ID Cafe

- 87 N San Pedro St #103, San Jose, CA 95110

Located within the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market, ID Cafe brings a fresh, modern take on traditional South Indian cuisine to the heart of California. Identified primarily as an Indian restaurant, it also successfully operates as an Asian fusion and a premier Vegetarian restaurant, catering to a wide array of local palates and dietary preferences. ID Cafe is inspired by the bustling street food culture of Southern India, focusing on perfecting the delicate balance of a crispy exterior and a flavorful, juicy filling that is essential to a high-quality dosa.

The menu at ID Cafe is a celebration of the dosa, a thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. Diners can explore both Classic Dosas like the beloved Masala Dosa and unique, region-specific Signature Dosas that fuse flavors from different Indian cities and contemporary ingredients. For instance, you can try the street cart favorite Hyderabad Bandi Dosa or the indulgent Mumbai Jini Dosa. Beyond dosas, the menu features a selection of steamed rice cakes known as Idly, including variations like Sambar Idly and Karam Podi Idly, all made with the goal of delivering a fresh, fast, and authentic South Indian bite.

The focus on fresh preparation is evident in the swift service and high quality of the food, with customers frequently praising the speed and the freshness of their order. The restaurant’s offerings are completed by authentic beverages such as Filter Coffee and Masala Chai, alongside popular refreshing drinks like Mango Lassi. ID Cafe is recognized not just for its food but also for its friendly and efficient staff, making it a reliable choice for a quick, delicious meal at any time of day in a lively market setting.

While the menu leans heavily into vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, it thoughtfully includes Halal meat options to ensure a diverse offering, such as the Vijayawada Chicken Dosa (Halal) and the rich Karaikudi Goat Keema (Halal) dosa. This commitment to variety, quality, and a fun, casual atmosphere makes ID Cafe a standout Indian destination for California residents in the South Bay.

ID Cafe is conveniently located at 87 N San Pedro St #103, San Jose, CA 95110, USA, a prime spot within the bustling San Pedro Square Market. This central downtown location ensures excellent visibility and accessibility for both local residents and visitors exploring the city's culinary and entertainment hub.

Accessibility and convenience are well-addressed by the restaurant's location and available amenities:

• Wheelchair Access: The restaurant space features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, and guests can utilize nearby public options for Wheelchair accessible parking lot access within the San Pedro Square vicinity.
• Parking: Due to its downtown location, the cafe relies on convenient public parking options, including a Paid parking garage and Paid street parking nearby.
• Seating & Pets: Patrons enjoy the benefit of finding their own open seating in the shared market area, which features comfortable Seating. For those with pets, Dogs are allowed outside in the market's common areas, making it a great stop during a walk.
• Atmosphere: The overall atmosphere is Casual, fitting perfectly within the dynamic and fun social setting of the San Pedro Square Market, ideal for people watching and groups.

ID Cafe provides a highly flexible range of services tailored to the needs of the fast-paced and family-oriented Californian customer:

• Full Day Dining: Serving the community from Breakfast through Lunch and Dinner, offering continuous service for those seeking a bite at any hour of the day.
• Diverse Service Options: Guests can choose from comfortable Dine-in in the market's seating area, quick Takeout, traditional Delivery, or the added convenience of No-contact delivery. Outdoor seating is available within the market grounds.
• Catering Services: Identified as a Caterer, ID Cafe can provide authentic South Indian food and Asian fusion options for events, parties, and corporate gatherings throughout the San Jose and Bay Area region.
• Family and Children Focus: The restaurant is rated as Good for kids and offers a dedicated Kids' menu, featuring child-friendly portions and items like the Kids Ghee Cone Dosa and Kids Cheese Dosa.
• Payment Methods: All major forms of payment are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and the use of NFC mobile payments for fast and modern transactions.

The unique aspects and high points of ID Cafe underscore its position as a top Indian dining spot in San Jose:

• Dosa Specialization: The undisputed highlight is the vast and creative menu of dosas, from the flaky, crispy Ghee Roast Dosa to the savory, fusion-inspired Mumbai Pav bhaaji Dosa. The restaurant excels at delivering perfectly crispy dosas every time.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly: Operating as a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant, a significant portion of the menu is inherently meat-free, offering excellent options for vegetarians and vegans, including the popular Beyond Karaikudi Vegan Dosa.
• Street Food Authenticity: ID Cafe captures the spirit of Southern India’s food carts (or 'Bandi'), bringing authentic, bold street flavors and cooking techniques to the California market. The Hyderabad Bandi Dosa is a must-try reflection of this inspiration.
• Innovative Asian Fusion: The inclusion of specialty dosas and its classification as an Asian fusion restaurant demonstrates a willingness to innovate, blending traditional Indian techniques with varied Asian flavors to create unique dishes.
• Signature Sauces and Accompaniments: The meals are complemented by a variety of scintillating chutneys—often described as white, green, and red sauces—and authentic sambar, adding layers of flavor, heat, and freshness to every bite.
• Traditional Drinks: A focus on authentic Indian beverages, such as freshly brewed Filter Coffee and spicy Masala Chai, provides a genuine culinary finish to the meal.
• Quick and Fresh Service: Customers consistently report an efficient ordering process and impressively fast food preparation, with dishes arriving hot, fresh, and neatly presented, even for takeout orders.

To inquire about the menu, place a catering order, or simply find directions to your next dosa meal, please use the contact information below:

Address: 87 N San Pedro St #103, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

Phone: (408) 890-5880 or +1 408-890-5880

For residents and visitors in California, choosing ID Cafe in San Jose is a decision to experience one of the Bay Area’s best interpretations of South Indian street food, delivered with efficiency and quality. It’s an ideal choice for several key reasons.

First, it offers a Specialized Culinary Focus. Unlike general Indian restaurants, ID Cafe is dedicated to the craft of the dosa and idly, which allows them to achieve excellence in these difficult-to-master dishes. The dedication to a crispy, non-soggy dosa, as highlighted by customer reviews, ensures a superior texture and taste. Whether you opt for the classic Plain Dosa or a creative option like the Tikka Paneer Dosa, you are guaranteed a fresh, hand-crafted meal.

Second, the Inclusion of Variety and Dietary Options is a huge draw in diverse California. As a primary Vegetarian restaurant with a delicious Beyond Karaikudi Vegan Dosa, it’s a haven for plant-based eaters. Simultaneously, the availability of Halal Chicken and Goat Keema options ensures that non-vegetarian diners are equally well-served, making it an excellent compromise for groups with mixed preferences.

Finally, its strategic location in the Lively San Pedro Square Market means every meal is part of a larger, fun social outing. You can enjoy your food in a communal, Casual environment, perfect for people-watching or easily transitioning to other activities in Downtown San Jose. For a Quick bite that doesn't sacrifice authenticity or flavor, and a staff that is consistently described as helpful, friendly, and efficient, ID Cafe is a reliable and highly recommended Indian restaurant choice.

ID Cafe

87 N San Pedro St #103, San Jose, CA 95110, USA