La Foret

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.

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)

A restaurant worthy of celebrating an anniversary, birthday, special occasion, or even a marriage proposal. Yes, this hidden gem is a fair distance to reach, but the quiet and relaxing atmosphere coupled with five-star service and exquisite cuisine française is worth the trek. Your loved ones will never forget the experience.

The sauces on each dish were phenomenal. The Soufflé and caramel custards were perfect. The Wild Boar is unique and best described as a very tender pork loin.

Great food and ambience. Had an amazing time with dinner in the patio. We ordered ahi tuna appetizer, American wagyu and rack of lamb. All the dishes were really well cooked, juicy and flavorful meat. Rack of lamb is a must try. We would visit again.

What an amazing dining experience. A friend suggested we come to La Foret for a special birthday. Our server was Michael. Michael was fabulous. We could not have had better service. The food was amazing, From the appetizers, entrees and desserts. The handcrafted cocktails and the atmosphere we're delightful. What a very special place nestled in beautiful surroundings. La Foret Is is a true Silicon Valley dining gem.

The food was amazing and the waiters were very knowledgeable. The restaurant has a great ambiance, which makes for a lovely dinner experience. I tried escargot for the first time and it was very delicious. The veal was very good and the presentation was terrific.

If you are looking for an authentic french cuisine experience this is the right choice. This place is clean, classy, and pleasant to dine in. They go above and beyond your expectations to make your day special. The rustic ambiance is a great combination of class and comfort.

The food was absolutely amazing and everything was so well prepared. The staff was lovely and did such a great job. Everything was so good especially the french onion soup and the seafood pasta. Definitely a more fancy restaurant and there is no service but overall a great meal!

Just got back from dinner here so that should tell you how urgent it feels to write this- thank you so much for the host (didn’t get his name but he greeted us at the door and gave us free champagne) and our server Eva! I just had the best meal and experience I’ve ever had in a restaurant. I will never forget about the scallops, mushroom soup, the rib eye, crème brûlée and soufflé! They tasted so amazing and delicately crafted and prepared for us. We will be coming back soon!

Went back for our anniversary!!! Better than ever. Our server Allen, may have been the single best we’ve ever had anywhere. Hawaii-Maui, would be in that conversation as well. Allen however is service personified. Great skill, intricate knowledge, super personality, interesting tidbits from his personal experience! Oh yes, and the food was scrumptious, all cooked to perfection. We shared the ribeye while our son had the filet mignon! All exquisitely prepared and lovingly served. Yowza!!! And to top it off on this special occasion, there was George, the 30 lb. Therapy rabbit, who commanded a fair share of the attention, as well! 💕Wife and son enjoyed the reds they tried and drank lustily once the corks were popped. Atmosphere was most convivial in every way possible and as always in these environs, people watching was in full bloom!! Tally ho!

We visited La Forêt for our 4th anniversary, and couldn't have been happier.

The 7-course tasting menu was perfectly portioned to leave us full, but not stuffed. Each course was thoughtfully prepared, delicious, and was elevated by the wine pairing. Particularly exciting were the grilled tuna in a horseradish thyme sauce (3rd course) and the wagyu tenderloin (6th).

On top of great food was excellent service. Everyone was polite, knowledgeable, and unafraid to joke with us once the wine kicked in.

Overall, La Forêt was an excellent experience. We'll definitely be back.

Well deserved 5 stars. I have to say this is one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Every single bite was incredible. The servings were ample, definitely not small servings at all. The service was the best and very, very friendly and helpful, and the view was beautiful overlooking the patio. took a little while to get there out into the country but I enjoyed the pretty drive. Kudos to the entire staff. It was expensive but given the experience we had, it was well worth it.

I mean what more can I say than a 5 star review?
Food, perfect. Drinks, delicious. Service, friendly and professional.
If you hate mosquitos, ask for a table inside. Their patio is cute but right next to the water so I almost got eaten alive. Worth it though!

This one is going on the short list for us. Perfect place to celebrate your anniversary. They even threw in a free dessert for the occasion ☺

The staff (and owner) were super attentive and nice, the location (in a woodsy ravine next to a flowing creek) is VERY charming, and the food is excellent quality French.

It is very pricey, but I’ve never been to a French restaurant that is not. It is possible for a couple to spend almost triple digits (with tip) if they start with a couple of cocktails and then opt for the flagship 7-course tasting menu plus the 7-wine paring (both of which are AWESOME). It is also possible to have a nice meal for far less than half of that. Not to limit it, but this is a perfect place to start an anniversary tradition!

The only downside is that it is a LONG way from most of us, but the last mile or so is a scenic canyon drive that makes you want to move out there.

We also always sit inside because (a) it is guaranteed to be a comfortable temperature, (b) it can be buggy outside when it has been warm (it is on the ground floor right next to the creek and standing pools of water), and (c) it seems like it is much easier for the wait staff to keep an eye on us because they are always coming in/out of the kitchen.

Spectacular! Every single plate was amazing and the pairing wines were 10 out of 10. Perfect for special ocassions. We ordered the tasting menu #2 and wine pairing #2,

A local favorite. La Foret features fine dining in a beautiful, forested, creekside location in the tiny historic mining town of New Almaden. The chef's tasting menu is a delicious epicurean tour de force. Another favorite is the bison steak. Tonight we went a different route, starting out with creamy, nutty Kaluga caviar. Next, tonight's special hearts of palm salad. Our entrees were the lobster ravioli and another special, the pan fried halibut with morel and black truffle. Desserts were mixed berries and a toasted pistachio panna cotta. Yes, this place is way out of the way, and dinner here can noticeably lighten your wallet. But for special occasions, it is well worth the drive and the price.

A GEM! I enjoyed Tasting Menu No 1 while my companions had Tasting Menu No. 2. The Tasting Menus are pricey but the selections are worth it and everything was prepared perfectly and presented beautifully. Service was excellent. We sat outside by the creek and really enjoyed it. Will definitely return to La Floret when I am next in the area.

The food is awesome and I really want to thank the manager Sammy (and his nephew Ali), who provided the best service and helped us to have a wonderful dinner experience.

Expensive but worth it. Great service, lovely atmosphere. I had the elk entree, a strawberry mocktail, and the "I can't decide" dessert. Delicious!

The food is very good. The service is friendly but not quite up to the standards I would expect from a $100+ dinner.