Poor House Bistro introduces tasty and delicious cuisine of New Orleans to its patrons. Try the blackened chicken wings and, po boys or if you want a quick bite, the muffaletta sandwiches can't be beat. But good food and great service are not the only reasons to come to Poor House Bistro; it is the cool music played here that attracts locals and tourists alike. Their calender always has an interesting line-up of events.
For more than 20 years, Le Papillon has offered an elegant setting in which to enjoy world-class French cuisine. Try the veal and duck dishes and sample from the extensive wine list. The setting is gorgeous and the dishes are painstakingly hand-crafted. Every dish that comes out of this here kitchen, is a work of art, in the truest sense. The restaurant itself is no less impressive, with spacious, elegant interiors bathed in demure mood lighting that pleases even the toughest critics. Another noteworthy feature of the restaurant is its service, that comes second to none - exceptionally attentive and efficient, they will make sure you leave Le Papillon feeling thoroughly satisfied and pampered to a fault. There are set menus available for those who cannot to choose among these phenomenal offerings. All in all, Le Papillon is an exquisite French restaurant, the epitome of fine dining in the capital of Silicon Valley - a definite must visit.
Located in the luxurious Fairmont San Jose, this place attracts diners with high standards. Aside from an extensive selection of hand-stirred martinis and single-malt scotches, the establishment is known for spectacular grilled meats. Traditional favorites include Culotte Steak, Filet Mignon, Prime Rib and New York Steak. Seafood specialties include the Dungeness Crab Cakes. The portions are huge. Sit behind polished mahogany wood and have a drink or scoot into the plush booths and eat until you can't stand up.
One of the all time classic restaurants in San Jose, Original Joe's has been around since 1956. The waiters are never far away and the bartenders are truly one of a kind. Their menu is a lovely blend of Italian and American classics. Savor their Chicken Parmigiana, Roast Beef, Beef Stew, Linguine with Clams, Calamari Steak and Baby Back Ribs. Complement your meal with either wine or beer.
This wildly popular eatery serves up elegant Greek cuisine in a tidy storefront with linen-topped tables, stone hearth, artisanal pottery and an open kitchen that is warm and inviting. Locals love the daily fish specials, assertively seasoned with lemon, olive oil and bay leaves in perfect proportions. Other must-tries at Evvia Estiatorio include the succulent dishes of braised lamb or beef surrounded by saffron rice, the luscious spanikopita bursting with spinach and feta, and the hearty Moussaka with its rich layers of slow-cooked beef and cheese. For dessert, there is flaky and sweet baklava. The service is quick and friendly.
Since 1923, Palo Alto Creamery has served tasty food with good ingredients in a typical small town atmosphere; they are old fashioned and proud about it. Generations of consumers have been pleased and this is just the beginning. The philosophy of the restaurant is to cook simple food that is well made. This is a fun place to take your family or friends.
Downtown's only authentic British-style pub serves up pub grub and a variety of draft beers. Located in a restored former brothel, the place has gone through some serious re-vamps over the years. The decor has changed from lurid to proper Brit with memorabilia from the British Isles covering the walls. The pub has no television and counts on the witty banter of customers to supply the entertainment. It works. This small, friendly neighborhood joint attracts locals from all walks of life. It is perfect for winding down.
Friendly bartenders and excellent German food await you at Teske's Germania, a corner restaurant and beer garden. Every style of German beer you can imagine is available here, and the European pub-style decor makes you feel like you've been transported across the Atlantic. The menu promises German dishes like schweinshaxe and bratwurst; noteworthy among this list is the assorted sausages platter. For a well-rounded meal, go for a German beer that complements the savories you ordered and for the grand finish, try the apfel strudel; you'll not regret it! The nearby law offices usually empty out into here after a hard day's work. The live music events hosted here over the weekends are quite nice as well. Drop in for a wonderful German experience.
Ludwig's German Table occupies a time-honored structure in the busy Downtown area and welcomes diners to savor authentic German cuisine in the heart of San Jose. The no-frills interiors and long dining booths create a homey and an inviting atmosphere. A classic beer garden adds to its charm. Menu features an exhaustive list of German beers and toothsome specialties. Start off with their cucumber and potato salads, even as you dig into those delectable pork snitchzels, leberkase and classic bratwurst and complete your meal with those decadent cheese cakes and pies on offer.
Loteria Taco Bar is a part of the San Pedro Square Market, on San Pedro Street in Downtown San Jose. It offers delectable Latin American and Mexican specialties, with a nod to tacos, the ultimate Mexican street fare. Their signature preparations like habanero mango chicken and barbacoa tacos come highly recommended. Along with these, there's a range of nachos, salads and fries available as sides. Tortillas are made fresh on-site and ingredients used are locally sourced, the result is a delightful selection of innovative, gourmet tacos that come second to none.
Take a break from your regular fast food, and go for some Middle-Eastern fare instead. Robee's Falafel serves a number of Lebanese favorites such as falafel, shawerma and shish kebabs as plates, or if you're in for something lighter, then these ingredients are used as fillings for wraps. With traditional sides such as tabbouleh, dolma and hummus, your experience is sure to be enhanced. End the meal with a sumptuous baklava. Service is pleasant, even though you might have to wait for a while sometimes.
On a Roll is situated in the San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose and offers Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices. It is popular with adults and children alike for its “pho” or “noodle soup” from Vietnam. Here, the presentation of the food, often served with leafy garnish, is as good as the flavors and helps to increase one's appetite. Guests can start their meal with appetizers such as shrimp spring rolls served with sides like peanut sauce, egg rolls and Wonton noodle soup. The main course consists of Tofu Banh Mi, Beef Tri-Tip, Korean BBQ, Coconut Curry Chicken and Fried Tofu. Order a takeaway to carry something for the road if you can't get enough of the tangy flavors of their food.