lelé kitchen — Restaurant in Los Gatos

We have been fans of Lele Cake, the charming café next door, for quite some time now, and with the opening of Lele Kitchen, it was only a matter of time before we ended up visiting it. Specializing in Eastern European/Belarusian-inspired dishes with a "California farm-to-fork" ethos, this restaurant brings a fresh, innovative approach to dining. Their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local farmers' markets and nearby farms truly shines through in every dish. Open for dinner with reservations required, we were delighted to secure a spot and easily found parking in the nearby lot.

Appetizers and Starters We began our culinary journey with an exquisite Oyster Tasting Trio: Mignonette: classic preparation that highlights the fresh, briny flavor of the oyster while adding a tangy and aromatic twist (preserved lemon and champagne mignonette sauce). Cream and Roe: Clean and refreshing, perfectly complemented by a horseradish cream and the indulgence of Tsar Nikolai smoked trout roe. Granita: A delightful pairing of raspberry and honey, offering a subtle sweetness that elevated the briny freshness of the oysters.

Next, we savored the Pommes Dauphine, golden potato puffs served with a rich and herbaceous dill mayo. Light, crispy, and bursting with flavor, they set a high bar for what was to come.

The Mackerel Crudo was a masterpiece of balance and complexity. Thinly sliced mackerel was paired with cucumber, radish, citrus, horseradish, pistachio, yuzu, and parsley oil. Each bite was a harmonious mix of textures and bright, fresh flavors.

The Dranik, a Belarusian-inspired potato pancake, came topped with smoked trout, avocado, cilantro crema, and crispy onions. The contrast between the rich, creamy toppings and the crispy pancake was delightful.

Main Course: For our entrées, we were blown away by the depth of flavor and artistry of the dishes: Wild Northern Halibut: Perfectly cooked, the halibut was paired with a duo of roasted and puréed cauliflowers, sweet baby broccoli, pearl onions, and a luscious miso hollandaise sauce. Every component on the plate was executed with precision and added to the dish's elegance. Wild Mushroom and English Pea Tortelloni: Handmade pasta stuffed with earthy wild mushrooms and sweet English peas, topped with a dill rye bread crumble and chervil. This dish was the epitome of comfort and sophistication, with layers of flavor in every bite.

Dessert To close out the meal, we indulged in their Cheesecake, a creamy delight that struck the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. As a special surprise, we were also treated to their Apple Cake, a beautifully presented dessert that truly showcased the kitchen's creativity and finesse.

Each dish at Lele Kitchen was a work of art, not only in flavor but in presentation. The immaculate plating was so impressive that we hesitated to dig in, marveling at the effort and skill that went into each creation. This level of attention to detail, combined with the thoughtful incorporation of local, seasonal ingredients, made the experience truly special.

From start to finish, this was a sumptuous dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Eastern European cuisine or simply appreciate culinary excellence, Lele Kitchen is a gem worth visiting. The warm hospitality and surprise touches--like the Apple Cake--made us feel right at home. We can't...

A Truly Memorable Culinary Journey at lelé kitchen x Birichino

April 27, 2025

We had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the six-course tasting menu at lelé collaboration with Birichino, and every moment of the evening felt like a beautifully orchestrated story told through food and wine.

The journey began with Steamboat Oysters paired with a vibrant 2022 Sémillon from Yount Mill Vineyard. The interplay of blueberry and earl grey tea granita elevated the oysters into something unexpectedly ethereal.

Next, the Shapes of Delta Asparagus brought a burst of spring to the table, complemented by a bright 2023 Vermentino. The sheep brynza and orange accents added richness and zest, balancing the dish perfectly.

The Dranik course was a standout — smoky, creamy, and herbaceous — especially paired with a 2023 skin-contact Malvasia Bianca that echoed the dish’s complexity.

The Rabbit "Golubets" (rabbit wrapped in tender layers and served with a luxurious caviar beurre blanc) showcased incredible technique and depth of flavor, harmonizing seamlessly with a bright Cinsault from Mokelumne River.

For the main course, the Creekstone Striploin arrived flawlessly cooked and paired with a lively 2023 Grenache. The carrot, rhubarb slaw, and tarkhun-mustard accents created a masterclass in balancing savory and tangy elements.

Finally, the Lemon "Cake" — WOW!!!! 🤩😋 It was the perfect endnote — tarragon, shortbread cookies, and olives surprising the palate with each bite, while a playful 2022 Pétulant Naturel Malvasia rounded out the meal with a light, slightly effervescent touch.

Every course was thoughtful, innovative, and impeccably executed. The wine pairings enhanced each dish without overpowering, showing a careful hand in curation. lelé kitchen and Birichino truly created a night to remember.

I cannot wait to return and bring our whole...

Title: Great Food, but Disappointing Service Experience

We visited Lele Kitchen last night around 5:30 PM without a reservation. When we arrived, the restaurant had plenty of open tables, and we were seated promptly.

The food quality was excellent--fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu, and we enjoyed a variety of courses, including starters, appetizers, soups, main dishes, and dessert. However, the food delivery was somewhat slow, which we initially didn't mind as we were enjoying the evening.

Unfortunately, things took a turn around 7:00 PM. While waiting for dessert, a staff member approached our table and asked us to move to the bar because another party of three had a reservation, and the restaurant had no other tables available to accommodate them. Although they offered free desserts and drinks as compensation, the request completely disrupted our dining experience.

For a restaurant that positions itself as upscale (our bill for two people was nearly $300, including tips), this kind of treatment felt unprofessional and unacceptable. It reminded me of a Soviet-era dining experience, where customers were expected to comply with whatever the establishment decided, regardless of the inconvenience or disrespect it caused.

This is the first time in over 30 years that I've been treated this way at a restaurant. Needless to say, we will not be returning to Lele Kitchen ever again. While the food was fantastic, this service misstep, the slow pacing of the meal, and the disregard for our experience ruined what could have been a...