Explore South Bay’s diverse cuisine with restaurants around San Jose such as Ethiopian, Jamaican, Somali, and Southern flavors, all driven by Black heritage. Mary Celestin offers an illustrated guide to supporting the Black community with recommendations of her favorite local black-owned restaurants. From Back A Yard Caribbean Grill’s jerk chicken platter to Jubba Somali’s memorable dining experience, indulge in the flavor and soul of these establishments.
Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants in San Jose
We are proud to introduce Mary Celestin, a San Jose native and local community organizer who is making waves with her now viral illustrated guide that offers ways locals and visitors can support the Black community. Mary recommends her favorite Black-owned restaurants, including Back A Yard Caribbean Grill with its delectable jerk chicken platter, Jamaican patties, salad “yard” bowls, and pies. Customers can even purchase their famous sauces to go!
Authentic Homestyle Dishes at Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant and Jackie’s Place in Japantown, Plus Jubba Somali for a Memorable Dining Experience
Experience something truly unique and delightful with San Jose’s Ethiopian cuisine at Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant in Willow Glen. This family-owned restaurant offers authentic, homestyle dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. For a Bay Area classic, check out Jackie’s Place in Downtown Japantown and indulge in the soulful flavors of Jackie Johnson’s fried chicken and catfish, shrimp, and grits, black-eyed peas, and hush puppies. And last but not least, don’t miss Jubba Somali for a truly memorable dining experience.
Ethiopian Restaurants in Almaden Valley
• LeYou Ethiopian: Located downtown, LeYou provides a contemporary spin on classic Ethiopian dishes. Customers can enjoy entrée dishes with traditional options such as sega kitfo (steak tartare) or K’eywot (red beef stew) and ahi tuna and tofu variations.
• Lunch Box: For those looking for an easy and convenient family Ethiopian restaurant experience, Lunch Box in West San Jose offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere with homestyle meals.
• Mudai Restaurant: Mudai Restaurant offers another great option for Somalin food in Almaden Valley. Popular dishes include the roasted goat cutlet, jumbo steak platter, and the sambusas!
Tucked away in the residential neighborhood of Almaden Valley, is a local gem that specializes in Somalin dishes. Popular dishes include the roasted goat cutlet, jumbo steak platter, and the sambusas! LeYou Ethiopian, located downtown, offers a contemporary spin on classic Ethiopian dishes. Customers can enjoy entrée dishes with traditional options such as sega kitfo (steak tartare) or K’eywot (red beef stew) and ahi tuna and tofu variations. For those looking for an easy and convenient family Ethiopian restaurant experience, Lunch Box in West San Jose offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere with homestyle meals. Finally, Mudai Restaurant offers another great option for Somalin food in Almaden Valley.
Try the Zuckerberg Combo!
Experience the best of Ethiopian cuisine at Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant in West San Jose. Traditional individual and shareable plates are made with exotic spices, offering something for everyone to enjoy – from meat-eaters to vegans. Popular dishes include lamb tibs, gomen, doro wot, injera flatbread, and Ethiopian beer. With its high ratings and Silicon Valley tech leaders known to frequent, this hot spot has something for everyone! Try the Zuckerberg Combo and you won’t be disappointed.
Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
Downtown is home to Nirvana Soul, a popular destination among locals for treating their out-of-town guests. With both Western and traditional Ethiopian dining rooms equipped with low stools and tables, the authentic flavors of the dishes presented at Nirvana Soul are sure to impress. Guests can customize their meals or share and interact with the cuisine. Highly recommended by many are the Kitfo (ground beef sautéed in butter and spices), Tibs (cubed meat made with sautéed onions and jalapeno peppers), and Kik Alicha (yellow split pea stew). Diners are sure to experience a unique culinary journey.
Enjoy the Best of San Jose at Jeronica and Be’Anka’s Coffee Shop in the SoFA District
San Jose natives and sisters Jeronica Macey and Be’Anka Ashaolu have achieved their dream of creating a coffee shop in the SoFA District. Their love of coffee was inherited through their grandmother, and they take pride in providing a space that fills souls and brings joy to their customers. The Celebration Latte is a great way to explore their menu and get a taste of this dream. And don’t forget to check out Jon Jon’s BBQ – it may not be a full-on brick-and-mortar location, but they still serve up some delicious flavors! Explore San Jose like a local and enjoy the best the city has to offer.
Enjoy Delicious Food and Service at Jon’s Jon’s
For over two decades, Jon’s Jon’s has been a family-run business that proudly serves up good food and service right in the heart of downtown. Their unique walk-up trailer offers an unforgettable experience of watching your order grilled right outside while you can enjoy the deliciousness of their classic combo platter. This beloved eatery continues to be a local favorite for all who visit.
Mary Celestin has become a local icon for her now-viral guide to supporting the Black community in San Jose. As she recognizes, there are many great restaurants around the city featuring African-American or African cuisine—Back A Yard Caribbean Grill, Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant, Jackie’s Place, Jubba Somali, LeYou Ethiopian, Lunch Box, and Mudai Restaurant—all offering unique, top-tier traditional dishes along with modern-day twists on classics or convenient meal options for families of all sizes. So whether you’re visiting from out of town, or locally, be sure to support these fantastic San Jose establishments and help the Black community stay vibrant and lively!
