Petiscos

- San Jose, CA 95116

For those in the **California** region, particularly the dynamic community in and around **San Jose**, seeking an authentic and vibrant European dining experience, **Petiscos** offers a genuine taste of Portugal right in the heart of Downtown. More than just a local eatery, Petiscos is an acclaimed **Portuguese restaurant** known for specializing in the country's celebrated culture of shared, small plates, known as "petiscos"—the Portuguese equivalent of Spanish tapas.

Launched by the same talented team behind San Jose’s Michelin-starred Adega, Petiscos was conceived to bring traditional Portuguese home-style cooking to the community in a more casual and approachable setting. The focus is on authentic, flavorful dishes made with attention to quality, often featuring imported ingredients to ensure a true taste of the Iberian Peninsula.

This establishment has quickly become a culinary highlight in the Bay Area, earning recognition with a prestigious **MICHELIN Bib Gourmand** award, which signifies good quality, good value cooking. This accolade reflects the restaurant’s commitment to providing excellent food at reasonable prices, making it a stellar choice for both a relaxed weeknight dinner and a special gathering with friends or family in California.

Petiscos is ideally situated in a lively and easily accessible part of Downtown San Jose, making it a convenient destination for local users across the region. The restaurant is located in the vibrant SoFA (South First Area) District, which is known for its cultural venues and dining scene.

The core address for Petiscos is:

• **399 S. 1st St., San Jose, CA 95113, USA**

Note: While the provided information specified the broader zip code of 95116, public data confirms the specific, highly accessible Downtown location is 399 S. 1st St., 95113. This location offers several convenient options for patrons:

• Parking is available via nearby **Street parking (paid)** and also in a **parking lot across the street**.
• For those worried about Downtown parking, the restaurant is reportedly a short walk from the **Convention Center parking** garage.

The atmosphere within the restaurant is described as a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance with stylish décor that features maritime-inspired elements and traditional Portuguese touches, such as pottery plates and the iconic Galo de Barcelos (Barcelos Rooster).

To accommodate the diverse needs of the San Jose community, Petiscos provides a range of services from full dining to convenient meal options, all designed to facilitate a pleasurable and shared culinary experience.

• **Dine-in Service:** Guests can enjoy the full experience in a charming and lively atmosphere, complete with a bar area.
• **Outdoor Seating:** The restaurant offers an **Outdoor seating** area, sometimes featuring heated options, which is perfect for enjoying the pleasant California weather.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are accepted, and highly recommended, especially for groups, to secure seating in this popular establishment. Reservations for larger parties may require a deposit.
• **Takeout and Delivery:** For maximum convenience, the menu is available for quick **takeout** and **delivery** through popular third-party services, allowing patrons to enjoy authentic Portuguese food at home.
• **Beverage Service:** A well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of Portuguese wines, including white Albariño and red Tempranillo varieties, as well as a full cocktail menu and traditional Portuguese beverages like Sumol soda.
• **Catering/Group Menus:** The restaurant offers tailored **Group Menus** and is known for hosting events, suggesting an ability to handle larger catered orders.
• **Payments:** The establishment is modern in its approach to payments, accepting traditional methods such as **Credit cards** and even accommodating **cryptocurrencies** alongside standard payment forms.

Petiscos stands out in the San Jose culinary scene due to several unique features that define its quality and commitment to cultural authenticity and guest comfort.

• **MICHELIN Recognition:** The restaurant has been awarded the **MICHELIN Bib Gourmand**, recognizing its exceptional quality and value, a significant achievement for a casual dining spot.
• **Authentic Portuguese Small Plates:** The concept revolves around **petiscos**—small, sharable portions of traditional Portuguese dishes. This encourages communal dining and the exploration of a variety of flavors in one sitting.
• **Culinary Pedigree:** It is the casual sister restaurant to the renowned Michelin-starred Adega, assuring a high level of quality control and culinary expertise from its Executive Chef.
• **Authentic Dishes:** The menu features distinctly Portuguese specialties that are hard to find elsewhere, such as **Duck Rice** ($19.00), **Codfish Cakes**, **Francesinha** (a specialty sandwich from Porto), **braised pig ears salad**, and **grilled sardines**.
• **Special Events:** The location is known to host **fado nights**, offering patrons a chance to experience the soulful, traditional music of Portugal, enhancing the cultural immersion.
• **Beverage Selection:** The wine list focuses on unique Portuguese vintages, offering a true complement to the food. They also serve traditional coffee and espresso drinks, including **Galão (Latte)**.
• **Accessibility and Inclusivity:** The ambiance is described as lively yet classy, and the service is known for being warm, attentive, and helpful, guiding diners through the menu of small plates.
• **Dietary Options:** The menu is noted for offering a variety of choices, including readily available **vegetarian options** and the flexibility for **plant-based choices** upon request, balancing traditional comfort food with modern dietary needs.
• **Dog-Friendly:** The inclusion of an outdoor dining area that is **dog-friendly** is a thoughtful touch for patrons in the pet-loving California community.

To make a reservation or inquire about the current menu and hours, the restaurant can be reached directly at their Downtown San Jose location:

• **Address:** 399 S. 1st St., San Jose, California 95113, USA
• **Phone:** 1-408-320-2884 (Public data indicates this number is associated with the business.)

The "petiscos" concept encourages diners to explore the entire menu, treating the meal as a culinary journey. For those visiting Petiscos in San Jose, CA, certain dishes come highly recommended by critics and local patrons alike, offering the most authentic and signature tastes of Portugal.

The small plate format is the star of the show, allowing for a shared, convivial dining experience. It is generally recommended that guests order **2-3 plates per person** to fully savor the experience.

• **Duck Rice (Arroz de Pato):** This is one of the most frequently mentioned, signature dishes. It's a comforting, savory oven-baked rice dish with duck, known for its deep, rich flavor, and often regarded as a must-try.
• **Codfish Cakes (Pastéis de Bacalhau):** As cod (bacalhau) is a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine, these fritters—made with salted cod, potatoes, and herbs—are a classic and highly praised appetizer.
• **Francesinha:** A unique, indulgent specialty from the city of Porto, this sandwich is layered with various meats, covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a rich, savory beer and tomato sauce. It’s an unforgettable Portuguese street food experience elevated for a restaurant setting.
• **Octopus Salad:** Often noted for its tenderness and vibrant flavor profile, the octopus salad showcases the quality of the restaurant’s seafood and preparation.
• **Flamed Chouriço:** A fun, interactive appetizer where Portuguese chorizo sausage is flamed at the table, highlighting the smoky, robust flavor of the meat.

The experience is incomplete without trying the Portuguese bakery items, which are available in a limited selection at Petiscos.

• **Wines:** Be sure to ask the attentive staff for a recommendation from their Portuguese wine list to perfectly complement your savory petiscos.
• **Pastel de Nata:** Though part of the sister bakery (Pastelaria Adega), the availability of these famed Portuguese custard tarts for dessert is a final, sweet flourish that shouldn’t be missed.
• **Desserts:** Beyond the nata, other homemade desserts such as the **Chocolate Fondant** or various panna cotta options are available to conclude your meal.

Petiscos offers the California diner a chance to step away from the familiar and into the warm, authentic flavors of Portugal, backed by Michelin-level attention to quality, all within the casual and welcoming context of a local Downtown San Jose favorite.

Petiscos

San Jose, CA 95116, USA