14 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in San Jose, CA
Are you looking for a Mexican restaurant in San Jose? You’re in luck! s. Luckily, you’ll discover mouthwatering tacos and burritos bursting with flavor in nearly every neighborhood, especially Downtown San Jose.
Immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere of shops, galleries, and bars. However, a few Mexican restaurants in San Jose truly stand out.
We’ve meticulously compiled a list of the 14 best Mexican eateries in the city. Whether you prefer a cozy hole-in-the-wall or an upscale dining experience with margaritas, cocktails, and farm-to-table ingredients, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy your meal!
Mexican Restaurants in San Jose
Luna Mexican Kitchen
Located on The Alameda and The Pruneyard, Luna is one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in San Jose. Customers enjoy the attentive service and the delicious, fresh food served there.
Try bacon-wrapped shrimp tacos, mole chicken enchiladas, or a protein bowl. These dishes include delicious chunks of bacon-wrapped shrimp, fresh vegetables, black beans, and rich mole flavor.
At Luna, you can order drinks at their small bar. Inside, you’ll find several TVs, creating a great atmosphere for sports enthusiasts.
The cocktails here are unique and perfectly balanced in sweetness and flavor. They go beyond the typical offerings you find at other bars and restaurants.
Luna has something for you whether you’re a meat lover or prefer vegetarian options. So, while you enjoy a refreshing drink with your meal, you’ll have a flavorful and well-balanced dining experience at this restaurant.
Mariscos Costa Alegre
Launched in 2018, Mariscos Costa Alegre is a family-run business that serves fresh and delicious Mexican food in San Jose.
You can find Mariscos Costa Alegre at three locations in San Jose: one on 13th Street close to Downtown, another on Monterey Road in South San Jose, and a third on Alum Rock Avenue in East San Jose.
Their menu features various Mexican seafood dishes, including ceviche, Aguachiles, and molcajetes. In addition to seafood, they also serve taqueria classics like tacos and burritos.
You can also enjoy the live Norteño music played in the dining room or on the spacious patio. They offer online ordering and delivery through platforms like DoorDash and Seamless.
Adelita’s Taquería | Restaurant & Bar
Adelita’s Taquería is a family-owned and operated eatery at 1896 Curtner Avenue, San Jose. It serves authentic Mexican cuisine and has been doing so for over 17 years.
Patricia, the owner of Adelita’s Taquería, loves healthy eating and lifestyle; you can see that reflected in the menu. They offer organic and gluten-free options to cater to different dietary preferences.
When you visit, you’ll find a wide range of choices available. They have vegan and vegetarian meals, gluten-free options, lunch and family specials, and a full bar.
The menu includes super burritos, breakfast tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. You can enjoy happy hour specials on bar drinks and lunch specials.
Customers have given Adelita’s Taquería positive reviews for its authentic Mexican food, generous portions, and friendly service. The restaurant has a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere; you can even dine outdoors.
Olla
Olla is a relaxed Mexican restaurant that serves high-quality Mexican food and cocktails quickly and stylishly. It is located on the Historic San Pedro Square in San Jose.
Oder their homemade tortillas and tamales, tasty tacos and enchiladas made with fresh seafood, and locally sourced vegetables and meats.
Additionally, they have a lively bar offering signature cocktails, wines, local and imported beers, and.
The dining room is bright and spacious, with a street-front patio with outdoor seating. You can host private parties and corporate and convention group gatherings.
As one of the best San Jose Mexican restaurants, the Olla follows a fast-fine service model, ensuring quick ordering and attentive hospitality.
Zona Rosa
Zona Rosa is an attractive Mexican restaurant in Northern California with two locations in San Jose and Los Gatos.
The San Jose branch has front and back patios, making it an excellent choice for large groups and celebrations.
The restaurant takes pride in being a scratch kitchen, making each dish by hand. You can indulge in award-winning tacos, margaritas, and handcrafted cocktails at Zona Rosa.
Check out their dinner, lunch (Tue-Fri), and brunch (Sat-Sun) menus when you visit.
Their signature dishes include Ceviche Tostada, Blue Corn Enchiladas, Esquites, and Pesca del Dia. Zona Rosa is the ideal choice whether you’re looking for a special occasion or a casual meal.
Angelou’s Mexican Grill
Angelou’s Mexican Grill, owned and operated by Sergio and Teresa, brings 25 years of restaurant field experience to Downtown San Jose.
The menu presents traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and burritos. The menu also features American flavors, along with weekly specials.
What keeps you coming back is their Cali-Moco and moco-loco burrito. Packed with flavors, you can taste every ingredient, including the fries.
Don’t miss their Sangria Swirls, a frozen blend of sangria and margarita. It’s a potent yet delicious cocktail that will satisfy your taste buds.
Angelou’s Mexican Grill caters to the downtown nightlife, staying open for breakfast and lunch until late on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dia de Pesca
Dia de Pesca is a Mexican seafood restaurant that serves Mexican-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant has a sunny patio with concrete tables decorated with colorful tiles, tropical plants, and green umbrellas.
The menu includes fish tacos, ceviche, oysters, seafood burritos, prawn plates, and salads. The seafood is always fresh and locally sourced to ensure high quality.
The music creates a pleasant atmosphere, and there is a dedicated parking lot. We recommend using DoorDash or Grubhub for online orders, as they have well-organized menus that are easy to navigate.
Mezcal Restaurant
Mezcal Restaurant stands out in Downtown San Jose with its unique dining room. The brick exterior, metalwork, and indigenous Mexican motifs create a distinctive atmosphere. The restaurant maintains an upscale urban design while staying true to its authentic menu.
At Mezcal, they serve Oaxacan regional cuisine. Cherished family recipes that have been passed down through generations make their dishes.
At Mezcal, they’ve got some homemade moles for you to order! Try Estofado, a sweet mole with tomatillos and peanuts. Experience Coloradito, a fiery red mole with tomatoes and chiles de arbol. And don’t miss Mole Negro, rich and complex with chiles, chocolate, and spices. You’ve got to taste them all!
Tu Mero Mole
Tu Mero Mole invites you to leave your worries behind and experience a taste of Mexico through flavorful dishes.
One of the most beloved dishes is the mole poblano, a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you prefer it with tender chicken or savory enchiladas, it will satisfy your taste buds.
We suggest their Tacos De Tinga, featuring crispy corn tortillas filled with chipotle chicken, onions, potatoes, Sansa roja, sour cream, and cheese.
Don’t miss the fantastic Cochins Yucateca taco with slow-roasted pork wrapped in banana leaves. It’s a must-try before you go!
Visit Tu Mero Mole today and transport yourself to Mexico through delectable food offerings.
TOSTADAS
Tostadas was established in 2019 at East Santa Clara Street in Downtown San Jose. It was started by brothers Alex and Victor Garcia. They want to give customers a taste of their family’s flavors.
The Garcia brothers blend their Mexican American heritage into breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
At Tostadas, they create a friendly and humble atmosphere for everyone. They want to ensure customers have a memorable dining experience representing their family’s culinary traditions.
The orange habanero salsa adds a nice touch to the dining experience. Dishes like carne fajitas and chicken enchiladas get positive feedback.
You will want to try more items from the menu. They also appreciate the attentive service and exciting artwork on the walls.
Tacos El Compa Taqueria
Tacos El Compa Taqueria is the go-to choice for excellent Mexican food and exceptional customer service. They cater to all types of events and guarantee a top-notch experience. Their expertise lies in serving the large school and corporate events.
Hugo Hernandez, the founder of Tacos El Compa, has dedicated over eight years to perfecting authentic Mexican cuisine. The commitment to freshness and quality sets Tacos El Compa apart from the rest.
When choosing Tacos El Compa, guests will enjoy freshly made, customizable tacos. The restaurant takes pride in punctuality and provides friendly and professional service in English and Spanish.
They also offer banquet and buffet options. You can call or visit the website for more information and to check out their menu.
Lucy’s Mexican Grill
Lucy’s Mexican Grill is located at 615 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose, the taqueria you’ve been waiting for in south San Jose.
Unlike other places, the asada burrito is an attractive choice, filled with meat. It’s a well-balanced burrito with no excessive rice and beans. The chicken enchiladas plate is also fantastic, with just the right spice and flavor.
Especially, Lucy’s Mexican Grill makes fresh Aguas Frescas every day! They use fresh fruits and vegetables.
Every tortilla is handmade, adding to the overall freshness of the dishes. The sopes are impressive, combining freshness and great flavor. What sets this place apart is the salsas.
Puro Michoacan Restaurant
Puro Michoacan is another great place to enjoy Mexican food. It’s a small place, so you might have to wait for a table, but you can also order takeout.
The Carne Asada with Eggs and the wet Burrito covered in Salsa Verde are both delicious and come in generous portions. The portions are significant, and the fresh and traditional ingredients and the sauces include.
Happy Hour is available from Monday to Thursday, and there’s a small parking lot for your convenience. You can find Puro Michoacan in 1065 South 1st Street, San Jose.
Añejo Cantina & Kitchen
Añejo Cantina & Kitchen is situated near Santana Row. It is a cute little restaurant that offers a new spin on Mexican food and twists on classic Latino cocktails.
The restaurant is Latino owned and operated. It is nicely designed, well-lit, and has cool LED light fixtures. The food is fresh and of excellent quality.
But the real star of the show is the bar! It has bright lights, a marble countertop, crafted cocktails and mocktails, and blended drinks. You can order carne asada, elote, shrimp tacos, and churros. Stop for Latin food experience!
FAQs
How can I find the best Mexican restaurant in San Jose?
Finding the best Mexican restaurant in San Jose is subjective and depends on personal preferences. You can mainly consider our guide or online reviews(Google, Yelp, or Tripadvisor), asking for recommendations from locals or friends.
What are the best Mexican restaurants in Downtown San Jose?
It’s also worth noting that there are many highly-rated Mexican restaurants in San Jose, not just Downtown. Here are some Downtown restaurants: Mariscos Costa Alegre, Olla, Angelou’s Mexican Grill, Mezcal, and TOSTADAS.
What types of Mexican food can I expect to find in San Jose?
San Jose Mexican restaurants offer a diverse array of dishes, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, quesadillas, chiles rellenos, and more. You can also find regional specialties from different parts of Mexico, such as Oaxacan mole.
Are any vegetarian or vegan options available at Mexican restaurants in San Jose?
Several restaurants cater to vegetarians and vegans. They provide plant-based choices such as vegetable tacos, bean and cheese burritos, vegetarian enchiladas, and dishes with soy-based meat alternatives. Some restaurants even have separate menus specifically for vegetarians and vegans.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
