Six months is usually considered the earliest a new restaurant, bar or coffeeshop can receive a fair review. Each month, Metro spotlights five of the newest places we think are worth a look-see.

Benedict’s Café & Bar
5365 Camden Ave, San Jose
408.269.1005
This new Cambrian-area eatery is all about scratch-made food, with a selection of house-baked bread, house-ground coffee and fresh-squeezed juices to go along with their full-service bar. Their Fried Chicken and Waffle Benedict ($12.99) is the go-to item here; its crispy chicken, crunchy waffle and perfectly cooked egg is the right way to start the day.

Early Limits Fish & Chips
1100 N 1st St Ste E, San Jose
408.320.2090
Longtime fisherman and Campbell resident Robert Belcher made a promise when opening Early Limits that all the fish he serves at his restaurant will always be fresh, never frozen. Patrons can choose how many pieces of freshly battered cod or halibut they want, and their fresh-cut fries are served alongside. They also have fish sandwiches ($11-$13) and fish tacos ($4.25 ea) to help give the menu a bit of variety.

The Place
5229 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
408.899.4456
Ramen and small plates seem like a rather ideal combination—and so far, so good at The Place Japanese Fusion Bistro. Their hotate (scallops) with garlic butter ($9) and fried Hiroshima oysters ($9) are the perfect starters. The MSG-free duck shoyu ramen ($15.50) has a lighter broth, thin noodles and perfectly cooked, slightly smoky duck.

Matiki Island BBQ
304 E Santa Clara St, San Jose
408.420.1500
An offshoot of an Anaheim location that’s been bringing the aloha to chow since 1996. As with any standard Hawaiian BBQ, plates consist of meat, white rice and mac salad. The No. 1 “Sam’s Plate” ($10.75) features four monstrous beef ribs, delightful charred on the outside with a sweet, chewy center.

Achilles
2521 Newhall St, Santa Clara
408.984.2204
This friendly neighborhood spot features the triumvirate of Mediterranean cuisine: falafel, gyros and shawarma. All the meats served at Achilles are Halal—Arabic for delicious—and their signature heart-shaped falafel are crispy and flavorful. Pick a style from the menu (i.e.,plate, wrap or sandwich), top it and then pick your protein. Prices vary ($8-$12).