11/23/08

Dinner "by the water" in Redwood Shores

by EricP

Mistral is one of our go-to places when we want to have a nice dinner out that is family friendly. Mistral is kind of fun because it's on one of the lagoons in Redwood Shores. They have a large patio area that is covered well populated with heat lamps. Great for the kids since they can be a bit more loud than inside. Much to our suprise the have a great deal for kids - really good chicken with fries that they bring out ASAP. Also do pasta for kids. For parents you can't go wrong with the skirt steak and they usually have a pretty solid risotto. Inside is very nice and not the best for kids. Sometimes service is a bit slow.

• Pros: Large, heated outdoor seating area
• Cons: Service sometimes slow

02/16/06

Diner at Mistral

by benjy92

We probably go to Mistral 2-3 times a years, to change, and we are never disappointed: the location is great, the service is very good, and the food is great. My wife only order their risotto.

The scenery and outdoor tables are great. They probably remodeled in 2004-5, and looks very nice.

• Pros: Food, View, Quiet

12/18/05

So-so food, rather expensive

by samsue

We went to Mistral last night for our first and likely only visit.

The food wasn't bad, it just wasn't memorable. The spring rolls were just OK, the soup was bland, and the salads were acceptable.

In addition, the service was spotty. My husband ordered the ahi tuna. The waiter brought out a huge steak knife saying "I know that you are going to be brought out the wrong order." All of us at the table looked at each other thinking, you are the waiter, you could probably fix that. Luckily, the correct order did appear.

But when we got the bill, we were overcharged for our bottle of wine (what should have been a $36 bottle was charged at $45).

Having said all that, the ambiance was nice. If you go to Mistral, I would recommend getting a seat in the porched off ourside next to the fireplace.

09/03/05

Food ok, but terrible service

by yaknow

I thought the place looked very cute, so I decided to go there for my 30th birthday. We reserved a private room, but when we got there - they couldn't seat us in it for 30 minutes. I don't recommend this place.

02/24/05

Great dinner, great drinks

by amyhirst

My husband and I recently went to Mistral for the first time. The overstuffed chairs on the patio with fireplace looked inviting but we chose to eat indoors due to the rain. I had two wonderful Mojitos (great drink!). The warm bread with balsamic dipping sauce was excellent to much on before dinner. I had a warm spinach and mushroom salad that was great, followed by a butternut squash ravioli. I couldn't finish everything but they were both excellent. My husband had a seafood soup followed by a sesame crusted ahi tuna steak with wasabi mashed potatoes and long green beans. He loved it and wants to go back tomorrow. I would definitely recommend this place!

Swanky digs and an inventive menu attract an upscale clientele at this trendy South Bay eatery.

by Contributor

The Scene
It used to be Marine World. Now it's Oracle world. Either way, the gray, wooden strip mall in Redwood Shores makes an odd locale for fine dining. Although it's been open more than five years, Mistral still generates the excitement and buzz of a new hot spot. Inside, it's all cozy merriment. Its foyer's rich ochre hue is mirrored in hanging copper pots and lavish, autumnal arrangements. A smart bar area showcases sexy booze behind glass, and attractive patrons on stools. The main dining room is tricked out in business-like white napery and butcher paper, and a separate wine room is reserved for special events and more sedate dining.

The Food
The menu could be described as "millennial California": There's a little Asian influence, lots of pastas and risotti, wood-fired this-and-that and lots of seasonal produce. The autumn menu and specials feature a smorgasbord of leeks, toasted nuts and roasted veggies, but not always to best effect. Better to stick with the simple; try the teriyaki skirt steak (a perennial favorite), pizza margherita or mixed field-green salad. The same goes for dessert, if it includes the classic hot fudge sundae or pumpkin cheesecake. (December 2000)