A Once Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Mountain View Is Closing After Decades

​Family-run Chez TJ, located in downtown Mountain View, has announced its closure through social media post.

Written By Saheba Khatun
Image of the Chez TJ restaurant in downtown Mountain View (Image credit: Yelp)

Chez TJ will permanently close its Mountain View location. After more than four decades of service, the landmark upscale restaurant is closing this April. The restaurant team shared the closure announcement on social media. No official reason or exact closing date has been announced.

Chez TJ Announces Closure After 44 Years

A longtime favorite fine-dining restaurant, Chez TJ, is closing soon. The restaurant has been part of the Bay Area dining scene for nearly 44 years.

The family-run restaurant operates inside a historic Victorian home built in 1894 on Villa Street. The menu focuses on contemporary French cuisine in an intimate, romantic setting. The property includes a garden that supplies ingredients for its seasonal menus.

The team behind the restaurant shared an Instagram post and mentioned, “After more than four decades of welcoming guests into our historic Victorian home, Chez TJ will be closing its doors.”

In the post, the team expressed gratitude to the community for its support. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, and been part of our story over the years. From memorable evenings to meaningful milestones, it has been an honor to share our table with you,” said the team.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chez TJ (@chez.tj)

The restaurant opened in 1982 and steadily became a valuable addition to the evolving dining scene of the Bay Area.

The Michelin Star Journey: Rise, Recognition, and Loss

Chez TJ is renowned for its history with the Michelin Guide. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2007. It held at least one Michelin star for 19 consecutive years, from 2007 to 2024. In 2007 and 2009, the restaurant received two Michelin stars, making its highest achievement.

According to a SFGATE report, the restaurant lost its Michelin star in 2025 and was removed from the Michelin guide.

With its contemporary French cuisine and multi-course chef’s tasting menu, the restaurant remained one of the top dining spots. It also featured an extensive wine program.

Chez TJ food image
Food image from Chez TJ (Image Credit: Yelp)

Thomas and George met at Pear William, in Menlo Park, CA, and opened their own restaurant, Chez TJ. After Thomas passed away in 1994, George carried on their legacy.

Following the news of closure, several Chez TJ fans shared emotional messages on social media. One of the fans commented, “A quiet end to a room that shaped how Silicon Valley dines. Chez TJ was never about excess—it was precision, restraint, and the kind of hospitality that made milestones feel permanent. Grateful to have experienced it. The standard it set doesn’t close with the doors.”

As Chez TJ prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a strong record of achievement.

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Saheba Khatun is a journalist and content writer with a strong academic background in English literature and a deep passion for storytelling. She has produced a wide range of work spanning news, features, and human-interest stories, often highlighting the voices and experiences of everyday people. Known for her people-focused, thoughtful, and relatable approach, Saheba aims to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful connections through her writing. With an eye for detail and a commitment to integrity, she believes in the power of words to spark dialogue, shift perspectives, and create lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring literature, culture, and community narratives, which continue to fuel her creative process and broaden her worldview.
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