Restaurants in Alum Rock

Bridging the gap between the traditional and the contemporary, Myth Taverna & Lounge transports a menu of familiar Greek cuisine to a clubby space aglow with violet lights. In the kitchen, chefs grill and braise hearty platefuls of chicken, beef, and prawns, framed by house-made pita bread, imported olive oil, and greek yogurt. Handfuls of aromatic herbs and locally sourced radishes go beyond garnishes to add a crisp, palate-clearing freshness.

Out back, mighty wooden beams knit together an expansive patio dotted with plush lounge seating and, occasionally, dancers bobbing to live musicians or being hypnotized by the turntables of DJ sets. Bartenders stand at the ready to shake up a classic gimlet or to pour microbrews and fine wines.

The chefs at Asian Express cast a wide net over the Pacific, ensnaring a collection of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai recipes. They pan-fry tender meats and fresh veggies to create colorful dishes, such as pad thai and fried rice, that satisfy grumbling tummies with dine-in, takeout, catered, and slingshotted portions.

Warm sunlight flows in through a massive arched window and fills Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant from floor to vaulted ceiling. In the spacious dining room, noodles abound in a menu that features the snake-like carb paired with beef, pork, tofu, and myriad seafood in traditional dishes such as pho. Broken rice, cooked from fractured rice grains, lends its unique texture to various entrees, including a hearty one that combines steamed pork cake with a barbecue pork chop, egg, and shredded pork skin. Additionally, a lengthy list of sautéed tofu dishes satisfies soybean lovers.

While slurping noodly broths or a boba smoothie, patrons can turn their eyes to the bar counter, covered by glossy stone and illuminated by tulipesque orange lamps hanging from above. Backed by a gauzy white curtain, a stage positioned in front of the floor-to-ceiling window hosts live music and chopstick whittling on occasion.

Over the last five years, the chefs at Barracuda Japanese Restaurant have continually tinkered with their sushi, teriyaki, and noodle dishes, customizing the menu to fit each Barracuda location’s neighborhood and clientele. Using fresh fish and fruit sourced locally and sustainably whenever possible, the team crafts more than a dozen specialty rolls, including the Japanese Cowboy Roll, which matches crabmeat with mango, avocado, and thinly sliced Kobe beef. Staples such as chicken teriyaki rest side by side with more intricately prepared eats including pan-seared rib eye with mashed potatoes. Lit from underneath, the dining room’s dim orange walls surround potted plants and wooden tables that can accommodate groups of all sizes.