10 Best Restaurants In Downtown San Jose, California

1. Le Papillon

Le Papillon is a fine-dining contemporary French restaurant that specializes in showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients. The dishes are beautifully and elegantly presented in a quiet setting. The menu includes a tasty menu that consists of seven carefully curated dishes from chilled lobster with Miso-butterscotch and preserved Mandarinquat to start, right through to Gateau-basque with poached apples and caramelized white chocolate to finish off. There is also a fixed menu of a world-class standard, consisting of three courses.

Le Papillon

Address: 410 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose CA 95129

Website: Le Papillon

Average Price for two people: 120 USD

2. Nemea Greek Taverna

This Mediterranean restaurant located in San Jose brings the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant setting is a modern wine cellar theme highlighting some of the best wines on the wall with wooden barrels seen on each corner of the restaurant. They are open for lunch and dinner with happy hour on all cocktails during weekdays from 4pm-6pm. Sample the different meze of Dolmathes (Grape Leaves / Rice / Aromatic Spices / Dill / Pine Nuts / Tomato) and Spanakopita (Phyllo / Spinach / Leeks / Feta) which are ideal for sharing, and of course, the flagship lamb chops.

Nemea Greek Taverna

Address: 96 South First Street, SAN JOSE, CA

Website: Nemea Greek Taverna

Average Price for two people: 60 USD

3. The City Fish

The City Fish offers a wide selection of fried seafood dishes made to perfection, at an affordable price. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 9 am until 10 pm and until 9 pm on Sundays. When in San Jose, make sure to stop at this restaurant and try out the fresh and flaky fried fish, served with chips and tartar sauce, with a side of coleslaw. The restaurant also offers a delivery service, so there is no need to leave the comfort of your home in order to try their delicious meals.

The City Fish

Address: 30 E Santa Clara St #140, San Jose, CA 95113

Website: The City Fish

Average Price for two people: 25 USD

4. Mezcal

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and delicious Oaxacan food. Enjoy a meal in the upscale design setting with an exposed-brick dining room or on the open patio. The food is made to perfection in a way that will remind you of home cooking, from the table side guacamole to the homemade corn tortillas. Diners have the opportunity to watch the guacamole being made in the molcajete. The meal portions are big so be prepared to take leftovers or plan to share a dish.

Mezcal

Address: 25 W San Fernando Street, San Jose, California

Website: Mezcal

Average Price for two people: 70 USD

5. La Forêt

A romantic restaurant that offers a sophisticated French dining experience in a countryside setting. La Forêt serves fine-dining French cuisine, located in the Almaden Valley of San Jose, overlooking the creek. The restaurant has large windows which surround the entire dining area, allowing diners to have a glimpse of the gorgeous outdoor setting while enjoying their meals. The menu has a wide selection for both meat lovers and vegetarians. As an entree, try out the Medallions of South Texas antelope - the meat is tender and the presentation is a sight to behold.

La Forêt

Address: 21747 Bertram Road, San Jose, CA 95120

Website: La Forêt

Average Price for two people: 120 USD

6. Vito’s Trattoria

Vito’s Trattoria is an old-school family restaurant where family recipes have been passed down and are now being shared with the rest of the world in the form of the meals served. The restaurant has a rustic feel to it and is open for both lunch and dinner. On the lunch menu, guests will find dishes like Pollo alla Griglia, fried mozzarella sticks, Caprese salad, and Antipasto Tradizionale, which is a combination of Prosciutto, Salami, Provolone Cheese, fresh Mozzarella, Over Roma Tomatoes and Olives With Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette. Vito’s Trattoria is a true hidden gem in the heart of San Jose’s North First Business District.

Vito’s Trattoria

Address: 90 Skyport Drive • San Jose, CA

Website: Vito’s Trattoria

Average Price for two people: 60 USD

7. Scott's Seafood

This is a relaxed and airy spot serving classic seafood dishes & cocktails/wine amid a traditional vibe. Scott’s Seafood is a great option if one is looking to sample fresh seafood and pasta dishes, as well as great steaks and chicken meals. There is a full bar on the property where one can relax while sipping on a glass of wine and mingle with a friend. Reservations are recommended in order to secure your spot at the table, without any disappointments.

Scott's Seafood

Address: 185 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95113

Website: Scott’s Seafood

Average Price for two people: 60 USD

8. Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio is an upmarket chain for Italian dining that offers elegant private space along with a wide range of specialized menus and services to offer diners a true and authentic dining experience. Bread is freshly baked daily, at the in-house bakery. Start off with baby squid, lightly floured and deep fried, served with spicy marinara, followed by a main of pasta with chopped tomatoes, garlic, marinara sauce and fresh basil, then ending off your meal with a decadent mouth-watering dessert.

Il Fornaio

Address: 302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Website: Il Fornaio

Average Price for two people: 80 USD

9. Arcadia

Arcadia restaurant Serves tender steaks that melt in your mouth as well as modified classic dishes like Mac & Cheese. Arcadia’s innovative cuisine is sure to satisfy even the most sophisticated pallet. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of San Jose Marriot Hotel, and it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a casual dress code. Enjoy meals like Lobster Corn Dogs, Ahi Tuna Tartare, and Steak Rossini.

Arcadia

Address: 301 South Market Street, San Jose, California 95113 USA

Website: Arcadia

Average Price for two people: 120 USD

10. Falafel Drive-In

This Middle-Eastern restaurant is set on the roadside and allows visitors to order their meals from the comfort of their vehicles through a take-out window. The restaurant is committed to serving authentic ethnic dishes that use the freshest of ingredients and is suitable for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. When there, make sure to try their famous falafels served on a fresh pita sandwich and stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and tahini sauce.

Falafel Drive-In

Address: 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Website: Falafel Drive-In

Average Price for two people: 20 USD

Excite your taste-buds at these restaurants

Go ahead and give your taste-buds a unique experience by visiting some of these restaurants that have been carefully selected to send you on a culinary food journey in Downtown San Jose.