San Jose Restaurants

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and to be exact, the epicenter of San Jose, is Paolo’s, an Italian restaurant with roots planted firmly in “The Boot”. Open now for over 50 years in the River Park area, Paolo’s serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday in a unique park-like environment. If you’re looking for pastas or pizzas, either contemporary or traditional, you can find them on the menu. Some of the items are originals from the first few years of opening, like the Ossobuco di Vitello (Braised veal shank, saffron faro, and gremolata) and Empress Salad which consists …

Loft Bar and Bistro in downtown San Jose is the hip spot to indulge in great drinks and fresh fare. Dining is three tiers with an upstairs and downstairs dining area and then a rooftop patio that is always bustling seven nights a week until 10:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Loft has Italian hints on the carte du jour but falls more in line with contemporary American cuisine. Chicken Parmesan, Teriyaki Beef Short Ribs, and the Pork Picatta are meatier entrees. Fresh seafood peppers the appetizer section with fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Tuna …

Located at the San Jose Marriott, Arcadia serves up a contemporary twist to classic staples of the modern American steakhouse. Breakfast specials consist of the Broken Yolk Fried Egg Sandwich, Arcadia French Toast and the Crispy Malted Waffle. Lunch features the Power Lunch, which offers diners a choice of salad or soup as well as an entrée for a low price. A la carte selections include Steak Frites, Truffle Risotto, Cobb Salad, as well as a number of burgers and sandwiches. Dinner finger foods such as the Lobster Corn Dogs, Truffled Popcorn, and Oysters Rockefeller will prime your appetite for …

Downtown San Jose’s foremost setting for hip and haute feasting, activities of leisure, and special affairs, Fahrenheit offers patrons a place to eat, drink, see, and be seen. The menu specializes in items made with organic and sustainable ingredients. A farm to table ethos utilizes the best produce, poultry, fish, and meat available. Inspiration is drawn for the ever-evolving menu from the local farmers, ranchers, and anglers who provide the ingredients for Fahrenheit’s signature fare. A full bar has a wide array of signature cocktails, from the Key Lime Martini to the Limon Fresca and Ace’s Gimlet, there is something …

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant in San Jose is dedicated to providing guests with superior seafood and grill concepts. With a vast variety of fresh selections including Blacktip Shark, Soft Shell Blue Crab, Keta Salmon, and Spot Prawns, the menu is constantly evolving every day to reflect what is available at the peak of its season. Guests wildly recommend the Shrimp Kisses appetizer: succulent shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon with Pepper Jack cheese. For non-seafood lovers, steaks and other specialty meats are featured such as the House Center Cut Filet Mignon and Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Stop in for the famous …

In great works of art, every element placed on the canvas is intentional. At Le Papillon, located at Saratoga Avenue and Kiely Boulevard in San Jose, food and art go hand in hand. Le Papillon’s take on modern French cuisine includes fresh and colorful plates with a focus on local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Each item is precisely arranged on the plate to create eye-catching, edible art. The chefs at Le Papillon preserve the integrity of their ingredients by creating food that stays true to every component. The Truffled Hamachi Tartar appetizer is a cylinder of fresh fish accented with …

Nestled in the Little Italy district of San Jose, Paesano Ristorante Italiano is a local gem that offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is owned and managed by Giuseppe “Pino” Spatola, a native of Sicily, who strives to incorporate the traditional dishes into the menu that he fondly knows from home. The lunch menu offers a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, Paninis, pastas, and main dishes. Locals admire the Gamberi and Calamari Fri Diavola, comprised of sautéed prawns and calamari with garlic, olive oil, and vodka in a spicy marinara sauce. For dinner, various veal and lamb dishes …

In the heart of San Jose’s Business District lies Vito’s Trattoria, an authentic Italian eatery featuring an array of lunch and dinner options. Menu choices include a variety of salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, entrées, and desserts. For dinner, locals rave about the juicy Ossobuco Siciliano and the Scallop, Prawn & Mussel Picatta. Complete your meal with a sweet treat like the scrumptious Cannoli or Tiramisu. Gluten free and vegetarian alternatives are also available. Guests will appreciate the extensive wine list with handpicked wines which perfectly complement any meal. For a quick and casual bite to eat, stop in the adjoining …

Mezcal is a unique Mexican food restaurant located in downtown San Jose that specializes in authentic Oaxacan cuisine. This vibrant and casual eatery offers home-style menu options with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Mezcal is known for its signature Moles, ranging from mild to spicy, and its notorious Mezcalita: a bold cocktail similar to a margarita blended with mezcal instead of tequila. For adventurous patrons, Mezcal offers the Chapuline appetizer of sautéed grasshoppers with garlic, lime, and salt. The restaurant is embellished with charming red brick walls and indigenous Mexican artwork. Guests can also enjoy …

The House of Genji provides San Jose residents both dinner and a show. Serving teppan-yaki style Japanese cuisine, the House of Genji prepares a selection of chicken, beef, and seafood right before diners' eyes. The menu highlights specialty combinations, one including prawns and a choice of Filet Mignon or New York Steak. These meaty entrees include soup, shrimp appetizer, steamed rice, vegetables, and Ginger tea for a complete Japanese experience. The chefs arrive at the table ready to entertain guests with their showmanship skills of grilling and slicing while teasing the senses with the sights and smells of the readying …

Menara Moroccan Restaurant is not simply a restaurant; it’s an adventure. Located in San Jose, this restaurant provides an exotic ambiance complete with cascading fountains, stunning archways, and tented ceilings ornamented with silks in deep crimson and violet hues. For an authentic experience patrons are encouraged to eat with their hands while seated comfortably on plush cushions on the floor or the low lounge sofas. The menu is comprised of five fixed-price options to share, that offer several courses. Signature dishes include the Tajine Rabbit with Paprika, the Lamb with Honey and the savory Prawn Chermoula. A vegetarian option is …

For a taste of Thailand, San Jose inhabitants can indulge themselves at the House of Siam. Offering an expansive selection of appetizers, soups, salads, and classic Thai entrees amidst authentic Asian décor, guests can escape city life without leaving San Jose. One Thai favorite highlighted on the menu is the Pad Thai; diners can choose between seafood, chicken, or tofu atop a mixture of thin noodles, garlic, onions, broccoli, and egg. Other specialties include Ped Yang, roasted duck served with spinach and a house sauce, or Siam Pork, sautéed pork in a chili paste and vegetables. Vegetarians have their own …

Pho 69 delivers a hybrid of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern American twist. Located in San Jose, this counter-order restaurant feels fresh and open with its high vaulted ceilings, sleek wooden tables, and abstract artwork. The menu is comprised of salads, starters, rice plates, vermicelli bowls, noodle soups, and sandwiches. Locals recommend the Truffle Sweet Potato Fries, served with a unique sugary sauce. Additional menu options include the Crispy Chicken with Cherry Blossom Rice and the Filet Mignon Pho. Vegetarian alternatives are available ranging from the Mesquite Grilled Eggplant to the Malaysian Style Veggie Curry. Feeling bold? Attempt the …

Tucked into the Fairmont Hotel, The Grill on the Alley serves the San Jose locals martini and steak fixes all day long. Upholding steakhouse traditions, The Grill offers a selection of steaks with the option of sides and a vegetable, but also includes indulgences such as Loaded Mac and Cheese and Roasted Brick Chicken. Of the red meat selection, the New York steak, served with bacon on top, excites any carnivore’s taste buds. For a hearty beginning to a meal, diners can choose between American Kobe Sidekicks, Spinach and Artichoke dip, as well as other appetizer staples. As a bonus, …