Top 11 Spanish restaurants in San Jose
Discover our curated list of top-ranked Spanish restaurants in San Jose, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like Olla Cocina, Dia De Pesca, La Catalana, Petiscos #2, Maya's Cafe san Jose. Let's explore together!
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1. Olla Cocina
Handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients

Discover Olla Cocina's newly revamped space, a vibrant setting that sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience. Let our attentive and knowledgeable servers guide you through our impressive selection of Mexican wines, ensuring a perfect pairing to complement your meal. From tantalizing happy hour deals to exquisite food and wine combinations, every visit promises a delightful introduction to Mexican culinary delights. The warm and inviting atmosphere is further enhanced by the friendly and cheerful staff, creating a welcoming environment for all patrons to enjoy.
Indulge in the absolutely delicious offerings at Olla Cocina, where every bite is a symphony of flavors. The staff's expertise shines through as they recommend must-tries, such as the delectable homemade tamales that are sure to leave you craving for more. Dive into a spread of guacamole, salsa, and chips, with a side of flavorful mole for a unique dipping experience. The guacamole, with a hint of spice, perfectly complements the fresh and vibrant flavors of the dishes, showcasing the culinary excellence that Olla Cocina is renowned for.
Indulge in the absolutely delicious offerings at Olla Cocina, where every bite is a symphony of flavors. The staff's expertise shines through as they recommend must-tries, such as the delectable homemade tamales that are sure to leave you craving for more. Dive into a spread of guacamole, salsa, and chips, with a side of flavorful mole for a unique dipping experience. The guacamole, with a hint of spice, perfectly complements the fresh and vibrant flavors of the dishes, showcasing the culinary excellence that Olla Cocina is renowned for.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Dia De Pesca
Specializes in local and sustainable seafood

Experience a taste of Mexico at Dia De Pesca, where authenticity meets ambiance for a dining adventure like no other. Indulge in their signature fish tacos, a true crowd-pleaser that always leaves you craving more. Nestled in the heart of San Jose, this hidden gem stands out for its delectable seafood offerings. From flavorful chorizo to succulent halibut and salmon, the trio sampler is a delightful journey for your taste buds. Trust me, every bite is a fiesta of flavors that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Visit Dia De Pesca today and let your palate embark on a seafood sojourn like never before.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
3. La Catalana
Authentic Spanish cuisine in the heart of San Jose

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Spain at La Catalana, where each bite is a journey back to the charming tapas bars of Barcelona. From the first sip of wine to the last bite of patatas bravas, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a culinary adventure unlike any other. Owners who pour their passion into every aspect of the restaurant ensure that each guest feels like a cherished friend, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the already sensational dining experience.
Indulge in the artistry of Spanish cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds and captures the heart. La Catalana isn't just a restaurant – it's a celebration of flavors, traditions, and genuine hospitality. With each dish carefully crafted to perfection, it's no surprise that this hidden gem has garnered a well-deserved reputation for excellence. So come, savor the essence of Spain right here in the Bay Area and support a local business that epitomizes the spirit of culinary craftsmanship and love for what they do.
Indulge in the artistry of Spanish cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds and captures the heart. La Catalana isn't just a restaurant – it's a celebration of flavors, traditions, and genuine hospitality. With each dish carefully crafted to perfection, it's no surprise that this hidden gem has garnered a well-deserved reputation for excellence. So come, savor the essence of Spain right here in the Bay Area and support a local business that epitomizes the spirit of culinary craftsmanship and love for what they do.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
4. Petiscos #2
Authentic Portuguese cuisine in a cozy setting

Indulge in Petiscos #2, touted as the pinnacle of our culinary journey, sparking anticipation. The charming interior set the stage for delight. Commencing with a delectable spread of bread, cheese, and ham, the appetizers truly shined. While the desserts, wine pairings, and service garnered five-star praise, the mains fell slightly short. The roasted octopus lacked memorable nuances, the braised pork favored fat over flavor, and the duck breast was eclipsed by the ample serving of rice. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall dining venture proved to be a pleasurable one.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
5. Maya's Cafe san Jose
Family-owned and operated, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients

Maya's Cafe in San Jose offers a cozy ambiance and flavorful dishes that cater to both the adventurous foodies and those seeking familiar flavors. The menu boasts authentic Honduran cuisine, with the Super El Pastor burrito being a standout choice. Despite the limited seating, the efficient service ensures a pleasant dining experience, all at an affordable price point. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, Maya's Cafe welcomes you with open arms for a delightful culinary journey.
6. Petiscos #1 (located in downtown San Jose)
Authentic Portuguese cuisine in the heart of San Jose

Petiscos #1 in downtown San Jose offers a disappointing culinary experience. The beef tongue lacks flavor and the pastel de nata is overly sweet. The octopus and seafood rice dishes are overly salty, while the only saving grace, the dark rice, is served in small portions. Overall, the restaurant fails to justify its pricing.
Instead, I suggested dining at Periscos Restaurant. My friend Matues needed to transport sheep and a ram to Sousa farm in the Badlands plains to exchange them with Paulo Viara.
Instead, I suggested dining at Periscos Restaurant. My friend Matues needed to transport sheep and a ram to Sousa farm in the Badlands plains to exchange them with Paulo Viara.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
7. L'roco Grill
Offers all-day breakfast in a family-friendly environment.

At L'roco Grill, the delectable cuisine hits the mark. The ambiance is lively, with parking aplenty. Sipping on drinks and savoring the fare, the freshly-made salad was refreshing, albeit a tad on the lighter side. The music sets the tone for a vibrant dining experience, tempting one to groove. Despite the single restroom caveat, swift seating ensures a prompt lunch service, making it an overall enticing choice.
8. El Palacio Del Sabor
Family-owned with homemade recipes

Indulge in a culinary voyage at El Palacio Del Sabor, where Salvadoran flair intertwines seamlessly with Chalateco traditions. From savory pupusas to a variety of mouthwatering dishes, this gem offers a delectable fusion that tantalizes taste buds. While the ambiance may benefit from a little more polish, the attentive staff and pocket-friendly prices make every bite worthwhile.
Embark on a flavorsome journey inspired by glowing reviews at El Palacio Del Sabor. In the heart of the South Bay, this hidden treasure delivers an authentic experience that exceeds expectations. Delight in a symphony of flavors with a revuelta pupusa and the classic beans and cheese combination, setting a new standard for culinary excellence in the region.
Embark on a flavorsome journey inspired by glowing reviews at El Palacio Del Sabor. In the heart of the South Bay, this hidden treasure delivers an authentic experience that exceeds expectations. Delight in a symphony of flavors with a revuelta pupusa and the classic beans and cheese combination, setting a new standard for culinary excellence in the region.
9. Casa Guzmania - Restaurant

Step into Casa Guzmania, an oasis for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant boasts a charming blend of indoor and outdoor seating, creating the perfect ambiance for a leisurely meal. Delight in the mouthwatering cochinita pibil and tinga dishes, available in both taco and tostada variations. And don't miss out on the sinful Nutella and chocolate empanada, a true indulgence for your taste buds.
While the tinga and piña offerings showcase promise with their flavorful fillings and flaky crusts, there is room for improvement on the temperature consistency. Despite the slight setback of lukewarm tinga, Casa Guzmania remains a top contender for exceptional Mexican cuisine that will leave you craving more.
While the tinga and piña offerings showcase promise with their flavorful fillings and flaky crusts, there is room for improvement on the temperature consistency. Despite the slight setback of lukewarm tinga, Casa Guzmania remains a top contender for exceptional Mexican cuisine that will leave you craving more.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
10. Oveja Negra
Discover an unforgettable dining experience at Oveja Negra, perfect for a night out or celebrating special moments. The friendly and efficient service ensures a delightful visit, enhancing the overall ambiance. Indulge in a variety of dishes, including the well-seasoned braised short ribs and perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with a delectable balsamic sauce.
Prepare to be amazed by the exceptional offerings at Oveja Negra, where every bite is a culinary delight. Delight in the unique flavors and exquisite balance of the tapas while savoring the tender and moist baby back ribs. The crab macaroni and cheese further elevates the dining experience, showcasing a blend of sophistication and comfort in every bite.
Prepare to be amazed by the exceptional offerings at Oveja Negra, where every bite is a culinary delight. Delight in the unique flavors and exquisite balance of the tapas while savoring the tender and moist baby back ribs. The crab macaroni and cheese further elevates the dining experience, showcasing a blend of sophistication and comfort in every bite.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
11. Suspiro

Upon being one of the first to experience Suspiro's grand opening, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming waiter. While the food did take a bit of time to arrive, the exquisite ceviche and delectable causa made it well worth the wait. And let's not forget to mention the incredibly satisfying pisco sour that perfectly complemented the meal.