It's located across the hall from the "hot, noisy and crowded" Mountain Charley's, the upstairs bar and dance hall on N. Santa Cruz Avenue. Achilli and business partner Sue Farwell own both places. "It's a 180 of Mountain Charley's," Achilli says. So 180 is what it's called.

Where you turn right at the top of the stairs to enter a very rustic Mountain Charley's, a turn in the opposite direction will bring you to 180, a cool, darkened oasis with subtle light, stainless steel and the chance for relaxing conversation. But the main focus is on the food.

"We felt we needed food up here to complement Charley's," Achilli says. The space had been empty since the Los Gatos Bar and Grill closed last year and Achilli and Farwell began extensive renovation of the 5,000-square-foot space. When they thought about the chefs they knew in town, they agreed they needed Nick Difu, a chef with a following.

Formerly the executive chef at Café Marcella in Los Gatos, Difu had left when new owners took over, settled a brief while at the Wine Cellar, then left to follow his heart--the creation of his own restaurant. Achilli says they convinced Difu to come to 180 for a while.

Achilli also called on a childhood friend to take on the role of general manager. Michael Verace arrived two months ago from their hometown of Rockford, Ill. A veteran owner of several restaurants, he says he's discovered that people like the variety and contrast Difu offers, such as foie gras and meat loaf and sides of garlic onion rings and edamame (soy beans). Other twists to the eclectic menu include an appetizer of green-lipped mussels from New Zealand with braised leeks, lemongrass, ginger and a touch of coconut milk, finished with an Asian pesto ($12).

The mussels are just one of 12 appetizers that may be ordered from the full service bar after the dining room closes, along with late-night cappuccinos, lattes and a variety of flavored coffee drinks. The teriyaki glazed salmon with jasmine rice and baby bok choy and a citrus ponzu glaze ($22) is one of 14 entrees that include seafood, steak, veal and lamb. An extensive California wine menu is available along with bottle service from the bar. "There's been a wonderful response to Difu's menu," Verace says, "and to the atmosphere as well."

It can be seen at night, aglow with light, from the street below. The atmosphere is industrial contemporary--a mix of finished gray steel hardware, charcoal black ceilings and walls and mosaic tile. Low, comfy lounge chairs pull up to black marble tables. Punches of color radiate from the modern art on the walls.

Clever details include a 7/8 nut to hold down the bill, menus attached to steel plates with a bolt at each corner, small, pearl-like air bubbles at the bottom of every glass, and angled steel wine coolers not requiring ice. It's a look created by Roseanne Berkowitz of Be Civilized in Willow Glen. The piece de resistance is the L-shaped bar--two joining slabs of onyx lit from beneath with strips of light. The illumination of the gold and coral striations in the stone creates what looks like an aerial view of waves flowing toward shore. Another onyx slab is reserved for the conversation bar, a reminder that this is, after all, a lounge--a place to dine and chat in leisure.

180 is located at 15 N. Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. Closed Mondays. Call 408.399.1804.