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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown San Jose

Dinner spots

You prefer to make your evening meal an intentional experience rather than a quick bite.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 1
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 2
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 3
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Pizza restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a cozy, lively atmosphere with casual, welcoming energy. Vibrant red pizza boxes feature interactive designs that add a playful touch. The place stands out for its unique Indian-flavored thin crust pizzas and family-owned, small business vibe.

Flavors come through as authentic and rich, capturing the essence of real Indian cuisine. The food consistently impresses with its incredible taste and quality.

Dinner here offers quick pickup and satisfies hunger late at night. The food is consistently great, making it a solid choice for regular after-work meals.

People are saying

"I found the unique Indian flavors here to be a delicious fusion."

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

"The pizzas here are delicious, especially the paneer tikka."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays offer 50% off on all orders.

2

Mazala Pizza is pick-up only with no seating available.

3

The restaurant is open until 3:30 AM for late-night cravings.

02
Angkor Chef image 1
Cambodian restaurant

Small, modern Cambodian restaurant offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with clean lines and stylish decor. The space feels relaxed and inviting, allowing easy conversation without crowding. It stands out for its unique Cambodian flavors presented in a fresh, contemporary setting.

Food here is authentic Cambodian with a balanced flavor profile that comes out quickly. Dishes are consistently delicious and creative, offering a fun and comforting experience.

Dinner here offers a chance to try something different with a menu that draws interest from visitors. The spot serves well during happy hour and stays lively through dinner, attracting people from various places.

People are saying

"The Cambodian food here is delicious and authentic."

"The vegetarian curry with tofu was excellent."

"The dinner spots here have amazing food, service, and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially on weekends.

2

A major public parking garage is right across the street for easy access.

3

The metro system runs down First Street, making it convenient to reach.

03
Sumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small dining area with bright anime-themed decor creates a cozy and hip atmosphere near a college campus. Music plays lively tracks, adding to the fun and comfortable vibe. The space fills with families and students, making it casual and energetic.

Food comes out fast and is very fresh. Dishes taste delicious and maintain excellent quality.

Good spot for dinner near campus with options for lunch too. Families find it suitable for a wonderful dinner.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh sushi."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the fiesta and ladybug rolls at these dinner spots."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located right across the street from San Jose State University.

2

The prices at Sumi Sushi are reasonable, especially for salmon sushi.

3

The restroom needs more frequent cleaning due to its small capacity.

04
Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant image 1

Space resembles a brick warehouse filled with vintage mechanical music machines like self-playing pianos and orchestrions. Atmosphere feels historical and nostalgic, with lively music that creates a magical ambiance. Patrons come mostly on weekends to enjoy the unique old-world charm alongside Italian dining.

Offers a unique dining experience with self-playing instruments and old-time charm. Serves European food that is organically sourced and delivers fantastic value.

Offers a wonderful dinner experience with reasonable prices on weekends. Serves well as a pre-show dinner spot.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is full of character and vintage details."

"The vintage music machines create a truly unique atmosphere."

"The dinner spots here have this amazing vintage vibe with player pianos."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating on weekends.

2

The restaurant is only open for dinner from 5:30 to 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Orders must be placed by 7:40 pm during operating hours.

05
Elyse Restaurant image 1
French restaurant

Spacious dining room with high ceilings and a modern vibe creates a relaxing, intimate atmosphere. Decor blends French and Vietnamese motifs in an elegant yet unassuming setting. The space feels more like a casual cafe than formal fine dining, with tables spaced for comfortable conversation.

Food here is excellent and well-presented, with a focus on Vietnamese cuisine that steps up expectations. The dining room feels spacious and relaxing, letting you enjoy the friendly service without pressure.

Dinners here feature very good dishes suitable for both celebrations and business gatherings. The menu supports groups up to five with consistent quality.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese-French fusion here makes for perfect Date Spots."

"The food here is delicious, especially the brussel sprouts."

"The dinner spots here are flavorful and well-presented."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across the street for $16 flat.

2

The restaurant has rooms for corporate events and weddings.

3

Guests can bring their own wine due to a temporary lack of liquor license.

06
Poor House Bistro image 1
Cajun restaurant

Old Victorian house hosts a cozy shaded outdoor patio with live blues music and a friendly, lively atmosphere. Small dance area and ample outdoor seating invite casual gatherings. Popular spot for quick pre-event dinners near SAP Center.

Food here is consistently delicious and satisfying with a quick, easy option before events. The dishes come across as excellent and full of flavor.

Live band plays on Friday nights, adding to the fun atmosphere. Offers a quick pre-event dinner option near SAP Center with easygoing vibes for lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"The live music here is a great bonus with amazing players."

"The jambalaya here is bold, spicy, and outstanding."

"I found the food here to be excellent and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait during busy hours, especially on event nights.

2

Parking is limited, especially when events are happening nearby.

3

The venue hosts live music from Wednesday to the weekend.

07
Eos & Nyx image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-story space with lush greenery and a liquor carousel creates a luxurious, dramatic setting. Loud music and lively energy fill the room, especially during busy hours. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and unique features like an elevator bar add visual interest.

Exceptional food shines during brunch and other meals, paired with fantastic service and drinks. The overall dining experience includes outstanding ambience and decor.

Offers a higher-end dinner experience that feels relaxed, suitable for romantic dinners and group gatherings alike. Works well for special occasions or casual nights out with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is creative and unique, with perfectly cooked dishes."

"The service here makes for an amazing date night."

"The food and service at these dinner spots were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

A $5 cake fee applies for each person if you bring your own cake.

3

Brunch costs around $50 per person, including food and drinks.

08
Littlest Little Italy image 1

Restaurant offers spacious layout with separate bar, wine, and outdoor seating areas. Atmosphere feels casual and cozy, suitable for dates and gatherings, with a neighborhood-style vibe. Arcade games add a family-friendly touch to the experience.

Thin sliced beef with peppers and sauce stands out as a delicious dish. Quick, Italian food comes in a chill atmosphere with great flavor.

Offers a casual dinner atmosphere suitable for friends, families, or dates. Serves as a family-friendly event venue with a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"The casual Italian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The Italian food here is fabulous and authentic."

"The pizzas here are delicious, especially the truffle."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during events at the Shark Tank.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

They stop serving sandwiches at 6 pm, so plan accordingly.

09
Campus Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Uniquely shaped glass building hosts a narrow, crowded space with an open kitchen that adds a fresh, clean vibe. Outdoor picnic tables provide seating in a laid-back atmosphere despite nearby loitering. Burgers offer affordable prices and a nostalgic, satisfying experience.

Food arrives seconds after ordering with quality five times better than typical fast food. Prices compete with or beat cheap fast food chains while offering great taste and exceptional service.

Affordable burger dinners come with a sit-down experience at a high counter. The spot works well for lunch, dinner, or a late bite with consistent good taste.

People are saying

"I found the burgers to be a great value."

"The food here is delicious and tasted awesome."

"The burgers here are juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right."

Good to know

1

Campus Burgers does not accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

2

The burgers cost $2 each, making it an affordable option.

3

Campus Burgers is primarily a takeout place with limited outdoor seating.

10
Scratch Cookery image 1
Chicken shop

Small chicken shop with limited indoor seating on hard stools and a few outdoor tables. Atmosphere varies from quiet and cozy to loud and hot inside, with outdoor seating preferred when weather allows. Known for high-quality chicken sandwiches and a clean open kitchen visible from the dining area.

Food features freshly made dishes with powerful flavors and careful creativity. Options include spicy items and a vegetarian sandwich, all cooked perfectly and made fresh to order.

Dinner options include a large sandwich that may be too big for a typical meal. This item might not suit those looking for a lighter dinner choice.

People are saying

"This Nashville hot chicken sandwich is seriously flavorful and crunchy."

"I had the best chicken food I ever had."

"The chicken tender at level 5 spice is a real test."

Good to know

1

Scratch Cookery has only 12 seats inside, so expect limited seating.

2

Parking costs $10 at the public lot in front of the restaurant.

3

There is free parking available on the opposite street on third.

11
The Pasta Market image 1
Italian restaurant

Large space with festive theming and Instagram-worthy decor creates a warm, quiet atmosphere for friends and family. Food serves in generous portions with affordable prices and a mix of authentic and fast-food style service. Locally owned vibe blends casual dining with unique presentation like sandwiches on cutting boards.

Food comes out hot and delicious with a focus on traditional Italian cuisine. Prices stay reasonable while delivering great quality for a counter order setting.

Dinner requires paying and tipping in advance, similar to Subway. It suits a quick dinner and offers options like holiday meal pickups.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was really good."

"Their house-made bread with cheese spread is legendary."

"The food here is hot, delicious, and wonderful."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $22 for a sandwich with tip and tax.

2

Kids are welcome, making it a family-friendly dining spot.

3

The restaurant has been locally owned since the 1980s.

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Downtown San Jose, San Jose

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