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What comes to mind when you think of downtown Sunnyvale? Newcomers might picture Cityline, the mixed-use development bringing in new shops, housing and continual construction. Others recall Town Center, the name of Sunnyvale’s two-story mall that once occupied the area. For many locals, downtown is synonymous with Murphy Avenue, the Heritage District’s character-filled block of restaurants, small businesses and historic buildings.
Today, downtown Sunnyvale remains a site of transformation. The city of Sunnyvale is committed to preserving historic Murphy Avenue, named for the city’s founder, Martin Murphy, Jr. The street was converted into a pedestrian mall in 2023, and the city recently upgraded the walking paths to be cleaner, safer and more accessible to all visitors.
The Cityline development is also ongoing, adding more housing units and office space while hosting events for its growing community and the public. Both Murphy Avenue and the larger downtown neighborhood are walkable from the Sunnyvale Caltrain station.
Midpeninsula residents will recognize familiar names on and around Murphy Avenue, from former Palo Alto spot Moods. Wine Bar & Bistro and another location of Turkish restaurant Meyhouse to the forthcoming Zareen’s eatery, a fourth location for the popular Indian Pakistani chain.
Ready to explore this evolving downtown corridor? Read on for the full guide.
Nature and history
Historic Del Monte building: This structure serves as a reminder of Sunnyvale’s history in orchards and fruit canning. California Packing Company, also known as Del Monte, employed hundreds of employees to pack locally grown apricots, prunes and peaches in the early 20th century.
In 1999, the building was dedicated after its exterior was refurbished, and the structure relocated to its current address along historic Murphy Avenue.
Historic Del Monte building, 100 S. Murphy Ave.
Plaza del Sol: Completed in 2004, Plaza del Sol is an urban park spread over 1.6 acres in downtown Sunnyvale. It features picnic benches and a labyrinth, and it can be reserved for large events.
The city is planning to develop the park further to attract more visitors, with plans for public Wi-Fi being explored. Other wish list items for the park include a play area, spray misters and overhead lighting.
200 W. Evelyn Ave. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Redwood Square: As part of the Cityline development, Redwood Square marries nature and technology across a 1.5-acre park and plaza. The two focal points of this outdoor space are a set of preserved redwood trees and a digital water curtain displaying various animated patterns day and night.
Located between South Taaffe and South Murphy streets.
Food
Mayan Kitchen: Founded by owner and culinary director Katie Voong and executive chef Ed Correa in 2022, flavors of the Yucatán and Mayan cultures are on display at Mayan Kitchen.
Yucatán staple cochinita pibil is popular among diners, but the eatery also emphasizes plant-based cooking. Options include a veggie-stuffed empanada, pumpkin-based dip sikil p’ak and a vegan lomo saltado platter. Diners can also take the flavors of Mayan Kitchen home with a bottle of their housemade K’in Hot Sauce.
Mayan Kitchen, 139 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-774-1889, Instagram: @mayankitchenfood. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) and 5-8:45 p.m.
Dishdash: Since 2001, Dishdash owner Emad Ibrahim has proudly served scratch-made Middle Eastern cuisine for downtown Sunnyvale to enjoy. Owing to the success of his first eatery, Ibrahim later expanded his footprint in the Bay Area to seven total restaurants, including fast-casual option Dish N Dash.
Popular entrees include mansaf, the combo kebab, mashwi, crab falafel and m’shakaleh, a casserole-style dish with mushrooms, tomatoes, smoked eggplant and cauliflower in a creamy tomato yogurt sauce.
Dishdash, 190 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-774-1889, Instagram: @dishdashrestaurants. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 4-9 p.m.
The Oxford Kitchen and Gastropub: The Oxford Kitchen offers a taste of London pub culture with flavors of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and India on their menu to boot. Stop by for lunch, dinner or happy hour, with a selection of zero-proof and alcoholic beverages on offer. Pair your drink with one of their “Oxford classics” menu items, including bangers and mash or pub-style chicken curry.
The Oxford Kitchen and Gastropub, 195 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-245-8503, Instagram: @theoxfordca. Open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner Monday to Thursday from 4-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4-10 p.m.
Metro City: For nearly a decade, Metro City has been downtown Sunnyvale’s go-to for all-day breakfast and American comfort food. Benedicts are a main draw for customers, who have 10 varieties to choose from, including the popular Murphy’s hash brown Benedict. The restaurant also features a robust spirits and craft beer menu, plus cocktails.
Metro City, 151 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-685-2477, Instagram: @metrocitysunnyvale. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thai Basil: This corner spot features an extensive menu of Thai cuisine staples across appetizers, curries, noodles and vegetarian-based dishes. Unique offerings include the sai krok isan appetizer, a fermented garlic and curry sausage from northeastern Thailand, and Mango Curry Jay with vegetables, mango and tofu in red curry.
Thai Basil, 101 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-773-1098, Instagram: @thailbasil_sv. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Meyhouse: Named for the Turkish word “meyhane,” or wine house tavern, Meyhouse is styled after a traditional drink house where people come together over food, drinks and music. Guests will find a dozen meyhane-style small plates on the menu, meant to be enjoyed family style.
Other offerings include hot mezze like beef hummus and borek, plus a variety of mesquite fire-grilled meats. For the complete Meyhouse dining experience, try out their $95 chef’s tasting menu called Little Little in the Middle.
Meyhouse, 187 S. Murphy Ave; 408-685-2255, Instagram: @meyhouserestaurant. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m.
Gumba’s Italian: Since 1988, Gumba’s Italian has served pasta, pizza and seafood on their signature red checkered tablecloths. Guests can also look forward to events such as comedy nights and wine pairings. Looking for a deal for dinner? Gumba’s promotes specials on social media, such as a $30 Tuesday special with your choice of appetizer, pasta or pizza entree and dessert.
Gumba’s Italian, 176 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-737-8384, Instagram: @gumbas.sunnyvale. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ramen Seas: Downtown Sunnyvale’s only ramen spot has been open along Murphy Avenue for over a decade. The restaurant posts about daily specials on their Instagram page, with customers raving about their seafood-based broths. Recent specials have included ebi ramen, asari ramen with fresh clams and wine-infused tomato chicken curry ramen.
Ramen Seas, 173 Murphy Ave.; 408-481-0900, Instagram: @ramen_seas. Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5-9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 5-9 p.m.
Coffee, tea and libations
Alma Dessert’s TEA-ramisu drink is topped with whipped cream and a ladyfinger. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
The mango tiramisu at Alma Dessert contains a housemade cream and ladyfingers dipped in whole milk and is topped with a homemade mango jam. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Alma Dessert’s Tiramisu Bath drink, left, Biscoff tiramisu, center, and TEA-ramisu drink, right. The Tiramisu Bath is prepared with black tea, milk and a mascarpone cheese foam and is topped with a piece of classic tiramisu. The Biscoff tiramisu contains a housemade cream, ladyfingers dipped in espresso and a top layer of Biscoff crumbs. The TEA-ramisu drink is made up of chocolate, Oreos, black tea and milk and is topped with whipped cream and a ladyfinger. Photo by Magali Gauthier.
Alma Dessert, 165 S. Murphy Ave., Suite D; 341-336-6841, Instagram: @almadessert.us. Open daily from noon to 9 p.m.
Coffee & More: Located in the historic Del Monte building, Coffee & More is a go-to for people watching, gathering with friends and enjoying the sights in downtown. A menu of espresso beverages is available, with nitro cold brew on tap as well. Round out your visit with one of their breakfast options, including burritos and avocado toast, or grab a signature sandwich such as the chicken pesto or Italian sub.
Coffee & More, 100 S. Murphy Ave., Suite 1; 408-245-1900, Instagram: @coffeeandmorecafe. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moods. Wine Bar & Bistro: Recently relocated from Palo Alto, Moods. Wine Bar & Bistro serves flavorful Afghani dishes longtime customers have come to know and love and a selection of wines organized by dark or light “moods.” Flights are also available to sample four 2-ounce wine choices. Live music, particularly jazz, is a staple at Moods., with upcoming performances posted on their Instagram page.
Moods. Wine Bar & Bistro, 111 W. Evelyn Ave.; Instagram: @moods_wine_bar. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4-10 pm and Sunday from 4-9 p.m. Dinner service ends an hour before closing time.
Fibbar MaGees: The Irish pub Fibbar MaGees celebrated 30 years in Sunnyvale in 2024. The business offers an authentic Irish pub experience complete with Irish whiskey and spirits, in addition to pub classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie in a burgundy wine gravy. Stop by on Tuesday nights for trivia hosted by Brainstormer.
Fibbar MaGees, 156 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-749-8373, Instagram: @fibbarmagees. Open Monday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Bean Scene Cafe: This locally owned cafe offers espresso drinks, breakfast platters, salads and paninis. Craving something sweet? Bean Scene slings out freshly folded crepes in both sweet and savory options. For the civic-minded, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein holds office hours at the cafe every Friday morning to meet with residents.
Bean Scene Cafe, 186 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-738-4523, Instagram: @beanscenecafesunnyvale. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Arts, entertainment and shopping
Bookseller Kelly Ksrolls places a novel on a shelf at Leigh’s Favorite Books in Sunnyvale on Jan. 30, 2026. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
A travel cup featuring an illustration of the front of Leigh’s Favorite Books for sale at the Sunnyvale bookshop on Jan. 30, 2026. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Sulema Limon looks through cards for sale at Leigh’s Favorite Books in Sunnyvale on Jan. 30, 2026. Photo by Magali Gauthier.
Leigh’s Favorite Books and Bookasaurus: These sister bookstores have been a fixture along Murphy Avenue since 2004 and 2012, respectively. Browse Leigh’s Favorite Books for fiction and nonfiction works, gift items and more.
The owners also host a lively event calendar, including author talks, book clubs and evening mystery and mocktail gatherings. Next door, Bookasaurus specializes in books and toys for children, from babies to sixth graders.
Leigh’s Favorite Books, 121 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-736-2665, Instagram: @leighsfavoritebooks. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bookasaurus, 125 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-733-1305, Instagram: @booksaurus_sv. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lucky Shots Billiards: For 20 years, Lucky Shots Billiards has been entertaining those looking to play a game of pool along Murphy Avenue. Lucky Shots features competition pool tables available for walk-ins and reservations, an online jukebox and darts. A selection of domestic and imported beers, ciders and wine coolers are available to drink at this late night spot.
Lucky Shots Billiards, 189 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-739-7665, Instagram: @luckyshotbilliards.
Fuego Sports Bar: This bi-level establishment operates as a trifecta sports bar and restaurant, live music venue and nightclub depending on which day of the week you visit.
Its restaurant and happy hour menus feature Latin dishes such as yucca fries, empanadas and ceviche, plus game-day staples like wings, burgers and potato skins. Fuego also hosts weekly social poker, a trivia night and local bands, with schedules posted on their website.
Fuego Grill & Sports Bar, 140 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-786-0434, Instagram: @fuegosportbarandclub. Open Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.
Sunnyvale Farmers Market: Stock up on seasonal goods and crafted items every Saturday at this market operated by Urban Village Farmers’ Market Association (UVFM). Located at Murphy and Washington avenues, the farmers market is open year-round, rain or shine (closure dates for special events are noted on UVFM’s calendar.)
Sunnyvale Farmers Market, Murphy and Washington avenues. Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Around the corner
Tipsy Putt: This indoor miniature golf course features nine holes, a pub-inspired food menu, cocktails and locally sourced craft beers. The spot doubles as a sports bar on game days.
While Tipsy Putt is family-friendly, the spot switches to a 21-and-up venue after 5 p.m. Looking to improve your mini golf game? The Sunnyvale location also hosts a five-week mini-golf league in the spring, summer and fall.
Tipsy Putt Silicon Valley, 301 W. McKinley Ave., Suite 150; 408-420-6229, Instagram: @tipsyputtsv. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Roosters Comedy Club: Sunnyvale boasts one of the few comedy clubs in Silicon Valley, Roosters Comedy Club. Open since 1984, the club’s website names comedians Ali Wong, Ellen DeGeneres, Hasan Minhaj and Amy Schumer as past performers.
Improv, magic-themed comedy and comedy classes are noted on the show calendar, to name a few. The intimate space is a 21-and-up venue with a two-item minimum per guest, including food and drinks.
Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, 157 W. El Camino Real; 408-736-0921, Instagram: @roostertf. Doors open 30-60 minutes before showtime.
Home Coffee Roasters: This San Francisco-founded mini-chain of cafes has focused on being customers’ home away from home with a freshly roasted cup in hand. The Sunnyvale location is Home’s first cafe outside of San Francisco, serving favorites like the Cookie Monster Latte, Chocolate Mint Latte and a full menu of espresso drinks like Americanos and macchiatos.
Home Coffee Roasters, 200 W. McKinley Ave., Suite 100; Instagram: @homesf. Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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