It’s hard to select restaurants that represent San Jose’s culinary diversity, but these five demonstrate the variety and deliciousness of the city’s restaurant scene.

Chez Sovan
Nevermind the dumpy neighborhood, Chez Sovan is the city’s only Cambodian restaurant and it’s worth a special trip. The amok, a banana leaf-wrapped catfish and coconut milk dish, is a must-order.

Hay Market
Hay Market brings big-city style with matched with a welcoming, small town atmosphere. Menu changes daily. It’s all good.

Mezcal
There is a growing number of Oaxacan restaurants in San Jose but Mezcal stands out for its traditional food and stylish decor and bar.

Pho Bay Tau
Pho is arguably San Jose’s signature dish, and Pho Bay Tau represents the slurpable bowl of Vietnamese beef noodle soup as well as any place.

Ramen Halu
San Jose is a Mecca for Japanese ramen and Ramen Halu is at the top of the pack.