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What’s new in San Jose

New openings, menu drops, dishes and local sourcing worth knowing about.

The F1rst Take

Central San Jose · San Jose · Korean

At The F1rst Take in Central San Jose, inventive fusion dishes—like Fusion Tacos and Truffle Risotto—are crafted with locally sourced ingredients and paired with creative cocktails and an extensive wine list. The restaurant's chic, vibrant atmosphere and friendly service make it a memorable spot for casual gatherings and special occasions.

KoreanLate night

Matcha Town

Berryessa · San Jose · Coffee

Matcha Town in Berryessa, San Jose is a cozy haven for matcha lovers offering artisan-crafted premium matcha drinks, vibrant desserts like matcha cheesecake and bowls, and healthy snacks made from locally sourced ingredients. With vegan and gluten-free options and unique flavor combinations, it’s an inviting spot to relax and savor high-quality matcha creations.

CoffeeWork lunch
Bafang Dumpling

Bafang Dumpling

Orchard · San Jose · Japanese

Bafang Dumpling in Orchard, San Jose specializes in authentic, handmade dumplings made fresh daily — from pork & chive to vegetarian and spicy chicken — served in a cozy, casual space with unique dipping sauces. Fast, friendly service plus takeout and delivery make it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a relaxed family meal.

JapaneseSolo-friendly
Yumee Katsu - San Jose

Yumee Katsu - San Jose

Gordy · San Jose · Korean

Yumee Katsu in San Jose serves expertly breaded and fried Japanese katsu with house-made sauces, featuring classics like Tonkatsu and Chicken Katsu Curry alongside inventive vegetable options. The warm, inviting setting and customizable menu—including vegetarian and gluten-free choices—make it a standout spot for comforting, high-quality Japanese fare.

KoreanGroup dinner
Chicha San Chen 吃茶三千

Chicha San Chen 吃茶三千

Brokaw · San Jose · Coffee

Chicha San Chen 吃茶三千 in Brokaw, San Jose offers an authentic Taiwanese bubble tea experience with handcrafted tapioca pearls made fresh daily and a wide range of traditional and inventive tea-based drinks. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere and rotating seasonal specialties make it a great spot for gatherings or trying unique fruit teas and classic milk teas.

CoffeeSolo-friendly

Tonkatsu Sakuton

Blackford · San Jose · Mexican

Tonkatsu Sakuton brings authentic Japanese tonkatsu to Blackford with expertly breaded, crispy panko pork cutlets and distinctive house-made sauces. The cozy, casual spot also offers vegetarian options and specialty rice bowls, making it a go-to for flavorful comfort food.

MexicanFamily-friendly
TOJO Coffee Tea House

TOJO Coffee Tea House

Monroe · San Jose · Coffee

TOJO Coffee Tea House in Monroe, San Jose crafts artisanal coffee blends and a curated signature tea selection served with locally sourced pastries. Its peaceful, greenery-lined outdoor seating and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with friends.

CoffeeLunch spot
NaYa Dessert Cafe

NaYa Dessert Cafe

Central San Jose · San Jose · Bakery

NaYa Dessert Cafe in Central San Jose is a cozy sweet escape known for artfully crafted desserts made with high-quality ingredients—try their signature tiramisu, matcha green tea cheesecake, or choco lava cake. Seasonal specials, vegan and gluten-free options, and unique beverage pairings with artisanal coffees and teas make it a great spot for social gatherings and memorable treats.

BakeryBrunch

川海砂锅自选菜米线 ChuanHI Casserole selected dishes rice noodles

Berryessa · San Jose · Chinese

ChuanHI Casserole selected dishes rice noodles lets you build your perfect rice-noodle bowl with a wide selection of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavorful broths ranging from savory to fiery. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, quick service for dine-in or takeout, and standout plates like the Signature Spicy Casserole Noodles and Herbal Chicken Rice Noodle Bowl, it’s a great spot for families and adventurous eaters alike.

ChineseSolo-friendly
Adamson's French Dip

Adamson's French Dip

Willow Glen · San Jose · American

Adamson's French Dip in Willow Glen crafts the neighborhood's go-to French dip sandwiches using locally sourced ingredients and a wide selection of flavorful dipping sauces. With a cozy, casual atmosphere and vegetarian/vegan options, it's a perfect spot for lunch or a quick dinner.

AmericanLunch spot
TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (Valley Fair)

TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (Valley Fair)

Valley Fair · San Jose · Chinese

Experience authentic Sichuan at TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 in Valley Fair, where bold, mouth‑numbing flavors—anchored by their signature mapo tofu—meet a contemporary, inviting dining atmosphere. Enjoy a curated selection of traditional and modern Sichuan dishes, guided by friendly staff and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

ChineseGroup dinner

La Papa Loca

Spartan Keyes · San Jose · Mexican

La Papa Loca in Spartan Keyes delivers vibrant Latin American flavors in a colorful, family-friendly setting, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients and inventive signature cocktails. Standout dishes include tacos al pastor, ceviche mixto, and chiles en nogada, with plentiful vegetarian and gluten-free options.

MexicanLunch spot
Cuco’s Burritos (San Jose)

Cuco’s Burritos (San Jose)

Checkers · San Jose · Mexican

Cuco’s Burritos in San Jose’s Checkers neighborhood serves made-to-order, authentic burritos packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients. With satisfying portions, vegetarian and vegan options, and quick, family-friendly service, it’s a local favorite for lunch and late-night cravings.

MexicanFamily-friendly

Samuthr Thai Restaurant

Central San Jose · San Jose · Thai

Located in Central San Jose, Samuthr Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients in a cozy, family-friendly setting. With an extensive menu featuring signature Pad Thai, Green Curry and Tom Yum Soup — plus vegan and gluten-free options and thoughtful modern twists — it's a great spot for both longtime Thai lovers and first-time diners.

ThaiGroup dinner
Fleur Tea

Fleur Tea

Central San Jose · San Jose · Indian

A specialty milk tea shop in Central San Jose blending Bảo Lộc Vietnamese teas with premium Japanese matcha for impeccably balanced, made-to-order drinks.

IndianGroup dinner
Pretty Good Advice

Pretty Good Advice

Central San Jose · San Jose · American

A Central San Jose hotspot serving inventive vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, craveable burgers, sandwiches, and indulgent soft‑serve.

AmericanBrunch
FolaFela Nigeria Restaurant and African Store

FolaFela Nigeria Restaurant and African Store

Evergreen · San Jose · African

FolaFela Nigeria Restaurant and African Store brings bold, home-style Nigerian flavors to Evergreen, San Jose, serving classics like Jollof rice, egusi soup and suya alongside an on-site shop stocked with authentic African groceries—perfect for diners seeking vibrant meals and specialty ingredients.

AfricanGroup dinner
Shuei-Do Manju Shop

Shuei-Do Manju Shop

J Town · San Jose · Japanese

A cozy J Town confectionery serving freshly steamed manju and seasonal Japanese sweets in a nostalgic, made-by-hand style.

JapaneseSolo-friendly
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Sheppard · San Jose · American

A Sheppard favorite serving top-quality, no-frills chicken finger meals with a cultlike dedication to flavor.

AmericanFamily-friendly

Dduk Dabang

Berryessa · San Jose · Korean

A compact Berryessa gem dishing up gooey topokki and classic Korean street food in a lively, budget-friendly setting.

KoreanGroup dinner
Wagyu Master Sukiyaki House | San Jose

Wagyu Master Sukiyaki House | San Jose

Baker West · San Jose · Japanese

An intimate sukiyaki-focused spot in Baker West where premium wagyu, handpicked broths, and tableside cooking deliver a warm, social feast.

JapaneseLunch spot
B'anne Bakery

B'anne Bakery

J Town · San Jose · Bakery

An intimate J-Town bakery serving freshly baked breads, flaky pastries, and comforting coffee in San Jose.

BakeryBrunch
Selva

Selva

Central San Jose · San Jose · Cocktail Bar

A lush tequila and mezcal destination in Central San Jose that pairs theatrical cocktails with lively, flavor-forward plates.

Cocktail BarHappy hour
饼饼侠 Nali Grill

饼饼侠 Nali Grill

Berryessa · San Jose · Italian

A Berryessa gem delivering authentic Chinese pastries and savory street-food classics with deeply satisfying flavors.

ItalianGroup dinner
Formosa Aroma 島嶼茶鄉 - San Jose, CA

Formosa Aroma 島嶼茶鄉 - San Jose, CA

West San Jose · San Jose · Coffee

West San Jose spot serving teaspresso-crafted beverages with housemade toppings and fully customizable milk, tea, and topping choices.

CoffeeSolo-friendly
Bacio di Latte | Santana Row, SJ

Bacio di Latte | Santana Row, SJ

Valley Fair · San Jose · Italian

Classic Italian gelato made fresh to order, straight from Milanese tradition to Santana Row.

ItalianSpecial occasion
Caspian Grill LLC

Caspian Grill LLC

Cypress - Jurdo · San Jose · Mediterranean

A Santana Row–adjacent food truck dishing juicy halal shawarma, hearty plov, hand-pulled lagman, and crispy samsa—fast, flavorful, and filling.

MediterraneanWork lunch
Must Be Thai and Bar

Must Be Thai and Bar

Central San Jose · San Jose · Mexican

Authentic Thai home cooking elevated with contemporary flair — a Central San Jose spot for soulful, satisfying meals.

MexicanGroup dinner
Lajevard Diner Cafe

Lajevard Diner Cafe

North San Jose · San Jose · American

Comfort-diner breakfasts and lunches with Persian, Indian, and Korean influences, plus Halal and vegetarian options in North San Jose.

AmericanLunch spot

Tacos Mi Reynita

Checkers · San Jose · Tacos

A lively Checkers spot serving bright, made-to-order tacos that showcase traditional technique and bold flavors.

TacosLunch spot
Thu Bakery & Restaurant

Thu Bakery & Restaurant

Evergreen · San Jose · Bakery

Thu Bakery & Restaurant serves up house-baked pastries and comforting Southeast Asian–inspired dishes in Evergreen’s welcoming neighborhood spot.

BakeryBrunch
Cafe Con Leche Con Amor

Cafe Con Leche Con Amor

Rosemary · San Jose · Coffee

A Latin-inspired specialty coffee shop in Rosemary serving soulful Café Con Leche, Matcha Crema, and authentic pastries in a welcoming atmosphere.

CoffeeBrunch
Toro Mambo Restobar

Toro Mambo Restobar

Willow Glen · San Jose · Mexican

An exuberant Mexican restobar in Willow Glen serving bold grilled plates, signature cocktails, and luxe communal vibes.

MexicanGroup dinner
TleafGreen

TleafGreen

Pioneer · San Jose · Burmese

TleafGreen in Pioneer, San Jose blends creative, plant-forward cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients—featuring signature dishes like the Green Harmony Bowl, Spicy Tofu Tacos, and Herb-Infused Pasta—served in a cozy, welcoming space perfect for vegans and adventurous eaters.

BurmeseLunch spot
Neeya Thai Kitchen

Neeya Thai Kitchen

Central San Jose · San Jose · Japanese

Neeya Thai Kitchen serves bright, authentic Thai fare in a warm, neighborhood setting—perfect for casual dinners and takeout.

JapaneseFamily-friendly
Meenakshi Bhavan

Meenakshi Bhavan

West Valley · San Jose · Coffee

A West Valley gem serving authentic South Indian vegetarian tiffins, dosas, idlis, vadas, and wholesome thalis made fresh daily.

CoffeeSolo-friendly
Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli

Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli

South San Jose · San Jose · BBQ

Casual South San Jose spot pairing Armadillo Willy’s Texas-style barbecue with hefty New York–style deli sandwiches.

BBQGroup dinner
Casa Mia Restaurant (San Jose)

Casa Mia Restaurant (San Jose)

South San Jose · San Jose · Italian

A welcoming, home-driven spot in South San Jose serving thoughtfully prepared, comfort-forward dishes for casual lunches and cozy dinners.

ItalianDate night
嗦一碗 Slurp A Bowl 螺蛳粉

嗦一碗 Slurp A Bowl 螺蛳粉

Cambrian Community · San Jose · Chinese

A Cambrian Community gem serving authentic Liuzhou luosifen—spicy, tangy, and intensely savory river snail rice noodles.

ChineseSolo-friendly

Show de Carnes Brazilian Steakhouse

Baker West · San Jose · BBQ

A theatrical Brazilian steakhouse in Baker West serving continuous tableside cuts and vibrant sides for carnivore-friendly feasts.

BBQGroup dinner
Entre Comales

Entre Comales

Central San Jose · San Jose · Mexican

A Central San Jose favorite for comal-cooked classics, vibrant flavors, and cozy neighborhood charm.

MexicanGroup dinner
Toastique

Toastique

Central San Jose · San Jose · Coffee

A Central San Jose favorite for elevated toast, vibrant cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and standout coffee.

CoffeeBrunch
Meimei Dumpling

Meimei Dumpling

Central San Jose · San Jose · Chinese

A Central San Jose favorite for handmade Chinese dumplings and comforting noodle bowls crafted fresh daily.

ChineseFamily-friendly

Leung Noodle

Umbarger · San Jose · Japanese

A San Jose noodle house serving soulful bowls with house-made noodles and umami-forward broths in a warm, unfussy setting.

JapaneseSolo-friendly
El Fogón D’ Geny

El Fogón D’ Geny

East Virginia · San Jose · Dominican

Dominican comfort cooking shines at this East Virginia spot, serving up vibrant, homey plates and warm hospitality.

DominicanFamily-friendly
West Coast Sourdough - San Jose Meridian Ave

West Coast Sourdough - San Jose Meridian Ave

Willow Glen · San Jose · American

A cozy Willow Glen spot where house-made sourdough elevates sandwiches, soups and comforting bowls.

AmericanBrunch
Taqueria los memelos

Taqueria los memelos

Castlemont · San Jose · Tacos

A compact, flavor-forward taqueria in San Jose’s Castlemont dishing up vibrant tacos and house-made salsas.

TacosFamily-friendly
ASI Mexican Fusion Bistro

ASI Mexican Fusion Bistro

Parma · San Jose · Mexican

A cozy Parma bistro serving inventive homestyle Mexican and Middle Eastern fusion—bright flavors, comforting techniques.

MexicanLunch spot
Yami Bowl

Yami Bowl

Alum Rock · San Jose · Japanese

Yami Bowl in Alum Rock serves innovative, globally inspired customizable bowls made with fresh, locally and sustainably sourced ingredients — including standout vegan and gluten-free options like the Garden Delight and Tropical Fusion Bowls. Enjoy a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and crafted beverages that perfectly complement each bold-flavored creation.

JapaneseLunch spot
The Choclo

The Choclo

Central San Jose · San Jose · Bakery

A Central San José bakery turning out freshly baked, naturally gluten-free Colombian breads, pastries, and desserts with authentic flavor.

BakerySolo-friendly