10/23/04

Great atmosphere and food

by the_modos

We are just back from a fun dining experience at Silan. The food was fabulous. The restaurant has a nice italian flair and neighborhood feel to it.

• Pros: Great Gnocci, Great Fetuccini
• Cons: , No Pizza that night

Silan is pure "cucina mamma," hearty, moderately priced Italian classics that don't tax anyone's suspension of disbelief.

by Contributor

"Silan" is a Kurdish word for rose hips—a real red herring as the name of a new bistro at the site of the now defunct Black Forest in Los Altos. Silan is pure "cucina mamma," hearty, moderately priced Italian classics that don't tax anyone's suspension of disbelief. Penne with fragrant basil pesto, linguine with clams, and veal scallopine ladled with porcini mushroom-red wine sauce are executed with aplomb at a fraction of the cost of Prima Strada up the street. Service is unfussy and neighborhood-friendly, and the wine list is similarly no-nonsense, with lots of California bottlings under $30. The only incongruous part of Silan is the decor. Positively rococo with Italian pottery gewgaws and gimcracks, floral painted walls, hanging herbs, and ropes of garlic make the interior somewhat frenetic and overly busy. With a little wear and tear, however, the overzealous decorating may mellow into a more comfortable, idiosyncratic charm.—Laura Reiley (7/99)

07/16/02

Beautiful Decor, Excellent Food!

by fun2cr8

This location used to be the Black Forest Restaurant. They have done an excellent job in cleaning up the place and redecorating. You feel as if you're in Italy. The food is excellent and the wait staff attentive. I highly recommend the Calamari. The gnocci is quite like what you'd find in Italy, too good to stop eating!! The wine list is great and the prices are fair.

• Pros: atmosphere, excellent food, attentive staff
• Cons: parking