San Jose’s Culinary Elite: Michelin-Graded Restaurants You Must Visit

The Bay Area Michelin Guide launched in 2007 to great success and some restaurants on our list have held a Michelin Star. The area’s culinary reputation is one of quality, innovation, and unique flavor combinations—well suited to the Michelin Guide.

There are six Michelin Star restaurants within an easy drive from the center of San Jose, all with phenomenal food. However, for dining that is excellent, but not quite the fine-dining experience of a Michelin Star restaurant, check out the Bib Gourmand restaurants at the end of our list.

Plumed Horse

Plumed Horse in Saratoga, California oozes luxury and beauty. Chef Peter Armellino brings his 35-plus years of culinary experience to the very elegant table. Whether you’re trying the duck consommé or black pepper and parmesan soufflé, your experience will be unforgettable.

Currently holding one Michelin Star, the Plumed Horse is known for its take on modern upscale dining. In addition to the Michelin Star, the restaurant has also won the Wine Spectator Award. For a perfect evening of dining and wine pairing, the Plumed Horse is a must.

Chez TJ

Chez TJ‘s cozy ambiance and contemporary French cuisine are fine-dining staples in the San Jose area. Their heirloom carrot terrine with mango and lime or poached and seared foie gras with glazed chestnuts are popular items. The restaurant sits in an 1899 Victorian house that creates an intimate setting, perfect for a romantic evening with a special person.

A Michelin Star holder since 2007, when the Bay Area Michelin Guide debuted, Chez TJ’s cuisine changes a little based on the season. The chef’s tasting menu includes a delectable multi-course experience that you can enjoy with a wine pairing that compliments the flavors. Chez TJ, long established in the San Jose area, is a perfect item for the Michelin Guide.

Protégé

Offering well balanced and meticulously prepared, but not pretentious, Protégé is one of the Bay Area’s treasures. The Chef Anthony Secviar and Master Sommelier Dennis Kelly work together, giving customers the experience of a lifetime. With dishes like the 9-layer morel mushroom lasagne and Flannery beef with green garlic gnocchi, your taste buds will revel in the flavor. Enjoy custom wine pairings from their curated wine selection that enhances every meal at Protégé. The, finish your meal with cookies and tarts for desert.

Protégé opened in 2018 and almost immediately earned its Michelin Star. Their modern decor, beautiful food, and wine makes this restaurant an excellent part of the Michelin Guide.

Bib Gourmand Restaurants in San Jose Area

Most Michelin Star restaurants in the U.S. are fine-dining establishments, with all the cost and opulence that accompanies them. However, Michelin has another rating for affordable restaurants with delicious food: the Bib Gourmand.

While it isn’t a Michelin Star, it is an incredible honor. Several San Jose area restaurants have earned the award, giving diners interesting options that aren’t as expensive as a restaurant with a Michelin Star.

Petiscos

Casual dining in a friendly setting with food made by Michelin Star chefs. Petiscos opened after the Covid shut down as a leap of faith, and it paid off. The restaurant received a Bib Gourmand rating in 2023 and offers items like mussels, grilled prawn, and pork loin sandwiches—plus delicious cocktails to accompany them.

Petiscos are small traditional dishes from Portugal, and this restaurant serves dishes with flavors inspired by the country’s traditions. Save room for dessert! Their tarts and flan are fabulous, as is the pastel de nata.

Luna Mexican Kitchen

It’s Mexican food on a whole new level. Luna Mexican Kitchen uses the freshest ingredients availableand traditional cooking methods. According to their website, it’s “just like your great great abuelita used to cook.” Michelin Guide agrees and gave it a Bib Gourmand rating.

On their menu are various smoothies, bowls, burritos, and plates with items like chiles verde and enchiladas. Like any great Mexican restaurant, they also have dessert—their menu includes churros and bread pudding.

Orchard City Kitchen

Chef Jeffrey Stout leads this fast-paced restaurant. This Bib Gourmand restaurant’s atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out with friends, or reserve the Chef’s Den or the Market Room for a private party. Orchard City Kitchen is open all day for breakfast through dinner for items ranging from small plates to full meals. The dinner menu includes their wood-fired artichoke appetizer and Atlantic salmon plate.

The Bywater

True New Orleans food is hard to replicate outside of the city, but The Bywater has it covered. This NOLA-inspired Bib Gourmand restaurant has also been recognized by Wine Spectator, Zagat, and Eater. Founders Chef David Kinch of the three-Michelin Star restaurant Manresa and Andrew Burnham transport you to New Orleans, where Chef Kinch learned to cook.

Here, you’ll enjoy crispy fried oysters and fried green tomatoes. Of course, no New Orleans restaurant is complete without at least a couple of other dishes, and The Bywater doesn’t disappoint. Their seafood jambalaya and market veg gumbo are hearty and rich.

iTalico

iTalico‘s five founders were born in southern Italy and brought authentic Italian food to the Bay Area. They source fresh, local ingredients and this Bib Gourmand restaurant serves flavor by the plateful.

This Bib Gourmand restaurant offers dishes like pollo Milanese or spaghetti di mare, which you can enjoy with one of the wines from the wine bar. Finish your meal with lemon panacotta or tiramisu for dessert while you enjoy live music. iTalico’s casual atmosphere and delicious food make every meal memorable.

Best Restaurants in San Jose

Although the Michelin Guide began as a way to help sell tires, it has become one of the world’s most respected travel guides. Hotels and restaurants with a coveted Michelin Star or Bib Gourmand rating offer their guests something others don’t and it’s nice to be recognized.

The Michelin Guide is online and searching for a new restaurant is as easy as entering the city into the search. You’ll probably find something new, and with the number of Michelin-graded restaurants growing, there’s never a better time to eat out.

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