Today, Eater returns to San Jose, California to focus on 12 new bars and restaurants that have been garnering some serious buzz. Once again, Eater has asked San Jose local Jeffrey Cianci to name the hottest openings of the past 12 months. The South First Area (SOFA) is repping hard on the list, with two venues from the new SOFA Market, a food hall, and a stylish new bar (the Fountainhead, On the Flip Side, the Continental Bar). Just beyond San Jose’s borders is a star bread operation in Los Gatos (ManresaBread), a new restaurant from a prominent local chef in Campbell (Orchard City Kitchen), and a new Indian destination in Santa Clara (Sagar Vegstaurant). Here now, and in alphabetical order, the Eater Heatmap to San Jose.
The Hottest Restaurants in San Jose Right Now, May 2015
12 new places to check out in the San Jose area.
The Hottest Restaurants in San Jose Right Now, May 2015
12 new places to check out in the San Jose area.
Today, Eater returns to San Jose, California to focus on 12 new bars and restaurants that have been garnering some serious buzz. Once again, Eater has asked San Jose local Jeffrey Cianci to name the hottest openings of the past 12 months. The South First Area (SOFA) is repping hard on the list, with two venues from the new SOFA Market, a food hall, and a stylish new bar (the Fountainhead, On the Flip Side, the Continental Bar). Just beyond San Jose’s borders is a star bread operation in Los Gatos (ManresaBread), a new restaurant from a prominent local chef in Campbell (Orchard City Kitchen), and a new Indian destination in Santa Clara (Sagar Vegstaurant). Here now, and in alphabetical order, the Eater Heatmap to San Jose.
AFK Gamer Lounge
Leave it to Silicon Valley to reinvent the idea of a gaming lounge. AFK replaces your idea of a bland computer cafe with its massive computer gaming venue. A full bar serves craft cocktails and beers, and the kitchen offers a menu of pub bites, burgers, and pizzas. [Photo]
The Continental Bar Lounge Patio
The newly opened Continental Lounge and Patio fits in well with the SOFA district’s artistic vibe. Located in a historic 1917 brick building, the Continental serves craft cocktails and specialty beers alongside guest DJs and live performances. [Photo]
Kaizen Japanese Bar & Grill
This wildly popular new Japanese restaurant features a modern and upscale decor with a focus on high-quality sushi and artfully plated sashimi. If you arrive early enough, you may be one of the few lucky customers to snag an order of prized uni, presented in the shell of a sea urchin at the restaurant’s large, round sushi bar. [Photo]
ManresaBread
Located just across a small parking lot from the highly acclaimed Manresa, ManresaBread serves finely crafted artisanal breads and pastries made by head pastry chef Avery Ruzicka. Weekly staples such as Manresa Levain, Olive Boule, and Brioche Loaf are among the same bread included in service at the acclaimed, tasting-menu only restaurant. Learn more about how the menu came together here. [· Photo]
The Noodle Dude
Newly opened Noodle Dude does one thing really well — noodles. The menu is simple enough: pick between rice, ramen, or yam, spinach, and green tea noodles; chose up to three toppings (chicken, filet mignon, brisket, egg, mushroom, and veggies); and broth, from Mongolian, tonkotsu, miso, or veggie. Fast and casual, even the pickiest eater will find something to their liking. [Photo]
On The Flip Side
A fresh addition to the SOFA Market, On The Flip Side is a solid visit for any burger fan. On The Flip Side prepares its burgers with local, grass-fed beef and takes on some creative toppings, such as the Surf n Turf with sauted shrimp. [Photo]
Orchard City Kitchen
While executive chef at Cupertino’s Alexander’s Steakhouse, Jeffrey Stout earned a Michelin star for several years running. His newest venture, Orchard City Kitchen, does away with the pretentious aspects of fine dining and instead showcases Stout’s talent with a menu of shareable small plates. OCK features a full bar of craft cocktails and a popular weekend brunch. [Photo]
- The Pruneyard Shopping Center, 1875 South Bascom Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008, USA
- (408) 340-5285
- Visit Website
Sagar Vegstaurant
A fresh addition to the South Bay’s already vibrant Indian restaurant culture, Sagar Vegstaurant features an all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffet serving an array of Indian vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is very new, but the early word is bullish on the puris and rotis. [Photo]
Stumpy's Burger, Fries & Dogs
From executive chef Jim Stump of the Table and Los Gatos Brewing Company, Stumpy’s is a no-fuss burger and hot dog joint serving both classic fare as well as modern spins like the banh mi hot dog. Complete the old fashioned feel with a Strauss Creamery root beer float. [Photo]
The Fountainhead
Another hot property in the new SOFA Market, the Fountainhead Bar takes its name from the 1943 novel by Ayn Rand about a young architect. Perhaps unsurprisingly, owner Thang Do is an architect by practice. The bar features a seasonal cocktail menu with architectural influence, like the “Post Modern,” made with Hendrick’s gin, lime, Seven Trees tonic water, blueberries, and an edible flower garnish. [Photo]
Verge
Verge is a revamp of Three Degrees restaurant at the Toll House Hotel in downtown Los Gatos. The locally sourced menu prepared by executive chef Albert Nguyen-Phuoc is California-fusion with an emphasis on artful plating and modern cooking techniques. A swanky lounge and bar area features a menu of craft cocktails, including the popular Bacon Bourbon Manhattan. [Photo]
Willard Hicks
From the owners of the successful Opa! local Greek restaurant empire, Willard Hicks is a modern take on the classic American steakhouse. Of course the menu includes standard fare like chops and steaks, but keep an eye out for unexpected dishes, such as the poblano cornbread prepared in a cast-iron skillet and seared ahi street tacos. [Photo]
