Rossotti’s Alpine Inn — Restaurant in Portola Valley

Alpine Inn: A Hidden Gem Hiding in Plain Sight

Tucked away in the heart of Portola Valley, Alpine Inn is the kind of place that makes you wonder how something this charming could be so under the radar—and yet always packed. A rustic-modern pub nestled among redwoods with a creek running nearby, it feels more like a nature retreat than a beer garden. The outdoor seating is extravagant in the best way: twinkle lights, communal picnic tables, and plenty of space for your service dog—or any four-legged friend. It’s pet-friendly, people-friendly, and just about perfect on a sunny afternoon.

On weekends, prepare for a bit of a parking puzzle. This place is a favorite among locals, techies fresh off a hike, and Stanford students looking for a break and ready to get obliterated studying for their SAT10. And for good reason. If the scenery doesn’t win you over, the food and drinks will.

Founded in the 1850s, Alpine Inn has history to spare. But don’t let its old-school charm fool you—it’s running a tight, modern operation. The staff, especially the runners and servers, deserve serious credit. Shoutout to the head waitress—Courtney who keeps the ship sailing smoothly, even at full capacity. (Had confirm your name and give you the five-star kudos you deserve.)

Alpine Inn serves up a cornucopia of elevated pub fare. Think smash burgers, tacos, jam sliders, and wood-fired pizzas. Prices lean moderate-to-high for bar food, but you’re paying for much more than just a meal: convenience, ambiance, speedy service, and the kind of crowd that makes you want to linger. This is the kind of spot you bring your coworkers for a team retreat and find yourself returning to solo just for the banana pudding.

One of Alpine’s best features is its seamless, no-fuss ordering system. Everything is done via QR code—contactless, easy, and incredibly efficient. Keep your tab open, order at your leisure, and like magic, food and drinks appear at your table almost instantly. No flagging down servers or worrying about splitting checks. Want to wander the garden or say hi to your dog at the next table over? No judgment. No awkward “Are they skipping out on the bill?” stares. Just autonomy—and great service.

Menu Highlights: Smash burgers, grilled tacos, jam sliders, wood-fired pizzas.

Desserts Worth Staying For: The banana pudding and crisp apple pie are not optional.

Whether you’re here for a laid-back lunch, a celebratory night out, or a pre-exam feast (no judgment, undergrads), Alpine Inn is a slice of rustic heaven with fast service, great food, and...

Would have rated higher before visiting with a baby. Family friendly, change table in the bathroom included which is surprisingly uncommon these days, but NO HIGH CHAIRS. WHAT? They were very unapologetic about it. I'm kind of wondering about the reasoning? I can't see any reason that they wouldn't have them available for certain tables because they don't have an issue with strollers so it isn't the space aspect. But have you ever tried to feed a toddler in their stroller? Or on your lap? It's all terrible. Was attending an event so there wasn't enough room for the clip-on high chair I keep in the car but definitely recommend bringing one of those with you if you can!

Second problem I had on last visit was food related. I ordered the breakfast BLAT. Showed up but since I was getting my daughter settled into her stroller eating I didn't see right away that it was missing the breakfast part! No egg. I flagged someone down and they first made me prove with my phone what I had ordered (WOW) instead of just verifying on their end and then took it away only to return with literally the same (now very cold) sandwich with the egg added... with parts of it torn from being taken apart and put back together. Cold toasted breakfast sandwich for $20. Fantastic. The staff acted very put out any time you tried to talk to them about anything, which is what I hate about places with QR ordering these days. Hoping this service experience was a one off because they weren't even that busy when we first arrived (at opening). Probably give them one more chance... Do love...

Rossotti's Alpine Inn: A Hidden Gem in the Woods

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Rossotti's Alpine Inn offers a truly magical dining experience. Nestled by the woods, this restaurant's location is nothing short of spectacular. As you step in, you're greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly blends natural serenity with vibrant energy.

Every corner of the place has been meticulously set up, exuding charm and attention to detail. The bar, equipped with screens for sports fans, offers a lively yet cozy vibe. The highlight? The wood-fired pizza oven housed in a vintage truck—a creative touch that adds to the character of the restaurant.

The team at Rossotti's operates like a well-choreographed dance. Despite the constant motion of a large staff, everything feels orderly and efficient. It’s clear that the kitchen is well-organized, delivering delicious food with remarkable speed. The beer selection is excellent, perfectly complementing the flavorful dishes, all reasonably priced.

Even the bathrooms, given the rustic location, are impressively clean and well-maintained.

What truly sets Rossotti's apart is its enchanting setting. A gentle river runs alongside the restaurant, offering the soothing sound of water as it flows. Paired with the melodies of birds, the whisper of the wind, and the sight of the moon and starlit sky, the ambiance is unparalleled.

Whether you're here for a casual evening or a special occasion, Rossotti's Alpine Inn promises an experience that satisfies all the senses. Highly...