The story of Parkside Grille is a delightful tale that begins with its founder, Bill Petkopoulos. Bill, an immigrant, entrepreneur, former athlete, and above all, a devoted father, grew up in a picturesque village in Macedonia, northern Greece. Surrounded by nature's splendor—majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush farms—Bill cultivated a deep bond with farm-to-table food and lifestyle. His youth was filled with vigorous exercise in these mountains, where he shined in track & field and soccer. His athletic prowess earned him a full scholarship to Syracuse University to play soccer. There, his passion for food and nutrition blossomed, blending his Mediterranean diet with the demands of a Division 1 collegiate athlete.

At Syracuse, Bill encountered the love of his life, Hope, a Seoul-born, Korean-American who shared his passion for simple, nostalgic, countryside living. They bonded over their immigrant backgrounds, shared countless laughs, and, most importantly, connected through their love of food. Soon after, they married and, with the support of their family, opened their first restaurant in New York, named "Dorian’s." During this time, they were blessed with two children, Nikki and Aristotle (Ari).

In 2000, with their two young children in tow, Bill and Hope embarked on a new adventure, moving to the Bay Area, California, to join their extended family. After searching far and wide (and with a little luck), they discovered the perfect spot for a family restaurant in the charming neighborhood of Portola Valley and soon became the proud owners of Parkside Grille.

From the start, Bill and Hope focused on crafting delicious dishes made from the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Parkside Grille has since become a beloved family-owned and operated restaurant, enchanting visitors from near and far. Our menu showcases California Comfort Food, including familial favorites like our homemade Focaccia and Flatbreads, wood-oven roasted Airline Chicken Breast with baked Bacon-Mac n’ Cheese. Additionally, we draw upon our heritage with innovative Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes like our Asian-Marinated Skirt Steak, and Greek-Marinated Baby Lamb Chops with house-made Tzatziki & our refreshing Greek salad.

Today, with their children grown and having completed their education and careers in NYC, Bill and Hope are preparing to pass the torch to the next generation. Nikki and Aristotle (Ari) are eagerly poised to continue their parents’ dream of an idyllic neighborhood restaurant nestled in the scenic woods of Portola Valley. We are ready to serve you and welcome you into our family kitchen. Hope to see you soon!

With love,

The Petkopoulos Family