Brian Nagele
Suppose you’re visiting The Capital of Silicon Valley for your next vacation. In that case, you’re bound to find plenty of places to enjoy San Jose’s warmest and clearest day, from the Municipal Rose Garden to Guadalupe River Park.
Thankfully, several restaurants throughout San Jose offer quality outdoor dining experiences if you’re a fan of fresh air and great food.
No matter how casual or upscale a restaurant might be, you can’t go wrong with a refreshing snack or drink on an open-air patio or terrace.
I compiled this list of restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in San Jose, California if you can’t decide where to eat during your stay.
Siena Bistro
1359 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: 408-271-0837
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First up on my list of restaurants with the best outdoor dining San Jose, California, offers is Siena Bistro, located near Willow Glen Elementary School.
This cozy eatery serves quality Italian food prepared by Chef David Wiesner. You can enjoy your favorite dishes on their patio for a casual meal or use it as the perfect setting for private parties of any size.
Consider starting with their Cheesy Garlic Bread and ordering their Seafood Pasta, Dijon-Crusted Salmon, or Chicken Alfredo Pizza.
They have a wide selection of wine, spirits, and cocktails, but I recommend sampling their Blackberry Lemon Drop to enhance your pasta’s flavors.
Bill’s Cafe
Multiple Locations
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Next up on my list of the top restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in San Jose, California, is Bill’s Cafe.
You can find this casual restaurant in The Alameda, Rose Garden, Willow Glen, Kooser, and Makati neighborhoods.
They have a spacious outdoor area for enjoying their all-day breakfast. I love ordering their Crab Cakes Benedict, Belgian Waffle, Hash Brown Skillet, or Jalisco Scramble with fresh-squeezed orange juice or hot tea.
They also have several healthier alternatives and breakfast entrees for anyone looking for smaller portions. If you prefer to stop by for lunch, try one of their salads, burgers, or sandwiches.
Campo Di Bocce of Los Gatos
565 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: 408-395-7650
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Campo Di Bocce of Los Gatos is an excellent outdoor dining option for anyone interested in traditional Italian cuisine. It’s a short walk away from Oak Meadow Park.
This cozy yet lively restaurant has bocce ball courts and a spacious patio for anyone who loves open-air dining.
I love starting with their Meatball Sliders or Fried Ravioli. Their best dinner options are Eggplant Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, Bocce Burger, and Carnivore Pizza. Don’t forget to try these dishes with a refreshing Maple Old Fashioned cocktail.
If you’re interested in their Italian desserts, consider trying their cheesecake or freshly-scooped gelato with one of their dessert wines.
LB Steak – Santana Row
334 Santana Row #1000, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408-244-1180
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Can’t find any steakhouses offering outdoor dining options? Then, consider visiting LB Steak – Santana Row, minutes away from Winchester Mystery House.
This modern dining destination has a semi-private patio with curtains, heaters, and an excellent view of Santana Row. Their indoor dining area incorporates cowhide and wooden trim into its decor.
Don’t miss out on their Seared Day Boat Scallops, Broiled Maine Lobster Tail, Boneless Ribeye, or Filet Mignon with Onion Rings on the side.
Be sure to stop by their bar for their weekday happy hour snack and drink specials. After dinner, treat yourself to their Baked Alaska or Chocolate Molten Cake.
Left Bank
377 Santana Row #1100, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408-984-3500
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Left Bank is a lively, family-friendly French restaurant nestled within Santana Row. It’s the best place to enjoy seasonal French fare in an upbeat setting.
If you’re planning a private party, consider reserving their La Salle des Amis outdoor terrace, La Grande Plaza outdoor courtyard, or Le Cirque enclosed patio.
I recommend starting with their cheese fondue or oysters. Then, try their Moules Frites, Beef Bourguignon, Duck Confit, or Rack of Lamb with a side order of green beans or truffle fries.
If you’re in the mood for a sparkling cocktail, sample their Aperol Spritz or French 75. They also serve brunch every weekend.
San Pedro Square Market Bar
87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
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You can find San Pedro Square Market Bar minutes away from the Guadalupe River. This casual and intimate destination is the perfect place to sample international comfort food and a wide selection of craft beer, cocktails, and local wines.
In addition, they have several outdoor seating areas for private events and live music. I love ordering their Swift Justice, Fallon’s Revenge, London-Berry, or Dark and Stormy cocktail whenever I go out to dinner with my friends.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, they serve the best Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp Pad Thai, Bacon Philly Cheesesteak, and Dungeness Crab Ciabatta in the neighborhood.
Original Gravity Public House
66 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-915-2337
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If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after spending your day at the San Jose Museum of Art, Original Gravity Public House is your best nearby option for craft beer and quality pub fare in the Downtown District.
This laid-back gastropub has an outdoor patio if you prefer open-air dining while enjoying your food. Their menu offers plenty of gourmet sausage and burger options.
My favorite dishes are their Double OG! Burger, Bavarian Sausage, Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and Boudin Sausage.
Don’t forget to order a side of Duck Fat Fries if you want to enhance your meal. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options.
The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: 408-638-7911
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You can find The Table near the Broadway-Palmhaven neighborhood. This New American incorporates a rustic-chic ambiance that immerses guests as they enjoy flavorful dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients by Executive Chef Jim Stump.
They have a sizable outdoor patio suitable for casual dinners or private parties. If you prefer starting with something light, they serve a tasty selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
After that, consider ordering their Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, Berkshire Pork Chop, Grilled Spanish Octopus, or Ribeye.
Don’t forget to order your dinner with their Kentucky Express, Smoke on the Water, or Secret Garden cocktail. Then, finish with their Sugar-Coated Ricotta Beignets.
The Grill on the Alley
172 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-294-2244
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The Grill on the Alley is a popular dining destination for locals and tourists who prefer a more upscale setting for enjoying premium chops and steak.
You can find it within the Fairmont San Jose Hotel. They offer outdoor patio seating on clear, sunny days.
If you don’t have time to stay for dinner, they offer takeout and delivery services. Whenever I stop by this restaurant for dinner, I start with their Spinach Artichoke Dip or Ahi Tuna Poke.
Then, I usually order their Prime New York Strip, Norwegian Halibut, Braised Boneless Short Ribs, or Long Bone Tomahawk with a side of Loaded Mac & Cheese.
Poor House Bistro
91 Barack Obama Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 408-292-5837
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Located less than half a mile away from Arena Green Park, Poor House Bistro is another casual eatery offering the best outdoor dining in San Jose, California.
Their outdoor patio is an excellent backdrop for enjoying New Orleans-inspired dishes. You can also stop by the restaurant for free live music daily.
Their best menu options are Crawfish Pasta, Red Beans & Rice, Fried Catfish Po’Boy, and Andouille Sausage topped with bacon, cheese, or Cajun spice.
I love ordering these dishes with a Pimm’s Cup or Sazerac cocktail and Cajun Potato Salad on the side. After dinner, consider ordering their beignets for dessert.
Jack Holders Restaurant & Bar
3153 Meridian Ave #20, San Jose, CA 95124
Phone: 408-613-2365
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Nestled within Hacienda Gardens Shopping Center Meridian, Jack Holders Restaurant & Bar is another excellent option to enjoy American comfort food in a family-friendly environment.
They have a relaxed, gated patio area if you prefer open-air dining and an all-day breakfast menu. I love stopping by their bar and sampling their beers on tap.
Their BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza, Rosemary Chicken Ravioli, Crab Melt Sandwich, and Black N Bleu Burger offer some of the best flavors in the city.
If you’re extra hungry, consider adding their chili cheese fries and a milkshake to your order. I also enjoy their Santa Cruz Scramble for breakfast.
Firehouse No. 1
69 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 408-287-6969
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If you’re looking for a bustling yet cozy place to enjoy quality comfort food, Firehouse No. 1 is one dining destination near the Downtown area you don’t want to miss out on.
You can enjoy their seasonal dishes at their outdoor tables, which offer an excellent view of the nearby streets.
If you’re treating your friends to dinner, consider starting with their Bacon Mac & Cheese or Roasted Beef Marrow Bones.
Then, try their Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Mozzarella Eggplant, Bison Burger, or Angry Tiger Prawns.
Don’t forget to browse through their wide selection of draft beer, wine, and cocktails to enhance your night.
SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant
72 N Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 408-299-2000
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SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant is a Downtown hip eatery with rustic-chic vibes that serves quality comfort food and cocktails to anyone passing through the neighborhood.
Their outdoor dining area is decorated with hanging lights, enhancing its ambiance at nightfall as you enjoy Executive Chef Paul Nuño’s locally sourced New American dishes.
Their Shrimp Ceviche and Chicken Wings are the perfect way to start your night if you’re dining with your friends or family.
After that, I recommend ordering their Wagyu Burger, Ora King Salmon, Spicy Sicilian Pizza, or Pork Tenderloin if you’re in the mood for something hot. I enjoy these meals with their fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Palermo Italian Restaurant
791 Auzerais Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 408-295-6459
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Palermo Italian Restaurant offers several patio tables you can unwind at to experience the best outdoor dining in San Jose, California if you crave quality Southern Italian cuisine.
This casual restaurant, located near Los Gatos Creek, uses locally sourced ingredients to ensure quality flavors for their dishes.
Palermo Italian Restaurant offers plenty of flavorful entrees to sample on their lunch, dinner, vegan, and kid’s menus. I enjoyed their Veal Parmigiana, Tortellini Alfredo, Vegetarian Pizza, and Tequila Prawns.
Their entrees taste great with their Sicilian red or white wines. Whenever I order their gelato for dessert, I choose their vanilla or sea salt caramel flavors.
Park Station Hashery
1701 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 408-320-1711
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Are you interested in treating your family to brunch or dinner? Then, consider booking your next reservation at Park Station Hasher, found within walking distance from the Municipal Rose Garden and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
This neighborhood eatery has a laid-back ambiance, complete with outdoor seating and a full bar. Their menu incorporates several international flavors that surprise any curious visitor’s taste buds.
If you stop by for brunch, consider sampling their Breakfast Casserole or Salmon Scramble. I also enjoy their Paprika Braised Lamb or Tri-Tip Steak for dinner. Need a pick-me-up in the morning or afternoon? Then, try their espresso or vanilla latte.
Vintage Wine Bar
368 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408-985-9463
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Vintage Wine Bar, nestled within Santana Row, is one destination you shouldn’t skip if you crave San Jose’s flavorful wines and whisky flights.
It has a casual, easy-going atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of shopping or sightseeing. They also have seasonal small plates you can enjoy on their outdoor patio or near their lounge.
During my last visit to this restaurant, I ordered their Tomato-Pesto Grilled Cheese with a barrel-aged Manhattan on the Row cocktail.
Their Vegetable Quiche and Spring Forward Salad are great options if you prefer a healthier treat. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love indulging in their artisan chocolate truffles.
Scott’s Seafood San Jose
200 S 1st St #10, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-971-1700
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Last but not least on this list of restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in San Jose, California, is Scott’s Seafood San Jose, located in the Downtown District.
Their private patio is excellent for enjoying Executive Chef Sammy Reyes’ best seafood and shrimp dishes and merges into the chic private dining area.
During my last few visits to San Jose, I had their Churro Waffle for breakfast, Fish Tacos for lunch, and King Crab Legs for dinner.
Their best sides are Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Truffle Fries. They also offer brunch on the weekends from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Final Thoughts
San Jose is a great city to spend time with your friends and family during any trip, especially when you want to enjoy its warm climate.
So, it’s not a surprise that many food enthusiasts love seeking out restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in San Jose, California, for enhanced immersion.
Do you prefer a more intimate dining environment after a day of sightseeing? If so, San Jose offers plenty of venues with private dining areas.
Did I leave out any restaurants on this list? Leave a comment below about your go-to outdoor dining destinations, and I’ll check them out.
Best Outdoor Dining in San Jose, CA
- Siena Bistro
- Bill’s Cafe
- Campo Di Bocce of Los Gatos
- LB Steak – Santana Row
- Left Bank
- San Pedro Square Market Bar
- Original Gravity Public House
- The Table
- The Grill on the Alley
- Poor House Bistro
- Jack Holders Restaurant & Bar
- Firehouse No. 1
- SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant
- Palermo Italian Restaurant
- Park Station Hashery
- Vintage Wine Bar
- Scott’s Seafood San Jose
