by Jeff Muhleman
| February, 2, 2024
Have you even gone out to eat, and just didn’t know what to order? Or have you ever wanted a sandwich or a donut, but not know where to go to get the absolute best to beat that craving? Well, check out TheTopDish.com and get the skinny on where to find the best dish at the Bay Area’s hot spots.
Best Chocolate Banana Almond Croissant San Francisco
2821 California St San Francisco, CA 94115
This croissant has a unique texture because the banana is baked into the dough. It’s a bit heavier and chewier than what you are used to. But I was sold on the first bite. It’s just an astonishingly tasty baked item! Be prepared to wait in a long line because this place is the bomb. And since you waited, order a few (one’s not enough) then get a few Kouign Amanns because those are amazing too.
Best Jerk BBQ San Jose
638 N 13th St San Jose, CA 95113 (5 locations)
This East Side Menlo Park hole-in-the-wall eatery has grown to 5 locations! If you have not had Jerk BBQ, this is the place to start and, maybe, to end . Jerk is a very unique and complex flavor. Consider a marinade made with allspice, thyme, Scotch Bonnet peppers, and so much more. It’s a unique flavor profile. The meat is deeply marinated and then charred giving it a smoky grilled flavor. More sauce is served on the side, along with rice and fried plantains. Back-A-Yard is sure to be a part of your regular dining out rotation.
Best Scampi San Jose
Prawns Meunière
La Foret
21747 Bertram Rd,San Jose, CA 95120
You’ll have to drive WAY out to Old Almaden to find San Jose’s best French Restaurant. You can order anything and be very pleased. Your waiter may try to steer you to the grilled prawns with balsamic vinegar for an appetizer. You will love that too. But my go-to is their Prawns Meunière. It’s just a simple Scampi but the sauce is just amazing and perfect. Garlic, wine lemon, and I suspect a reduced shrimp stock. Use the hot sourdough bread to sop up all the remaining broth. You might order it again as the main course!
Best Lengua (Tongue) Taco San Jose
140 E San Carlos St San Jose, CA 95112 (6 locations)
This is what the perfect taco is…a symphony of ingredients and flavors creating a perfect bite. It’s a bit crispy, savory, acidic, smoky….ahhhh. I like a “wet” taco and La Vics delivers. I love that they grill their tortillas a bit and melt the cheese on the bottom. And the salsa plus the orange sauce takes it all over the top. Few people have even tried the lengua. The chicken or carnitas are fine too but the tender beefy cubes of slow simmered lengua are a hidden secret. Forget it is tongue and take the plunge. Don’t hate me for picking a really popular chain for my taco. There’s a line for a reason.
Best Goat San Jose
Roasted Goat Cutlet
5330 Terner Way Ste 40 San Jose, CA 95136
After trying the Somali food from Jubba, I’m obsessed. I ordered the Roasted Goat served with a side of Somali Spaghetti (you can order it with Basmati Rice if you want to be boring) and some Injera, which is a traditional Ethiopian spongy sour bread. I’ve never had goat. I’m glad my first experience was at Jubba. They roast the meat so that it just falls off the bone. Every dish is served with a spicy green sauce that adds a delicious spicy kick to everything. You’d have to be crazy to not try the goat here.