Adega

San Jose's Culinary Gems: 10 Must-Try Restaurants

By Mei Chen

Exploring San Jose's dining scene is like embarking on a flavorful adventure through the city's diverse neighborhoods. Here are ten standout restaurants that capture the essence of San Jose.

1. Eos & Nyx

This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar offers a unique dining experience with its two-story design and indoor trees. Located in a former movie theater, Eos & Nyx offers a menu crafted by Chef Nicko Moulinos, featuring seasonal Mediterranean dishes.

2. Acopio

After nearly a decade in the making, Acopio offers contemporary Mexican cuisine that makes the most of California’s excellent produce. The restaurant feels like a modern Mexico City or Guadalajara establishment, providing a fine dining experience with a local twist.

3. ADEGA

ADEGA is San Jose's first Michelin-starred restaurant, and let's be honest, probably the only reason most outsiders have ever considered dining here. This Portuguese gem has a tasting menu that brings old-world charm to the heart of Silicon Valley. Don’t let the understated exterior fool you; inside, you'll be served up dishes like octopus confit that are so well-executed they might make you believe in the divine power of butter and olive oil.

4. Le Papillon

For a formal dining experience, Le Papillon stands out with its exquisite French cuisine. Dishes like Dungeness crab soufflé with lemon, saffron, and caviar, or roasted duck breast, showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor.

5. La Forêt

Housed in a charming creekside boarding house built in 1848, La Forêt offers a unique dining experience surrounded by a lush forest. The restaurant reopened under new ownership in late 2017, continuing its tradition of fine dining with a focus on French cuisine.

6. Naschmarkt

Located in historical downtown Campbell, Naschmarkt brings Austrian flavors to San Jose. Named after Vienna's largest open-air produce market, the restaurant offers a cozy dining room atmosphere with a menu that reflects its Austrian roots.

7. Din Tai Fung

If dumplings are more your speed, then Din Tai Fung is the place to be. This Taiwanese chain has achieved legendary status, and for good reason. The xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, are delicate little parcels of joy that burst with flavor. Be prepared for a wait, but trust me, the moment you bite into that dumpling and the broth spills out, you'll forget all about how long you've been standing in line.

8. AK Kitchen

Nestled in San Jose's Eastside foothills, AK Kitchen is a one-man show run by Lam Ngo. Despite operating solo, Ngo delivers fresh, diverse Asian dishes, including Vietnamese egg coffee and homemade ice cream. His dedication to quality and innovation makes AK Kitchen a remarkable culinary spot.

9. Back A Yard Caribbean Grill

If you're looking for something a little less refined and a lot more flavorful, Back A Yard Caribbean Grill is your spot. This unassuming place dishes out some of the best jerk chicken and plantains this side of Jamaica. The vibe is relaxed, the portions are generous, and you can eat with your hands without getting side-eye from the other diners. Plus, any place that hands you a scoop of oxtail gravy over your rice is a place worth returning to.

10. The Table

The Table, situated in the Willow Glen neighborhood, is one of those spots that feels like a local secret. The menu is seasonal, and the ingredients are sourced from nearby farms, which gives the whole operation a wholesome vibe that almost makes you feel like you're doing something virtuous by eating here. They do a mean brunch, and their avocado toast is actually worth the hype—though you didn't hear that from me.

11. Paper Plane

For a place that mixes a serious cocktail with a not-so-serious attitude, Paper Plane is your go-to. This downtown bar is known for its inventive drinks and a menu that elevates classic bar food to something a little more refined. Whether you're sipping on a crafted cocktail or munching on their truffle fries, you'll find that this place is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. It’s the kind of joint where you could easily lose track of time and leave with a smile—and maybe a bit of a buzz.