15 Best Restaurants in San Jose, CA for 2022 (Top Eats!)
San Jose – the vibrant capital of Silicon Valley – is bursting with trendy and tantalizing restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a French spot, Michelin-starred restaurant or Italian food, you’ll find tons of satisfying eateries in this city.
And, we’re helping you enjoy a pleasurable culinary journey here by rounding up the best restaurants in San Jose.
1. La Forêt Restaurant
21747 Bertram Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 997-3458
Tucked away in Almaden Valley, this foodie magnet is a stellar pick for fine dining in San Jose.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Very few local restaurants in San Jose are as elegant and sophisticated as this French eatery.
With an extensive wine list and exquisite a la carte dishes, La Foret also guarantees a romantic and refined dining experience.
Open for brunch and dinner, this restaurant has a bar as well, featuring an array of cocktails and beers.
What to Eat
Foodies will absolutely adore their kobe beef. Cooked to perfection, this beef dish is luscious, juicy and incredibly tender.
And, it’s best paired with a bottle of merlot.
2. Bill’s Cafe
1115 Willow St
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 294-1125
A local favorite, this cafe has been serving hearty lunch and breakfast to the city’s communities since 1977.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Bill’s Cafe is, no doubt, one of the top San Jose restaurants to enjoy a filling and delicious breakfast.
Along with its classic breakfast goodies, it also serves an array of creative specialties.
Even better, it impresses guests with friendly service and relaxing casual vibe.
What to Eat
Do yourself a favor, and grab a plate of their classic eggs Benedict.
The eggs are poached perfectly, and come with a luscious hollandaise sauce.
Plus, it comes with a cinnamon roll French toast and extra crispy hash browns.
3. Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W St John St
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 295-5414
Welcoming guests since 1960, this American steakhouse entices guests with its hearty portions of pork chops and steak.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Meat lovers will find their bliss at this well-known steakhouse.
For decades, this steakhouse has been one of the go-to casual spots to eat juicy and succulent steaks in San Jose.
From boneless teriyaki to NY steaks, you’ll find a ton of meaty options for steaks here.
What to Eat
We can’t get enough of their baby back ribs.
Ideal for meat lovers, this dish is quite big, flavorful, juicy and so tender that the meat falls off the bone.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel De Anza, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel
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4. Smoking Pig BBQ Company
1144 N 4th St
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 380-4784
Opened in 2011, this food joint is beloved for its slow-smoked and mouth-watering barbecue.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
One bite of their slow-smoked meat, and you’ll quickly find out why it’s on our list of the best rated restaurants in San Jose.
With tasty barbecue entrees and appetizers, this eatery will satisfy your taste buds in a simple, no-frills setting.
What to Eat
Wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese, their Wolf Turd is tasty, filling and bursting with flavors.
It’s tender and has a mac and cheese inside to enhance its flavor.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin San Jose
5. Maggiano’s Little Italy
3055 Olin Ave
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 423-8973
Conveniently positioned behind the Music Park, this semi-upscale restaurant appeases guests with its irresistible Italian fare.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
In the mood for Italian food, but not sure where to eat in San Jose?
Then, don’t forget to put this eatery at the top of your list of must-visit good restaurants in San Jose.
With its rich Italian flavors and semi-upscale vibe, this eatery will give you a taste of Italy in San Jose.
As a bonus, it’s also one of the best birthday restaurants in San Jose.
If you call them in advance, they can help you plan your dream birthday party.
What to Eat
Their spaghetti and meatballs are to die for.
They are pleasantly tangy, moist and incredibly tasty.
Even better, it comes with meatballs that are as big as tennis balls.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft San Jose Cupertino
6. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
377 Santana Row #1090
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 244-7001
Specializing in high-quality and fire-roasting meats, this steakhouse uses the centuries-old cooking techniques of Southern Brazil.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Fogo de Chao brings the tempting flavors to the heart of San Jose.
With its expertly grilled meats and upscale vibe, this steakhouse is also one of the best dinner places in San Jose.
What to Eat
Our favorite at this restaurant is their filet mignon.
It’s a tender, melt-in-your-mouth piece of streak with a fine-grained texture and a mild and buttery flavor.
And, it’s flavor is also enhanced with a drizzle of chimichurri.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Valencia Santana Row
7. Original Joe’s San Jose
301 S 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 292-7030
First opened in 1956, this Italian eatery has been frequently mentioned on lists of the best restaurants downtown San Jose.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Italian food enthusiasts should make a beeline to this charming award-winning eatery in downtown San Jose.
From pastas to gelatos, this casual restaurant offers a smorgasbord of Italian treats to appease your gusto.
What to Eat
You can’t leave this restaurant without sampling their spaghetti with mushroom and meat sauce.
Like an authentic Italian spaghetti, this dish has generous proportions and has a tastefully sour flavor.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: San Jose Marriott
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8. Left Bank Santana Row
377 Santana Row #1100
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 984-3500
Founded in 2003, this family-friendly restaurant in Santa Row transports patrons to Paris with its delicious French cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Left Bank is a genuine Parisian-esque brasserie known for its French-inspired dishes crafted by the renowned chef Rolad Passot.
Of course, it also has the relaxed, casual atmosphere of a brasserie or a typical French cafe.
What to Eat
Don’t pass up on the chance to savor their 8-ounce steak frites.
A classic brasserie dish, this grilled skirt steak is juicy, tender and flavorful.
And, you can enhance the steak’s taste by dipping it into the peppercorn sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft San Jose Cupertino
9. Il Fornaio
302 S Market St
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 271-3366
Established originally in 1972 in Italy, this upmarket award-winning chain lures guests with its delish Italian fare.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Il Fornaio is one of the most popular restaurants to try in San Jose.
As you stop by this casual restaurant, you’ll feel like you’re taking a culinary journey across Italy.
With its fragrant espressos, flavorful sauces and fine wines, this restaurant feels and tastes like Italy.
What to Eat
Their linguine mare chiaro is the best seafood pasta in town.
It has the ideal amount of spice, salt and lemon to create a flavorful and balanced dish.
The noodles are thin, and come with mussels, scallops, shrimps and clams.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Airport
10. Adega
1614 Alum Rock Ave
San Jose, CA 95116
(408) 926-9075
Adega, led by Portuguese chefs, is the first and only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Adega doesn’t just serve the best food in San Jose.
With an opulent dining room and rare vintage wines, this Portuguese restaurant will surely give you a refined and romantic dining experience.
What to Eat
Go for their seafood rice, which somehow reminds us of risotto.
Seasoned perfectly, it’s a light and flavorful seafood dish made up of shrimp, clams, scallop and lobster.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose International Airport, CA
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11. Straits Restaurant
333 Santana Row #1100
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 246-6320
Helmed by chef Chris Yeo, this Asian fusion restaurant is inspired by the diverse culinary scene in Singapore.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
For the best lunch in San Jose, head to this unique Asian-inspired eatery.
Once you’ve settled into this contemporary and trendy restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the flavors of India, China, Indonesia and Malaysia.
What to Eat
We recommend sampling their well-prepared hainan chicken.
It’s juicy, ultra tender and scrumptious, especially when paired with scallion ginger sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown
Related: Best Things to Do in San Jose
12. Falafel Drive-In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 294-7886
Serving heavenly Middle Eastern food for over 50 years, this old school stand is a solid pick for those craving unique, local San Jose eats.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
No list of the best places to eat in San Jose is complete without this famous fast-food stand.
An institution in San Jose, this no-frills eatery captivates guests with its authentic gyros, hummus, kabobs and falafel.
What to Eat
Indulge in their exceptional and renowned falafel sandwich.
Filling and tasty, it has generous proportions and is made from fresh ingredients.
And, it has savory sauces that add a nice kick.
On top of it all, it comes with a delightful banana shake.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
13. 2050 Lobby Lounge and Bar
2050 Gateway Pl
San Jose, CA 95110
408) 453-4000
Situated off Doubletree Hotel San Jose’s main lobby, this hangout is an inviting place to chill and relax.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Cap off an exciting day of sightseeing in San Jose with a pit stop to this upscale lounge.
Not only does it exude a trendy and soothing vibe, but it also serves savory bar bites and delicious crafted cocktails.
What to Eat
You can’t go wrong with their crispy garlic chicken wings.
They are incredibly juicy, crispy and just have the right amount of garlic.
And, it pairs well with the bar’s delightful cocktails.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose
Related: Things to Do in San Jose with Kids
14. 55 South
55 S 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 288-6000
Set in downtown San Jose, this hangout appeals to the upscale crowd, with its creative cuisine, live music and innovative cocktails.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Searching for the coolest restaurants near you?
Why not stop by this chic and sophisticated lounge?
With a comfortable ambiance and live entertainment, it’s a fantastic place to relax after a day of sightseeing in San Jose.
Of course, it also boasts an eclectic menu of creative food and drinks.
What to Eat
Save some room for dessert.
Trust me, you’ll love their delicious cobbler dessert.
It’s gooey, decadent, warm and has just the right amount of sweetness.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport
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15. Bibo’s NY Pizza
1431 Bird Ave
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 217-9084
Opened in 2011, this well-known food joint specializes in producing piquant New York thin crust pizza.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Bibo’s NY is truly one of the best restaurants in San Jose, especially for pizza connoisseurs.
At this restaurant, guests may sample succulent pizzas made with fresh ingredients and nearly a pound of special mozzarella cheese.
What to Eat
Every bite of their 20-inch slice of heaven is divine.
It has a thin and crispy crust, and includes flavorful bacon as well as fire-roasted garlic and tomatoes.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: SureStayPlus Hotel by Best Western San Jose Central City
Related: Best Hotels in San Jose
Map of Restaurants in San Jose
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15 Best San Jose Restaurants for 2022
