San Jose promises to be a foodie’s paradise with its plethora of culturally diverse cuisines ranging from Mexican and Portuguese to Vietnamese, Filipino, and much more. Whether you’re yearning for mariscos or exploring exciting new pop-ups, this Bay Area location has something to satisfy any craving.
San Jose is a vibrant and culturally diverse city, boasting almost one million inhabitants. The east side of the city – affectionately referred to as ESSJ – is renowned for its Mexican restaurants, stands, and food trucks, while the city’s strip malls are celebrated for their sensational Vietnamese cuisine. Moreover, the pandemic has ushered in exciting new opportunities, with entrepreneurs introducing taquerias, food trucks, pop-ups, and exceptional pizza spots.
Regional Mexican, Pizza, Breakfast Sandwiches, Portuguese, and Vietnamese Cuisine
Mariscos El Charco, Mi Rinconcito Oaxaqueño and Tacos El Lider all offer fantastic regional Mexican food in east San Jose. Slice of Homage offers multi-styled pizza while Hash N Dash plays on fast food nostalgia with its breakfast sandwich pop-up. For more food and location-specific recommendations, the top Mexican, Filipino, and dim sum restaurant guides are the place to go. Maritime motifs and worn farming tools set the tone at Michelin-starred Portuguese restaurant InoVino, which serves a seven-course tasting menu ($229) of classic Portuguese flavors. Banh Cuon Tay Ho is another local favorite, offering steamed rice rolls with a variety of toppings (including vegetarian options). Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone in San Jose – and they accept credit cards.
Experience the Flavor of Somali Cuisine at Jubba and LeYou
Jubba has been providing Somali cuisine to San Jose residents since 2009 and has become a local favorite. Sample the triangular, meat-filled samosas ($3), or try the roasted goat cutlet ($18.99). At LeYou, diners can explore a more contemporary take on Ethiopian food with kitfo bites ($10.95), katana ($7.95), and an array of vegan options such as beets ($5.95) and sauteed zucchini ($8.95). You can find these restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks – offering beer, wine, soft drinks, and a full bar. Get ready to experience some truly unique cuisine in San Jose!
LeYou serves up dishes like kababs and stews, while Jubba features classic injera bread and wat (stews) that are sure to satisfy. Both restaurants offer a full bar, accept credit cards, and are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. The team behind them has crafted creative and delicious menus that bring the bright flavors of Ethiopia to the Bay Area. The succulent kababs, authentic stews, and fresh injera at Jubba and LeYou are a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Serving up breakfast, lunch, and early dinner daily, this lonchera offers only one kind of taco – a crackly plank of lechon roasted pig with a mustard-based tomato salsa for an unforgettable flavor experience. Credit cards are accepted and there are soft drinks available to enjoy. Discover the flavors of Jubba and LeYou today!
Thiên Long: Vietnamese Cuisine
Opened in 2006 by the Quan family, Thiên Long has become a beloved restaurant for many Vietnamese families living in San Jose. With its signature Chả cá lã vọng ($32.95) dish – a savory turmeric and dill fish feast complete with all the accompaniments to make summer rolls – and its unique bánh bột chiên trứng ($11.25) of crispy rice cakes encased in a fried egg sheet, it is no surprise that Thiên Long has become such a hit. Offering cash payment options, beer and wine, breakfast, lunch, and early dinner daily, and a phone number of 408-223-6188, Thiên Long is an example of the exceptional service and quality that the Quan family provides.
San Jose is a true haven for food enthusiasts, where variety, authenticity, and innovation meet firmly-held traditions. Its lively mix of Mexican, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Filipino, and Dim Sum restaurants ensures there’s always something new to discover – all within easy reach. From salads, colonial-style snacks, and savory seafood dishes, Foodies guaranteed won’t be left hungry, and best believe, with the technological faster payment methods such as credit cards, pocket busters need not worry about being cash-strapped. San Jose is ready to welcome its guests to show them the best it has to offer.
