Dio Deka

Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the charming town of Los Gatos one can find Dio Deka, one of my favorite restaurants in Silicon Valley. “Dio Deka” means “two ten” in Greek and it refers to the restaurant’s address at 210 East Main Street in Los Gatos.

As you step through its doors, the air is filled with tantalizing aromas of garlic, olive oil, and freshly grilled meats from the renowned Allen Brother’s. It has an elegant and inviting atmosphere and the view into the kitchen sets the stage for a truly authentic dining experience. 

On warm evenings, the outdoor patio offers a nice environment where you’re surrounded by lush greenery and the alluring beauty of Spanish-style architecture. Wherever you choose to sit, the attentive staff, dressed in traditional attire will welcome you with genuine smiles and guide you through the menu. The menu features an array of delectable Hellenic delicacies and each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. 

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to discover that in 2022 the restaurant received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. On that note the restaurant has quite the wine collection. As my boyfriend, Matthew and I sipped on fine Greek wine we enjoyed the following appetizers to start:

Made In-House Pita brushed with olive oil and herbs. Its soft and pillowy texture paired with Mediterranean flavors is simply delightful!

Saganaki that includes imported pan-seared cheese, jalapeno-raspberry jam, and toasted hazelnuts. It’s served in a cast iron skillet and has a rich, golden crust and gooey, melty interior. With a burst of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, this traditional Greek dish is quite delightful and is one of my favorites!

Oktapodi Galicia features Spanish coast octopus, mesquite-grilled, garlic nage, and Greek oregano. This signature dish presents a culinary experience that harmonizes tender and succulent textures with Mediterranean flavors. 

As for mains, I couldn’t resist the lamb chops! The lamb chops are grilled to perfection and showcase a beautifully caramelized exterior, sealing in the juicy and savory essence of the meat. 

My boyfriend Matthew had the branzino. With its perfectly cooked, moist flesh and crispy skin, it offers a delightful contrast in textures. Its flavors are enhanced by hints of citrus and herbs.

To accompany our mains we shared Horiatiki “Village” that includes ripe local tomatoes, crisp and juicy cucumber, crisp red onion, peppers, tangy feta, and briny Kalamata olives. It’s a vibrant and refreshing dish where each bite bursts with a delightful medley of flavors. The salad is elevated with the addition of fragrant herbs, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of zesty lemon juice. With each forkful, this harmonious combination will transport your mind to the picturesque villages of Greece.

Matthew and my culinary adventure at Dio Deka reached its crescendo with the dessert course. We indulged in Loukoumades, which are traditional Greek beignets that are served warm, with thyme-honey syrup, cinnamon, and walnuts.

It was my first time trying Ekmek, a delightful Greek dessert where each bite was a symphony of sweetness and richness that’s simply irresistible. With layered custard, whipped cream, kataifi shredded phyllo, and walnut-honey syrup it’s a delightful combination.

We also indulged in the cheesecake and I learned that the Greeks were the first to invent cheesecake, blending tradition and innovation into a tantalizing dessert. This exquisite creation combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the unique flavors of ouzo-infused strawberries, fragrant basil, and the irresistible nuttiness of brown butter tart. Each bite is quite heavenly 

As a Los Gatos local, I’m happy to say that each of my dining experiences at Dio Deka have been consistent with the top-notch white glove service and world-class Greek cuisine. Each plate is a work of art and is meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients. From the first bite to the last, every morsel reveals a depth of flavor and a culinary finesse that leaves a lasting impression.