San Jose is often overshadowed by its neighbor San Francisco in terms of culinary prestige, but locals know better. They value the city’s wide dining variety, from Californian fusion to European tradition in historical buildings, or innovative cuisine in swanky hot-spots. Read our updated dining guide and try one of these top 10 restaurants in San Jose.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the motto of The Table is ‘many of life’s best memories have been created around a table’. This urban neighborhood spot attempts to bring together delicious food, tasty drinks and great company around one table. When guests walk into The Table they feel like they are invited to be part of a unique family, so relax and enjoy the experience.
The Table, 1110 Willow Street, San Jose, CA, USA, +1 408 638 7911
Branding itself as a ‘craft cocktail bar with a laid-back attitude,’ Paper Plane is a perfect example of California vibes meeting the bar scene. Paper Plane aims to create an inviting and friendly atmosphere where strangers don’t stay unacquainted for long. The small bites offered, are big on taste.
Paper Plane, 72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA, USA, +1 408-713-2625
Sophistication meets modern chic at Arcadia, one of the best dining spots in the South Bay. This steakhouse is known for prime cut beef, fresh fish, and prepared poultry. Dinner is a great time to come and try one of Arcadia’s classics. The wines are also exquisite in taste thanks to the hand-selected list featuring boutique vintages from across the country.
Arcadia, 100 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA, USA, +1 408 278 4555
Back a Yard is a term most Caribbean nationals will be familiar with. The term references the lifestyle, culture, spirit, cuisine and festive mood of welcoming visitors into your home, which Back a Yard aims to do with its visitors. By attempting to do things the way they are done ‘back home,’ many people flock to this restaurant to identify with the cuisine of the Caribbean.
Back a Yard, 80 N Market St., San Jose, CA, USA, +1 408 294 8626
Jubba may serve East African cuisine, but a variety of locals around the Bay Area come here specifically to enjoy Somali cuisine at its finest. Best known for goat platters and delicious samosas served by a sweet family with great service, the price is a steal for the quantity of food given and the free tea.
Jubba, 5330 Terner Way, San Jose, CA, USA, +1 408 440 1504
Family owned and operated, Milohas offers the residents of San Jose Colombian pastries like empanadas made fresh daily. All the pastries at Milohas are made using locally sourced ingredients, and each day small batches are made to avoid waste. With empanadas ranging from beef to turkey, and vegetarian options like the mushroom quinoa and cheese, there is one for everybody.
Milohas, 4662 Meridian Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA, + 1 408 784 3736
Mediterranean culinary freshness meets Californian cooking at Nemea Greek Taverna. The produce as well as the wines, spices, honeys, and meats are of the highest calibre available in buzzing downtown San Jose. Nemea attempts to showcase the individual ingredients rather than hide them behind sauces and spices, so each dish is pure and focused around a distinct flavor.
Nemea Greek Taverna, 96 South First Street, San Jose, CA, USA, +1 408 914 2619