The Best Restaurants in San Jose
By Mei Chen
San Jose has a surprisingly rich culinary scene if you know where to look. From inventive farm-to-table fare to comforting bowls of ramen, the city offers a diverse range of dining options that might make you rethink your plans for a quick escape to San Francisco. Here are five of the best spots to eat in San Jose that could change your mind.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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By Mei Chan
San Jose, often the overlooked middle child of the Bay Area, is a place where I spent too much time in my early twenties. Now I’m ready to reclaim this city from the clutches of my past.