There are restaurants, and then there are Los Altos institutions. Chef Chu’s is definitely in that second category.
The iconic Chef Chu’s restaurant has been a fixture on North San Antonio Road since 1970, making it one of the longest-running, continuously family-owned restaurants in Los Altos. And yes, I know what some of you are saying: “Come on, Maria! What about the Village Pantry, established in 1947? And Estrellita’s, which has been around since 1958?”
You are absolutely right. Both are beloved Los Altos landmarks with incredible histories. But there is one important distinction: Chef Chu’s has remained in the same family throughout its history. That kind of longevity is pretty special – and in the restaurant business, it is something worth celebrating.
Now for my disclaimer…
I need to put a disclaimer on this review: I am not a huge fan of Chinese food.
There, I said it.
In fact, when it comes to food, I can be a little bit like a toddler. I have my favorites, I know what I like, and I am not always adventurous when it comes to trying something new.
But Chef Chu’s is different.
There is something about the food, the atmosphere and, most importantly, the people that makes this restaurant special, even for a picky eater like me.
Chef Chu’s is Chinese-American cuisine, and over the years it has become one of those restaurants that feels woven into the fabric of Silicon Valley. It has attracted everyone from local families and longtime Los Altos residents to tech executives and celebrities. It is the kind of place where you never quite know who might be sitting at the next table.
And judging by the crowds, everyone seems to know a good thing when they taste it.
If the parking lot is full, you know it’s good!
Here is my unofficial restaurant test: Look at the parking lot.
If the parking lot is packed, people are waiting for tables and there is a steady stream of customers coming through the door, that is usually a very good sign.
Chef Chu’s passes that test with flying colors.
This is not a restaurant where you should expect to walk in at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night and immediately be seated. Chef Chu’s is popular, and for good reason. I would definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time, especially if you are bringing the family or meeting friends.
And if you don’t feel like dining in, takeout is a very popular option. There are plenty of people who have discovered that you can bring a little Chef Chu’s magic home with you.
What should you order?
Now comes the fun part. Chef Chu’s has a long list of favorites, but there are a few dishes that have earned serious bragging rights. And if you are starting the evening with a cocktail, Chef Chu’s has its own celebrated signature Mai Tai. Because, really, sometimes dinner just needs a little tropical vacation before the appetizers arrive!
First up is the Peking Duck, which happens to be my family’s favorite. If your table is looking for something special to share, this is one to consider.
Then there is the Chilean Sea Bass, another popular choice for seafood lovers.
And you cannot talk about Chef Chu’s without mentioning the Chinese Chicken Salad, a customer favorite that has developed something of a following all its own.
I have to admit that there is something very satisfying about sitting around a table with family or friends, ordering several dishes and sharing everything. That is part of what makes Chef Chu’s experience so enjoyable. It is not just dinner; it is an occasion.
Meet Christina Chu
Every great restaurant has that one person who seems to be everywhere at once – that is Christina, Chef Chu’s daughter. She is the smiling face that greets guests, checking on tables, chatting with regulars, and somehow making everyone feel like an old friend. They are more than just that; she is the person of the restaurant. Christina is the energy, the personality and often the reason people keep coming back.
Christina has a special talent for making Chef Chu’s feel like a neighborhood gathering place. Whether they’re welcoming first-time guests, remembering a longtime customer’s favorite dish, or sharing a laugh with someone at the door, they make you feel like you belong.
Meet Larry Chu Jr.
Of course, Chef Chu isn’t the only member of the family helping keep the restaurant going.
His son, Larry Chu Jr., is another important part of Chef Chu’s story. Larry Jr. is always making customers feel welcome and making sure the restaurant continues to feel like the kind of place where people want to return again and again.
That family involvement matters.
In a world where restaurants can come and go almost overnight, there is something comforting about knowing that the people greeting you at the door and taking care of you at your table have a real connection to the restaurant and its history.
“Every day is opening day”
One of the things I find most interesting about Chef Chu’s is the philosophy behind the restaurant.
Chef Lawrence Chu’s philosophy is “Every day is opening day.”
I love that.
Think about it. After more than 50 years in business, it would be easy to become comfortable. But treating every day like opening day means continuing to welcome customers, continuing to care about the experience and never taking the people who walk through the door for granted.
That philosophy is something you can actually feel when you visit.
And if you’re lucky, Chef Chu himself may stop by your table to say hello. That personal connection is part of what has helped make Chef Chu’s such a beloved part of the community.
A Los Altos tradition
After all these years, Chef Chu’s has become much more than a restaurant. It is a gathering place.
It is where families celebrate birthdays. Where friends meet for dinner. Where business deals have undoubtedly been discussed over Peking Duck. Where generations of Los Altos residents have shared meals. And where newcomers to the area can experience a little piece of local history.
You know a restaurant has done something right when people who grew up going there are now bringing their own children and grandchildren.
That is the real measure of success.
So, from someone who admits she can be as picky about food as a toddler, I have to say this: Chef Chu’s gets my vote.
The food is delicious, the restaurant is lively, the family connection is genuine, and the atmosphere has that wonderful feeling of a place that has been loved by its community for decades.
And apparently, I am not the only one who thinks so.
The parking lot is usually full.
The tables are busy.
The takeout orders keep coming.
And the customers keep coming back.
After more than half a century, that says a lot.
So if you haven’t been to Chef Chu’s lately – or maybe you haven’t been at all – perhaps it is time to make a reservation, gather your family or friends, order Peking Duck, try the famous Chinese Chicken Salad and maybe even start with a Mai Tai.
And if you see Chef Chu or Larry Jr. making their rounds, be sure to say hello.
After all, every day is opening day at Chef Chu’s.
And this Los Altos classic is still serving up plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Chef Chu’s Restaurant,1067 N. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos. For more information, see chefchu.com.
