Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in San Jose / Silicon Valley

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in San Jose / Silicon Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Hashiri Bettei Kaiseki Aoki

5.0

5 (23)

$50 and over

Japanese

Saratoga

About the restaurant

We, Hashiri Bettei Kaiseki Aoki, deliver the experience of “kaiseki ryori,” a type of Japanese fine dining which historically developed to be served in the Japanese tea room. The tea room, as a space, symbolizes the home of the Japanese tea ceremony, a simple yet transformative experience offering a pause in time to appreciate the seemingly small experience of sharing tea. As such, we’ve designed both the architecture and the experience, to condense an infinite expanse into an extremely small space.

The space is designed sans distracting elements. Lighting will be subtle and architectural details are clean yet warm. Designed to allow dishes to remain the focal point of the experience, our space represents the endless potential for an intimate dining experience that continues to linger on pallet and in mind well after the end.

Top review

Shengyih

Dined 4 days ago

Been in the place 4 times. Love the food and Sake selections. Will definitely be back soon.

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Kaiseki Experience

Eos & Nyx

4.6

4.6 (49)

$31 to $50

Californian

San Jose

About the restaurant

The team behind DTSJ favorites - Paper Plane, MINIBOSS, Still O.G. and Alter Ego - elevates the local scene once again with Eos & Nyx, a dual level indoor/outdoor dining experience serving Mediterranean flavors with modern twists.
Drawing inspiration from the Greek deities of dawn and night, this venue provides a culinary journey that transforms as the day unfolds. Guests will savor an array of mezzes, indulgent brunch offerings and grilled seafood and meats, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The bar program features inventive craft cocktails, wines and spirits, showcased against a striking double-height, rotating liquor display that spans both levels of the restaurant. The custom design elements create a captivating atmosphere - by day, the space is vibrant and energetic; by night, it transforms into an urban oasis with intimate accent lighting. Eos & Nyx artfully blend the concepts of day and night, presenting a one-of-a-kind elegant, memorable dining experience.

Top review

KAI

Dined today

The atmosphere and service at the restaurant are commendable. The carrot salad is a highlight, offering a delightful taste. The steak is quite satisfying, flavorful, and meaty. However, the lobster pasta dish falls short of expectations. The dish lacks a generous amount of lobster meat, and the flavors don't stand out. Most concerning, the tagliatelle is overcooked and somewhat soggy.

lelé kitchen

4.9

4.9 (27)

$50 and over

Californian

Los Gatos

About the restaurant

Lele Kitchen is a continuation of Lena Leskina’s beloved bakery and cafe, now expanding into upscale dining with a California farm-to-table and Eastern European twist. Chef Ulad Skoblia curates a menu that celebrates bold Slavic flavors — caviar, smoked fish, dill, and root vegetables — infused with California’s seasonal ingredients.

Nestled near the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, our location inspires both our seasonal cuisine and wines. Advanced Sommelier Fedar Kamkou guides the wine program, highlighting Californian winemakers to pair perfectly with each dish. Our casual upscale atmosphere blends classy sophistication with a relaxed vibe, perfect for any occasion — whether it's a cozy dinner with friends or a special family night out. And yes, we’re kid-friendly, with special touches like a small children’s menu.

Whether you’re savoring oysters, clay pot-roasted rabbit, or treating yourself to our dessert at Lele Kitchen, you’ll experience the best of creative, chef-driven cuisine.

Top review

THOMAS

Dined 6 days ago

Each dish composition and presentation from the bites through the appetizers to the main course is outstanding, the pairing of the fresh ingredients are exceptional. If you want to treat your taste buds beyond the standard good experiences and you consider yourself a gourmand food lover this is the RIGHT place for you. The atmosphere and surroundings in the restaurant is pleasant. The restaurant was quiet even when was almost full. The staff is knowledgeable about their menu items and very very helpful and friendly.

Restaurant Gish

4.9

4.9 (176)

$50 and over

Korean

Santa Clara

About the restaurant

Good People
Good Food
Good Time

Welcome to Restaurant Gish!
For the reservation, please visit our website!

Top review

Saskia

Dined on Dec 19, 2024

We love this place, it's a special occasion place for us but we really should go more often. The food is outstanding, the presentation amazing, the staff are so kind and considerate. The blends of the dishes are well thought out, and the portion sizes just perfect. Truly amazing small 'hole in the wall' restaurant. Worth every penny.

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Experience

2024 Holiday Season Special Dinner

Alter Ego Cocktail Club

4.6

4.6 (66)

$50 and over

Lounge

San Jose

About the restaurant

A dimly lit mysterious cocktail lounge tucked behind the curtain of the vinyl bar, Still O.G., boasting a diverse array of delicious and methodically prepared small plates in addition to wildly imaginative and carefully crafted cocktails.

Small plate offerings include dishes such as steak tartare with puffed rice served in a perilla leaf, Spanish octopus al pastor that is confit then fried and served alongside caramelized pineapple puree and pineapple salsa, and the namesake Alter Ego egg.

The diverse cocktail menu features 16 signature cocktails such as the Kyushu Coffee, a blend of Shochu, black coffee and kuromitsu topped with a black sesame foam or the Buster and Babs; a Rum and Brandy based milk punch inspired by the flavors of carrot cake served in a decanter with glassware for 2.

A seated experience with tableside service in an intimate space, reservations and walk-ins both accepted, although reservations are highly recommended.

ID required (21+ & up only)

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 6 days ago

They were very accommodating in allowing two of our separate reservations to sit together (although we would’ve been fine if we couldn’t). We really appreciated they were able to make that happen so we could enjoy our time as a group. Drinks, as always, were unique and high quality. We tried some of the holiday drinks; they were good, as well. Food is still overpriced and fine. Service overall was good, and we had a good experience!

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Experience

New Years Eve Prix Fixe (6:00pm to 8:00pm)

Experience

New Years Eve Toast Prix Fixe (9pm to 12:30am)

Chelokababi

4.9

4.9 (191)

$30 and under

Middle Eastern

Sunnyvale

About the restaurant

Dine at the top Persian restaurant in the Bay Area. Chelokababi is family owned and operated for 42 years. We use only the the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods dating back for generations in Iran. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine from our extensive wine list.

Visit us online at chelokababi.com

Top review

AmirPasha

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

🙏🏻 thanks, food and ambiance was very nice. Greate service

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Experience

Afternoon Tea at Chelo Tea House

Inn at Tres Pinos

5.0

5 (907)

$31 to $50

Continental

Hollister

About the restaurant

Built in 1880, The Inn was at one time a brothel, until it was raided by federal officers. The Inn was a favorite site of cowboys and teamsters, who appreciated the fine foods and jovial atmosphere.
Over 100 years later, the Inn at Tres Pinos is now a San Benito County Historical Landmark, carefully restored by owner, Mike Howard. The ambiance is intimate, rustic, and elegant. It’s country with a touch of class, and decorated in a style that is a reflection of Mike’s personal interest. Mike's grandfather taught him the the art of fly-fishing, and every year the family still fishes together at the Big Wood River in Sun Valley, Idaho. Mike married Mary along the Big Wood River in 2010, and the Inn has become a true family affair. Mike’s philosophy is “Keep it fresh and keep it simple.” His staff is personally hand picked and will make every effort to meet your expectations. The Inn at Tres Pinos is the only four-star restaurant in San Benito Country.

Top review

Linda

Dined 2 days ago

My husband order their Cioppino and stated it was the best he has had. He was disappointed to hear that they only serve it on Christmas Eve.

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Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse - Cupertino

4.8

4.8 (634)

$50 and over

Brazilian Steakhouse

Cupertino

About the restaurant

Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse delivers an exquisite dining experience inspired by the rich Gaucho culture and culinary traditions of Southern Brazil. Galpão Gaucho’s rodizio experience offers an unparalleled dining experience, featuring 18 expertly grilled meats, including the new 24-karat Golden Steak™, paired with unlimited visits to an extensive 45-item gourmet salad bar.

Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, an authentic Brazilian dining experience.

> HOLIDAY HOURS: CHRISTMAS EVE 2024 11:30 am - 9:30 pm, CHRISTMAS DAY 12 pm - 8 pm, NEW YEAR'S EVE 11:30 am - 9:30 pm, AND NEW YEAR'S DAY 12 pm - 8 pm

Top review

Ken

Dined 4 days ago

My girlfriend and I love this place. Great food and date spot. They don't rush you. The service is very good.

La Foret

4.7

4.7 (1618)

$50 and over

French

San Jose

About the restaurant

La Foret offers fine French dining in an old country setting. We are proudly now offering outdoor dining!!!The historically significant building rests next to a quietly meandering stream in the verdant foothills of New Almaden. Picture windows surrounding the entire dining area allow you to fully enjoy the quietly beautiful surroundings during your meal. Specializing in fine French cuisine, La Foret has earned its place among the area's finest restaurants and in fact has been listed among the 50 best French restaurants in the United States.

La Foret ha an extensive wine list, which includes French and Napa Valley selections. It offers a tasting menu and brunch on Sundays.

This restaurant has private rooms for catering banquet-style private events. It also hosts weddings with capacity for up to 130 guests.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 2 days ago

This was an amazing experience. The service and food was perfect, the staff was attentive and so nice. I would highly recommend this restaurant especially for a special occasion.

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Soufflé Grand Marnier

Grand View

4.6

4.6 (2008)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

San Jose

About the restaurant

The Mt. Hamilton Grand View is a classic restaurant in a breathtaking location, with plenty of outdoor dining, overlooking the exquisite Santa Clara Valley. The memory of a great meal and our sunset views will stay with you long after your table’s been cleared.

Top review

Christine

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding "special occasion" dining experience. Food and service top notch and the panoramic view of the Valley adds to the ambience. Great cocktails and wine list. Be prepared to savor each course and take your time (as well as pay $$$$). We try to come here annually or every other year - worth budgeting for!

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Popular dish

Charred Caesar Salad All Piastra

Popular dish

Calamarata Bolognese

Popular dish

Spaghetti and Meatballs

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