The newly established ELDO Chophouse & Kitchen is poised to become a local favorite for area epicureans. The vision came from friends Angelo Heropoulos and John Keller who sought to create a dining destination featuring their favorite dishes, “whether it’s the finest wagyu steaks or a one-pound burger.” Pulling from their shared experience as culinary entrepreneurs (they’re behind some of the Bay Area’s best restaurants, including The Hero Ranch Kitchen and Flowers Saratoga), the duo is now bringing their passion for exceptional cuisine to the Gold Country.

Owner Angelo Heropoulos and Chef Brock Macdonald

The restaurant occupies the former Sienna location, though the transformation is so impressive that it’s unrecognizable from the inside. The fully remodeled venue includes a beautifully redesigned lounge and bar with high-top tables, a striking patio (soon to host live music and evening soirées), and another patio that management hopes will become the area’s go-to brunch spot starting this spring. Additionally, there’s an elegant dining room for private events and gatherings and a card room (EDH Casino) for some post-meal fun.

From the moment you enter, it’s clear ELDO offers an upscale experience. Everything about the space shouts precision, sophistication, and attention to detail, sans any pretentiousness. 

Pan-Seared Scallops

What else makes me think this could be the area’s new go-to spot for date nights or special occasions? Aside from the beautiful environs, craft cocktails, masterly crafted dishes, and five-star service, the restaurant also has a standout wine policy: no corkage fees and all bottles are marked at the same price you would find at Total Wine & More. Yes, you read that correctly. No corkage and no upcharge on wine. This alone is sure to bring local foodies running in with their favorite vino (I’ll be bringing a bottle of Rombauer Zinfandel on my next visit).

Taylor Made

My wife and I took a seat in their lounge, since all tables were reserved. Pro tip: reservations are recommended. The lounge was by no means a downgrade, however, and we were happy to sip on a Taylor Made (Four Roses Bourbon, Crème de Pêche, white peach purée, lemon, egg white, and bitters) and Preacher Punch (Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, Aperol, guava purée, lime, and Cointreau). The Taylor Made had a fun twist—I won’t ruin it for you—but let’s just say there’s a secret ingredient that changes the entire flavor profile and is a real POP to the palate.

Crispy Nigiri Bites

The drinks went down almost too smoothly as we awaited our crispy nigiri bites to share, one of the tastiest appetizers I’ve enjoyed in quite some time. Three tantalizing pieces of nigiri—bluefin, Ora King salmon, and yellowtail hamachi—were each served atop crisped rice and garnished with ponzu, creamy avocado, tobiko, cilantro, and chili oil. I would happily eat five plates of these.

Chophouse Caesar

For entrées we ordered the Braveheart filet and the pan-seared scallops. The filet came with our choice of side and sauce; we opted for the Brussels sprouts (tossed with bacon and Meyer lemon) and cowboy butter with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, a choice we fully stand by. It was absolutely everything you would want (and expect) from a filet at a restaurant of this caliber.  

The seared scallops easily rank amongst some of the best I’ve ever tried. With parsnip purée, parsnip milk, fried parsnip, chive oil, and black truffle, they had a slight touch of sweetness, earthiness, and all the beautiful maritime flavors of the sea. I must say, with only three to a plate, it’s hard to justify calling this an entrée, but do not let that detract from the fact that they’re three of the most delicious scallops you’ll find.

Overall, the service was exemplary (it’s worth noting that our server had years of experience at Hero Ranch before following the owners to ELDO, providing an expertise we noticed and appreciated), the food was spectacular, and the drinks worthy of a second (or third, please). Rest assured, ELDO is here to stay.  

WINTER Hours: 5-9:30 p.m. (Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday); 5-11 p.m. (Friday-Saturday); closed Monday and Tuesday

TRY THIS: Brioche Parker House Rolls, Crispy Nigiri Bites, Wagyu Carpaccio, Chophouse Caesar, ELDO Chophouse Burger, Pan-Seared Scallops, Miso Cod, Braveheart Filet, The Ranch Platter, Eldo Butter Cake

DRINKS: Full bar; beer, wine, and cocktails

TAB: $$$$

HEADS-UP: No corkage fee; vegetarian and gluten-free options; vegan requests can be accommodated; reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome; catering available; private events both big (up to 175 people) and small can be fully customized; brunch will begin this spring; longer hours for spring/summer scheduled to start the first weekend of April

by Ryan Martinez  |  photos by JYO BHAMIDIPATI
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