San Jose has long been home to multiple immigrant communities along with distinctive and delicious food.
San Jose has a bit of everything for everyone, from stellar taquerias to family-run Italian spots, and even a Michelin star or two in the diverse city.
Let’s jump right into our suggestions on the best San Jose restaurants to try in 2023. We’re sure you’ll find just the right one for you!
1. La Foret
Located in a charming creekside boarding house built in 1848, La Foret is all about rustic French food served in an old-world elegant ambiance. For dinner, you can either choose the a la carte or the tasting menu, any of them is great!
The tasting menu is rotating, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to try their seared scallops in saffron herb cream and elk loin in a portabella cognac reduction. Yummy! If you go a la carte, don’t skip their Rack of Lamb roasted with garlic, and rosemary, and served with tarragon mustard. This hella is packed with flavors, and the texture is too tender to be true!
Nothing is completed without a bow of La Foret salad, a mix of shrimp, spinach, shaved radicchio, and red pepper vinaigrette. Then end it right with their Dessert Combination of dark chocolate torte, amaretto cheesecake, and crème brulee. Phenomenal enough to satisfy all the sweet tooth!
What to order: Sea Scallops, Rack of Lamb, La Foret Salad, Dessert Combination
Address: 21747 Bertram Rd, San Jose, CA 95120
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2. ADEGA
Adega boasts San Jose’s Michelin star designation and promises you an outstanding Portuguese culinary experience. Besides being the most ambitious, elegant Portuguese restaurant on the West Coast, Adega stocks over 200 vintages that are rarely seen on these Western shores! This lovely place simply hits all the boxes!
They only offer the seven-course tasting menu, which comes with the option of one of three wine pairings. Don’t hesitate to get some help from the waiter and waitress here as they are super friendly and helpful.
Seafood is a focus in Adega, so you should be trying Portugal’s culinary backbone – bacalhau. Each bite is moist and flavorful and paired perfectly with the crisp potatoes.
You might also try the succulent carabineros marinated in lemongrass and seaweed, then topped with caviar.
What to order: 7-course Tasting Menu
Address: 1614 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
3. The Table
The Table is an urban neighborhood restaurant focused on contemporary American, along with hand-crafted cocktails, and progressive wines, which are sure to please your palate and tummy. Pay a visit to explore this lovely place yourself!
Always start with their Seasonal Chef Soup, which is always full of surprises! The soup is rotating, depending on what the market has that day but we promise you, it’s gonna be just delicious enough to kick your taste buds!
Then settle down with their Glazed Pork Belly and Seafood Pasta. The pork belly is roasted and crunchy on the outside, and fork-tender on the inside, this honey-glazed crispy pork belly is simply mouth-watering!
And the pasta is a mix of shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops, all tossed together with spaghetti in a homemade tomato sauce. Stunning!
What to order: Seasonal Chef Soup, Glazed Pork Belly, Thai Vegetable Curry, Seafood Pasta
Address: 1110 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125
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4. Henry’s World-Famous Hi-Life
Having been opening its door since 1960, Henry Hi-Life is your next go-to place for hearty portions of pork chops and steak. Meat lovers will find their bliss at this well-known steakhouse, all served in a casual and upbeat ambiance. There’s nothing we’d like to change about this place!
The baby back ribs are a must-order here, especially if you’re a fan of BBQ. It is packed with flavors and has that melt-in-mouth texture! Or you can take the BBQ Chicken, which is juicy and moist and the boneless teriyaki chicken breast is just as wonderful.
For maximum beef, go for the 24-ounce porterhouse or, for a lighter choice, the 12-ounce USDA-choice New York steak definitely fills the bill!
Just to warn you, this place can get crowded, especially in the evening, so you might have to wait a bit longer than usual. But trust us, all the waitings are worth it as the sauce is flawless, the meat is flavorful and smokey, and the garlic bread you get with it all is a perfect compliment!
What to order: BBQ Chicken, Baby Back Ribs, New York Steak, Filet Mignon
Address: 301 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110
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5. Paesano Ristorante Italiano
Nestled in the Little Italy district of San Jose, Paesano Ristorante Italiano is the first restaurant in the neighborhood to serve authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine in a classy and comfortable venue. They boast an extensive wine list as well, so don’t be shy to grab a glass!
The menu offers a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, Paninis, and main dishes for you to choose from. But the stars of the show are definitely the Gamberi and Calamari Fri Diavola, comprised of sautéed prawns and calamari with garlic, olive oil, and vodka in a spicy marinara sauce.
The Veal Veronica is no less delicious with prosciutto and mushrooms in a marsala wine sauce. In case you’re in the mood for seafood, get the Fish of The Day and be amazed by the chef. And the Lasagna Rustica is saucy and cheezy perfection with layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta, and Italian cheeses with Bolognese sauce
What to order: Spaghetti Bolognese, Veal Veronica, Lasagna Rustica, Salmone Alla Siciliana
Address: 350 W Julian St, San Jose, CA 95110
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6. Jackie’s Place
Located in Japantown, Jackie’s Place has long been the locals’ favorite for good reasons! This lovely spot is a family-owned restaurant that offers all the delights of a home-cooked meal. The settings are simple yet relaxing, perfect for any casual eat-out or friend gatherings.
You can’t go wrong with their Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich and Dripping Fried Chicken Sandwich. The pork sandwich is smoky, tasty, and tastes like heaven; while the chicken sandwich is ultra crispy on the outside, tender & juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavors all over!
The Seafood Gumbo Soup is also a must-try, which is rich yet delicate, and packed with shrimp, crab, and oysters. This is just great for a crowd!
What to order: Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich, Dripping Fried Chicken Sandwich, Seafood Gumbo Soup, Maple Bacon Chicken Waffles
Address: 840 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112
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7. Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse
Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse is the place to enjoy the traditional gaucho approach to roasting poultry, pork, and beef over an open fire pit with elegance. Here you’ll find all sorts of grilled meats served in the Brazilian style, which is just great enough to unwind your dinner!
Start with a light salad course, and then signal the Gauchos that you are ready to begin the Rodizio by turning the card on your table to the green side. To take a break, simply turn the card to the red side. The highlights of the menu are undoubtedly the Pork Sausage and Pork Ribs, you should never miss those goodies!
The sausages are like the diamond of the grilled-pork world, combining the best characteristics of all the other popular cuts of pork into one perfect piece of art, while the ribs are seasoned with their house special rub, and roasted to absolute perfection. Phenomenal!
What to order: Chicken Drumstick, Pork Sausage, Pork Ribs, Shrimp
Address: 167 W San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95113
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8. Black Sheep Brasserie
Black Sheep Brasserie is a French-American restaurant that focuses on quality cocktails and fare that takes local & seasonal ingredients to a whole new level! The ambiance is elegant and intimate yet very cozy, great food is served in a great mood, what can be better?
People are getting crazy about their Seared Hokkaido Scallops and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. The scallops are caramelized to perfection to bring out their nuanced sweet taste, while the ribs are rich, tender, and fall-off-the-bone amazing!
Amaze yourself with their Herb Salad, which is constantly changing every week, or even every day. But we promise you the quality is no joke, and it is made to pair perfectly with any highlighted dish!
What to order: Classic Beef Tartare, Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Address: 1202 Lincoln Ave STE 30, San Jose, CA 95125
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9. Sushi Jae
Whenever you think of having sushi in the most casual yet cozy way in San Jose, think of Sushi Jae. The space is not super spacious but the menu is quite extensive, offering a variety of typical Japanese food and sushi. You’ll be surprised to see how fresh, tasty, and beautiful all the dishes are!
A set of Nigiri Deluxe or Mixed Tempura is a must when coming to Sushi Jae, the quality is nothing to argue about. Especially the spicy tuna, which has got just the right amount of kick.
For something more unique, get the Mango Paradise Roll made with deep-fried shrimp and cucumber topped with imitation crab, avocado, fresh mango, salmon, and chef-made mango sauce. It is super mouth-watering!
Stables like Seafood Ramen or Katsu Don are worth trying as well! They are both flavorsome and packed with texture. Especially the Katsu Don made with bitter and sweet soy sauce, which you can never get enough of!
What to order: Mixed Tempura, Japanese Nacho, Salmon Skin Salad, Seafood Ramen, Katsu Don, Nigiri Deluxe, Mango Paradise Roll
Address: 4710 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95118
10. TOSTADAS
TOSTADAS has always been the locals’ hidden gem for serving heavenly good tostadas, tacos, and Mexican brunch. Everything about TOSTADAS is authentic flavors, a homey ambiance, and friendly service. Come by and you’ll never regret ẽpxloring this spot.
Once you’re here, grab the Tostadas Rancheras, which comes with a crispy tortilla, refried beans, chorizo, sour cream, and red sauce topped with two eggs sunny side up. It might get a little messy eating this but don’t worry, we all do! There is a vegan version of this tostada for you to try as well!
For a light yet flavorful one, get the Coctel de Camaron with cooked shrimp in tomato sauce, lime, cilantro, tomato, jalapeño, onion, cucumber, and avocado. Aguachile de Mango is fresher and tangier with raw shrimp. Try both if you can!
What to order: Tostadas Rancheras, Aguachile de Mango, Coctel de Camaron, Vegan Tostadas
Address: 304 E Santa Clara St A, San Jose, CA 95113
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11. Omogari
Omogari is your go-to place to treat your K-food cravings in San Jose. This place is always packed with people who know good food, and it might get even busier during weekends. So make sure you make your way there after reading this post!
The Seafood Pancake has a very good reputation, which is both soft and crispy, and with all this savory seafood the taste is fantastic. Try the Kimchi Fried Rice too, while it is full-flavored and has a tang from kimchi, it is not as blow-your-head-off-spicy as one might be so don’t worry!
Their Tonkatsu and Kimchi Jeongol are no less delicious. The tonkatsu sauce has a complex flavor of sweetness, sourness, and pungency, which goes perfectly with that crunchy texture!
What to order: Seafood Pancake, Kimchi Fried Rice, Pork Cutlet (Tonkatsu), Kimchi Jeongol
Address: 154 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
12. My-Kitchen
My-Kitchen is a nice, little spot to enjoy your traditional American breakfast fare in San Jose. Located on the corner in Southgate Shopping center, My-Kitchen is a small hidden gem to all the locals for serving top-notch home-cooked food. There are endless breakfast options along with delectable drinks, which will never leave you hungry!
For a classic breakfast, grab the Tasty Sunrise with two golden fluffy pancakes, two eggs, two bacon, potato, and fresh seasonal fruit. A light yet tasty one! Or you can satisfy your sweet tooth with their Hawaiian Waffle made with banana, pineapple, and coconut. Yummy!
For a heartier one, get the Chicken Fried Steak with fried-to-perfection chicken, topped with country gravy with two eggs, home-fried potato, and toast. Into something cheezy? Philly Cheese Steak is your new jam!
What to order: Tasty Sunrise breakfast, Chicken Fried Steak, Philly Cheese Steak, Hawaiian Waffle
Address: 445 Blossom Hill Rd K, San Jose, CA 95123
San Jose has never failed us when coming to the diversity of culinary, so we hope you have found the right one to explore on your next trip to San Jose. Keep your food journey going with those must-try restaurants in downtown Los Angeles here!