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 Traditional and Contemporary Indian Fare |
377 Santana Row Suite 1140 San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95128 United States +1 408 248 5400 http://www.amber-india.com |
Amber India, in Santana Row, has an inviting atmosphere that's elegant, comfortable and sophisticated. With traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine, Amber India's menu offers dishes made with only the finest and freshest ingredients. Award-winning chefs, Vittal Shetty and Anish Potdar are Indian culinary delight experts whose creations inspire endless repeat business in Amber India's friendly dining room, with its visually engaging artwork, lighting and colors. The lovely interior features a realistic "night sky ceiling" with sparkling stars, in keeping with the traditional Sanskrit "amber" meaning sky. Of particular note when dining at Amber India, you can't go wrong with either the Sea Bass or the Lamb Shank. In fact you should try them both! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lloyd Budd  |
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Classy yet casual |
14572 Big Basin Way San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95070 United States +1 408 867 1906 http://www.thebasin.com |
This popular Saratoga social spot offers a buffet of options for those with discerning and cultivating tastes. Its martini and wine bar is well noted. And its kitchen guides the taste buds into untracked American cuisine territory by emphasizing locally grown organic vegetables and freshly snared seafood. The wild mushroom rigatoni and the ahi tuna sashimi rate high, as does the grilled filet mignon. And the entire menu is reasonably priced. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Deep South influences |
630 Ramona Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 94301 United States +1 650 326 1020 |
In the land of California-fusion cuisine, this decidedly Southern-like restaurant has created a strong and surprising niche for itself. Both the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News have lavished it with high praise. Patterned after a Southern estate, it offers diners the choice of eating beside a cozy fireplace or on a romantic patio setting. The menu keeps with the architectural theme, offering Cajun-influenced dishes, such as the Jerk Rubbed Halibut (USD18.95) and the Bayou Pasta (fettuccine with a spicy cream sauce). Reservations are encouraged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Victor Solanoy |
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Fancy and popular and historic |
21747 Bertram Road San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95120 United States +1 408 997 3458 |
Rated as one of the '50 Best French Restaurants' in the United States, this dining jewel is the perfect stop for anyone looking to impress. Located in a former boarding house built for miners in 1848, this restaurant exudes class by taking the old adage 'it's the little things that count' to a new degree. Rack of lamb, quail, and Australian lobster tails highlight the entrée list, while the amaretto cheesecake deserves a 'must try' status. Huge picture windows peer out over Los Alamedos Creek. No shorts or T-shirts are allowed. Reservations are a must. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Deceptively elegant |
910 Cedar Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95060 United States +1 831 457 1677 |
Simplicity never looked more romantic than at this small, unassuming restaurant. White linen tables, fresh flowers, and comforting earth tones create a dining setting of complete calm. The kitchen mirrors this feel by hatching a seasonally changing menu full of organic vegetables and local farm products. The smoked salmon fettuccini and the Guinea hen with tarragon sauce rate very high. All the desserts and pastries are homemade. The wine list is superb, and is offered by both the glass and the bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classy steakhouse |
172 South Market Street (in the Fairmont Hotel) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 294 2244 http://www.thegrill.com/sanjos... |
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 Porterhouse, Filet Mignon, Prime Rib and New York Steak. Seafood specialties include the Cracked Dungeness Crab. 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Big ratings, big tastes |
238 Race Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95510 United States +1 408 998 2822 http://www.998cuba.com |
Since 1994 this restaurant with its Caribbean-influenced menu has been offering San Jose tongues a respite from the dining ordinary. Hispanic Magazine even went so far to crown it as one the 'Top 50 Spanish Restaurants in the Country.' The Bistec De Lomo (steak marinated in garlic) and the Peixada a Caicara (sautéed sea bass medallions and prawns) are two of the kitchen's more notable offerings. Be aware that most of the dishes do lean on the spicy side. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Classy Teppan restaurant |
1335 North First Street (at the corner of Gish Street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 453 8120 |
If you are the type who gets bored while waiting for your meal to be prepared, this is the perfect place to dine. Each table has a grill on it, and the chefs prepare the dishes directly in front of you. It is always great to watch them fling the food into your dishes with the accuracy of a diamond cutter. Great meat dishes are found here. Add plenty of sake to complement the food and great service for a great evening out. Highly recommended for its Teppan-yaki specialties, this is a classic, casual Japanese steakhouse popular with locals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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It's the cheese |
14510 Big Basin Way San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95070 United States +1 408 867 3332 http://www.lafondue.com |
The decor features celestial frescoes and fancifully shaped furniture (the chairs are more like velvet-covered thrones) in regal purples, rich golds, and midnight blue. A fine selection of 50 fondues, both entree and dessert, are prepared from premium ingredients at your table. The wait staff, which undergoes rigorous training in the art and science of fondue making, is personable and efficient. The diverse clientele includes Silicon Valley professionals, families with wide-eyed kids and college students. The wine list is a small but fine selection of California vintages with some imports for good measure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Original elegant French restaurant |
14467 Big Basin Way (at the corner of Saratoga Avenue) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95070 United States +1 408 867 5272 http://www.lameremichelle.com/ |
This elegant French restaurant was one of the first of its kind in the South Bay. Inside you will find soft blues, chandeliers, and original works of art adorning the walls. The owner is educated in the culinary arts of Europe, and the service is beyond impeccable. Everything is made to order including the Breast of Duckling Sauteed with Cherry Brandy. From the patio enjoy a great view of the street and passersby. It is a fine choice for private parties, and the wine list is extensive, containing many California reds, French Bordeaux wines and more than 20 Port varieties. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Reitman |
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An institution in SJ |
301 South First Street (at the corner of San Carlos Street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 292 7030 http://www.originaljoes.com |
One of the all time classic restaurants in San Jose, OJ's has been around since 1956. Huge, that is, HUGE portions of food are served here. The waiters are never far and the bartenders are truly one of a kind. It is the only restaurant in the area that is open until 1:30a. The ambiance is loud and the decor is nothing spectacular, but nevertheless, it is a great place to dine with the family or to gorge away a hangover on a Sunday afternoon. Go for the Veal Scallopine or an enormous steak sandwich. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ramon Colcer |
 Photo: Marina L |
 Photo: Edward Vincent |
 Photo: Dick Hollywood |
 Photo: Eric Blaska |
 Photo: William Morris |
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Fine Spanish food |
62 West Santa Clara Street (between Market and First streets) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 298 4400 |
After a fire took out the old location, this exquisite little Spanish eatery opened up on Santa Clara Street. Enjoy a fancy but relaxed environment with a decent selection of Tapas, both chilled and warm. Try the fried potatoes with the house's "special sauce." A signature dinner entree is the excellent Roast Lamb Shank with Potatoes and Oyster Mushrooms. It is a comfortable, semi-upscale place with fine traditional Spanish food and excellent service. The wine list is moderate and features Spanish vintages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hover above the Pacific |
Municipal Way 49-B (Santa Cruz Wharf) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95060 United States +1 831 458 9393 |
To describe this seafood place as merely possessing great ocean views would be a gross understatement. For it is located on the Santa Cruz Wharf providing diners with the type of oceanic views normally only reserved for hovering seagulls. Diners can peer down at barking seals, or scan Santa Cruz Beach while enjoying fresh Maine lobster, sautéed tiger shrimp or rack of lamb. The mood is beach casual; shorts and flip-flops are the norm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine Italian cuisine |
151 West Santa Clara Street (between Almaden and San Pedro streets) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 971 6096 http://www.spiedo.com |
This Italian restaurant has quickly developed a loyal following among local foodies.It is an elegant eatery that serves up stylish plates of homemade pasta, pizzas cooked on a rotisserie (really), and spectacular roasted dishes served up by a dynamite waitstaff. Go for the Roasted Rabbit with Vegetables and Pancetta or the Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary Sauce. The setting is a little upscale, but you can be casually dressed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Singapore in San Jose |
333 Santana Row Suite 1100 San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95128 United States +1 408 246 6320 http://www.straitsrestaurants.com |
Straits Cafe has a long tradition of excellent Singapore cuisine. Having developed a reputation with their restaurants in Palo Alto and San Francisco, Straits Cafe's latest offering in Santana Row is a further extension of this popular brand. The atmosphere is bustling with an attentive and efficient wait-staff. The ambiance with its authentic decor is like a trip to Singapore -but without the jet lag! Their many fish, beef and vegetable entrees provide a delectible mix and desserts like the Mango Mousse or Lava Cake are perfect conclusions to a wonderful meal. Live jazz Thursday nights beginning at 9. DJ Sounds Friday and Saturday nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: irrational cat |
 Historical smokehouse |
65 Post Street (between First and Market streets) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 885 9283 http://www.waves-smokehouse.com |
Set in a former 19th century brothel, this BBQ restaurant and saloon offers a great variety of smokehouse platters. You can go upstairs and eat dinner on the rooftop patio or, if you need to catch some television, you can chow down in the bar, which has 24 beers on tap and a load of single-malt scotches. The bar itself is more than 100 years old and the sleek mahogany decor makes for a great hangout. This place is highly recommended to carnivores and suds-heads. Try the Smoked Duck Salad served up by the personable and efficient wait staff. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A local favorite |
50 University Avenue San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95030 United States +1 408 354 4808 http://www.winecellarlosgatos.com |
Since 1966, this basement restaurant underneath the Old Town Shopping Center has been serving American and Italian dishes that border on ambitious. In addition to a wide scope of specialty pizza and pasta options, the kitchen also serves such daring creations as pork scaloppini and stuffed eggplant crepes. And since the day it opened it still serves cheese fondue, the house specialty. Parking hassles stand as the lone blemish. Review © 2007, Wcities |