Le Petit Chef - Santa Clara — Local services in Santa Clara

A gimmicky projection show wrapped around very poor food — absolutely not worth the price

First Course – Burrata The beets were pickled so aggressively that the whole plate leaned into a sharp, monotonous acidity. Any natural sweetness or balance was lost, and the burrata’s creaminess never had a chance to shine.

Second Course – Cioppino The shrimp tasted like the cheapest frozen, brine-soaked kind — mealy texture, no sweetness, no snap. The broth was merely passable: serviceable seasoning, zero depth.

Third Course – Butter-Poached Sous Vide Lobster This was the low point. The lobster had an unmistakable off smell and left a lingering “stale seawater” taste. Inexcusable for a dish built entirely around freshness. The menu listed Peruvian white asparagus, yet what arrived was standard green asparagus.

Fourth Course – 60-Day Aged Filet Mignon Overcooked and consequently dry — especially unforgiving for an already lean cut like filet. The port wine gastrique tasted as if the alcohol hadn’t been cooked off; it was harsh and unbalanced.

Fifth Course – Meyer Lemon Tart A disaster of a dessert. The shell, promised as “crispy,” was soft and soggy, with an odd gritty texture. The lemon curd was cloyingly sweet, smothering any citrus brightness.

⸻

Bottom line: If you’re here for the projection show, kids might enjoy it. If you’re here for food — quality ingredients, proper technique, and balanced flavors — this misses the mark at every course. For the price they charge, the disconnect between concept and execution is glaring. I won’t...

I had the best time ever at Le Petit Chef! The animation and storytelling were so fun to watch, and it really added something special to the evening. It's not just dinner, it's dinner and a show at the same time. The prix fixe menu was a full-on production from start to finish Every course was timed perfectly with the projection on the table, and the food was impressive across the board.

My favorite was the steak, cooked just right and paired with sides that matched the theme of the experience. The dessert was a creative twist with ube ice cream, totally unexpected but easily a 10 out of 10.

The service was top notch, too. Staff kept everything running smoothly without interrupting the flow. You could tell they were trained for this kind of interactive setup.

If you're looking for a unique night out or want to impress out-of-town guests, this is a perfect pick. Highly recommend grabbing a...

We had a great dinner experience! The performance at the table was surprisingly clear and entertaining, and the food was delicious. The portions looked small at first, but we ended up feeling very full and satisfied by the end. Our kids had a wonderful time watching and enjoying the show — it really added to the fun atmosphere.

A few things to keep in mind: the hotel parking costs $40, but the restaurant will validate your parking ticket and make it free. Just be sure to hand your ticket to the service staff when you pay your bill.

Also, note that this location only has tables suitable for 2–4 people. We went as a group of six, and two of us had to sit separately, which took away from the experience a bit since we were hoping to sit together.

Overall, though, it was a great evening with tasty food and an enjoyable performance — definitely...