Best of 10 paella in San Jose
Welcome to the vibrant world of "paella in San Jose"! This California city offers a unique blend of Spanish culture and innovative cuisine, with paella taking center stage. From traditional Valencian recipes to modern twists, San Jose's paella scene is a gastronomic delight. Join us as we explore the city's love for this iconic dish.
1. La Catalana
Cosy family-owned restaurant, Friendly staff, Delicious sangria

La Catalana is a restaurant known for its excellent paella and variety of tapas dishes. The kitchen’s abilities are on display through the selection of tapas, which provides a taste of what they can do. The paella is the star of the show, offering a delicious and satisfying meal. It is an ideal location for a quick dinner after work due to its high-quality food and convenience.
The restaurant has received praise for its food, particularly the octopus, paella, and house sangria. These dishes showcase the culinary skills and expertise of the chefs, demonstrating their ability to create flavorful and enjoyable meals. La Catalana’s exceptional dining experience is sure to leave a positive impression on anyone who visits, making it a recommended destination for lovers of Spanish cuisine.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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2. Oveja Negra
Offers a unique and traditional Spanish dining experience

The Seafood Paella and Paella Mixta were standout dishes at the meal. Both were perfectly cooked, with the seafood in the Seafood Paella being particularly fresh and enhancing the rich flavors. The Paella Mixta was a mix of chicken, shrimp, and rabbit, which created a delightful combination that was also highly enjoyable.
In summary, the paellas were the highlight of the meal, offering delicious and well-cooked options for seafood and meat lovers alike. The Seafood Paella's fresh seafood and rich flavors were a hit, while the Paella Mixta's combination of chicken, shrimp, and rabbit was a delightful surprise. Both dishes were standouts that left a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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3. Casa Villa
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine since 1999

The paella offered at this location is a must-try for any seafood lover. Generous portions are served, ensuring a satisfying meal for all. The taste of the paella is authentic, transporting diners to the shores of Spain.
Indeed, the paella is a standout dish. A delightful combination of seafood is used, resulting in a medley of flavors that is nothing short of extraordinary. The dish is expertly seasoned, with each component retaining its distinct taste while melding together in perfect harmony.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Vegetarian Options
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4. Elements Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant since 1998, wood-burning oven for paella

Elements Restaurant is known for its unique fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine. One dish that particularly stands out is their seafood paella. It boasts rich flavors and features fresh ingredients that make for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
I had the opportunity to try the seafood paella and was not disappointed. The portion was generous, and the taste was exceptional. The paella had a perfect balance of flavors that impressed my palate. I would certainly order it again.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
- Personal Celebrations
5. Habana Cuba Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The weekend special seafood paella is a dish that stands out for its delicious taste and rich flavor. Many who have tried it would agree that it is worth sampling. The paella includes a variety of seafood, all of which combine to create a memorable dining experience.
Despite the positive aspects of the paella's taste, there were some reservations about its value. Specifically, some diners felt that the portion size was not large enough to justify the cost. However, it is important to note that the quality and flavor of the dish may make up for the smaller portion size for some individuals. Overall, the paella's taste is a highlight, but its cost may be a consideration for those who prioritize larger portion sizes when dining out.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. Añejo Cantina & Kitchen
Family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and homemade recipes

Paella is a popular dish that should not be missed when visiting. The rice in this paella dish was cooked to perfection, resulting in a texture that added to the overall taste. The mix of seafood and spices created a unique and standout flavor.
The paella excelled in deliciousness. The seafood included in the dish was fresh and added a wonderful taste. The flavors were perfectly balanced, making each bite a delight. It is highly recommended to try this paella when looking for a delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Pier 402
Waterfront dining, fresh seafood, traditional rice dishes

Pier 402 offers a delicious paella dish that is a must-try for any seafood lover. The portion size is generous, providing a satisfying meal for any diner. The seafood in the paella is cooked to perfection, adding to the overall flavor and enjoyment of the dish.
San Jose diners rave about the paella at Pier 402, with many calling it one of the best they've had in the area. The dish is packed with a variety of seafood, adding to its flavor and appeal. Whether you're a local or a visitor to San Jose, the paella at Pier 402 is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Waterfront
8. Las Islitas Mariscos
Family-owned business with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, using traditional Spanish recipes and cooking techniques.

The paella I tried at this location was of a satisfactory size, but it left something to be desired in terms of authentic flavor. Despite being a generous portion, the dish fell short of my expectations for authentic taste.
I ordered paella at Las Islitas Mariscos and found it to be merely decent. Although the portion was sufficient, the dish lacked sufficient seasoning and could have benefited from the use of fresher seafood. My experience suggests that there may be better options for authentic paella elsewhere.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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9. Inka’s restaurant
Family-owned and operated with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

The Ceviche Trio, Arroz con Mariscos, Cau Cau de Mariscos, and Tallarín Saltado Con Mariscos are all excellent choices at this restaurant. The portion sizes are generous and the flavors are delicious. The Arroz con Mariscos, in particular, is a remarkable dish. This is an ideal location for a romantic dinner or a special event.
This restaurant is a great place to enjoy Peruvian cuisine, with standout dishes like the Arroz con Mariscos. The Ceviche Trio, Cau Cau de Mariscos, and Tallarín Saltado Con Mariscos are also highly recommended. The restaurant offers an appealing atmosphere, perfect for a date or celebration. The large portion sizes ensure that you will leave satisfied.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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10. Petiscos #2
Traditional Spanish restaurant with outdoor seating

Petiscos is known for serving one of the best paellas, a traditional Spanish dish, that I've had the pleasure of trying outside of Spain. The paella at this establishment is packed with flavor, making it a standout amongst other versions I've tasted. The presentation of the dish is also stunning, adding to the overall dining experience.
The seafood in Petiscos' paella is always fresh, and the flavors are expertly balanced. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that I highly recommend. Whether you're a fan of Spanish cuisine or just looking to try something new, Petiscos' paella is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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