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Restaurant James Randall Reviews List
Restaurant James Randall
Sample American cuisine at its best at this intimate dining spot. You’ll feel as if you’re eating at home, but with the pleasant difference that Chef Ross Hanson’s menu is likely to make you forget all about your mom’s cooking. Restaurant James Randall has made its mark for its creatively inspired, ever-changing dishes featuring the season’s freshest local fare. This is comfort food elevated to its most delicious peak, served in a hip, pleasantly casual atmosphere.
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74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(30)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(39)
- fit for foodies(38)
- special occasion(32)
- romantic(24)
- great for outdoor dining(17)
- notable wine list(10)
Restaurant James Randall Reviews List
Review 1 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Horrible experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service in this restaurant is abysmal. From the start they made us wait to set-up a table after we already had a reservation booked (for 7.30). We did not get a glass of wine or water until 8.10. Then we did not see any food until 9.15. That's disgraceful. Our waiter did not seem to care and his only comments kept being that the kitchen staff had an unexpectedly large party that had been seated and were backlogged. This comment even though tables beside and behind us had come and gone in the time we were there. We figured they'd lost or completely forgotten our order. It was a disaster. I would never go back."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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Review 2 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Kind of casual but the food has improved each time I go. Halibut was out of this world and the sauce
was unique and tasty. A real gem. Duck was fantastic too. Starter salads could be improved. Desserts were
fantastic!!! Small, cozy restaurant."
was unique and tasty. A real gem. Duck was fantastic too. Starter salads could be improved. Desserts were
fantastic!!! Small, cozy restaurant."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our chicken was a bit dry and cold by the time it was delivered. Was disappointed especially since it was not a cheap evening."
Dined on 5/23/2013
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Review 4 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good date night
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The wife and I went out on a Friday night for date night and decided on Restaurant James Randall for dinner. We came at 5:30 and we were the first people there. Parking was a breeze as we swooped a spot right in front of the door. We ordered 3 small plate appetizers and split a burger for our entree and each had a glass of house cab. The food, ambiance, and service were all to our liking. The price after tip ended up about $50 per person. I wouldn't say this restaurant was amazing, but it was good and met our needs for the night."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Forgetable Food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outside of the potatoe with bacon...two of the three dishes we had were forgetable. Good thing the great wine kept our spirits up!!!
As a consumer, I feel ripped off by the experience."
As a consumer, I feel ripped off by the experience."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 6 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love Restaurant James Randall. Every item on the menu was great...the gnocchi, asparagus, fried chicken/waffle, NY steak, stuffed chicken, and ever so delicious sushi roll. The owners are always gracious and friendly. Service was good, not outstanding. Will always return for a wonderful meal in a great atmosphere."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Again and Again
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We come back again and again...we love this place. Kid friendly and our toddler loves the great comfort food."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was excellent. We shared the toasted gnocchi as an appetizer. I had the halibut and my wife had a salad. Presentation was execellent and the waitress was very friend and accomodating to our requests for variations to the accompanying side dishes. I highly recommend dining there. You won't be disappointed."
Dined on 4/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
disapointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service, selection of food items and the quality was not what I was expecting. Perhaps my experience was an anomaly, the "perfect storm" however I will not be returning.
The executive chef (Ross) was kind enough to bring my credit card back to me, apologize and comp our meal.
Cheers to the executive chef!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 10 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Service - Excellent Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dining experience was fabulous - I came with my Mom & son to celebrate an early Mother's Day and we were not disappointed. Our server was friendly & attentive and checked back with us often. The food was fantastic and presented very well."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, but they need
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food, but they need their door to the outside seating to close automatically."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food can be improved
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We tried this restaurant several years ago and was not impressed. We decided to give it another chance since they have expanded. My husband and I each tried the artichoke soup which was ok. Great mix of texture, but stock was bland. My husband had the fries and appetizer fried chicken for his dinner. I had gnocchi and fried chicken for dinner. The gnocchi was excellent, creamy and full of favor. I would order this as the main entree. The fried chicken with the waffle was okay, I've had better.
I live in Los Gatos and like to support local restaurants, but don't plan to be back for awhile."
I live in Los Gatos and like to support local restaurants, but don't plan to be back for awhile."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 13 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall a very good experience.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall a very good experience. The food is very good and not to expensive. However, the wine, especially by the glass is highly over priced."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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Review 14 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This is a charming, small,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a charming, small, intimate gem at the far end of the main drag. Love the antique appointments. I can imagine how this fills to capacity on week-ends. Rather limited menu. Delightful bar, and nice outdoor seating when the weather cooperates."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love this place! Stellar food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Love this place! Stellar food with very personal service. Sometimes a little slow, but not slow enough to ruin an evening.
can't rate the food highly enough, and the wait staff is very friendly.
Late for a reservation, and they accommodated us anyway."
Late for a reservation, and they accommodated us anyway."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always love their chicken
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always love their chicken and waffle and they have the BEST burgers in the world! Get the gnocchi appetizer."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Thought tasty, the dessert
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Thought tasty, the dessert was not worth $9. Portion was way too small. Thought it was a free palate cleanser."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Quaint place in our neighborhood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Quaint place in our neighborhood that WAS wildly inconsistent, both food an service. NOW, they are doin a spectacular job over the last six months, food spot on, Cheffront of house engagement, talented servers...especially Alicia. Back near the top of our list."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 19 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Met here with another couple
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Met here with another couple to celebrate my wife's birthday. It was an excellent choice as the food was delicious and the service was very good. We have been there a few times before and it remains one of Los Gatos' best restaurants. A little pricey - but that's to be expected for this class of restaurant located in Los Gatos. Very comfortable environment."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 20 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very tasty. I order
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very tasty. I order a spicey lemon drop that was so different but delicious. All the food sounding amazing."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Mary, Los Gatos
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The wait staff is not well trained. They do not know their wines (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are not the same even though they both happen to be white, let alone reds), they lack an understanding of the ingredients in a dish, and there overall demeanor was more of a server in a low-end restaurant. The only reason I’m guessing they work there is they are friends / family of the owner. The owners need to either fire their serving staff or seriously retrain them if you want to continue being a high-end restaurant in the competitive market of Los Gatos."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2006
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Review 22 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cute little place. The duck
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Cute little place. The duck was delicious. Pate in the charcuterie plate was very nice, as was the butter lettuce salad."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 23 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I had a good experience overall;
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had a good experience overall; however, the service was really slow. There was a huge time lapse in between courses and the servers were not on top of drinks."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall we had a good time.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall we had a good time. The chef went out of his way to accommodate our various food allergies, creating new dishes on the spot when needed. The food tasted great, but portions are a bit small (we didn't leave hungry though). Very good service once we got our table, but the hostess was very unorganized and we waited for our table for over 35min past our reservation time. Eventually I helped her to see two tables that can be put together and finally we could sit."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 25 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
VERY, VERY BAD... from the
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"VERY, VERY BAD... from the moment we walked in the door. POOR, POOR service. No greeting, wait staff was rude, not welcoming, bad tasteless food. Would NEVER go back. Waste of money. Cannot believe that this was 2010 People's Choice."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2009
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Review 26 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Expensive, small portions
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Expensive, small portions with very uninspired service. We had been twice before but our group was unanimous in its opinion. Sorry to say was not good."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
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Review 27 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Although the menu is limited,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although the menu is limited, all 4 of our party found something we wanted. Each of the three different entrees we ordered were excellent."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
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Review 28 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and service I highly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and service I highly recommend it."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Modest portions, excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Modest portions, excellent service, beautiful presentation, very comfortable setting. Will go back again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 30 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding meal. Very nice
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding meal. Very nice wait staff. Loved it!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 31 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite intimate restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've been to Restaurant James Randall twice, once before the remodel and expansion, and again afterwards. The first visit was VERY GOOD and we long waited for a return visit. Finally made it back and everything was EXCELLENT. I had the steak and everything about the meal was perfect. Service was great as well. Tables are a bit close, so I could see the place getting a bit noisy depending on the crowd, but everything was quiet and romantic on our visit and we thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
We ordered two entrees, two sides, a beverage, and a glass of wine and the total was just shy of $100 before tip, so it's not inexpensive, but it was a great dinner to remember."
We ordered two entrees, two sides, a beverage, and a glass of wine and the total was just shy of $100 before tip, so it's not inexpensive, but it was a great dinner to remember."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Truly top-notch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding food and service. We had wonderful baked gnocchi and tempura roll appetizers, with excellent salmon and duck entrees. Beautiful presentation. Nice wine selection. Helpful, knowledgable waitress. Even the bread was great. Highly recommended."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for Restaurant James Randall
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We went there for Valentines
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went there for Valentines Day where they had a prix fixe menu for $85. We had to ask for bread, we got our entree before our salads were ever brought out. We did enjoy the food, luckily, but were somewhat annoyed by one patron who spoke very loudly and never stopped as well as the usual people who can't seem to leave their phone in their pocket during a meal. Granted, you can't blame the restaurant for bad manners!I think I would have to really think long and hard before returning or recommending to friends. You'd think that on clearly a special occasion dining date such as Valentine's Day they would make sure their staff is on top of everything."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Restaurant James Randall
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
9 out of 10 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic