Good Grub: Silicon Valley

Good Grub: Silicon Valley

Where to eat in the greater Silicon Valley. It’s totally underrated (I get it, the whole Bay Area is a foodies paradise). Here are a few suggestions if you find yourself in the south bay.
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Upscale Eats

Great for a nice lunch or dinner. Spots that you might consider making a reservation for (if you can).  Creative menus, good vibes, somewhat reasonable prices.

LUNA Mexican Kitchen - The Alameda
@amyposey
An upscale Mexican option in SJ and Campbell, Luna is Michelin recognized and has fresh ingredients in a cozy location. A must-visit. Highly recommend going for lunch on the patio and my favorite vegetarian item is the Buddha Bowl--a combination of fresh grilled veg with quinoa and green salsa.
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LeYou Ethiopian
@amyposey
Recently recognized by Michelin, Le You is an upscale and delicious Ethiopian restaurant in an unassuming strip mall north of downtown SJ. The vegetarian menu is huge and the foods are fresh and flavorful. Unfamiliar with Ethiopian, let them know your preferences and they'll set you up with a great combo.
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Din Tai Fung
@amyposey
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The Table
@amyposey
Upscale spot in Willow Glen--classics and innovative food.
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Orchard City Kitchen
@amyposey
Fantastic menus that change seasonally, OCK is a great spot for an innovative and tasty dinner or lunch. Popular with the work crowd, it's worth making reservations. Clever food and drink with outdoor seating.
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Local Favorites

Lots of my favorite places are fast casual--the South Bay does it well. Sometimes there's a line, that's how you know it's good.

Gott's Roadside
@amyposey
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Manresa Bread
@amyposey
Ok, ok, I know this isn't just a cafe, you can get some amazing food at Manresa--but they serve Verve and I'm here for it. Grab a loaf of bread, a pastry, and a great coffee and thank me later. There's another outpost in Los Altos if you find yourself up there.
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Ramen Nagi
@amyposey
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Dishdash
@amyposey
A South Bay favorite for mediterranean food. There are multiple fast-casual outlets as well as a fancier sit-down spot in Sunnyvale. Don't sleep on the sauces or fresh pressed juices. This place is always packed and for good reason.
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Back A Yard Caribbean Grill
@amyposey
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Oren's Hummus
@amyposey
With locations in Mountain View and Cupertino, Oren's serves up a variety of delicious hummus and fluffy pitas. Great for meat lovers and vegetarians, Oren's is a staple in the Bay.
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Pizza Bocca Lupo
@amyposey
I'm lucky enough to have a Naples-certified spot near my house in CA and it's great. Solid pizzas, oven fired, and quality dough. Good outdoor spot to grab a pizza.
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La Victoria Taqueria
@amyposey
A San Jose institution for breakfast burritos. To me, the best orange sauce in town as well, creamy, medium spice, and a lingering burn that balances out the well-stuffed burrito. Buy a bottle of orange for home.
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Serious Dumpling
@amyposey
Downtown SJ dumpling spot.
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Udon Mugizo
@amyposey
It's the absolutely best place for authentic udon in the South Bay. There are outposts in Mountain View and San Jose.
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Hinodeya San Jose
@amyposey
Great ramen with veg options in downtown SJ.
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The Spots I Should Keep Secret

IYKYK. Why am I telling you about these places?? I really shouldn't. But here we are.

Omogari
@amyposey
A homey and local Korean restaurant in SJ Japantown.
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Slice of Homage Pizza
@amyposey
Detroit vs Everybody is one of the best slices I've ever eaten. And I've had A LOT of pizza. I shouldn't tell you about this place, but I will.
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Uncle John's Pancake House
@amyposey
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Fox Tale Fermentation Project
@amyposey
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Bertucelli's La Villa Gourmet
@amyposey
Get the ravioli.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
California-based traveler focused on short attention span travel. My guides provide info on how to make the most of a short trip and find the best eats (usually healthy/veg!) in town. I've spent the last 22 years traveling, living, and working overseas and love experiencing the very best a place has to offer even if I don't have a lot of time. My guides focus on 2-4 day trips in a place. I tend to get out into nature🌲, check out great restaurants 🍽️, and find great coffee ☕️. 📍Currently: San Jose, CA 🇵🇹 Soon: Albufeira, Portugal 🌎 visited 80+ countries 🏃🏼‍♀️ fast break expert 🏔 mountaineer & paragliding enthusiast 🌱 plant forward + foodie ☕️ coffee lover ✈️ married to an airline pilot, so I live that #nonrev life ____________________________ Shop my guides to suss the best things to do with not a lot of time. There's a sample guide or two available for FREE! so check it out. New!: Cartagena and Medellin Colombia Coming soon!: Algarve, Portugal, Global Pizza Quest, San Jose Burrito Throwdown
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