Camper Restaurant Opens in Menlo Park with Beautiful Californian Fare

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Camper, a laid-back addition to downtown Menlo Park, opens today from a team of fine dining heavy-hitters: Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel (Cotogna and Per Se), Logan Levant (Buttercake Bakery in Los Angeles), Roland Passot (La Folie), and Vine Dining Enterprises (Left Bank Brasserie, LB Steak).

Despite their fine dining finesse, the team is hoping to achieve a casual, neighborhood destination. At Camper, they’re highlighting local farms with a seasonal selection of handmade pastas, creative vegetable dishes, and prime proteins. The opening menu includes light bites like charred eggplant dip, charcuterie and cheese boards, a $125 ribeye steak for two, and vegan and gluten-free options. There’s also a kids menu, reinforcing the family-friendly vibes. And accordingly, cocktails are a focus, too. Check out the full menu below.

Designed by Martin Group SF, the 68-seat dining room features lanterns hanging from wood beams, large windows, and a bar decked out with Heath Ceramics tile. Landscape paintings and outdoor and camping ephemera — a touchstone for the restaurant — are displayed throughout, punctuated by unique ceramics from Baker Potter.

Camper will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m. at 898 Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park, with plans to add brunch and lunch this fall.