Taste the World in San Jose
As one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S., San Jose’s diverse residents are what make our communities so vibrant. Our culinary scene is just one example of how truly global our city is. In San Jose, you can fill your sense of wanderlust without having to step too far. Whether you’re craving Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern, African, or European dishes, you can easily taste international flavors through culinary experiences at our beloved restaurants.
We’ve made it easy for you to dine your way around the globe with our week-long progressive foodie itinerary. Bookmark the restaurants below for next time you’re craving a taste of flavors from around the world.
Monday: Latin America and The Caribbean
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill
Caribbean
With the best jerk chicken platter in town, also order Jamaican patties, salad “yard” bowls, and dessert. Don’t skip the sweet potato pie or key lime pie.
Luna Mexican Kitchen
Mexico
Michelin Bib gourmand recommended restaurant with a flair for creative and farm-fresh offerings.
Mariscos Costa Alegre
Mexico
Founded by the Hernandez-Barón family who immigrated from Mexico, María de Guadalupe Barón, Marco Hernandez, and their son operate all locations, specializing in the traditional seafood of Mexico.
Maya's Cafe
Honduras
Located in an unassuming strip mall, this local’s favorite is famous for their entrée platters. Don’t miss their famous specialty, the pollo frito platter with rice, plantains, and a side of beans.
Mezcal
Mexico
Mezcal boasts one of the most distinctive dining rooms in San Jose and proudly serves authentic Oaxacan regional cuisine using family recipes passed on through generations.
Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse
Brazil
This spot’s famous dishes include the beef sirloin entrée and passion fruit mousse. Also order a can of Guarana soda, made from the exotic fruit from the Amazon Rainforest.
Tuesday: United Kingdom and Ireland
Britannia Arms
United Kingdom
What locals call "The Brit" is San Jose's premier neighborhood British Pub. Enjoy the authentic pub menu including their popular corned beef and cabbage or fish and chips.
O’Flaherty’s Pub
Ireland
The absolute best in real Irish hospitality and atmosphere, they serve perfectly poured Guinness, an extensive Irish and Scotch whiskey selection, and an outstanding 38 beers on tap
Wednesday: The Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa
Falafel's Drive-In
Middle East
Perhaps you’ve seen Falafel’s Drive-In on the Food Network Show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Stop in for a classic falafel pita sandwich and their famous banana shake.
LeYou Ethiopian
Ethiopia
LeYou is an eco-friendly and contemporary Ethiopian restaurant run by chef and co-owner Aida Taye. LeYou offers a lighter and very flavorful approach to Ethiopian cuisine.
Ziba Persian Restaurant
Persian
Family-owned Persian restaurant serving the freshest ingredients and finest halal meats.
Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine
Greece
Opa! brings traditional shared orders such as pita with hummus and tzatziki combined with elevated Greek dishes such as lamp chops, steaks, and flatbreads.
Thursday: Southeast Asia
Famous Lao Papaya Restaurant
Laos
This family-owned restaurant offers their famous Lao sausages in both entrees and frozen packages.
Must Be Thai
Thailand
You can’t go wrong with the sweet and tangy tastes of their famous pad thai, colorful green curry and mango and sticky rice.
Pho Ha Noi San Jose
Vietnam
You can’t be in San Jose without trying pho from Little Saigon. Each Vietnamese restaurant caters to the flavors reflective of the different regions of Vietnam. At Pho Ha Noi in Vietnam Town Plaza in Little Saigon, it’s delicious Northern Vietnam-style noodle soups.
Straits
Singapore
Singaporean modern classics are served in this trendy restaurant and bar. Favorites include the coconut fried rice and laksa noodle soup.
Friday: Continental Europe
Bertucelli's La Villa Gourmet Italian Delicatessen
Italy
San Jose's famous Italian deli serves up sandwiches, cured meats, cheeses, Italian groceries, and more to bring the taste of Italy home. Don't miss their famous fresh ravioli and sauces.
Le Papillon
France
Le Papillon Restaurant is a culinary gem known for its exquisite French cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Paesano Ristorante Italiano
Italy
Located in the heart of Little Italy, local favorites include Fritto Di Calamari, fresh pasta dishes like the Pappardelle Alexandra, and cannoli for dessert.
Petiscos
Portugal
Petiscos is a new casual restaurant by Michelin-star Adega focusing on small plates for the table to share. Don’t miss the duck rice or the wine list!
Teske's Germania Restaurant & Beer Garden
Germany
Local family-owned and run restaurant offering up authentic German cuisine. Try the baked pork shank, the sausage combo, and apple strudel.
Saturday: East Asia
Din Tai Fung
Taiwan
This famous Taiwanese dumpling house is a foodie favorite. Make sure you order the soup dumplings!
Kumako Ramen
Japan
San Jose is home to one of only three remaining Japantowns in the country. Satisfy your noodle craving with traditional ramen in their famous pork broth, rice bowls (try the curry too) and karage!
Kazoo
Japan
In a sushi mood? Our favorites are the sushi boats.
Danbi Korean
Korea
From their savory bulgogi to their perfectly crispy kimchi pancakes, every bite at Danbi delights the taste buds and keeps us coming back.
Gombei
Japan
Arguably one of the best food options in Japantown, this place is the real deal. The menu brims with teriyaki, udon, tempura, curries, donburi and sashimi.
Baekjeong
Korean
Experience Korean BBQ at its finest with high quality meats and banchan side dishes - all cooked for you!
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Korea
Turn mealtime into an interactive activity!
Sushi Confidential
Japan
Sushi Confidential combines high quality sushi and other Asian influenced foods, within a fun and energetic atmosphere.
Udon Mugizo
Japan
Udon Mugizo offers a wide variety of hot or cold thick-cut homemade udon noodles for a fresh taste of Japan.
Sunday: American
Jackie’s Place
Specializing in soul food, Jackie's Place offers fried chicken and catfish or shrimp and grits along with black eyed peas and hush puppies. Save room for pecan or sweet potato pie or a red velvet cupcake.
Scratch Cookery
Scratch Cookery is the go-to spot for Nashville hot chicken sandwiches in the South Bay.
The City Fish
New England flavors are delivered to you via their fish and chips and clam chowder entrees. Other favorites include the lobster roll and the crab cakes.
The Table
The Table commits to delivering delicious food that highlights the quality of the ingredients sourced free of over manipulation. The philosophy that drives the kitchen is the same one that inspires the bar. In house made juices, syrups and purees are at the core of all the cocktails.
