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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central San Jose

Date spots

A table for two that feels intimate and intentional rather than just another crowded reservation.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Cheff Che Cafe & Bar image 1
Cheff Che Cafe & Bar image 2
Cheff Che Cafe & Bar image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating offers a dim-lit, cozy atmosphere that suits relaxing conversations. Full bar with fun mimosas complements a menu featuring LATAM-focused breakfast and lunch dishes.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with delicious breakfast options and a family owned dining experience. The food consistently impresses with great taste and excellent service.

Great for couples, the spot offers a steak sandwich praised for its flavor. Sharing plates is common, making it easy to try different dishes together.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the enchiladas de mole, was so tasty."

"I found the breakfast here to be the best in town."

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant has ample parking available in the front and back.

3

They do not currently serve alcohol but are working on renewing their license.

02
Aina's Vegan Banh Mi image 1
Asian restaurant

Spacious seating blends with a cozy, laid-back vibe highlighted by fresh herbal aromas. A coffee shop atmosphere invites relaxed hangouts with comfortable couches and tables. The spot stands out for its vegan banh mi sandwiches and an attached vegan donut and smoothie bar.

Food here is 100% vegan and impressively delicious. Staff show strong knowledge of ingredients and preparation to avoid cross-contamination, making it a safe choice for those with food allergies.

Friendly hosts invite easy conversation, making it a relaxed spot for couples. Drinks come with thick smoothies piled high with boba, adding a fun twist to the experience.

People are saying

"The vegetarian banh mi here is so delicious and reasonably priced."

"This food, the breakfast Banh Mi, is unforgettable."

"The vegan banh mi here is so memorable, it's a perfect date spot."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 3:30 pm.

2

They have a small shared parking lot in the back, but street parking is also available.

3

All menu items are vegan, offering a variety of options.

03
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent creates a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music fills the space, often loud enough to dominate conversations. The atmosphere buzzes with energetic, lively spirit centered on authentic Mexican seafood.

Mexican food stands out with fantastic flavors and amazing quality. The dishes consistently deliver delicious tastes paired with great service.

Offers a romantic atmosphere with options like flowers, photos, and serenades at tables. Guests can get a framed souvenir photo for an extra fee to remember the night.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and authentically Mexican."

Good to know

1

Arrive before noon on sunny days to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect over 30 minutes wait to be seated on weekends.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the area.

04
Ramen Takumi image 1
Ramen restaurant

Simple, clean Japanese design creates a cozy, authentic setting with a spacious dining area. The atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, even with loud music nearby. Friendly, welcoming environment complements phenomenal ramen and fresh dishes.

Food arrives really fast with fresh ingredients and great ramen options. The meals are consistently delicious and efficient.

A super chill and cozy vibe makes it easy to relax on a date. The menu features Signature Takumi Shrimp Tempura and Signature Spicy Toripaitan ramen, offering flavorful options to share.

People are saying

"The ramen broth and pork belly here are so tasty."

"The food here is seasoned well and delicious."

"The ramen broths here are rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

They offer 50% off all ramen for two more days.

2

Parking is limited and can be hard to find.

3

The portion size is good, with plenty of noodles.

05
Shabu Time image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers a cozy space with a bustling, energetic vibe and loud music that can make conversation difficult. The spot often feels crowded with big parties, and visitors should expect wait times and parking challenges. The experience centers on cooking finely sliced meats and flavorful broths at the table, creating an interactive meal.

Food features good quality and great taste at a decent price. The dishes consistently impress and invite repeat visits.

Open late until 10pm, this spot suits couples with tight schedules. The menu features Kobe beef and spicy miso, making it a solid choice for a relaxed date night or hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"The Kobe Beef here is delicious and the service is attentive."

"The food here tasted great and was very fresh."

"The food here is delicious, making it a great spot for dates."

Good to know

1

There was a wait because Shabu Time is a popular spot.

2

Parking can be hard to find, but there are options nearby.

3

Calling ahead to the waitlist is highly recommended to avoid long waits.

06
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio creates a casual, breezy atmosphere with a welcoming, family-like vibe. Indoor space feels small and sparse, while the quiet street adds to the calm setting. The place offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food in a clean environment.

Mexican food here is authentic and consistently delicious. The dishes are very tasty and often ordered to go.

Tacos with pollo and fish stand out, and the shrimp burrito gets approval. Some picky eaters, including one from Colombia, may not find the food appealing.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The food here is amazing, especially the carne asada."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Ordering and paying happens before sitting down; no reservations needed.

2

The restaurant offers all-day breakfast options.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

07
Minato Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with old-school charm and family-run vibe creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Seating is limited and booths show wear, but the place feels nostalgic and friendly. Regulars appreciate the busy, cluttered yet comfortable setting.

Food here stands out for its freshness and consistency. Every dish shows clear attention to quality and care.

Minato roll with extra lemon stands out as a shared favorite. Combos like Sashimi and NY steaks or tempura and NY steaks offer variety that suits different tastes on a date.

People are saying

"This Japanese food offers a comforting taste of home-style cooking."

"This is the most authentic Japanese food I've ever had."

"The sashimi here is fresh and tasty for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough, but there is easy and plentiful street parking available.

2

Many lunch sets are priced between $14 and $17, which is affordable.

3

Expect almost no wait time during lunch hours.

08
Kumako Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, intimate space with an open galley kitchen creates a cozy, rustic vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and chill despite occasional crowd noise and a noticeable TV. Busy weekends bring a lively energy to this compact ramen bar.

Food here is consistently amazing with a focus on flavorful ramen. The spicy tan tan ramen offers a mild heat and rich taste, and all dishes maintain high quality.

Friendly owner answers questions with ease, creating a welcoming vibe. Many choose this spot for its great atmosphere and casual setting, making it a solid choice for a date night.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so creamy and rich."

"The food here is delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The ramen here is amazing, perfect for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult to find at Kumako Ramen.

2

Parking is paid unless it's Sunday.

3

The restaurant is small and cannot accommodate groups larger than four unless it's a slow day.

09
Gombei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, simple space with cozy, homestyle ambiance and outdated decor creates an authentic Japanese feel. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, often crowded inside with additional outdoor seating. Food serves as comfort Japanese cuisine with generous portions at reasonable prices.

Authentic Japanese food comes out fast and tastes delicious. Prices stay great while service stays very attentive, making it a solid spot for comfort food and basic Japanese cuisine.

Tables outside offer a relaxed setting for couples. Seafood platter and teriyaki chicken with shrimp are popular choices enjoyed together.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is quick, affordable, and delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"The food here is comforting and delicious, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait starting at 12:45pm on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment convenient.

10
Okayama Sushi #1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant features a belt-driven sushi bar and quirky decor with comic and superhero-themed figurines. Atmosphere is cozy and vibrant, suitable for family meals or date nights. Space is compact with many tables packed closely together.

Food stays fresh and maintains consistent quality every time. Presentation looks great, even for takeout, making the meals visually pleasing.

Relaxing atmosphere suits sushi dates well. It works for both spontaneous nights and casual meals after the gym.

People are saying

"The bento boxes here are well-made and satisfying."

"This sushi spot is perfect for a relaxing date night."

"The food here is delicious, especially the perfectly cooked saba."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has free parking available in the back lot.

2

Lunch specials are offered until 4 PM, with prices ranging from $16.99 to $19.99.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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