Johnstons Saltbox - San Carlos (CA)

5 /5 Anthony Giang: Hoping for a nice little lunch, on a chill Wednesday, my partner and I found Johnston’s Saltbox. With over a thousand great reviews, I knew this place had to be excellent and it was quite good. The vibes were immaculate between the sense of community indoors or the more relaxing vibe outside. The food was also fantastic. We ordered the Fall Harvest Salad as well as the Fried Chicken Sandwich. The salad wasn’t anything crazy, but it was a nice mix of flavor and freshness. The sandwich was something they are known for, and it was actually quite good. There are two different sauces on it that come together really well and though it is a chicken breast, the meat is pretty tender. The breading does separate a bit off the meat though so there is a chance the meat will slip right out of the breading, but nonetheless everything comes together so well. The fries were also fantastic. Genuinely some of the best fries I’ve had with how fluffy and crispy they are.

5 /5 Darlo: This place has a beautiful outdoor, covered patio. I would say it was more comfortable and spacious than the indoor dining area. Dinner menu looks limited, but the pear quesadilla and ribeye burger were fantastic! Great, well-balanced flavors and combinations. Service was amazing. Usually when you get seated outside, you tend to be forgotten, so we really appreciate the staff for being so nice and attentive.

5 /5 Jack L: This neighborhood restaurant is busy all the time. Our yasai to tamago and breakfast hash were complicated and very tasty. We were really impressed by the chefs talent. Worth going there again.

4 /5 Mario B: Tucked away in sleepy San Carlos on the corner of Laurel and St. Francis, Johnston’s Saltbox delivers on a cozy atmosphere, great service, and good New American food. The neighborhood restaurant offers very limited and seasonal New American style cuisine with only a handful of options. The ingredients are local, the options are quite healthy, and the presentation is lovely. The price reflects that. While New American isn’t something I’d naturally gravitate to, the food was quite good. That being said, the scones are the only item that would make me want to go back. The restaurant itself is lovely with a large back patio, the perfect hang out on a warm California day. That being said, becusss it’s not the biggest place and the area doesn’t have much, don’t be surprised if there is a wait. Doesn’t help that many people seem to just come here to lounge and enjoy themselves. The service was good and timely. We felt well looked after. Overall, Johnston’s Saltbox provides something new and different and is a standout for San Carlos but perhaps not as mind blowing as you may have hoped based on the concept and price. 4 stars.

5 /5 Emma Tulla: An amazing place. Food is innovative, fresh, and delicious. Service is top-notch and the outdoor terrace spot is great for an outdoor shady spot in the summer. They change their menus every few weeks but you are guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised by their eclectic offerings. Love their vegetarian options specifically the strata rustica. Their French toast is amazingly delicious with seasonal variations they are very crispy outside and moist inside.