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Los Gatos

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Located at 532 N Santa Cruz Ave in Los Gatos, California, The Bywater is a charming restaurant and bar that brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to the heart of Silicon Valley. Known for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, this cozy establishment offers a unique dining experience, perfect for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. With a menu that features signature dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, and beignets, The Bywater has earned a reputation for its delicious offerings and inviting atmosphere.

The Bywater specializes in New Orleans-inspired cuisine, offering a delightful array of dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the South. Highlights of the menu include:

Gumbo - A rich and flavorful dish that is a must-try.

Fried Chicken - Crispy and tender, served with a unique twist.

Beignets - Light and fluffy, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Creole Fries - A tasty appetizer that pairs well with drinks.

Fresh Oysters - Served raw, a delightful treat for seafood lovers.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Los Gatos, The Bywater is conveniently located near several popular attractions. Visitors can explore the charming downtown area, which is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and parks. Additionally, the stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains offer a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely stroll after a satisfying meal. Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Bywater is a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic New Orleans flavors in a cozy setting.

Creole & Cajun plates plus raw-bar fare & cocktails presented in cozy digs with vintage accents.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2eE9TWmFnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoYEYrO01joARomjCi714EjI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2eE9TWmFnEAE

New Orleans inspired cuisine.  Cozy neighborhood establishment. Enjoyed the gumbo and hush puppies.  Fried chicken was good, although the accompanying mac n cheese was actually macaroni salad.  Beignets will definitely satisfy any sweet tooth .  Staff were friendly and helpful.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmeHYzUFdREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoYEYrO01joARomjCi714EjI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmeHYzUFdREAE

Very cute and cozy New Orleans themed restaurant. Service was excellent. Food was fresh and tasted delicious. Drink menu was amazing as well. We went during happy hour and they had some great deals like the Creole fries and cup of gumbo. I highly recommend the red beans and rice, hush puppies and the beignets!
Only downside was I’m pretty sure my daughter’s boyfriend got food poisoning from one of the oysters but other than that we have zero complaints, we will be back!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzcHJycmxBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoYEYrO01joARomjCi714EjI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzcHJycmxBRRAB

A nice restaurant with a unique vibe, not your typical place. They serve Southern-style food with plenty of shrimp and pork dishes. They serve fresh oysters!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNiLUt5bnRRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoYEYrO01joARomjCi714EjI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNiLUt5bnRRRRAB

've always wanted to visit this place and finally had the chance. I was very surprised at how small the menu was, but I still managed to order some really delicious dishes: fried oysters and amazing fried chicken! For dessert, I had Beignets, which were delicious.

For a one-time visit, this place is really good. It seems more suited for people who enjoy socializing and drinking.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3dFBQdlN3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoYEYrO01joARomjCi714EjI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3dFBQdlN3EAE

Gumbo is the reason to come here along with the rosé. The Bywater in Los Gatos, CA, is a Michelin guide restaurant known for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine, but based on my recent visit, it didn't fully live up to its reputation, especially considering the steep price.

I dined on the patio, which, despite the pleasant outdoor setting, was marred by a persistent problem with flies. This distraction significantly impacted the overall dining experience, making it difficult to fully enjoy the meal.

The evening began with a glass of Gassac Rosé ($15), which was delightful, light, and crisp—an ideal start to the meal. The cup of gumbo ($11) that followed was rich and flavorful, packed with the deep, smoky notes you'd expect from a well-crafted gumbo. It had just the right balance of spice and heartiness, setting very high expectations for the rest of the meal.

The watermelon poke ($14) was a refreshing and innovative take on a traditional poke, with the sweetness of the watermelon contrasting beautifully with the savory elements. This dish was a standout, showcasing the kitchen's creativity and ability to balance flavors in a unique way.

Unfortunately, the meal took a downturn with the market fish ($38), which was the most expensive dish of the evening and the most disappointing. The fish itself lacked the crispy exterior that typically enhances texture, leaving it somewhat limp and underwhelming. The broth accompanying the fish was bland and unmemorable, failing to elevate the dish in any meaningful way. Additionally, the grits served alongside were unusually large-grained, which made for a less enjoyable texture than the creamy, smooth grits one might expect. This dish felt like a significant misstep, especially at its price point.

The meal concluded on a high note with the beignet ($12), which was light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. It provided a comforting, satisfying end to the dinner and reminded me why The Bywater has earned its spot in the Michelin guide.

Service throughout the evening was attentive and professional, which helped to somewhat offset the issues with the food. However, the presence of flies on the patio was a major distraction that detracted from the overall experience.

The bathroom was nice except the faucet needs to be replaced or deep cleaned. Photos attached.

In summary, while The Bywater excels in certain areas—particularly with its innovative starters and excellent service—the inconsistency in execution, especially with the main course, and the environmental issue of flies on the patio make it hard to justify the high cost. At over $100 for a solo meal, I expected a flawless experience, but the reality fell short. For those considering dining here, I would recommend sticking to the appetizers and desserts, which seem to be the restaurant's strengths, and perhaps opting for indoor seating to avoid the fly problem.

Experience New Orleans Cuisine at The Bywater in Los Gatos

In the charming town of Los Gatos, where historic charm meets contemporary flair, a culinary gem awaits at 532 North Santa Cruz Avenue. The Bywater beckons both locals and travelers with its inviting atmosphere and tantalizing menu, the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring this picturesque community. Here, high ceilings and artfully crafted decor create a warm, welcoming vibe that feels like a second home for many. Enjoy their exquisite selection of hand-crafted cocktails, each a masterpiece designed to complement the vibrant dishes that grace the tables. Make sure to try the seasonal offerings that showcase the best of local produce, ensuring every visit is a new experience.

The Bywater

The Bywater is a culinary gem in Los Gatos, offering Creole & Cajun plates, raw-bar fare, and handcrafted cocktails in a cozy setting with vintage accents. It's the perfect place to unwind after exploring the charming town.

Main Dishes

The Bywater Menu

Gumbo

Light and fluffy pastries, perfect for dessert.

Beignets

Experience vibrant flavors at The Bywater in Los Gatos! Savor unique dishes and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Join us today!

Experience New Orleans Cuisine at The Bywater in Los Gatos

Dining & Culinary Delights

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