Location: Santa Clara
Top Restaurants in Santa Clara
Top Things to do in Santa Clara
Countries
Where to Eat in Santa Clara: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Santa Clara (/ˌsæntəˈklærə/) is a city in Santa Clara County, California. The city's population was 116,468 at the 2010 United States Census, making it the ninth-most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located 45 miles (72 km) southeast of San Francisco, the city was founded in 1777 with the establishment of Mission Santa Clara de Asís, the eighth of 21 California missions. The city was later incorporated in 1852. The mission, the city, and the county are all named for Saint Clare of Assisi.
Things to do in Santa Clara
1. The Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 445 reviews
Our second restaurant, opened in 1979 in the heart of the Silicon Valley, has been as popular with local residents as it has with the business crowd. A comfortable and spacious cocktail bar adds to the energetic atmosphere of this casual dining restaurant. Be sure to arrive early for the counter seats at the oyster bar, as they fill up quickly.
Reviewed By Larry L
The Fish Market is one busy and lively spot. Staying nearby, I stopped in on a Saturday evening. There would have been quite a wait for a table, but I was seated immediately at the counter, where the menu was the same, and the service excellent. I had a big bowl of clam chowder, and then an abundant portion of the recommended steamed clams, both excellent. People around me were smiling big time over their various dishes: paella, pasta with seafood, grilled mahi-mahi, and more. A fine choice in Sunnyvale!
2. Alexander's Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Alexander's Steakhouse is a fine dining interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence laced into the menu. Located in Cupertino, California, Alexander's Steakhouse is a welcome addition to the South Bay dining scene, receiving numerous awards and accolades since its opening in 2005.
Reviewed By NMGRRL - Albuquerque, New Mexico
An amazing dinner! Each course was amazing. Palette prep spoons were a very nice start. Breads were soft and fresh Popcorn crab was perfectly battered and fried. Enjoyed them even without the sauce. The filet and ribeyes were both great with distinctive tastes. Ribeye was a bit overcooked but still incredibly flavorful! Brussel sprouts were amazing with lots of bacon. Mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery. My accompaniments of sweet potatoes and onion were great and complemented the steak. Wine was reasonable priced and a good partner to the steaks. Very impressive but overwhelming wine list. Chocolate dessert was beautiful and tasty. I don't like white chocolate but the caramel version was amazing. The cotton candy was fun and a great finish to a perfect night. Ambiance was good but we had very loud tables around us. Service was great. Very attentive from the whole cast, friendly and fun. Enjoyed our time with them before restaurant got busy. Would definitely go back for a special occasion.
3. Falafel Drive-In
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
Reviewed By gosaka - San Jose, California
I’ve been hearing about Falafel Drive-in for years and finally made a visit for lunch last week. It really is a drive-in and it’s in a part of San Jose that is part small retail and part industrial. The falafel sandwich was fantastic - hot, crisp, fresh, tasty. There was a line of about 8 people ahead of us at 12:30PM, but the line went very fast. We found a table outside and were in and out in about 35 minutes. Great, fast, tasty lunch. I’ll be back
4. Birk's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By pieroinusa - New Haven, Connecticut
A bit loud and noisy. Good, professional service. Good filet mignon with blue cheese. OK appetizers, with good French fries. The seafood platter is a bit overpriced for what it delivers. OK wine selection. Available parking. Good place for business dinner, but lacks something special to differentiate significantly from other similar places.
5. Athena Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Since 2002 Athena Grill has been the gastronomic oasis for the best Greek food available in the Silicon Valley and we're excited to continue that tradition with you. We offer healthy portions of delicious, authentic Greek food made fresh daily- using traditional recipes direct from Greece. Our hope is to provide you with a dining experience that will take you on a journey of the sites, aromas, and flavors that has made the Greek cuisine famous around the world. Our dishes are Greek family favorites combining the finest herbs and spices with the freshest ingredients available. When you come to Athena Grill you will have your choice of classic dishes like dolmades, biftekia, mousaka, pastitsio, giouvetsi, gemista, lamb chops, souvlakia and many others. Our freshly made delicious desserts-baklava, galaktoboureko, kataifi, karidopita, ravani, kourabiedes and melomakarona-are better than our own mothers used to make! We have designed the ambience of Athena Grill to give you the feel of a cozy neighborhood restaurant in Athens, also reminiscent of the colorful restaurant in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." With the blue and white national colors of Greece and authentic artwork lining the walls, and Greek music playing in the background, the interior of the restaurant matches the authenticity of our cuisine. Outside, we have plenty of seating surrounded by lush landscaping, reminiscent of what outdoor dining would typically look like at a Greek neighborhood restaurant. We will always do our very best to provide you with the same dining experience we would provide our own families and appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Thank you very much! Sas efharistoume poli!
Reviewed By Dorcas K - Sunnyvale, California
This restaurant is in an usual location, surrounded by industry and office buildings. But it's worth the search! They have nice outdoor dining, some tables with umbrellas and others under a canopy. There are also tables inside as well. The atmosphere is casual; this is not a dress-up place. My server last night was very helpful. I remarked that I'd never had Greek wine before (they have 2 Greek white wines available) and he brought me tasters of both. He also explained the ingredients of some dishes since the names didn't give a clue. We had chicken souvlaki and a Greek salad, thinking we'd split the two dishes. The two of us could have easily just split the souvlaki dish - it came with a nice size salad, rice, veggies, and the chicken. The Greek salad was huge! So the souvlaki would be plenty of food for two!
So why not 5 stars? The salads were drenched in dressing which made them taste very heavy. I wish they brought the dressing on the side, or used a much lighter touch. Also, after we placed our order, our server didn't come back for a long time. Others brought our meal, and our empty dishes just sat there on the table long after we were done, while we talked and waited for him to return. Lastly, the menu should have more description of what's in each dish. Just having the Greek names of dishes isn't very helpful to those of us who aren't familiar with the dish. But the food was very tasty so I will return!
6. Orenchi Ramen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Josephliyen - Calgary, Canada
Had lots of great ramen in Japan and around the world, and orenchi is definitely up there in terms of its quality. The tonkotsu is rich and flavorful. The noodles are slightly thicker and chewy. The pork belly has a good balance of fat and meat, not too fatty. The appetizers could be better though. Just stick to the ramen.
7. Smoking Pig BBQ Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
We are a very casual BBQ "joint" in the traditional sense. The focus is on the food. Slow smoked meats, homemade sides, rubs, sauces and desserts. Friendly service, at home feel. Excellent beer and wine lists (no kidding). Genuine Southern BBQ. Everything made in-house. Our mission is your delight. We Cater too! 25 to 5000 people.
Reviewed By GerryBaron06 - Kimberton, Pennsylvania
This was the highest rated restaurant within walking distance of my hotel. Since I like BBQ, I decided to try it out. My meal consisted of the Chicken Lollipops, and the Three Meat Combo (Brisket, Pulled Pork, Louisiana Sausage). The chicken lollipops (smoked drumstick wrapped in bacon with a sweet glaze) were amazing. The smoked meat infused with the flavor of bacon was outstanding. I liked the Louisiana Sausage because it was spicy and flavorful. You have the option for fatty, lean, or half and half for the brisket. I picked the fatty. The brisket was tender however it was not full of flavor like brisket I have had elsewhere. The pulled pork was rather bland compared to what I have had elsewhere. Bring your appetite if you get the three meat combo. I was full for the rest of the day.
8. Mio Vicino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By SJVillagesBob - San Jose, California
Senior citizen talking to other seniors: You've heard the expression "hole in the wall?" Well, this is it. Narrow space with very limited seating--but it doesn't feel overcrowded. Very popular with locals, with good reason. Very good food, decent wines if a bit pricey, great bread from a Santa Cruz bakery--be sure to ask for the fresh garlic to go with it. Good for singles at a 6-seat counter. Decent rest room, 50s music at a very low level. Competent staff, very friendly even to seniors. Expect a wait at popular times, but you can make a reservation if you have a party of six to get a table set up in the front of the restaurant. I'll be back and suggest you give it a try.
9. St. John's Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By Charles S - Sunnyvale, California
Love the burgers especially on Saturday when there are half priced. The garlic fries will keep the vampires away for days as they are really garlicky. The onion rings are tasty also and lots of beers to pick from. Outside eating when the weather is good and inside can get crowded. Lots of tv to see always on sports when I have been there. Price are great and the burgers are tasty and can be Turkey, veggie, and lettuce wrapped to cover the various diet type.
10. Parcel 104
Overall Ratings
4 based on 196 reviews
Our award winning Santa Clara restaurant features Chef Bradley Ogden and his Farm to Table fresh American fare for an inspired and unique culinary experience. Open daily for breakfast, and weekdays for lunch and dinner.
Reviewed By Christine S - Dallas, Texas
I was a little skeptical of the $25 price on the burger. But stuck in a hotel for a conference, there weren't a lot of options. It was one of the best burgers I've ever had. Perfect buttery bun, lightly toasted. Grass fed beef, thick and perfectly prepared. Flavorful melted cheese. Grilled onions. And the fries were cooked to my preferred darkness that gives them so much flavor. It was a win.
