The Bywater - Los Gatos, California

Shel K.

Very cute and cozy New Orleans themed restaurant. Service was excellent. Food was fresh and tasted delicious. Drink menu was amazing as well. We went during happy hour and they had some great deals like the Creole fries and cup of gumbo. I highly recommend the red beans and rice, hush puppies and the beignets!
Only downside was I’m pretty sure my daughter’s boyfriend got food poisoning from one of the oysters but other than that we have zero complaints, we will be back!

Conrad P.

New Orleans inspired cuisine. Cozy neighborhood establishment. Enjoyed the gumbo and hush puppies. Fried chicken was good, although the accompanying mac n cheese was actually macaroni salad. Beignets will definitely satisfy any sweet tooth . Staff were friendly and helpful.

Mark H.

A nice restaurant with a unique vibe, not your typical place. They serve Southern-style food with plenty of shrimp and pork dishes. They serve fresh oysters!

Ksenia P.

've always wanted to visit this place and finally had the chance. I was very surprised at how small the menu was, but I still managed to order some really delicious dishes: fried oysters and amazing fried chicken! For dessert, I had Beignets, which were delicious.

For a one-time visit, this place is really good. It seems more suited for people who enjoy socializing and drinking.

Bessie G.

Came here for happy hour and had a great experience. Food was delicious and portion sizes were big enough to share. Everything we ordered was delicious. Gumbo and beignets are a must if you visit.

I would have given 5 stars if we received everything we ordered. I ordered coffee with the beignets but our waitress forgot.

T S.

Gumbo is the reason to come here along with the rosé. The Bywater in Los Gatos, CA, is a Michelin guide restaurant known for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine, but based on my recent visit, it didn't fully live up to its reputation, especially considering the steep price.

I dined on the patio, which, despite the pleasant outdoor setting, was marred by a persistent problem with flies. This distraction significantly impacted the overall dining experience, making it difficult to fully enjoy the meal.

The evening began with a glass of Gassac Rosé ($15), which was delightful, light, and crisp—an ideal start to the meal. The cup of gumbo ($11) that followed was rich and flavorful, packed with the deep, smoky notes you'd expect from a well-crafted gumbo. It had just the right balance of spice and heartiness, setting very high expectations for the rest of the meal.

The watermelon poke ($14) was a refreshing and innovative take on a traditional poke, with the sweetness of the watermelon contrasting beautifully with the savory elements. This dish was a standout, showcasing the kitchen's creativity and ability to balance flavors in a unique way.

Unfortunately, the meal took a downturn with the market fish ($38), which was the most expensive dish of the evening and the most disappointing. The fish itself lacked the crispy exterior that typically enhances texture, leaving it somewhat limp and underwhelming. The broth accompanying the fish was bland and unmemorable, failing to elevate the dish in any meaningful way. Additionally, the grits served alongside were unusually large-grained, which made for a less enjoyable texture than the creamy, smooth grits one might expect. This dish felt like a significant misstep, especially at its price point.

The meal concluded on a high note with the beignet ($12), which was light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. It provided a comforting, satisfying end to the dinner and reminded me why The Bywater has earned its spot in the Michelin guide.

Service throughout the evening was attentive and professional, which helped to somewhat offset the issues with the food. However, the presence of flies on the patio was a major distraction that detracted from the overall experience.

The bathroom was nice except the faucet needs to be replaced or deep cleaned. Photos attached.

In summary, while The Bywater excels in certain areas—particularly with its innovative starters and excellent service—the inconsistency in execution, especially with the main course, and the environmental issue of flies on the patio make it hard to justify the high cost. At over $100 for a solo meal, I expected a flawless experience, but the reality fell short. For those considering dining here, I would recommend sticking to the appetizers and desserts, which seem to be the restaurant's strengths, and perhaps opting for indoor seating to avoid the fly problem.

Chase N.

First time coming here with the family everything we ordered was great and we will be coming back more stuff to try

Elena B.

Great NoLa food. Gumbo was to die for. Seafood gumbo. Dare to try it If you like spicy food. Raw oysters were served of three kind and were all delicious.
Bar was all super busy. The place was packed and everyone around seemed to enjoy it very much.