Le Papillion
Since its opening in the spring of 1977, Le Papillion has established itself as a phenomenal fine dining restaurant in West San Jose. Executive chef Scott Cooper has created a menu centered around his travels in France, using organic and fresh ingredients in every dish. Le Papillion offers a tasting menu as well as a prix fixe menu, both of which change often depending on the season.
Address & telephone number: 410 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA, (408) 296-3730
Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill
With artfully prepared dishes, Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill offers a variety of different plates combining the flavors of Japan and Korea. From udon and chicken teriyaki to beef bulgogi and chicken katsu, Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill has something for everyone. Along with their rice and noodle dishes, this restaurant also serves over 25 signature rolls and 11 cooked rolls. Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill is a must try if you’re in the mood for some tasty Japanese cuisine.
Address & telephone number: 1035 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA, (408) 260-7200
A Slice of New York
Inspired by neighborhood pizza spots in Manhattan, A Slice of New York opened in San Jose in 2006. This pizza joint serves simple, yet delicious pies from their buffalo chicken to their rockefeller center. A Slice of New York is ideal for takeaway, but also has six stools inside for counter dining as well as a few outdoor tables. For a taste of New York in the Bay Area, make sure to stop by A Slice of New York to get your pizza fix.
Address & telephone number: 3443 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA, (408) 247-5423
Fuji Huoshao & Dumpling
An authentic dumpling house, Fuji Huoshao & Dumpling offers a simple picture menu with some tasty food. Offering multiple different kinds of dumplings and huosaho, this restaurant knows how to cook. The dumplings are made delicately and cooked to perfection, full of flavor and fresh ingredients. While the restaurant itself is on the smaller side, service is prompt and ordering is easy. For a meal that will definitely hit the spot, check out Fuji Huoshao & Dumpling while in West San Jose.
Address & telephone number: 6184 Bollinger Road, San Jose, CA, (408) 996-0317
Tacos Santiaguito
For authentic tacos right from a taco truck, Tacos Santiaguito is the place to go. Their tacos are fresh and delicious, covered in fresh cilantro and onion. Tacos Santiaguito is always bustling with people, but believe us, these $2 tacos are well worth the wait. From chicken, lengua, asada, and pastor tacos, there’s a lot to choose from. Tacos Santiaguito also offers homemade salsas that definitely have a kick – watch out for their red salsa, it’s fire. We advise you to order more than one taco, or you’ll find yourself getting back in line for more.
Address & telephone number: 609 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA, (650) 669-2507
Dan Izakaya Restaurant
With a large selection of tapas and authentic Japanese dishes, Dan Izakaya Restaurant is a great find in West San Jose. This restaurant is always full of customers, especially Silicon Valley workers on their lunch break or stopping by for dinner. Make sure you show up early so you don’t have to wait long for at table. All the dishes at Dan Izakaya Restaurant are mouth wateringly delicious and cooked to perfection. This restaurant also has a large sake and shochu list to drink with your fresh fish.
Address & telephone number: 1306 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA, (408) 249-6020
Zeni
Bringing traditional Ethiopian food to the Bay Area, Zeni prides itself with its unique dishes that are full of flavor. Zeni’s authentic food includes Injera, a thin flatbread made of Teff, and Wot, a special spicy sauce eaten with meat or vegetables. Master chef and owner, Zeni, serves up large portions of traditional Ethiopian food using imported exotic spices. This food is meant to be eaten family-style, and with your hands. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy while indulging in this delicious cuisine.
Address & telephone number: 1320 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA, (408) 615-8282
Cicero’s Pizza
Cicero’s Pizza definitely knows how to make a delicious pie. Serving up tasty thin crust pizza with a savory pizza base, Cicero’s is a favorite among locals. They offer eight signature pizzas including Cicero’s special and Baker’s pride among many others. You can also choose to create your own pizza, adding as many of their fresh toppings as you please. We advise you to enjoy your pie at the restaurant when it’s piping hot and the crust is crunchy.
Address & telephone number: 6138 Bollinger Road, Cupertino, CA, (408) 777-0690
Fish’s Wild
Cooking up fresh food made to order, Fish’s Wild knows how to make great seafood. The restaurant is large and comfortable with ample seating for a meal with friends. Fish’s Wild offers a variety of different dishes including fish and chips, grilled tilapia, and a mahi burger. For large portions of food at a great price, Fish’s Wild is definitely a must try when in West San Jose.
Address & telephone number: 1554 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA, (408) 378-3818
Santouka
Santouka offers four different dishes of ramen, all full of bold flavors that won’t disappoint. Choose from salt, soybean paste, or soy sauce flavor broth, combined with tender chasu and delicious noodles. The restaurant is small and always bustling with customers, but their ramen is definitely worth the wait. Santouka knows what they’re doing when it comes to ramen, combining the perfect mix of taste and texture in every bowl. Make sure to check out this small shop when in West San Jose.
Address & telephone number: 675 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA, (408) 446-1101