From The Fairmont San Jose Best Nearby Restaurants (10 Overall Closest) Metro: San Jose, CA The Grill on the Alley (Restaurants - American) 172 S Market St Fairmont Hotel, San Jose  CA  95113-2307 • 408-294-2244 Distance: ~44 ft User Rating: 9.5 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. This rather clubby hotel restaurant is well-known for its hand-stirred martinis and excellent grilled seafood, prime rib, and filet mignon. With private dining rooms and an intimate main dining area that boasts hardwood floors and leather booths, the restaurant keeps with the Fairmont's well-earned reputation for elegance. Pagoda Restaurant (Restaurants - Asian) 170 S Market St Fairmont San Jose, San Jose  CA  95113 • 408-998-3955 Distance: ~50 ft         Description: DOWNTOWN. Located in San Jose's Fairmont Hotel, this elegant Chinese restaurant offers an intimate dining environment, including opulent décor and a huge central flower arrangement. Menu items include garlic chicken and mu shu pork, not to mention several fish, seafood and vegetarian options. Gordon Biersch Brewery (Restaurants - American) 33 E San Fernando St, San Jose  CA  95113-2508 • 408-294-6785 Distance: ~636 ft User Rating: 6.75 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. Eclectic Gordon Biersch Brewery is a popular chain brewpub known as much for its flavor-packed menu (great garlic mashed potatoes!) as for its fine selection of German ales and lagers. On weekends, it tends to get fairly loud and crowded and makes for a fun place to hang out, especially for folks between the ages of 21 and 35. During the summer, you'll probably happen upon a little live music when you stop in. House of Siam (Restaurants - Asian) 151 S 2nd St, San Jose  CA  95113-2378 • 408-295-3397 Distance: ~681 ft User Rating: 8 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. House of Siam is a Thai restaurant conveniently located in San Jose's downtown area. If you have an affinity for spicy food and an exotic setting, then this place will be right up your alley. Dishes like their pan-fried noodles and mixed vegetables or duck served in a pineapple are huge favorites with the business crowd who flock here during lunch hours. Several vegetarian options are also available. Bella Mia (Restaurants - Italian) 58 S 1st St, San Jose  CA  95113 • 408-280-1993 Distance: ~779 ft User Rating: 9 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. If you're in the mood for great-tasting Italian cuisine served in an elegant atmosphere, look no further than Bella Mia. This popular establishment, situated in one of the city's most historic buildings, combines Old Country style and charm with excellent service and an awesome menu. Popular dishes include flatbread pizzas, seafood pastas and roasted duck. Great happy hour specials on drinks, and small plates are a weekday boon. Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar (Restaurants - American) 185 Park Ave, San Jose  CA  95113 • 408-971-1700 Distance: ~819 ft User Rating: 9.5 / 10         Description: This sixth-floor restaurant has some of the best views of downtown of any restaurant in the San Jose area, so be sure to request a window-side seat. The atmosphere is fairly upscale, but the friendly service and well-spaced dining area create a definite air of comfort. "Scott's Classics" are the restaurant's signature dishes, and the eclectic menu offers such main dishes as tuna covered with wasabi lemon butter, sea bass, and grilled salmon. Scott's also offers non-seafood alternatives, including excellent steaks. Morton's, The Steakhouse (Restaurants - American) 177 Park Ave, San Jose  CA  95113 • 408-947-7000 Distance: ~907 ft         Description: Morton's offers a lot more than just American Angus. The decor is masculine; the atmosphere, classy. Expect more-than-competent service from the knowledgeable waitstaff, who can converse confidently not only about food but about the lengthy wine list as well. Along with a legendary 24-ounce porterhouse, favorite entrees include whole baked Maine lobster, broiled salmon, and a buttery double-cut filet mignon. Original Joe's (Restaurants - American) 301 S 1st St, San Jose  CA  95112 • 408-292-7030 • 888-841-7030 Distance: ~979 ft User Rating: 8.6666 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. Original Joe's, known to locals simply as "OJ's," has been a staple on the San Jose restaurant scene for nearly half a century. Part of the restaurant's appeal is its simple charm, including a counter that tends to fill rather quickly at both lunch and dinner. The menu boasts some of the best burgers in town, including the spinach-filled "Joe's Special." OJ's also offers several excellent Italian dishes. For dessert, give their excellent tiramisu or cheesecake a try. Il Fornaio (Restaurants - Breakfast) 302 S Market St The Sainte Claire Hotel, San Jose  CA  95113-2817 • 408-271-3366 Distance: ~1011 ft User Rating: 9.6 / 10         Description: DOWNTOWN. Il Fornaio, located in the Sainte Claire Larkspur Hotel and near the Convention Center, is actually part of a restaurant/bakery chain. The Old World elegance of this restaurant is unmistakable – stylish décor marked by high ceilings and a cozy fireplace and a menu that is second to none. Entrées include several seafood dishes, including lobster ravioli and grilled fish. Il Fornaio also offers excellent breakfast pastries and Italian roast coffee. Arcadia (Restaurants - American) 100 W San Carlos St San Jose Marriott, San Jose  CA  95113 • 408-278-4555 Distance: ~1102 ft         Description: Michael Mina's Arcadia is ideal for a business lunch or dinner, or for a romantic date. The décor is simple and tasteful, with white linens and fresh flowers. Mina's menu offers a mix of classic and more contemporary American dishes: grilled steaks and oysters Rockefeller, lobster corn dogs and foie gras sliders. The whole chicken fried in duck fat and served with truffled mac and cheese wins raves, and desserts are worth a splurge. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.