Oveja Negra

- 355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

Nestled within the luxurious Hotel Valencia on the chic and vibrant Santana Row in San Jose, Oveja Negra is a tapas restaurant that lives up to its name, which translates to “Black Sheep.” This establishment offers a refreshing, modern, and globally inspired twist on the traditional Spanish tapas concept, proudly featuring an "unruly tapas" menu designed to delight the curious and adventurous California diner. Far from being strictly traditional, Oveja Negra blends deep-rooted Spanish elements with international flair, resulting in a unique, shareable dining experience that is both sophisticated and exciting.

For South Bay residents seeking a truly exceptional meal, Oveja Negra provides a destination where culinary creativity meets impeccable execution. The menu is structured around a four-course concept that encourages sharing, allowing guests to savor a wide variety of inventive small plates. Highlights include the fresh Wild Onset, Cape Cod Oysters On the Half Shell, expertly prepared seafood like the Garlic and Butter Poached Gulf Shrimp, and high-end selections such as the Blackmore Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. The restaurant is celebrated for its flavorful, rich, and balanced dishes, with customers raving about the fresh seafood in their paella and the depth of flavor in specialty items like the beef cheeks and seasonal mushroom accompaniments.

The atmosphere at Oveja Negra is a significant part of its appeal. Described as casual, cozy, and trendy, the restaurant offers an elegant and inviting ambiance that makes it popular for various occasions, including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining. The combination of globally inspired cuisine, outstanding service—often noted as attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly—and a stunning setting within one of San Jose's most desirable locations makes this an absolutely highly recommended dining spot for anyone visiting or residing in the Bay Area. It is an ideal venue for groups, date nights, or even a quick, high-quality bite.

Oveja Negra is perfectly situated at the center of San Jose's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, Santana Row. Its specific location is 355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, USA. It is important for local users to note that the restaurant is located inside the Hotel Valencia Santana Row, often found on the third floor, near the hotel lobby and bar. While the entrance can be discreet, the journey upstairs leads to a beautiful dining space.

The restaurant's setting within the Hotel Valencia allows it access to a gorgeous open-air courtyard, providing a highly desirable outdoor dining experience with a fountain and lovely lighting, often evoking a European or Mediterranean ambiance. This al fresco area is particularly sought after.

Accessibility is a key focus for the establishment, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests in the California community:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Paid parking garage and paid lot are available on Santana Row)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Oveja Negra offers a complete set of dining services designed to cater to the diverse needs of its San Jose clientele, ensuring both flexibility and a refined experience:

• Dining Service: Available for Breakfast, Brunch (on weekends), Lunch, and Dinner, featuring full Seating and Table Service.
• Service Modes: Options include Outdoor seating in the beautiful courtyard, traditional Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery, maximizing convenience for all patrons.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, with Dinner reservations highly recommended to secure a table, particularly during peak hours or for courtyard seating.
• Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, making it suitable for both casual outings and special occasions.
• Amenities: A fully stocked Bar onsite is available, along with a Restroom.
• Crowd: The restaurant is popular among Groups and Tourists, highlighting its broad appeal.
• Payments: All major payment forms are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a quick, modern checkout.
• Pet Policy: A unique bonus in the area, the restaurant allows Dogs allowed outside in the outdoor seating area.
• Child-Friendly: High chairs are provided for families dining with young children.

Oveja Negra stands out in the competitive Santana Row dining scene due to its unique culinary perspective and commitment to quality:

• Unruly, Globally Inspired Tapas: The core feature is the “unruly tapas,” which offers a modern, international spin on small plates. This means finding Spanish staples alongside dishes with Asian, Mexican, or Mediterranean influences, such as Rock Shrimp Ceviche with Yuzu, or the Grilled and Slow Braised Oxtail Sope.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: The restaurant is highlighted for its Great cocktails and features an extensive Great wine list. While some customers note a slightly limited selection of Spanish wines, the overall offerings, including Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine, are top-tier.
• Outstanding Desserts and Coffee: Patrons consistently praise the dessert menu, with a callout for the Hazelnut Cheesecake (noted for being less sweet and having more depth) and the Cinnamon Croissant Bread Pudding. The restaurant also serves Great coffee.
• Quality Main Courses: Beyond the small plates, the menu features impressive “Third” courses like the Natural Filet of Beef with Merlot Reduction, the Pan Roasted Wild Seabass, and the distinctive Pan Roasted South Texas Antelope, showcasing globally sourced and high-quality ingredients.
• Dietary Options: The menu thoughtfully includes dedicated Healthy options and Vegetarian options, alongside its main offerings of Small plates. Look for the (V) designation on dishes like the Hydroponically Grown Green Salad and the Sliced Hydro Grown Heirlooms.
• Serves Local Specialty: The commitment to quality is evident in the sourcing of unique ingredients and the feature of local specialty flavors.

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about the menu at this popular San Jose tapas restaurant, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
• Phone: (408) 423-5400
• Mobile Phone: +1 408-423-5400

Oveja Negra is a premier choice for California residents seeking a sophisticated and flavorful dining experience in the heart of San Jose. What makes it truly worth choosing is the successful fusion of high-quality cuisine, a chic ambiance, and location. Diners are not merely getting traditional tapas; they are embarking on a creative culinary journey that blends Spanish tradition with global techniques, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and surprising. The quality of ingredients, from fresh seafood in the paella to high-grade Wagyu, is consistently noted as excellent.

For those in the South Bay, the location on Santana Row offers a perfect, trendy setting for any meal, further enhanced by the gorgeous outdoor seating area that provides an elegant, European-style dining experience. The convenience of all-day dining—from breakfast through to dinner—and the strong emphasis on service ensure a consistently positive visit. Furthermore, the commitment to excellent beverages, including a strong cocktail program and desserts that "exceeded expectation," seals its reputation as a place for a complete and indulgent meal. Whether you are a tourist staying at the Hotel Valencia or a San Jose local looking for the next great spot for dinner or brunch, Oveja Negra promises a phenomenal and memorable experience that makes it a true "black sheep" among Santana Row's many dining options.

Oveja Negra

355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, USA