
La Foret
A romantic French countryside escape in a historic 1848 boarding house, offering exquisite cuisine and old-world elegance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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La Foret

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A romantic French countryside escape in a historic 1848 boarding house, offering exquisite cuisine and old-world elegance.
"A truly exceptional dining experience worth the drive, with exceptional food and service."
Try Exotic Meats
Venture out and try unique options like elk or quail for an adventurous and delicious culinary experience.
Ask Your Server for Recs
Servers like Alan are knowledgeable and can offer great recommendations to enhance your meal.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romantic Countryside Dining
Experience an enchanting escape in a historic boarding house surrounded by lush forest, perfect for intimate dinners.

Exotic Game Entrees
Indulge in unique and expertly prepared dishes like elk, venison, quail, and rack of lamb.

Signature Soufflé Dessert
Conclude your meal with a classic French soufflé, a delightful and memorable sweet ending.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Exotic Meats
Venture out and try unique options like elk or quail for an adventurous and delicious culinary experience.
Ask Your Server for Recs
Servers like Alan are knowledgeable and can offer great recommendations to enhance your meal.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekdays offer a less crowded atmosphere, while weekends are perfect for special occasions.
Dine Creekside
Sit outside by the creek for a supremely peaceful and romantic dining ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Exotic Meats
Venture out and try unique options like elk or quail for an adventurous and delicious culinary experience.
Ask Your Server for Recs
Servers like Alan are knowledgeable and can offer great recommendations to enhance your meal.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekdays offer a less crowded atmosphere, while weekends are perfect for special occasions.
Dine Creekside
Sit outside by the creek for a supremely peaceful and romantic dining ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Forêt is celebrated for its romantic ambiance and exceptional French cuisine, particularly its game entrees and attentive service. Diners rave about the historic setting and expertly prepared dishes. However, some guests have noted that the pacing of the meal can be slow, and while desserts are generally good, they occasionally fall short of the high standards set by the entrées.
"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.."
april
"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."
James Lee
"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!"
Bao Dang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
La Forêt is renowned for its romantic countryside ambiance and its classic French cuisine, especially its game entrees like elk and venison, and its signature soufflé dessert.
Absolutely! Its picturesque setting, intimate atmosphere, and refined cuisine make it ideal for romantic dinners, anniversaries, and other special celebrations.
Highly recommended are the exotic game meats like elk and venison, the rack of lamb, and the soufflé dessert. Grilled prawns have also received high praise.
While the restaurant offers a fine dining experience, one reviewer noted issues with gluten-free requests. It's best to inform them well in advance when booking.
Many guests prefer to sit outside next to the creek for a supremely peaceful and romantic dining experience. The indoor dining rooms also offer an elegant ambiance.
Dinner at La Forêt can be a leisurely experience, with one review noting it took about three and a half hours to complete.
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The Best Fine Dining In San Jose, California
In an idyllic and historic location, chef John Davoudi serves up culinary masterpieces like elk with portabella mushrooms, game reduction, and cognac sauce, and tournedos of beef with golden chanterelles, herbs, ginger, and brandy. La Forêt occupies the site of a former boarding house, now surrounded by forest, which was built in 1848 at the height of the California Gold Rush. Part of California history, La Forêt also stocks a large amount of wines from the Napa Valley, as well as the finest selections from France – the Chateau Lafite Rothschild goes for over $1000.
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Housed in a charming creekside boarding house built in 1848, La Forêt is surrounded by a lush forest on the outskirts of San Jose. In late 2017, the classic restaurant reopened under new ownership. Its retained much of the same staff and old world elegance, with a la carte dishes, as well as tasting menus and hearty dishes like poached lobster tail in lime beurre blanc or rack of lamb in garlic, rosemary and tarragon mustard.
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La Foret is a beautiful French restaurant set in a historic house, offering a polished dining experience that feels both intimate and luxurious. With a strong 4.1-star rating from over 870 reviews, it has won a loyal following among those who appreciate classic French cuisine served in a beautiful, romantic atmosphere. From the moment you step onto the beautifully planted grounds, you’re taken to a quiet break from the city bustle.
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Housed in a charming Creekside boarding house built in 1848, La Forêt is surrounded by a lush forest on the outskirts of San Jose. In late 2017, the classic restaurant reopened under new ownership. Its retained much of the same staff and old-world elegance, with a la carte dishes, $95–$225 tasting menus and hearty dishes like poached lobster tail in lime beurre blanc or rack of lamb in garlic, rosemary and tarragon mustard.
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La Foret 21747 Bertram Rd (408) 997-3458 Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 313 Reviews Maybe you want a touch of romance or class with your meal, and where better to go for that than a French restaurant. But this isn’t just any french spot, this is THE French restaurant in San Jose. Even if you’re just looking for a desert to split with your sweetie, the Grand Marnier souffle will be exactly what you’re looking for.
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Located in a charming creekside boarding house built in 1848, La Foret is all about rustic French food served in an old-world elegant ambiance. For dinner, you can either choose the a la carte or the tasting menu, any of them is great!. The tasting menu is rotating, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to try their seared scallops in saffron herb cream and elk loin in a portabella cognac reduction.
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Set in a historic building in the Almaden Valley, La Foret is a fine-dining French restaurant that combines old-world charm with exceptional cuisine. This romantic spot specializes in classic French dishes like filet mignon, duck à l’orange, and their signature wild boar tenderloin. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list, and you’re in for an unforgettable evening.
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Set in a historic 19th-century building in the picturesque Almaden Valley, La Foret offers an exquisite fine-dining experience specializing in French cuisine. Surrounded by lush greenery and nestled by a creek, the location itself is enchanting. The menu features classic dishes like sautéed veal sweetbreads, lobster tail with saffron sauce, and filet mignon with truffle reduction.
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Tucked away off the beaten path in the Almaden Valley, the site on which La Foret is situated has long served locals — as a boarding house, long before it became a restaurant. Today the restaurant serves classical French cuisine in a lovely forested setting. Diners will find traditional French favorites, like escargot and the now re-legalized foie gras.
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Nestled in the serene Almaden foothills, La Foret offers a charming escape from the hustle of modern life. For over 40 years, its charming Creekside setting has remained a haven for romantics and food lovers. As you step inside, you’re greeted by cozy dining rooms lit by warm chandeliers and filled with the enticing aroma of dishes.
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La Foret in South San Jose - French 2) Le Papillon in West San Jose - French 3) Adega in East SJ - Portuguese 4) Fogo in the Row and Taurinus in Downtown SJ - Brazillian steakhouse 5) Arcadia in Downtown SJ - American steakhouse 6) Nemea in Downtown SJ - Mediterrannean There are also a crapload of fine dining in Los Gatos as well.
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Experience fine dining at its best at La Foret, one of San Jose’s premier Italian restaurants. Nestled in a beautiful, historic location, La Foret offers a luxurious dining experience with dishes like Osso Buco and Lobster Risotto. The serene setting, coupled with impeccable service, makes it ideal for special occasions.
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21747 Bertram Rd, San Jose, CA 95120408-997-3458 Visit Website. Next up is La Foret, a French restaurant located on Bertram Avenue in the New Almaden Historic District. This sophisticated eatery has a lovely view of Alamitos Creek and prioritizes using classic French cooking styles to bring out each dish’s bold flavors.
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You can expect five-star service when you host your celebration at La Foret Restaurant, one of the best wedding venues in San Jose. You will fall in love with the charming scenery, including an attached private garden with a bubbly creek. There are a variety of private dining rooms with picturesque views.
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Aptly named for its forest surroundings, La Forêt restaurant offers some of the best fine French dining in San Jose. Sharply dressed servers with a passion for hospitality tend to your every need while you and your date marvel at the picturesque scenery outside the window (or at each other).
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Housed in a historic farmhouse, extensive wine list, seasonal menus. Romantic La Foret is a restaurant that provides fine French dining in a picturesque setting. The building, which holds historic significance, is located next to a gentle stream in the lush foothills of New Almaden.
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I'm partial to San Jose ones such as Nemea (Greek), La Foret (French), Fogo and Taurinus (Brazilian steakhouse), Arcadia (steakhouse), The Table (American), Dynasty (Chinese dimsum), Jubba (Somalian), Back-a-Yard (Jamaican), Minato and Gombei (Japanese), and Krung Thai 1 & 2 (Thai).
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An 1848 miners cabin, set in a lovely and bucolic area (well away from the office parks of Silicon Valley) is the setting for this gourmet's paradise, considered one of the 50 best French restaurants in the United States. Service is formal (how oculd it not be when the waiters are…
La Foret Restaurant San Jose CA Reviews
Sophisticated, romantic La Foret features chef John Davoudi's fine French cuisine in a beautiful old-country setting. Window seats overlook a meandering stream and the lush foothills of New Almaden. Guests can choose from two six-course tasting menus or order à la carte.
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Housed in a charming creekside boarding house built in 1848, La Forêt offers a unique dining experience surrounded by a lush forest. The restaurant reopened under new ownership in late 2017, continuing its tradition of fine dining with a focus on French cuisine.
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Nestled in a historic building, La Foret offers French cuisine in a charming and romantic ambiance, perfect for special occasions. Notable dishes include escargot and beef Wellington, showcasing classic French culinary techniques. View this post on Instagram
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A fine dining experience at La Forêt is among the best team building events in San Jose. The restaurant serves outstanding French cuisine in an elegant setting. Also, various event spaces are available for small and large corporate functions.
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La Forêt regularly hosts weddings and special events for people and organizations from around the South Bay Area including, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose, Willow Glen, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Cupertino, Santa Clara.
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La Foret offers an authentic French cuisine experience with a focus on game and unique meats. The food is cooked to perfection and the service is outstanding. The extensive wine list offers some very unique and expensive choices.
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| $$$ | Pro tip: This place is on the expensive side, so save up for some adventurous options like elk cooked in a Portebello Cognac Demi Glaze Reduction, or the quail roasted in Huckle-berry-Brandy sauce.
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21747 Bertram RdSan Jose, CA 95120(408) 997-3458 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Tucked away in Almaden Valley, this foodie magnet is a stellar pick for fine dining in San Jose.
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- Rating: 4.1/5 (815 reviews)- Price level: $$$$- Address: 21747 Bertram Road San Jose, California - Categories: French, Venues & Event Spaces, Lounges- Read more on Yelp
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It brings together a French dining experience in a Contemporary setting. Customer service here is great, trust me, you will be thoroughly satisfied here.
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2008 BEST OF SILICON VALLEY Reader Survey Winner - Second Place. Best Romantic Restaurant. A San Jose French restaurant with a country setting.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit