seats on site . On that day was raining a lot and cold . The girl that greets me in the front about to take us to patio . We requested indoor if possible, a nice gentleman found a table for us . Then , the girl showed us the table . We about to sit down , she said “ next time you should book indoor !!! “ . I don’t understand why she need to say that , even we already got the table . Our dinner course $175/ person . It is pricey for small portions. They charged 20% tip ~ $90 . We paid $590 for our meals . It isn’t worth money . We love La foret , we have been here a few times . This time , it kinda disappointed. We definitely come back for the regular menu , not on Holidays.

Lorin Kuschill

First time here. We brought our grandma for her birthday. Beautiful location. We sat outside where you can hear and see the river flowing and it was a beautiful day. Started with drinks which were good. Appetizers came which we loved. First timer trying Ahi tuna and Quail. Then dinner came out, there was a long wait, portions were huge, but the flavors weren’t that great. Rack of lamb could have had more flavor and sear. Waitress checked in on us right away at first, I hadn’t even had a bite, then never came back the entire dinner. Grandma asked for coffee and they came probably 35 minutes or so later with it and it was just warm. Not impressed with service and the main course. It was just slow. A lot of sitting around and waiting. Then desert came out… it was beautiful because my grandma did get a cute platter with different deserts with a happy birthday sign and candles. That was a sweet gesture. We asked for Crème Brûlée. We are used to a large, white ceramic bowl with it having vanilla bean and sugar toasted. Well they came in two small little sauce bowls from what it seemed like. Sugar was soft and there wasn’t any vanilla bean taste. For the price we paid which was a little over $500 plus tip, I can’t say I will be back The atmosphere for me was the most impressive.

Thao Ha

Bread and butter was pretty mid. Cocktails are classic and the after dinner coffee was pretty mid. Entrees are filling and the meat is high quality. The rice pilaf was so incredibly salty and almost inevitable because of the salt . Service was just slow and they had forgotten two different drink orders at two different times. We had brought a cake and they lost our little toppers for it. Outside patio is pretty and romantic. I recommend getting a patio seat if possible. inside is nice too but can get a bit noisy.

We ate at La Foret for Valentine's Day. It was a 6 course price fix dinner. My husband had the soup and I had the salad. Just OK. I had the scallop for my next course, fabulous. The following course we both order the lobster in a butter sauce. Both lobster tails were "off". We couldn't eat them, They substituted quail, just ok. He ordered steak Dyan and I ordered rack of lamb, medium. Both came purple on the inside they were so raw. The waiter took them back and recooked them. Both were still too rare. The owner came over and said "I understand your meat was too rare". MY husband said, yes. That was the end of it. No, compensation no sorry. The bill came to $868.00. Was it worth it, NO. We will not be going back.

john wilkes

Disappointing for the price ($500 for 2). I'd recently spent a week in Paris, hopping between bistros in the Marais, and was hoping to get some of that vibe here, too. But it was not to be: this felt like food from a few decades ago. As other low-scoringing reviewers have noted. the service was super friendly, and our waitress was the high spot in the evening. She was happy to switch some of the dishes around to avoid my seafood dislikes, and so we plumped for the 6-course tasting menu, plus a shared "tier 2" ($95) wine pairing. She was attentive and helpful - and dismayed when she found out that dishes were being dropped on our table with no more than "careful - the plates are hot" (they were indeed untouchable). But that wasn't enough to make up for the food. At this price level, I'd expect an amuse bouche or two - but no: we were brought some Veuve Cliquot champagne (all the pours were half glasses) and some underwhelming bread, and then left for several minutes until the first course arrived. That was tasty - but would have been good as course #3 or 4, not the first one: the heavy sauce overwhelmed the wine. Indeed, the wines were apaprently selected for their names - there was no attenmpt to explain why they might have been paired with the food. A slightly underwhelming butter-lettuce salad followed; this one got an description, but a couple of slices of radish was hardly worth the effort. The beef tartare course was the most subtle - although the meat was brown, and I couldn't detect any of the promised truffle. The elk was the high point: tender, bathed in a dark, rich sauce that the house style was well suited to. Australian rack of lamb was generous, but covered in a rich salty gravy, not a "natural jus", and accompanied by a brown rice thungy that was too salty to eat, a weirdly sweet carrot, and some slightly overcooked asparagus. (We were offered a replacement, but we decided that we didn't want to prolong things.) Dessert was a slice of chocolate tart, noticeable more for its weight than any subtlety. We were given a half-bottle of Pinot Noir ($31 at retail) to make up for things, but it wasn't enough. Other diners seemed to enjoy themselves. But we won't be back.

Even the food was good I give a one star just to get your attention. I made a reservation for 2 for my birthday and left the note that one of the guests (which is me) has celiac disease and we ask for gluten free options. When we arrived nobody had idea about my request. That is fine. I asked to guide me through the menu and got an answer that almost everything on the menu is gluten free except desserts and we shouldn't worry about. We got two different tasting menus and guess what? Already on second course I'm getting tartar with toasts on the plate. I asked if it is gluten free (I had concerned as I know how gluten free bread looks like and that baguette definitely looked like gluten. I got an answer that it is gluten free, but... they need to double check. And sure it was not gluten free. Each course was delivered by different people and was difficult to track if my request is actually went to the kitchen. Next was scallop with puff pastry and I believe that some sauces were thickened by wheat flour. Nobody cared. Now I'm suffering with the reaction and can't sleep. If I could give minus 10 stars I would. You can't do that to people! That is the worst experience i ever had at such level of restaurants. And why do you ask about occasion for reservation if nobody even said me happy birthday while i herad that there was no problem to say it to other guests? Service minus 10.

Isolated Integration

La Foret - It’s a Trap! We drove an hour and a half to La Foret to taste what perhaps could’ve been an amazing French experience, but alas the food was marked by a series of culinary missteps that could not be overlooked, despite the impeccable service provided. The meal commenced with a salad that was as uninspired as it was basic. The overwhelming dressing masked any freshness or crispness that one might have expected, setting a precedent for the courses that followed. The mushroom soup, while acceptable, was forgettable, lacking any distinctive features that might have redeemed the opening act. The Ahi Tuna Crudo, a dish that should burst with freshness and precision, was marred by its lackluster presentation and taste. The inconsistency in the fillet's cut, combined with the chewiness of veiny bits, suggested a lack of attention to detail. Furthermore, the color and taste hinted at a piece of tuna that had lingered too long in the refrigerator rather than being served at the peak of its freshness. It was so stale that we had the dish subbed out with quail. The lamb shanks, while ordered to be medium rare, was a testament to overcooking, lacking any distinctiveness that could salvage the dish. The lobster, potentially a highlight with its natural flavor, was overshadowed by an overly acidic sauce that did more to detract than enhance. Among the few redeeming aspects, the scallops stood out for their freshness. However, even this dish was not without its faults, as the lack of a sufficient char and a tasteless sauce failed to elevate the scallops beyond acceptability. The meal concluded on a perplexing note with a soufflé that seemed more akin to an alcoholic beverage than a dessert, tasting strongly of vodka. The supposed “Grand Marnier” was nowhere to be found. Had this meal been $100, the dining experience might have been deemed acceptable, perhaps even earning a generous 3-stars. However, at the staggering cost of $450 we were charged for two, the value proposition becomes entirely unacceptable. It is worth noting, however, that the service at La Foret was exemplary. The staff's professionalism and attentiveness were the lone bright spots in an otherwise very disappointing visit. In conclusion, while La Foret presents itself as a destination for fine dining, the execution and lack of basic requirements in its dishes leave much to be desired. For those seeking a culinary experience that matches its price point, it may be wise to look elsewhere.

Vera Vera

Even the food was good I give a one star just to get your attention. I made a reservation for 2 for my birthday and left the note that one of the guests (which is me) has celiac disease and we ask for gluten free options. When we arrived nobody had idea about my request. That is fine. I asked to guide me through the menu and got an answer that almost everything on the menu is gluten free except desserts and we shouldn't worry about. We got two different tasting menus and guess what? Already on second course I'm getting tartar with toasts on the plate. I asked if it is gluten free (I had concerned as I know how gluten free bread looks like and that baguette definitely looked like gluten. I got an answer that it is gluten free, but... they need to double check. And sure it was not gluten free. Each course was delivered by different people and was difficult to track if my request is actually went to the kitchen. Next was scallop with puff pastry and I believe that some sauces were thickened by wheat flour. Nobody cared. Now I'm suffering with the reaction and can't sleep. If I could give minus 10 stars I would. You can't do that to people! That is the worst experience i ever had at such level of restaurants. And why do you ask about occasion for reservation if nobody even said me happy birthday while i herad that there was no problem to say it to other guests? Service minus 10.

Valentine’s dinner was $500 after gratuity (which was an automatic 20%) and the food was shockingly poor. The lamb and steak were good, however every other item could’ve been found at a school lunch. For value, I would rather go to any fast food chain. I’m sure the normal menu is fine but the Valentine’s experience was dreadful.

Totally disappointing! This used to be a really nice place for dinner, but those days are gone. I know there have been a few new owners in the recent past, and perhaps that's why they lost the elegance they once had. They've remodeled and the interior is nicely decorated, but it's quite loud and you can hardly hear the person you're sitting across from. There was something about it that just felt tacky, no longer the quiet elegance it once had. Aside of the ambiance, the food quality has completely gone down. I ordered the ribeye, which was certainly not a prime cut of beef, but choice at best. It was cooked medium rare as I asked, but there was such a burnt, charred taste to the outside, the sauce they poured over it in didn't even cover it. It came with rice pilaf, which was overpowered with all the bell peppers they put in it. Just not the right paring for a ribeye. It also came with asparagus, that was also charred so badly you couldn't actually taste the delicate flavor of the asparagus. The little carrot that came with it was ok. My husband ordered the bison and it was ok, nothing to get excited about. The portions were huge, so we got the impression of quantity over quality. I will say though the appetizer we ordered was very good! We ordered the scallops and the shrimp. The scallops came with two, which were cooked perfectly in a very nice sauce. The shrimp only came with three and were perfect! Bit pricy for what you get, but very good! We were way too full for dessert, but we also didn't want to see what disappointment that brought, so I can't comment on the desserts. Overall, there are much better restaurants to go to for this price point. If you actually looking for a good steak, go up to Sundance in Palo Alto, they've never disappointed.

Amanda Rudeen

Totally disappointing! This used to be a really nice place for dinner, but those days are gone. I know there have been a few new owners in the recent past, and perhaps that's why they lost the elegance they once had. They've remodeled and the interior is nicely decorated, but it's quite loud and you can hardly hear the person you're sitting across from. There was something about it that just felt tacky, no longer the quiet elegance it once had. Aside of the ambiance, the food quality has completely gone down. I ordered the ribeye, which was certainly not a prime cut of beef, but choice at best. It was cooked medium rare as I asked, but there was such a burnt, charred taste to the outside, the sauce they poured over it in didn't even cover it. It came with rice pilaf, which was overpowered with all the bell peppers they put in it. Just not the right paring for a ribeye. It also came with asparagus, that was also charred so badly you couldn't actually taste the delicate flavor of the asparagus. The little carrot that came with it was ok. My husband ordered the bison and it was ok, nothing to get excited about. The portions were huge, so we got the impression of quantity over quality. I will say though the appetizer we ordered was very good! We ordered the scallops and the shrimp. The scallops came with two, which were cooked perfectly in a very nice sauce. The shrimp only came with three and were perfect! Bit pricy for what you get, but very good! We were way too full for dessert, but we also didn't want to see what disappointment that brought, so I can't comment on the desserts. Overall, there are much better restaurants to go to for this price point. If you actually looking for a good steak, go up to Sundance in Palo Alto, they've never disappointed.