If you’re a foodie attending the Nvidia conference this week, you’re in luck. San Jose, with its population of nearly a million, is home to such culinary centers as the Mexican-heritage East Side, Little Saigon, Japantown, Little Portugal, Little Italy and more.
And there are examples of all of these cuisines, and more, within walking distance of the convention center and downtown hotels — or a short ride-share away. (Note that many downtown restaurants are hosting full-buyout Nvidia events, so call first or just head to the next nearby restaurant.)
Here are spots to check out in the greater downtown:
SoFA MARKET: Many global cuisines are represented at this food hall (387 S. First St.) conveniently located near the San Jose Convention Center. You’ll find Desi Express, Vietnoms, 3 Hermanos Mexican Grill, Habana Cuba, Umi Handroll, Pizza Way, Salad Planet and the newest here, JapaCurry.
MEXICAN: Among the top full-service restaurants with cocktails in the downtown area are Angelou’s (78 S. First St.), Mezcal (25 W. San Fernando St.) and farther afield, Acopio (399 S. 24th St.).
But you can’t leave San Jose without trying the city’s signature Orange Sauce, a spicy condiment invented for burritos and tacos by the folks at La Victoria (140 E. San Carlos St.), not far from the convention center. Other favorite taquerias downtown include Iguanas (330 S. Third St.) and Super Taqueria (480 S. 10th St.).
VIETNAMESE: Just a few miles east of downtown is Little Saigon, with its wealth of restaurants. Try Pho Ha Noi for Shaking Beef, bowls of pho, vermicelli bowls (that’s where the nuoc cham, aka fish sauce, comes in). and Duc Huong (1020 Story Road) for banh mi.
But if you need to get your Vietnamese fix close to the conference rooms, head to Lee’s Sandwiches (88 E. San Carlos St.), Mommy’s Banh Mi (86 N. Market St.) or Dac Phuc (198 W. Santa Clara St.). For creative, upscale Vietnamese-French cuisine, there’s Elyse Restaurant (96 S. First St.).
JAPANTOWN: One of the nation’s very few surviving — and thriving — Japantowns is located here in San Jose, not far from downtown. This is a cultural and culinary center with restaurant options galore, from quick sushi lunches to full-service restaurants. When the late, legendary Anthony Bourdain visited this Japantown, he ate at Minato Restaurant (617 N. Sixth St.).
INDIAN/BENGALI: Silicon Valley is home to scores of restaurants with roots on the Indian subcontinent. In the downtown area, besides SoFA Market’s Desi Grill, check out the Eden Gardens restaurant (2 N. First Street), which specializes in Bengali cuisine, and Punjab Grill (322 E. Santa Clara St.), which offers curry, tandoori and vegan dishes. At the San Jose Downtown Food Hall (82 E. Santa Clara St.), a multi-concept kitchen, Masala, makes Indian-spiced pizza, chicken sandwiches and wings.
ITALIAN: The Italian restaurants closest to the Nvidia happenings, Il Fornaio and Original Joe’s, are likely to be packed, so head to Little Italy. This emerging restaurant district is located where early immigrants from Italy lived. Paesano Ristorante (350 W. Julian St.) and bar-and-barbecue Henry’s Hi-Life are free-standing businesses here. The Littlest Little Italy (320 W. St. John St.) is a food hall that comprises several concepts: Torino Panino, Bibo’s Pizza, Birre Pour Decisions, Ancora Vino and Salumi Bar. Find more Italian at Rollati, across from San Jose’s architecturally cool City Hall.
PORTUGUESE: The family behind a Michelin-noted restaurant in Little Portugal also operates a downtown restaurant, Petiscos (399 S. First St.), that specializes in Portuguese small plates. Think octopus, codfish, chourico. Their bakery, Pastelaria Adega (30 E. Santa Clara St.), makes pastel de nata. the traditional Portuguese egg tarts, and other goodies.
SAN PEDRO SQUARE and SAN PEDRO SQUARE MARKET: This massive restaurant and entertainment district (look for the archway at Santa Clara Street at San Pedro) boasts a global lineup of food — Nepalese dumplings, British bangers, American barbecue, Korean barbecue, Peruvian ceviche, Philly cheesesteaks, along with a lively array of cocktail, beer and tiki bars.
VEGETARIAN / VEGAN: Although many of the above restaurants offer vegetarian selections, two places specifically cater to non-meat-eaters. Good Karma (37 S. First St.) specializes in casual fare and craft beers. Vegetarian House Vegan (520 E. Santa Clara St.) offers a full menu of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and desserts.
