Best Mexican restaurants in San Jose [2024]

Looking to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine? Look no further than the bustling city of San Jose, where a multitude of culinary gems awaits you. In this blog article, we will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the best Mexican restaurants in San Jose. From sizzling fajitas to authentic street tacos and savory enchiladas, these establishments are renowned for their exceptional dishes, warm hospitality, and lively atmospheres. Get ready to indulge in a fiesta of flavors as we uncover the must-visit spots for Mexican food lovers in San Jose.

Aqui Cal-mex

Address: 1145 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, United States
Phone: +1 (408) 995-0381
Website: aquicalmex.com
Details: $$, Californian restaurant

Aqui Cal-mex in San Jose is a culinary treasure that delights diners with its delectable offerings. From the moment you step inside, the staff welcomes you with warmth and provides helpful guidance on how the restaurant operates. The inviting atmosphere is amplified by the bustling energy as the dinner hour approaches. The salsa bar, featuring a myriad of options, including the delicious mango-habanero sauce, adds a delightful twist to the dining experience. Generously portioned chicken and pork tacos showcase the restaurant’s commitment to providing a satisfying meal.

For vegetarians, Aqui is a haven with a wide selection of flavorful and healthy options. The menu is thoughtfully designed, ensuring that everyone in your group can find something to enjoy. The complex flavors and fresh vegetables create a symphony of tastes that cater to diverse dietary desires and requirements. The guacamole, served atop a tomato base, allows for personalized dipping preferences. Seating on the back patio is a favorite choice, providing a relaxing environment despite the restaurant’s popularity during peak hours.

Aqui Cal-mex prides itself on offering great food without the fuss. It’s a casual dining establishment where you order at the counter and receive your food promptly. The freshness and deliciousness of the dishes are complemented by the friendly service and the speedy delivery of orders. With a wide array of vegetarian entrees and a focus on healthy options, Aqui provides a fantastic, fast-food alternative. The value for money and the popularity of their margaritas further add to the overall appeal.

At Aqui, every detail is carefully attended to, ensuring an amazing dining experience. The laid-back atmosphere, along with a salsa bar brimming with tantalizing choices, sets the stage for an enjoyable meal. Whether you opt for their knife and fork burrito, goat cheese quesadilla, or their famed crab cakes, every bite is packed with flavor. The homemade sauces and salsas enhance the dishes, while seasonal margaritas take the experience to new heights. Aqui Cal-mex is a cherished gem that will leave you craving more, making it a must-visit spot in San Jose.

Luna Mexican Kitchen – The Alameda

Address: 1495 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, United States
Phone: +1 (408) 320-2654
Website: lunamexicankitchen.com
Details: $$, Mexican restaurant

Luna Mexican Kitchen – The Alameda in San Jose is a culinary gem that leaves a lasting impression on its patrons. The staff provides exceptional service, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The speed at which orders are delivered is commendable, and the complimentary chips and salsa are simply divine. The menu offers a wide range of options that can cater to various tastes and preferences, making it a popular choice among diners. Whether you visit during breakfast or lunch, Luna’s provides a seamless transition between menus.

The inviting atmosphere of Luna Mexican Kitchen sets the stage for a memorable meal. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, guests can enjoy their food in a pleasant environment. The restaurant’s attention to health and safety guidelines is evident, with mask-wearing enforced and well-spaced seating arrangements. The outdoor patio, complete with a tent for shade, allows diners to savor their meals while soaking in the beautiful weather. Luna Mexican Kitchen successfully strikes a balance between comfort and safety.

The highlight of Luna Mexican Kitchen is undoubtedly its delectable cuisine. The menu offers a diverse selection, including options for vegetarians and vegans. Dishes like the bacon-wrapped shrimp tacos and the mole poblano enchiladas showcase the restaurant’s commitment to flavorful and authentic Mexican fare. The accompanying salsas and sauces add an extra layer of deliciousness to the dining experience. Luna Mexican Kitchen’s dedication to providing excellent food, combined with efficient and friendly service, make it a must-visit destination in the area.

Mezcal Bistro & Bar

Address: 25 W San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
Phone: +1 (408) 283-9595
Website: mezcalrestaurantsj.com
Details: $$, Mexican restaurant

Mezcal Bistro & Bar in downtown San Jose is a hidden gem that offers a delightful Oaxacan dining experience. The staff provides excellent service, ensuring a memorable visit for guests. From the moment you arrive, the friendly and knowledgeable servers make you feel welcome. The mezcalarita, a mezcal-based cocktail, is a must-try, while the enchiladas suizas are incredibly tasty. With reasonable prices for the quality of food, Mezcal Bistro & Bar comes highly recommended.

The restaurant boasts a charming atmosphere, with metal tables adorned with colorful tiles lining the sidewalk. While seating may be limited due to the pandemic, making a reservation is advisable to secure a spot. Indoor dining is available, allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant ambiance. The décor, including traditional Oaxacan tin light fixtures, creates a visually appealing setting. Whether seated inside or on the outdoor patio, diners can relish their meals while appreciating the carefully crafted surroundings.

Mezcal Bistro & Bar’s menu showcases the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. From flautas stuffed with juicy rotisserie chicken to the exquisite mole sauces, each dish is a masterpiece. The cream sauce and guacamole complement the flautas perfectly, while the broccoli-mango slaw adds a refreshing touch. The restaurant also excels in its beverage offerings, with a range of margaritas and other drink options. The staff’s great recommendations further enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every visit to Mezcal Bistro & Bar is a memorable one.

Ijava Cafe

Address: 387 Delmas Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, United States
Phone: +1 (408) 753-9732
Website: ijavacafe.com
Details: $, Cafe

Ijava Cafe, located in a prime area of San Jose, offers a delightful dining experience with its delicious flavors and inviting atmosphere. The cafe has a charming mom-and-pop feel, complemented by natural wood colors and pendant lighting that create a clean and inviting ambiance. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate guests, even pushing tables together to accommodate larger parties. Despite the limited parking due to its location near a freeway, the service remains excellent, with the kitchen efficiently delivering dishes to tables.

The menu at Ijava Cafe is a testament to its commitment to quality and freshness. Each dish is prepared with care, using fresh ingredients. From the salmon toast to the short rib burrito, every item is expertly crafted with generous portions and well-balanced flavors. Whether it’s the salmon panini, breakfast burrito, or chicken salad, every dish is a delight to the taste buds. The variety and quality of the menu ensure that every member of a group will find something they enjoy.

What sets Ijava Cafe apart is not only its fantastic food but also its warm hospitality and accommodating service. The staff goes the extra mile to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. They even allowed customers to stay past closing time, ensuring they were taken care of and provided with chilled water and restrooms. The cafe’s commitment to cleanliness and attention to detail, from the clean tables to the well-laid-out restaurant, adds to the overall dining experience. Ijava Cafe is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking great coffee, fresh food, and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere.

El Jardin

Address: 368 Santana Row #1050, San Jose, CA 95128, United States
Phone: +14083202411
Website: eljardintequilabar.com
Details: $$, Mexican restaurant

El Jardin, located in the bustling Santana Row, offers an unforgettable dining experience with its mouthwatering tacos and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for serving the absolute best tacos, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, El Jardin is a must-visit destination that promises to exceed your expectations.

The outdoor seating area provides a lively and enjoyable ambiance, where guests can soak up the vibrant energy of Santana Row while savoring delicious Mexican cuisine. Despite its popularity, the wait times are reasonable, and the attentive staff ensures that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of. The quick service ensures that your food arrives promptly, allowing you to indulge in the fantastic flavors without delay.

El Jardin’s menu boasts a wide range of delectable options, from chips and salsa to flavorful tacos and quesadillas. Each dish is crafted with fresh and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. The drink selection is equally impressive, with standout favorites like the Jalapeno Margarita and the refreshing mojitos. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, El Jardin delivers a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

Angelou’s Mexican Grill

Address: 21 N 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
Phone: +1 (408) 971-2287
Website: angelousmexicangrill.com
Details: $, Mexican restaurant

Angelou’s Mexican Grill, located in downtown San Jose, is a hidden gem that offers flavorful and satisfying Mexican cuisine. Despite its unassuming appearance, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant has gained a loyal following for its delicious dishes and excellent service. Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go meal or a sit-down dining experience, Angelou’s has you covered.

The menu features an array of mouthwatering options, from burritos and tacos to salads and enchiladas. The housemade chorizo steals the show, adding a burst of flavor to any dish it graces. The burritos, generously filled and served with chips, are particularly noteworthy, while the orange sauce is a must-try condiment that elevates the flavors to new heights. Angelou’s also caters to different dietary preferences, offering vegetarian options and delectable salads with unique touches like roasted sunflower seeds.

The staff at Angelou’s Mexican Grill is known for their warm and friendly service. Whether you’re dining solo or with a large group, they go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant’s casual and inviting atmosphere, along with its convenient downtown location, makes it a perfect choice for both locals and visitors alike. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be treated like family and indulge in flavorful Mexican cuisine that will keep you coming back for more.

Las Cazuelas Restaurant

Address: 55 Race St, San Jose, CA 95126, United States
Phone: +1 (408) 293-0115
Website: lascazuelasrestaurant.net
Details: $, Mexican restaurant

Las Cazuelas Restaurant, a well-established Mexican eatery in San Jose, has garnered a strong reputation for its delectable and authentic cuisine. With a wide array of traditional dishes, it is no wonder why this restaurant is hailed as one of the best in the area. The food at Las Cazuelas is simply outstanding, with flavors that transport you to the heart of Mexico. From the mouthwatering tamales to the perfectly cooked beans, every bite is a testament to their commitment to quality.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Las Cazuelas adds to the overall dining experience. It exudes a family-friendly ambiance, where both diners and servers create a friendly and enjoyable environment. The attentive staff ensures that every guest is well taken care of, providing prompt and friendly service throughout the meal. Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner or a gathering with friends, Las Cazuelas is an ideal choice.

The menu at Las Cazuelas offers a delightful selection of Mexican favorites that cater to various palates. The salsa, prepared with authentic Mexican spices, packs a punch of flavor. The soft tacos, especially the al pastor, are a crowd favorite, while the hard shell tacos filled with shredded beef are equally satisfying. For those seeking something beyond tacos, the mole is a must-try, boasting an exquisite flavor that will leave you craving more. While the Spanish rice may be milder in taste, the rest of the menu showcases the bold and authentic flavors that make Las Cazuelas a standout destination for Mexican cuisine.

In conclusion, San Jose boasts a vibrant culinary scene with numerous Mexican restaurants that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From the authentic flavors of Las Cazuelas Restaurant to the delightful dishes at El Jardin, these establishments offer an immersive dining experience filled with delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. Mezcal Bistro & Bar stands out for its exceptional Oaxacan dishes, while Ijava Cafe impresses with its fresh and flavorful menu options. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to San Jose, exploring these top Mexican restaurants is a must to savor the rich and tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine in the heart of Silicon Valley.