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What to Eat in San Jose
San Jose's dining scene has long been overshadowed by San Francisco, home of trendy restaurants and innovative chefs. And while it's true San Jose may not register on every foodie's list, the city does offer a distinct culinary landscape that serves as a reflection of its diverse population (a majority of which is Hispanic and Asian).
If you're hoping to get acquainted with some of the city's local food vendors (or just need a quick, casual bite to eat), head to the San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose. The market features more than 20 vendors selling everything from coffee and pizza to home goods; plus indoor and outdoor seating is available. According to reviewers, this is a great place for groups since it offers a variety of options to suit different tastes.
Because San Jose sees a high volume of business travelers, steakhouses (many of them chains) make up a large part of the dining scene. Favorites include The Grill on the Alley, LB Steak and Morton's. For a wider variety of menus, head to Santana Row, where Mexican, Italian, Asian and French flavors are well represented. And if you're celebrating a special occasion (or prepared to splurge), consider making a reservation at Le Papillon, one of the city's top French eateries. On the opposite end of the spectrum, cheap eats can be found near San Jose State University's campus, less than a mile east of downtown.
Find the Best Restaurants in San Jose
- #1La Foret Restaurant#1 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (277)$$ | French, European21747 Bertram Rd, San Jose, CA 95120-4329Read More » - #2Falafel Drive In#2 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (1180)$ | American, Fast Food, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128-1651Read More » - #3Aqui Cal-Mex#3 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (348)$ - $$ | Mexican1145 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125-3002Read More » - #4Bill's Cafe#4 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (617)$ - $$ | American, Cafe, International1115 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125-3158Read More » - #5Henry's Hi-Life#5 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (369)$ - $$ | American, Steakhouse, Bar, Barbecue301 W Saint John St, San Jose, CA 95110-2345Read More » - #6Smoking Pig BBQ Company#6 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (613)$ - $$ | American, Barbecue1144 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112-4944Read More » - #7Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse#7 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (355)$$ | Steakhouse, Brazilian, Latin377 Santana Row Ste 1090 #1090, San Jose, CA 95128-2058Read More » - #8Maggiano's Little Italy#8 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (748)$ - $$ | Italian3055 Olin Ave Ste 1000, San Jose, CA 95128-2067Read More » - #9Yard House#9 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (293)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Pub300 Santana Row Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95128-2423Read More » - #10Original Joe's San Jose#10 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (1333)$ - $$ | Italian, American301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113Read More » - #11The Grill on the Alley#11 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (326)$$ | American172 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113-2307Read More » - #12Bill's Cafe on the Alameda#12 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (156)$ - $$ | American, Cafe, Diner2089 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126-1136Read More » - #13Left Bank Santana Row#13 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (655)$ - $$ | French, Bar, European, International377 Santana Row Ste 1100, San Jose, CA 95128-2053Read More » - #14Il Fornaio#14 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (556)$ - $$ | Italian302 S Market St Westin San Jose, San Jose, CA 95113-2817Read More » - #15Pizza Antica#15 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (325)$ - $$ | Italian, Pizza334 Santana Row Ste 1065, San Jose, CA 95128-2013Read More » - #16LB Steak#16 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (343)$$ | American, Steakhouse334 Santana Row Ste 1000, San Jose, CA 95128-2013Read More » - #17Nemea Greek Taverna#17 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (257)$ - $$ | Mediterranean, Greek96 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113-2406Read More » - #18Le Papillon#18 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (182)$$ | French, Contemporary410 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129-1332Read More » - #19Vito's Trattoria#19 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (188)$ - $$ | Italian90 Skyport Dr Ste 170, San Jose, CA 95110-1358Read More » - #20Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant#20 of 2,460 Places to Eat in San Jose
Tripadvisor (118)$ - $$ | African, Ethiopian1320 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129-4336Read More »
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