La Catalana

- 3720 N First St UNIT 10, San Jose, CA 95134

La Catalana, located in San Jose, California, offers local users a transportive dining experience, specializing in authentic Spanish and Catalan cuisine. More than just a 'Wine bar', this establishment functions as a full-service 'Tapas restaurant', a vibrant 'Bar', a cozy 'Restaurant', and even a 'Seafood restaurant', making it a versatile and comprehensive choice for any occasion in the Silicon Valley area. Since opening its doors in 2010, the Roselló Family has striven to recreate a true Spanish-Catalan environment, from the culinary creations to the atmosphere.

The ambiance is consistently praised by patrons for being 'Casual', 'Cozy', 'Romantic', and 'Trendy'—a perfect setting for a relaxed 'Dinner' or an intimate date night. The dining experience is enhanced by the notable presence of 'Live music' on select evenings, which provides a lovely, non-overly-loud backdrop for conversation, contributing to a truly relaxed night out. La Catalana’s commitment to an authentic Spanish experience is evident in its menu, which focuses on 'Small plates' (tapas) and classic Spanish rice dishes, or Arroces, ensuring a communal and flavorful dining adventure.

The wine program is a major highlight, centered on the best of Spanish viticulture. The owners hand-select wines and partner with boutique wineries to provide high-quality and unique selections. The offerings include specialized varieties from key Spanish regions like Priorat and Penedès, as well as refreshing Cava, Spain’s iconic sparkling wine. This dedication to a 'Great wine list' makes La Catalana a distinguished destination for wine lovers across California.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently situated in North San Jose, La Catalana is an easily reachable destination for those working or living in the area. The restaurant is located at 3720 N First St UNIT 10, San Jose, CA 95134, USA, positioning it well within the vibrant commercial and business corridor of Silicon Valley.

The restaurant provides robust accessibility features and ample parking, ensuring a smooth visit for all patrons:

• Accessibility is prioritized with a 'Wheelchair accessible entrance', 'Wheelchair accessible parking lot', 'Wheelchair accessible restroom', and 'Wheelchair accessible seating'.
• Parking is made convenient with access to a 'Free parking lot' and 'Free street parking' options.

Services Offered

La Catalana offers a full spectrum of services to accommodate various user needs, from quick daytime meals to extended evening celebrations.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the full Spanish-Catalan experience with comfortable 'Seating' and 'Table service', either indoors or with the option of 'Outdoor seating'.
• Reservations: 'Accepts reservations', with 'Dinner reservations recommended' due to the popularity of the weekend atmosphere and live music.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are available for customers preferring to enjoy the food at home or the office.
• Catering: 'Catering' services are provided for larger events and gatherings.
• Daily Lunch Special: A practical 'Lunch Menu - Menu Del Día' is offered at a highly attractive price point of $13.00, which typically includes a selection of daily tapas.
• Happy Hour: Features 'Happy hour food' and 'Happy hour drinks', perfect for unwinding after a workday.
• Full Bar Service: A well-stocked 'Bar onsite' offers a wide range of beverages, including 'Beer', 'Hard liquor', 'Cocktails', and of course, a comprehensive selection of 'Wine'.

Features / Highlights

The key features of La Catalana revolve around its authenticity and commitment to a lively, high-quality dining environment:

• Exceptional Wine List: A clear highlight is the curated list of 'Vinos', prominently featuring wines from the key Spanish regions of Penedès, Priorat, and Toro. This focus provides a unique opportunity to sample specialized regional varieties such as Tempranillo and Cava.
• Authentic Tapas Menu: The menu serves a true Spanish tapas selection, including classics like 'Gambas Al Ajillo' (Sautéed Shrimp), 'Bravas' (Fried Potatoes with Brava sauce), 'Champiñones Al Ajillo' (Garlic Mushrooms), and 'Fusta De Formatges' (Assorted Imported Cheeses).
• The Catalan Focus: The restaurant proudly 'Serves local specialty', which is evident in dishes like Pa Amb Tomàquet (Catalan toast with tomato and olive oil), Botifarra Esparracada (Catalan pork sausage), and the famous Catalan dessert, Crema Catalana.
• Paella and Rice Dishes: A major part of the menu is dedicated to Paellas and other rice dishes (Arroces), including the classic 'Paella Mar Y Montana' and 'Paella Mar' (Seafood Paella), as well as the unique noodle paella, 'Fideua', and 'Arros Negre' (Black Rice).
• Signature Flavor Components: The restaurant is praised for authentic details, such as the flavorful and creamy aioli and the attempt to achieve Socarrat, the signature crispy rice crust at the bottom of the paella pan, which is highly valued in traditional Spanish cooking.
• Beverage Diversity: In addition to the extensive wine list, the bar offers 'Great cocktails' and classic Spanish beverages, complemented by 'Coffee' service.
• Dietary Options: The menu is inclusive, offering 'Vegetarian options' and 'Healthy options' among the 'Small plates' and salads, ensuring there is something for every diner.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, La Catalana can be reached via the following details:

• Address: 3720 N First St UNIT 10, San Jose, CA 95134, USA
• Phone: (408) 324-1321

What is Worth Choosing

For residents and visitors in the California area, La Catalana is an outstanding choice, particularly for those seeking an immersive cultural and culinary experience that transports them beyond the Silicon Valley landscape. It is worth choosing for several key reasons that elevate it above a standard night out.

Firstly, it offers an authentic Spanish and Catalan focus that is hard to find locally. The commitment to procuring and serving wines from specific Spanish regions, paired with a menu of classic, well-prepared tapas, creates a cohesive and genuine taste of Spain. The availability of dishes like Escalivada and Brandada De Bacallà ensures a depth of menu that is truly representative of the region.

Secondly, the atmosphere and entertainment package is exceptional. The combination of 'Romantic' dim lighting and the addition of professional, non-intrusive 'Live music' on certain nights makes it an ideal setting for a celebratory or memorable evening, whether dining as a couple or with 'Groups'. The slightly slower, relaxed pace of service, as noted by patrons, is an intentional feature that encourages guests to 'catch and take your time,' embracing the Spanish tradition of leisurely dining.

Finally, the versatility of the venue—from the convenient and affordable 'Menu Del Día' for a 'Lunch' option to the elaborate Paellas and extensive wine list for 'Dinner'—caters to all needs and budgets. While the price point for some items, like paella, has been noted as being on the higher side, the quality of authentic ingredients and the full-sensory dining environment solidify La Catalana as a must-visit Spanish 'Tapas restaurant' and premier 'Wine bar' in the San Jose, CA area.

La Catalana

3720 N First St UNIT 10, San Jose, CA 95134, USA