Restaurants near San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

The food is excellent. Everything was well prepared. Service was excellent. One thing to note, the side dishes are enormous. You should either order a half or be prepared to split it with one or two other people. Another thing, if you order a glass of wine instead of a bottle have them bring it immediately. It is quite cold and it takes a while for a red to warm up to the point where it can be fully appreciated. The rack of lamb has 7 ribs. Be prepared to split it or take some home. Doggie bags were quite common. Another neat trick, their prepared drinks come with dry ice on the glass. It keeps the liquid cool but it does not dilute the flavor as it melts. One last thing. Be prepared for an expensive experience. Two of us with drinks, 2 glasses of wine, 2 half appetizers, 3 half sides and 2 main courses ended up with a bill over $550 including tip. Worth it for special occasions but a lot for any kind of regular thing.

The food was fantastic and the service was really perfect

We went for Valentine’s lunch. The lunch menu, though lean, was more than adequate in choices. There was a branzino special that was fantastic. The Caesar salad and garlic bread appetizers are a must and the portions of the appetizers are enough to share between 3-4 people. The also have a “mercato”, a small shop that has panettone, sweets, oil, condiments and wine, all imported from Italy. I will definitely go back to try their dinner menu. The staff is great and service is excellent.

This place is so aesthetic with mood lighting, high ceiling, and a buzzing atmosphere. Service from Makaela was top notch fantastic on Galentine’s (2/13)! We need more people like her. Cocktails were good. I got the Crimson & Clover (refreshing) and my friend got the spicy Tree of Life. Food was plated beautifully and the only complaint was saltiness for the pasta, pork chop, and mushrooms. We let them know. Flavors were delicious aside from that. They serve complimentary amouse bouche (savory cone with steak tartare & caviar that day), a palate cleanser to sip on (chilled honey citrus liquid), and even mini waffle bowls filled with chocolate ganache. So many nice surprises! We ended the night with sweet, hot n freshly fried loukomades beignets with honey, nuts, and angelaise cream hand poured table side. Excellent experience!

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.