Camper
Californian restaurant · Menlo Park ·
Seasonal dishes, outdoor tables, modern feel, housemade pastas
Seasonal dishes, outdoor tables, modern feel, housemade pastas
"This welcoming and window-lined restaurant straddles a prominent corner in downtown Menlo Park. Inside, the space flaunts a flood of natural light; a buzzing vibe, and contemporary subtleties go a long way towards disproving the area's sleepy town moniker.Californian cooking is the mission of the kitchen, with dishes delivering layers of flavor and creativity. Speaking of, begin with fresh-baked Boules (available on Fri and Sat), before embarking on a creamy Russet potato soup with green garlic "pesto" and parmesan. Mezze rigatoni arrive tossed with a ten-hour, Modenese-style pork ragù; and buttermilk fried chicken with sides like coleslaw is a sight for sore NY eyes. Caramelized milk jam pudding with candied pecans makes a crowning deal—and meal—closer." - Michelin Inspector
"Camper feels like the kind of restaurant every suburban downtown wishes it had: low-key enough that you can roll in on a random Tuesday and snag a seat, but also full of newness since the menu changes frequently. The housemade pastas, like lemony English pea agnolotti and rich, savory pork ragu, are the move here. And if it’s on the menu, we like the perfectly seared flat iron steak for an entree. It’s perfect for nights when you want a memorable meal out but don’t want to deal with city traffic." - gabi moskowitz
"Camper feels like the kind of restaurant every suburban downtown wishes it had: low-key enough that you can roll in on a random Tuesday and snag a seat, but also full of newness since the menu changes frequently. The housemade pastas, like lemony English pea agnolotti and rich, savory pork ragu, are the move here. And if it’s on the menu, we like the perfectly seared flat iron steak for an entree. It’s perfect for nights when you want a memorable meal out but don’t want to deal with city traffic." - Gabi Moskowitz
"In Menlo Park I noticed Camper has added weekday lunch, carrying over some dinner items and introducing new sandwiches such as a fried chicken milanese, a vegan squash muffaletta, and smoked turkey on Dutch Crunch; there's also a to-go pre-fixe option with two courses for $19 or three for $23." - Janelle Bitker
"Opening today in downtown Menlo Park, I describe Camper as a laid-back, family-friendly neighborhood spot launched by a team of fine-dining heavy-hitters — Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel (Cotogna and Per Se), Logan Levant (Buttercake Bakery), Roland Passot (La Folie), and Vine Dining Enterprises (Left Bank Brasserie, LB Steak) — aiming for a casual vibe while highlighting local farms with a seasonal selection of handmade pastas, creative vegetable dishes, and prime proteins. The opening menu features light bites like charred eggplant dip, charcuterie and cheese boards, a $125 ribeye steak for two, plus vegan and gluten-free options and a kids menu, and cocktails are a major focus. Designed by Martin Group SF, the 68-seat dining room includes lanterns hanging from wood beams, large windows, a bar decked with Heath Ceramics tile, landscape paintings and outdoor/camping ephemera as a touchstone, and unique ceramics from Baker Potter. Camper will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m., with plans to add brunch and lunch this fall." - Janelle Bitker