Best Historic Restaurants in San Jose

Delicious food, fantastic drinks and great service! All the best tucked away in downtown.

Can always depend on a great meal and service at Il Fornaio - San Jose!

We enjoyed our dinner at Oak Cochina very much, a group of four of us had the guacamole and chips, pitcher of margaritas, and entrees, including chicken enchiladas. the stuffed chili rellenos, and tacos plate. The restaurant has a happening, festive, upbeat atmosphere which contributed to the good time, though was noisy, which could make conversation a bit challenging. It was a busy, night and service was a bit slow. My only real criticisms were that the menu is somewhat limited, and some items I thought were expensive (House made chips and guacamole $14.95., though admittedly, no one forced us to order this). The food was quite good, the service was friendly and professional, the margaritas were great, had a good time was held by all! 

A unique San Jose gem. It’s located in what was previously a car repair shop. Inside you’ll find an eclectic collection of player pianos and jukeboxes which randomly play. You order at the counter. Menu is Italian and European influenced. We sampled gnocchi and scampi, both prepared with a light hand, cooked perfectly. The gnocchi was delicious. Tried the shrimp puttanesca that had a fresh tomato sauce with shrimp, olives, potatoes and artichokes. Their house petit sirah accompanied nicely. The atmosphere here is casual and fun. They have a soda fountain with milkshakes and other fountain favorites. They’re only open on Friday and Saturday. So make your reservations for some tasty food in a fun ambiance.

The place has a nice ascetic, the food and drinks are pretty good. The price for the drinks are a bit high but, still good. After 8:30pm only 21 and up can enter and becomes a bar with a dance floor. DJ is alright. Overall a fun experience