A tradition that’s been around almost as long as this publication, the annual Best of Silicon Valley invites our readers to shine a spotlight on the valley’s finest. This issue—Part 2 of the 2024 readers survey—focuses on the things that make life here sweeter, spicier, more intoxicating and a lot more delicious.

In the pages that follow, readers will find winners in valley-wide foodie categories—from time-honored classics such as bagels, burgers and hot dogs to more contemporary additions, like pearl tea and poke—as well as best-of-neighborhood choices in five different areas: San Jose and parts south, the West Valley, Central Silicon Valley, the communities on the Peninsula and the Milpitas/Fremont area to the northeast.

The final two categories offer a roadmap to buzz-worthy breweries, cocktail slingers and wine bars, as well as Silicon Valley’s best budtenders and dispensaries.

We’re now in the tail end of 2024, a perfect time to raise a glass to those businesses who’ve survived and thrived here, such as the SoFA Market and Orchard City Kitchen, two venues that marked their 10th anniversaries recently.

We also welcome the new additions, staking their own claims here in the hopes that they, too, will find a place in the valley’s hearts. Three have already made their way into the winner’s circle, with Roja in Los Altos taking the gold for Best New Restaurant, followed by silver winner Blossom and Bourbon and bronze recipient Omee.J 2  (both in San Jose).

Perhaps next year’s winners will include other upstarts, such as Campus Burgers, CEO Noodles and Eden Gardens, which all had recent openings in downtown San Jose; Clara’s Junction, which debuted this summer near Levi’s Stadium; Silos, an innovative arrival on Morgan Hill’s burgeoning restaurant scene; Bistro 107, a restaurant created by Los Gatos winery Testarossa (winner of Best Wine Label); and Fitoor, one of Santana Row’s newest tenants. And this very week comes one of the most eagerly awaited new faces: Eos & Nyx, bringing life to a long-dormant space (see Gary Singh’s Silicon Alleys column).

To the newcomers, we bid welcome. To the favorites, we toast to your continued success. And to all our readers, we thank you for sharing your opinions—and for supporting local establishments.

Links to the Winners: Editor Picks—The Short List | Valleywide Food Favorites | Best Cuisine by Neighborhood | Bars, Beer, Wine and Spirits | Cannabis

Best New Neighborhood Name

East Village, San Jose
Rebranded this summer as East Village, the district formerly known as East Santa Clara Street has embraced a cool new identity. With several vegan food spots, the down low Needle to the Groove records and an architecturally stunning modern Viet church given to grand seasonal displays, this underrated stretch of a grand east-west boulevard has a lot to work with.

Best Analog Photo Shop

Foto Express, 304 E Santa Clara St., San Jose
Henry Chang is a legend amongst a generation of photographers who have turned their backs on the ubiquitous digital image revolution to connect with a grand tradition. Foto Express sells equipment, film, processing services and passport photos, just like the neighborhood shops of a half century ago. He gives good advice too.

Best New Addition to Silicon Valley Art Scene

Cura Contemporary, Morgan Hill
This stunning architectural addition to a former suburban-agricultural backwater could turn this South Valley community into an international cultural destination. Already the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, named after Morgan Hill’s signature semi-precious stone, has turned heads in the cinema space. And now there’s a contemporary art gallery with a bespoke building along with a community engagement program that includes courses for kids with artists in residence.

Best Rooftop Patio

Copita, Willow Glen
This elevated perch overlooks tree-lined historic Lincoln Avenue at a central intersection in the Willow Glen neighborhood business district. Comfortable outdoor lounge furniture, umbrellas and margaritas set the tone, and Copita’s nuevo Latino menu delivers a solid culinary experience. Arrive five-ish to claim a good seat and stay to enjoy the sunset lighting and perfect evening weather in spring and summer months.

Best New Greek Spot

Barbayani Greek Taverna, Los Altos
There are a bunch of affordably priced Greek restaurants scattered around the valley, along with high-end staples Evvia and Dio Deka. One that opened a year ago on Los Altos’ Main Street does the best job of capturing the whitewashed relaxed atmosphere of the Greek isles and its simple, distinctive cuisine. Flaming cheese plates, lamb dishes and butterflied fish are served to a backdrop of traditional live music in the evenings on the sidewalk patio. During the day, Los Altos socialites meet for lunch amidst ear bud-wearing laptop jockeys.

Best Cacio e Pepe

Locanda Sorrento, Campbell
This simplest of pasta dishes, with only cheese, black pepper and a basil leaf to flavor the thick, long noodles, is Locanda’s signature dish, made tableside for theatrical effect. Rotated in a hollowed wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, the hot, thick pasta ropes are then dropped in an attractive clump in the middle of a plate. As is traditional with Amalfi Coast cuisine, limoncello finishes off a Locanda meal in proper fashion.

Best Boundary-Pushing Mexican Cuisine

Acopio, 399 South 24th St., San Jose
Acopio literally pushed the boundaries by locating a stylish Mexico City-influenced fine dining experience in a neighborhood populated by tow yards and muffler shops. This beautiful and friendly dining spot innovates with signature dishes such as nopales salads dusted in cotija cheese, a kampachi tostada with ancho chili aioli and tortilla-flavored ice cream (not a typo).

More Best of Silicon Valley 2024 Winners: Editor Picks—The Short List | Valleywide Food Favorites | Best Cuisine by Neighborhood | Bars, Beer, Wine and Spirits | Cannabis

Central Silicon Valley (Cupertino, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale)

Best Bakery

Gold—La Patisserie, Cupertino

Silver (tie)
Padaria Popular Bakery, San Jose
Hermes Bakery, Santa Clara

Best Breakfast

Gold—Sweet Maple, Cupertino

Silver—Mission City Grill, Santa Clara

Best Brunch

Gold—Holder’s Country Inn, San Jose

Silver—Sweet Maple, Cupertino

Bronze—Bloom, Santa Clara

Best Burrito

Gold—El Amigo Burrito, Santa Clara

Silver—Olla Cocina, San Jose

Bronze—Nuevas Generaciones Taqueria, San Jose

Best Business Lunch

Gold—Alexander’s Steakhouse, Cupertino

Silver—Birk’s, Santa Clara

Bronze—Añejo Cantina & Kitchen, San Jose

Best Chinese Restaurant

Gold—Fashion Wok, Sunnyvale

Silver (tie)
Home Eat, Cupertino
Sizzling Pot House, Santa Clara

Best Coffeehouse

Gold—Voyager Craft Coffee, Cupertino, San Jose and Santa Clara

Silver—Coffee & More, Sunnyvale

Best Farmers’ Market

Gold—Santa Clara Farmers’ Market

Silver—Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market

Best Indian or Pakistani Restaurant

Gold—Satkar Indian Cuisine, Sunnyvale

Silver—Surmai, Sunnyvale

Bronze (tie)
Puranpoli, Santa Clara
Shahi Darbar, Santa Clara

Best Italian Restaurant

Gold—Giorgio’s Italian, multiple locations

Silver—Il Fornaio, Santa Clara

Best Japanese Restaurant

Gold—Omee.J, Santa Clara

Best Mexican Restaurant

Gold—El Amigo Burrito, Santa Clara

Silver—Puesto Santa Clara, Santa Clara

Bronze—Corazon Mexican Food, Sunnyvale

Best Taqueria

Gold—El Amigo Burrito, Santa Clara

Silver—Super Burrito, Sunnyvale

Bronze—Taqueria La Veracruzana, Santa Clara

Best Thai Restaurant

Gold—Dusita Thai Cusine, Santa Clara

Fremont/Milpitas

Best American Restaurant

Gold—Market Broiler, Fremont

Silver—Pacific PourHouse, Union City

Bronze—Always Cool BBQ, Fremont

Best Bakery

Gold—Bun Appétit, Fremont

Silver—Pineapple King Bakery, Fremont

Bronze—Forest and Flour, Fremont

Best Breakfast

Gold—Bill’s Cafe, Fremont

Silver—Skillet’z Cafe, Fremont

Bronze—Renegade by Devout Coffee, Fremont

Best Indian or Pakistani Restaurant

Gold—Dosa Biryanizz Chaat Cafe, Fremont

Silver—Namma Restaurant, Milpitas

Best Mexican Restaurant

Gold—La Milpa, Milpitas

Silver—Mi Lindo Sinaloa, Fremont

Bronze—El Rodeo, Fremont

Peninsula (Los Altos, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside)

Best American Restaurant

Gold—Woodside Roadhouse, Redwood City

Silver—True Food Kitchen, Palo Alto

Bronze—Roger Bar and Restaurant, Mountain View

Best Bakery

Gold—The Midwife and the Baker, Mountain View

Silver—Maison Alyzée, Mountain View and Burlingame

Bronze—GK Pastry, Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto

Best Breakfast

Gold—The Midwife and the Baker, Mountain View

Silver—Buck’s, Woodside

Best Brunch

Gold—Hobee’s, Palo Alto

Silver—Sweet Maple, Palo Alto

Bronze—Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen, Mountain View and Palo Alto

Best Burrito

Gold—Fiesta Del Mar Too, Mountain View

Silver—La Costeña, Mountain View

Bronze—Super Tacos Pino Suarez, Mountain View

Best Business Lunch

Gold—Evvia Estiatorio, Palo Alto

Silver—Scratch, Mountain View

Bronze—Caspian Cuisine, Mountain View

Best Chinese Restaurant

Gold—Chef Chu’s, Los Altos

Silver—Tai Pan, Palo Alto

Bronze—Red Hot Wok, Palo Alto

Best Coffeehouse

Gold—cloud9 coffee, Palo Alto

Silver—Ada’s Cafe, Palo Alto

Bronze—Covour Coffee, Palo Alto

Best Farmers’ Market

Gold—Mountain View Farmers’ Market

Silver—California Avenue Farmers Market

Bronze—Menlo Park Farmers Market

Best Italian Restaurant

Gold—Giorgio’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria, Mountain View

Silver—Terún, Palo Alto

Bronze—Vaso Azzurro Ristorante, Mountain View

Best Mexican Restaurant

Gold—ViVe Sol, Mountain View

Silver—Sun of Wolf, Palo Alto

Bronze—Estrellita Mexican Bistro, Los Altos

Bronze—Los Amigos, Mountain View

San Jose and South (Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose)

Best American Restaurant

Gold—Park Station Hashery, San Jose

Silver—Jack Holder’s Restaurant and Bar, Willow Glen

Bronze—Blossom and Bourbon, San Jose

Best Bakery

Gold—Peters’ Bakery, San Jose

Silver—Charlie’s Cheesecake Works, San Jose

Bronze—Lawson’s Bakery, Morgan Hill

Best Breakfast

Gold—Bill’s Cafe, Cottle Road, San Jose

Silver—John’s of Willow Glen, Willow Glen

Bronze—Betsy’s Restaurant, Morgan Hill

Best Brunch

Gold—Bill’s Cafe, Cottle Road, San Jose

Silver—The Breakfast Club at Midtown, San Jose

Bronze—Left Bank Brasserie, San Jose

Best Burrito

Gold—El Amigo Restaurant, San Jose

Silver—El Halal Amigos, Willow Glen

Bronze—Castillo’s Mexican Restaurant, San Jose

Best Business Lunch

Gold—Odeum, Morgan Hill

Silver—Las Cazuelas, San Jose

Bronze—Olla Cocina, San Jose

Best Chinese Restaurant

Gold—Mandarin Gourmet, San Jose

Silver—Taiwan Restaurant, Willow Glen

Bronze—Taste of China, Morgan Hill

Best Coffeehouse

Gold—Pour Decisions Craft, San Jose

Silver—Academic Coffee Company, San Jose

Bronze

Nirvana Soul

San Jose and Cupertino

Best Farmers’ Market

Gold—Santana Row Farmers’ Market

Silver—Farmers’ Market at Westfield Oakridge

Best Indian or Pakistani Restaurant

Gold—Punjab Cafe, San Jose

Silver—Chaat Café, San Jose

Bronze—Swaad Indian Cuisine, San Jose

Best Italian Restaurant

Gold—Original Joe’s, San Jose

Silver (tie)
Rollati, San Jose
Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza, Willow Glen

Best Japanese Restaurant

Gold—Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill, San Jose

Silver—Minato Japanese Restaurant, San Jose

Bronze—Benihana, Cupertino

Best Mexican Restaurant

Gold—Zona Rosa, San Jose

Silver—El Halal Amigos, Willow Glen

Bronze—El Amigo Restaurant, San Jose

Best Taqueria

Gold—Super Taqueria, multiple locations

Silver (tie)
Adelita’s Taqueria, San Jose
El Halal Amigos, Willow Glen

West Valley (Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga)

Best American Restaurant

Gold—Orchard City Kitchen, Campbell

Silver—The Hero Ranch Kitchen, Saratoga

Bronze—Brew City Grill, Campbell

Best Bakery

Gold—Nothing Bundt Cakes, multiple locations

Silver—Fleur de Cocoa, Los Gatos

Bronze—Dolce Spazio, Los Gatos

Best Breakfast

Gold—Sara’s Southern Kitchen, Los Gatos

Silver—Stacks, Campbell

Bronze—Bill of Fare, San Jose

Best Brunch

Gold—Water Tower Kitchen, Campbell

Silver—Los Gatos Cafe, Los Gatos

Bronze—Sara’s Southern Kitchen, Los Gatos

Best Burrito

Gold—Casa Lupe, Campbell

Silver—Andalé Mexican Kitchen, Los Gatos

Bronze—Orale Baja, Campbell

Best Business Lunch

Gold—Enoteca la Storia, Los Gatos

Silver—Steamer’s, Los Gatos

Bronze—Chez Philippe, Los Gatos

Best Chinese Restaurant

Gold—Blue Sky Restaurant, Campbell

Silver—Taba Taba China Bistro, Los Gatos

Bronze—Yeung Shing Restaurant, Los Gatos

Best Coffeehouse

Gold—Los Gatos Coffee Roasting, Los Gatos

Silver—Orchard Valley Coffee, Campbell

Bronze—Living Room, Campbell

Best Farmers’ Market

Gold—Campbell Farmers’ Market

Silver—Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market

Bronze—Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Best Indian or Pakistani Restaurant

Gold—Royal Taj, Campbell

Silver—Namaste Indian Cuisine, Los Gatos

Bronze—Sakoon, Mountain View and Santa Clara

Best Italian Restaurant

Gold—Sorelle Italian Bistro, Campbell

Silver—Centonove, Los Gatos

Bronze—Gardino Fresco, Los Gatos

Best Japanese Restaurant

Gold—Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas, Cupertino and Mountain View

Silver—Sumo Japanese Restaurant, Los Altos

Bronze—Kumako Ramen Den, San Jose

Best Mexican Restaurant

Gold—Luna Mexican Kitchen, Campbell and San Jose

Silver—Casa Lupe, Campbell

Bronze—Añejo Cantina & Kitchen, San Jose

Best Taqueria

Gold—Andalé Mexican Kitchen, Los Gatos

Silver—Taqueria Los Pericos, Campbell

Bronze—La Cueva Mex Grill, Saratoga

Best Thai Restaurant

Gold—Coup de Thai, Los Gatos

Silver—Thai Spice, Los Gatos

Bronze—Thai Orchard, Campbell

More Best of Silicon Valley 2024 Winners:

Editor Picks—The Short List | Valleywide Food Favorites | Best Cuisine by Neighborhood | Bars, Beer, Wine and Spirits | Cannabis

Best Bar—Central Silicon Valley

Gold—Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Silver—Paul and Eddie’s Monta Vista Inn, Cupertino

Bronze—Sportsmen’s Lounge, Santa Clara

Best Bar—San Jose and South

Gold—Henry’s Hi-Life, San Jose

Silver—The Caravan, San Jose

Bronze—Rollati Ristorante, San Jose

Best Bar—West Valley (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell)

Gold—Los Gatos Soda Works, Los Gatos

Silver—Stevie’s Bar & Grill, San Jose

Bronze—Number 1 Broadway, Los Gatos

Best Bartender (and where they pour)

Gold—Nicholas Mattson, Craft Roots

Silver—Amanda Cunningham, Woodhams Lounge

Bronze—Gary Barbin, Gardino Fresco

Best Beer Label

Gold—Hapa’s Brewing Company, Los Gatos, San Carlos and San Jose

Silver—Narrative Fermentations, San Jose

Best Cider Selection

Gold—Cider Junction, Willow Glen

Silver—Out of the Barrel Taproom, Campbell and Los Gatos

Bronze—TenFiveOne Cider Co., Morgan Hill

Best Cocktails—Central Silicon Valley

Gold—Lazy Dog, Cupertino and San Jose

Silver—Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Bronze—Tao Tao Cafe, Sunnyvale

Best Cocktails—Peninsula (Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Woodside)

Gold—Amandine Project, Los Altos

Silver—Left Bank Brasserie, San Jose

Bronze—Zola + BarZola, Palo Alto

Best Cocktails—San Jose and South

Gold—Haberdasher, San Jose

Silver—Craft Roots, Morgan Hill

Bronze—LB Steak Santana Row, San Jose

Best Cocktails—West Valley (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell)

Gold—The Vesper, Campbell

Silver—Los Gatos Soda Works, Los Gatos

Bronze—Wild Rose Eatery & Bar, Campbell

Best Craft Canned Beer

Gold—Narrative Fermentations, San Jose

Silver—Gordon Biersch, San Jose

Bronze—Taplands, Santa Clara

Best Craft Cocktails

Gold—Craft Roots, Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale

Silver—Rollati Ristorante, San Jose

Bronze—Guildhouse, San Jose

Best Dive Bar—Central Silicon Valley

Gold—Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Silver—Paul and Eddie’s Monta Vista Inn, Cupertino

Bronze—Paul & Harvey, Sunnyvale

Best Dive Bar—San Jose and South

Gold—Cash Only, San Jose

Silver—The Caravan, San Jose

Best Dive Bar—West Valley (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell)

Gold—Black Watch, Los Gatos

Silver—Coach’s Bar & Grill, Campbell

Bronze—The Hook Bar & Grill, Campbell

Best Hotel or Restaurant Bar

Gold—Hotel Valencia, San Jose

Silver (tie)
AJI Bar & Robata, San Jose
Shashi Hotel, Mountain View

Best LGBTQ Bar

Gold—Splash, San Jose

Silver—Renegades Bar, San Jose

Bronze—Mac’s Club, San Jose

Best Liquor Store

Gold—Sousa’s Wines & Liquors, Mountain View

Silver—Royal Liquor, San Jose

Bronze—Kelly’s Liquors

Best Lounge

Gold—Amandine Project, Los Altos

Best Margaritas

Gold—Luna Mexican Kitchen, Campbell and San Jose

Silver—Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Bronze—Añejo Cantina & Kitchen, San Jose

Best Microbrewery

Gold—Hapa’s Brewing Company, Los Gatos, San Carlos and San Jose

Silver—Narrative Fermentations, San Jose

Bronze—Taplands, Santa Clara

Best Pub

Gold—Britannia Arms, San Jose

Silver—Taplands, Santa Clara

Bronze—St. Stephen’s Green, Mountain View

Bronze—The Brit, San Jose

Best Restaurant or Bar Beer Selection

Gold—Yard House, San Jose

Silver—Taplands, Santa Clara

Bronze—Brew City Grill, Campbell

Best Restaurant or Bar Mezcal Selection

Gold—Luna Mexican Kitchen, Campbell and San Jose

Silver—Zona Rosa, Los Gatos and San Jose

Bronze—Olla Cocina, San Jose

Best Restaurant Wine List

Gold—Enoteca la Storia, Los Gatos

Silver—The GrandView, San Jose

Bronze—Goodtime Bar, San Jose

Best Retail Beer Selection

Gold—Gordon Biersch, San Jose

Silver—Market Beer Company, San Jose

Bronze (tie)
Giants Liquors, Mountain View
IBU Taproom & Bottle Shop, Milpitas

Best South Bay Beer (and brewery)

Gold—Narrative Fermentations, San Jose

Silver—Gordon Biersch, San Jose

Bronze—Taplands, Santa Clara

Best Sports Bar

Gold—Rookies Sports Lounge, San Jose and Willow Glen

Silver—Zone 8 Sports Bar & Grill, San Jose

Bronze—St. Stephen’s Green, Mountain View

Best Wine Club

Gold—Enoteca la Storia, Los Gatos

Silver—Testarossa Winery, Los Gatos

Bronze—Picchetti Winery, Cupertino

Best Wine Label

Gold—Testarossa Winery, Los Gatos

Silver—Assiduous Wines, Santa Cruz

Bronze—Picchetti Winery, Cupertino

Best Wine Pairings

Gold—Teléferic Barcelona, Palo Alto

Silver—Orchard City Kitchen, Campbell

Bronze—Hop & Vine, San Jose

Best Wine Shop—Peninsula (Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Woodside)

Gold—K&L Wine Merchants, Redwood City

Silver—Sousa’s Wines & Liquors, Mountain View

Bronze—Rootstock Wine Bar, Mountain View

Best Wine Shop—San Jose and South

Gold—Ancora Vino by Enoteca la Storia, San Jose

Silver—Vintage Wine Merchants, San Jose

Bronze—Coterie Winery, San Jose

Best Wine Shop—West Valley (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell)

Gold—Enoteca la Storia, Los Gatos

Silver—Rootstock Wine Bar, Los Gatos and Mountain View

Bronze—El Merkat by Teleferic, Palo Alto

Best Wine Tasting Room

Gold—Ancora Vino by Enoteca la Storia, Los Gatos and San Jose

Silver—Testarossa Winery, Los Gatos

Bronze—Picchetti Winery, Cupertino

Best Winery

Gold—J. Lohr, San Jose

Silver—Picchetti Winery, Cupertino

Bronze—Big Dog Vineyards, Milpitas

More Best of Silicon Valley 2024 Winners: Editor Picks—The Short List | Valleywide Food Favorites | Best Cuisine by Neighborhood | Bars, Beer, Wine and Spirits | Cannabis

Best Bagels

Gold—House of Bagels, multiple locations

Silver—Main St. Bagels, multiple locations

Bronze—Noah’s NY Bagels, multiple locations

Best Barbecue

Gold—Smoking Pig BBQ Company, Fremont and San Jose

Silver—South Winchester BBQ, San Jose

Bronze—Sam’s Bar-B-Que, San Jose

Best Burger

Gold—Park Station Hashery, San Jose

Silver—Kirk’s SteakBurgers, Campbell and Palo Alto

Bronze—The Counter, Santana Row, San Jose

Best Butcher Shop

Gold—Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse, Los Gatos

Silver—Dittmer’s Gourmet Meats & Wurst-Haus Inc., Los Altos

Bronze—Saratoga Meat & Fish, Saratoga

Best Cajun Restaurant

Gold—The Bywater, Los Gatos

Silver—Poor House Bistro, San Jose

Bronze—Claw Shack, San Jose

Best California Cuisine

Gold—The Table, Willow Glen

Silver—Orchard City Kitchen, Campbell

Bronze—The Hero Ranch Kitchen, Saratoga

Best Caterer

Gold—Gunther’s Restaurant & Catering, San Jose

Silver—Catered Too, East Palo Alto

Bronze—Cochi’s Kitchen, Morgan Hill

Best Chef (and restaurant)

Gold—Chef Stan, Restaurant Gish

Silver—Brian Weselby, Forbes Mill Steakhouse

Bronze—Roger Rungpha, LB Steak Santana Row

Best Coffee Roaster

Gold—Chromatic Coffee Co., Willow Glen

Silver—Voyager Craft Coffee, Cupertino, San Jose and Santa Clara

Bronze—Crema, San Jose

Best Cuban or Caribbean Restaurant

Gold—Habana Cuba, San Jose

Silver—Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant and Bar, Palo Alto

Bronze—El Palacio del Sabor, San Jose

Best Desserts—Restaurant

Gold—Icing on the Cake, Los Gatos

Silver—Charlotte Truffles, Santa Clara

Bronze—Restaurant Gish, Santa Clara

Best Diner

Gold—Holder’s Country Inn, San Jose

Silver—Jack’s, San Jose

Bronze—Flames Coffee Shop, San Jose

Best Dining after 10pm

Gold—Yard House, San Jose

Silver—La Victoria Taqueria, San Jose

Bronze—Original Joe’s, San Jose

Best Dining Value

Gold—Aqui, Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Willow Glen

Silver—Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, San Jose

Best Doughnuts

Gold—Stan’s Donut Shop, Santa Clara

Silver—O’Henry’s

Bronze—Yum Yum Donuts

Best Ethiopian/Eritrean Restaurant

Gold—Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant, San Jose

Silver—Walia Ethiopian Cuisine, San Jose

Bronze—Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant, San Jose

Best Family Restaurant

Gold—Luna Mexican Kitchen, Campbell and San Jose

Silver—Jack Holder’s Restaurant and Bar, San Jose

Bronze—Lazy Dog, Cupertino and San Jose

Best Filipino Restaurant

Gold—Tapsilog Bistro & Cantina, Campbell

Silver—Jollibee, Milpitas and San Jose

Bronze—Toppings Tree, Santa Clara

Best Food Truck

Gold—Chubbys Chickn, San Jose

Silver—Cheztakos!!!, Mountain View

Bronze—Vegan Vendetta

Best Fried Chicken

Gold—The Bywater, Los Gatos

Silver—Jollibee, Milpitas and San Jose

Bronze—99 Chicken, Santa Clara

Best German Restaurant

Gold—Naschmarkt, Campbell and Palo Alto

Silver—Teske’s Germania, San Jose

Bronze—Das Bierhauz, Mountain View and Redwood City

Best Greek Restaurant

Gold—Opa!, Campbell, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and Willow Glen

Silver—Dishdash, Sunnyvale

Bronze—Yiassoo, Campbell and Cupertino

Best Happy Hour

Gold—Yard House, San Jose

Silver—Craft Roots, Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale

Bronze—Left Bank Brasserie, San Jose

Best Hawaiian Restaurant

Gold—L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Multiple Locations

Silver—Hukilau San Jose, San Jose

Best Hot Dog

Gold—The Happy Hound, Los Gatos

Silver (tie)
Andy’s Delicious Dogs, San Jose
Distrito Federal, Campbell

Best Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

Gold—Campbell Creamery, Campbell

Silver—Dolce Spazio, Los Gatos

Bronze—Gelato Classico Italian Ice Cream, Fremont, Mountain View and Palo Alto

Best International Market

Gold—Mitsuwa Marketplace, San Jose

Silver—Rose Market, Mountain View

Bronze—Hankook Supermarket, Sunnyvale

Best Korean Restaurant

Gold—Beque Korean Grill, Santa Clara

Silver—Restaurant Gish, Santa Clara

Bronze—Pocha K, Santa Clara

Best Lunch Value

Gold—BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse, multiple locations

Silver—SAJJ Mediterranean, multiple locations

Bronze—Chaat Cafe, San Jose

Best Mediterranean Restaurant

Gold—Meso Modern Mediterranean, San Jose

Silver—Opa!, Campbell, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and Willow Glen

Bronze—Oren’s Hummus, multiple locations

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Gold—Dishdash, Sunnyvale

Silver—Oren’s Hummus, multiple locations

Bronze—Kabul Afghan Cuisine, Sunnyvale

Best New Restaurant (opened since Jan. 1, 2023)

Gold—Roja, Los Altos

Silver—Blossom and Bourbon, San Jose

Bronze—Omee.J 2, San Jose

Best Outdoor Dining

Gold—Aqui, Willow Glen

Silver—Cascal, Mountain View

Bronze—Meso Modern Mediterranean, San Jose

Best Pearl Teas

Gold—Pekoe, San Jose and Sunnyvale

Silver—Tea Annie, Mountain View

Best Pho

Gold—Phở Vi Hoa, Los Altos

Silver—Phở 54, San Jose

Bronze—Phở Long Thịnh, San Jose

Best Pizza

Gold—Pizza My Heart, multiple locations

Silver—A Slice of New York, Sunnyvale and San Jose

Bronze—Bibos, Morgan Hill, San Jose and Willow Glen

Best Place to Meet Before the Sharks Game

Gold—Henry’s Hi-Life, San Jose

Silver—Poor House Bistro, San Jose

Bronze—Birre by Pour Decisions, San Jose

Best Poke

Gold—Santo Market, San Jose

Silver—Poke Poke Fish Bar, Santa Clara

Bronze—Aloha Fresh, San Jose

Best Portuguese Restaurant

Gold—Petiscos, San Jose

Silver—Pastaleria Adega, San Jose

Bronze—Bacalhau Grill, San Jose

Best Ramen

Gold—Kumako Ramen Den, San Jose

Silver—Ramen Nagi, Palo Alto and Santa Clara

Bronze—Hinodeya Ramen Bar, Campbell and San Jose

Best Restaurant View

Gold—The GrandView, San Jose

Silver—House Family Vineyards, Saratoga

Bronze—Nestldown, Los Gatos

Best Restaurant Whose Cuisine We Overlooked

Gold—Erik’s DeliCafé, multiple locations

Silver—Fox Tale Fermentation Project, San Jose

Bronze—Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen, Mountain View and Palo Alto

Best Salads

Gold—Mendocino Farms, multiple locations

Silver—Craft Roots, Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale

Bronze—Meso Modern Mediterranean, San Jose

Best Salvadoran Restaurant

Gold—El Palacio del Sabor, San Jose

Silver—Pupusa Time, San Jose

Bronze—L’Roco Grill, San Jose

Best Sandwiches

Gold—Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse, Los Gatos

Silver—Mendocino Farms, multiple locations

Bronze—Antipastos, San Jose

Best Seafood Restaurant

Gold—Steamer’s, Los Gatos

Silver—Pacific Catch, multiple locations

Bronze—Claw Shack, San Jose

Best Small Restaurant

Gold—Park Station Hashery, San Jose

Silver—Southern Kitchen, Los Gatos

Bronze—Naglee Park Garage, San Jose

Best South American Restaurant

Gold—Galpão Gaucho, Cupertino

Silver—Milohas, San Jose

Bronze—Inka’s Restaurant, San Jose

Best Southern Food

Gold—The Bywater, Los Gatos

Silver—Jackie’s Place, San Jose

Bronze—Sara’s Southern Kitchen, Los Gatos

Best Steaks

Gold—Alexander’s Steakhouse, Cupertino and Palo Alto

Silver—Forbes Mill Steakhouse, Los Gatos

Silver—Henry’s Hi-Life, San Jose

Best Tapas or Small Plates

Gold—Teléferic Barcelona, Palo Alto

Silver—Orchard City Kitchen, Campbell

Bronze—Cascal, Mountain VIew

Best Tea House

Gold—Lisa’s Tea Treasures, Campbell

Silver—Jiaren Cafe, Santa Clara

Bronze—oh Chai!, Fremont

Best Vegan Menu 

Gold—Craft Roots, Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale

Silver—Meso Modern Mediterranean, San Jose

Bronze—Raw Superfood Cafe, Fremont, Milpitas and San Jose

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Gold—Craft Roots, Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale

Silver—Vegetarian House, San Jose

Bronze—Fox Tale Fermentation Project, San Jose

Best Vietnamese or Cambodian Restaurant

Gold—Khanh’s Restaurant, Campbell

Silver—Phở Vi Hoa, Los Altos

Bronze—Tofoo Com Chay, San Jose

More Best of Silicon Valley 2024 Winners: Editor Picks—The Short List | Valleywide Food Favorites | Best Cuisine by Neighborhood | Bars, Beer, Wine and Spirits | Cannabis

Best Budtenders

Gold—Airfield Supply Company

Silver—Purple Lotus

Bronze—Elemental

Best Cannabis Delivery

Gold—Airfield Supply Company

Silver—Caliva

Bronze—Elemental Wellness Center

Best Cannabis Pick Up Service

Gold—Caliva

Silver—Elemental Wellness Center

Bronze—Purple Lotus

Best Cannabis Selection

Gold—Airfield Supply Company

Silver—Elemental Wellness Center

Bronze—Purple Lotus

Best CBD Product (and dispensary)

Gold—Cloud City, Inc.

Silver—Purple Lotus

Bronze—Elemental Wellness Center

Best CBD Selection

Gold—Cloud City Supply Inc.

Silver—Airfield Supply Company

Bronze—Elemental Wellness Center

Best Dispensary

Gold—Airfield Supply Company

Silver—Elemental Wellness Center

Bronze—Purple Lotus

Best Dispensary Discounts

Gold—Airfield Supply Company

Silver—Elemental Wellness Center

Bronze—Purple Lotus

Best Edible Selection

Gold—Cloud City, Inc.

Silver—Kiva by Lost Farm

Bronze—Elemental Wellness Center

Best Local Edible Brand (and dispensary)

Gold—Purple Lotus

Silver—Plus, Urban Leaf

Bronze—JetFuel, Airfield Supply Company

Best New Dispensary (opened since Jan. 1, 2023)

Gold—Purple Lotus, Downtown

Gold—Paramont Imports

Bronze—420lifestyles

Best Best Smoke Shop (includes E-Cig/Vape/Glass)

Gold—Paramont Imports

Silver—420lifestyles

More Best of Silicon Valley Winners: Arts & Entertainment | Family & Pets | Health & Fitness | Services | Shopping

Best of Silicon Valley is all about what the readers of Metro Silicon Valley select as the best of the best people, places and things. But the editorial staff also likes to throw in a few favorites every year.

Best Place to Spark Interest in STEM Learning

Exploration Portal | Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose | 180 Woz Way, San Jose | https://www.cdm.org/

Dedicated to making it fun to learn since its doors opened in 1990, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose added to its educational resources this year with the Exploration Portal, which opened in June. This 4,000-square-foot outdoor playground invites young visitors to gain an understanding of patterns and symmetry in nature from various activities, such as climbing on a honeycomb-shaped play structure, playing music on “Rocks that Sing” and opening and closing giant flowers to learn out solar power works.

The Exploration Portal also offers practical lessons in environmental science, demonstrating natural ways to remove pollution from rainwater using filters, replenish depleted groundwater, promote drought-tolerant plants for landscaping and use renewable wood resources. Entry to the Exploration Portal is included in the price of admission to the museum.

Best Way to Salute Movie History

Support Your Indie Movie Theater | cineluxtheatres.com | pruneyardcinemas.com | 3belowtheaters.com

“Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone.” Joni Mitchell’s words of wisdom may apply to paving paradise, but they’re equally apropos for many forms of human culture that can wither away from neglect. One such thing: independent movie theaters. In the wake of the loss of ShowPlace ICON movie theaters in July of this year, it’s time to take stock and cherish the indie theaters that continue to cater to cinephiles.

Starting out in 1966 with a single location in the city of Campbell, Cinelux has grown into a small chain with locations in Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy, as well as three theaters in Santa Cruz County. Cinelux’s cushy seating is its primary draw, but there are also the enticements of food and drink, including local wines, craft beers and cocktails.

Campbell is also graced with Pruneyard Cinemas, a locally owned establishment dedicated to elevating the dinner-and-a-movie experience with innovative food and hand-crafted cocktails from the Cedar Room. In addition to current releases, classic movies are also shown in the Pruneyard’s Culinary Cinema series, and there are also live comedy shows (the next one scheduled for Nov. 15–16).

In downtown San Jose, 3Below Theaters & Cafe continues to mix live entertainment and cinematic offerings. Through Nov. 24, its live production of the comedic musical Emojiland continues, and there are movie times scheduled in December. But without support, we can lose these resources. Binge-watching The Diplomat may seem like enough most nights, but it can’t compare to the communal experience of watching a movie with a live audience. Realize what we’ve got before it’s gone.

Best Reason to Look Down, and Look Ahead

Local Color | localcolorsj.org

In May, several hundred volunteers joined together to paint the town—or at least a block of it. Titled “Threads Woven” and designed by muralist Jim Fonseca, aka Jimmy Paints, the mural adorns the ground along San Pedro between Santa Clara and St. John.

The project was organized by Local Color, but that’s not the only bright spot this nonprofit group has brought to downtown.

This year Local Color also began mounting art shows at noble workshop & gallery, a space located inside Arya San Jose, at 500 S. Almaden Blvd. Its third exhibit at the space kicks off with a reception from 5 to 9pm on Nov. 15. 

“This show is called Posted and it’s a celebration of posters—about the accessibility and impact of posters, their many uses,” says Brandon Roos, Local Color’s communications director. “We have a bunch of people from different disciplines that are bringing their own take on what the poster means to them and how they want to showcase their art in that medium.” 

The exhibit will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until Nov. 30. Roos says there will be prints for sale by the artists—including some smaller sizes: “We tried to create as affordable an option as possible.”

Roos says Local Color wants the gallery to serve not only as exhibit space but also be a place for artists to present workshops. “We want the space to be available to the artists to make their dreams a reality,” Roos says. “A lot of things hopefully in the works for this small space with big ideas.”

Best Canine Confab

Bark in the Park | William Street Park, 16th and William streets, downtown San Jose | barksanjose.org

This 25-year-old tradition is something to bark about. Reputedly the largest canine congregation in the United States, Bark in the Park draws about a thousand four-legged guests and their human entourages to William Street Park in downtown San Jose. Doggie delights include various contests (costumes, tail-wagging dog/owner look-alikes), demonstrations of doggo derring-do (Flyball, agility, sheep herding, K-9 skills), a misting tent, and vendors with dog-oriented do-dads, and pup-friendly munchies. And pooch parents will be pleased by low-cost vaccines and microchipping, training tips, a kids’ play area, food trucks, and beer and wine stations. Get there early to benefit from free samples and beat the heat. It’s the spot to snag a pair of dog shades—the epitome of canine cool.

Best Day to Know Your Way Around San Jose

Viva CalleSJ | 2025 Dates TBA | vivacallesj.org

Cars are king in the Santa Clara Valley, but they’re temporarily dethroned whenever Viva CalleSJ reclaims the streets. This community-centric event—inspired by similar open streets initiatives around the world—closes down major San Jose streets to car traffic so that these thoroughfares can be reclaimed by cyclists, skateboarders, runners, walkers and other human-powered mobile devices for a few precious hours.

Last year Viva CalleSJ events took place in April, June and September. Routes are different every year, but one certainty is that each event gives participants a chance to explore at a speed that allows for true appreciation of San Jose’s historic neighborhoods as they walk, bike, skate and cycle past sights they’d miss traveling at 35 miles an hour.

Viva CalleSJ is managed by the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services, with support provided by Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and grants from the Knight Foundation. And volunteers are welcome. To volunteer as an individual, or participate with a group in the Adopt-an-Intersection program, email vi*********@*******ca.gov.

Best Place to Stop Doomscrolling

Castle Rock State Park | parks.ca.gov

There’s a lot of talk in the wellness community about “forest bathing.” First studied in Japan, another heavily urbanized society where outdoor spaces are prized, the practice is known as Shinrin-yoku. The positive physical and mental benefits of forest bathing include lowering heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing stress levels, elevating one’s mood and even improving the immune system.

Any outdoor excursion free of digital devices can be beneficial, but the deep quiet and cooling air of redwood forests can be healing to overheated brains. Fortunately for denizens of Silicon Valley’s urban jungle, redwood groves can be found just above Los Gatos at Castle Rock State Park. For more information, read about the Sempervirens Fund’s Trails Rx program at sempervirens.org/trails-rx.

Best News for Spartans

San Jose State University’s U.S. Ranking | sjsu.edu

San Jose State University students, stand up tall and proud, and pat your pocketbooks with satisfaction. As the school year started in September, the 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings was released by the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse—and the downtown San Jose campus was rated the fourth-best public university in the nation and the 16th overall.

As SFGate pointed out in its coverage of the survey, San Jose State jumped 157 steps, going from 173rd last year to the 16th best college this year. And even better news: its graduates’ salaries ranked higher than any other California public school, settling into the No. 17 slot ahead of UC Berkeley (take that, Golden Bears). Overall, SJSU ranked No. 4 among all public universities in the state. 

The rankings survey the top 500 universities in the country, measuring how well each college does at encouraging students to graduate and achieve financial success, counterbalanced by student feedback on college life.

More Best of Silicon Valley Winners: Arts & Entertainment | Health & Fitness | Services | Shopping | Editorial Picks

Here are the places and people who can provide what we need for those we love best: the two-legged and four-legged members of our households.

Best Animal Hospital
Gold—Sage Veterinary Center, Campbell

Silver—Willow Glen Pet Hospital, Bronze
Los Gatos Dog & Cat Hospital

Best Animal Rescue Group
Gold—Humane Society Silicon Valley

Silver—Jake’s Wish Dog Rescue
BronzePets In Need

Best Dog Trainer
Gold—Calpro Dog Training

Silver—Stacy’s Wag ‘N’ Train

Bronze (tie)
Bark Busters
Primal Canine

Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant
Gold—Lazy Dog, Cupertino and San Jose, Silver

Luna Mexican Kitchen, Campbell and San Jose
Bronze—Jack’s, San Jose

Best Large Employer to Work For
Gold (tie)
Apple
Nvidia

Bronze—Google

Best Neighborhood in Which to Spend an Afternoon
Gold—Downtown Campbell
Silver—Downtown Mountain View

Best Pet or Feed Store
Gold—Pet People of Los Gatos
Silver—Ben’s Barketplace, Campbell

Best Place for a Kids’ Party
Gold—Sharks Ice, San Jose

Silver—Pump It Up, San Jose
Bronze—Guildhouse, San Jose

Best Place to Dazzle Your Sweetie on Date Night
Gold—The Grandview, San Jose

Silver—Gelato Classico Italian Ice Cream, Mountain View

Bronze (tie)
Flowers Saratogz
Los Gatos Soda Works

Best Private or Charter School
Gold—The Harker School, San Jose

Silver—Action Day School, San Jose
Bronze—Bullis Charter School, Los Altos

Best Public School
Gold—Freestyle Academy of Communication Arts & Technology, Mountain View

Silver—Vinci Park Elementary School, San Jose
Bronze—Easterbrook Discovery School, San Jose

Best Summer Camp
Gold—DesignX, Los Altos

Silver—Camp Shalom, Los Gatos
Bronze—Maker Nexus, Sunnyvale

Best Toy Store
Gold—Hicklebee’s, San Jose

Silver—The Wooden Horse, Los Gatos
Bronze—Time Tunnel Toys & Collectibles, San Jose

Best Veterinary Practice
Gold—Reed Animal Hospital, Saratoga

Silver—Kirkwood Animal Hospital, Campbell
Bronze—West Valley Pet Clinic, San Jose

More Best of Silicon Valley Winners: Family & Pets | Health & Fitness | Services | Shopping | Editorial Picks

The best arts groups, dance troupes, theater companies, nightclubs, music-makers and scenesters—in other words, all the best cultural happenings in Silicon Valley, according to Metro’s readers.

Best Author Readings
Gold—Hicklebee’s, San Jose

Silver—Center for Literary Arts of San Jose, SJSU
Bronze—Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park

Best Ballet Company
Gold—New Ballet

Silver (tie)
San José Dance Theatre
Smuin Contemporary Ballet

Best Bike Ride
Gold—Los Gatos Creek Trail

Silver—Coyote Creek Trail

Best Casino or Card Room
Gold—Casino M8trix, San Jose

Silver—Bay 101, San Jose
Bronze—CV Photo Casino, San Jose

Best Comedy Night
Gold—San Jose Improv Open Mic, San Jose

Silver—Rooster T. Feathers, Sunnyvale

Best Cover Band
Gold—Lavender Fields Band

Silver—The Houserockers
Bronze—The Honey Wilders

Best Dance Company
Gold—San José Dance Theatre

Silver—West Valley Dance Company
Bronze—Smuin Contemporary Ballet

Best DJ Night
Gold—Darkwave, Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Silver—Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Best Festival—Central Silicon Valley
Gold—Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

Silver—Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival

Best Festival—Peninsula
Gold—Mountain View Art & Wine Festival

Silver—Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival

Best Festival—San Jose
Gold—Italian Family Festa

Silver—Fountain Blues & Brews Festival
Bronze—Viva CalleSJ

Best Festival—South County
Gold—Northern California Renaissance Faire

Silver—Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival

Best Festival—West Valley
Gold—Campbell Oktoberfest

Silver—Boogie on the Bayou, Campbell
Bronze—Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival, Fiesta de Artes

Best Film Festival
Gold—Cinequest

Silver—Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest

Best Gallery Openings
Gold—Works/San José

Silver—Triton Museum of Art

Best Golf Course
Gold—Coyote Creek Golf Club

Silver—San Jose Municipal Golf Course

Best Hip-Hop Venue
Gold—The Branham Lounge, San Jose

Best Jazz/Blues Club
Gold—Poor House Bistro, San Jose

Silver—Mama Kin, San Jose

Best Karaoke
Gold—7 Bamboo, San Jose

Silver—Effie’s Restaurant, Campbell
Bronze—Mama Kin, San Jose

Best Latin Music Club
Gold—Alberto’s, Mountain View

Silver (tie)—Club Caribe de San Jose
Miami Beach Club, San Jose

Best LGBTQ Event
Gold—Silicon Valley Pride

Silver—Wigs, Waffles, and Wine

Best Live Music Venue—Large
Gold—Mountain Winery, Saratoga

Silver—Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga
Bronze—SAP Center, San Jose

Best Local Band
Gold—Aki Kumar

Silver—The Honey Wilders
Bronze—Ghosts of Calico

Best Local Book Since January 2023
Gold—Reed Magazine, Issue 156

Best Local Instagram Account
Gold—Tony’s Lists

Best Media Personality
Gold—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News

Silver—Brodie Brazil, NBC Sports California
Bronze—Charlie Kirk, 860AM The Answer

Best Movie Theater
Gold—Pruneyard Cinemas, Campbell

Silver—Cinemark CinéArts Santana Row, San Jose
Bronze—Cinemark Century Mountain View 16

Best Museum
Gold—San Jose Museum of Art

Silver—Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, San Jose
Bronze—Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

Best Music Festival
Gold—San Jose Jazz

Silver—Music in the Park
Bronze—Fountain Blues & Brews Festival

Best Outdoor Art Event
Gold (tie)
Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

Bronze—Viva CalleSJ

Best Outdoor Music Venue
Gold—The Mountain Winery, Saratoga

Silver—Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View
Bronze—Frost Amphitheater, Stanford

Best Outdoor Store
Gold—Sports Basement, Campbell

Silver—Bass Pro Shops, San Jose
Bronze—Sports Basement, Sunnyvale

Best Park or Open Space
Gold—Vasona Lake County Park

Silver—Rancho San Antonio Preserve
Bronze—John D. Morgan Park

Best Performing Arts Center
Gold—Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

Silver—Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose
Bronze—Hammer Theatre, San Jose

Best Place to Dance
Gold—Number 1 Broadway, Los Gatos

Silver—Little Lou’s BBQ, Campbell
Bronze—Splash, San Jose

Best Place to Discover Local Musicians
Gold—Poor House Bistro, San Jose

Silver—Mama Kin Open Mic Night, San Jose
Bronze—Woodhams Lounge, Santa Clara

Best Small Museum
Gold—Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, San Jose

Silver—Institute of Contemporary Art San José
Bronze—Sunnyvale Pez Pole

Best Small Music Venue
Gold—Club Fox, Redwood City

Silver—Art Boutiki, San Jose
Bronze—Mama Kin, San Jose

Best Small Theater Company
Gold—City Lights Theater Company

Silver—San Jose Stage Company
Bronze—3Below Theaters

Best Symphony
Gold—Symphony San Jose

Silver—San José Chamber Orchestra

Best Theater Company
Gold—TheatreWorks Silicon Valley

Silver—City Lights Theater Company
Bronze—San Jose Stage Company

Best Trivia Night
Gold—Fred’s Place, Mountain View

Silver—Off the Rails Brewing Company, Sunnyvale
Bronze—Guildhouse, San Jose

More Best of Silicon Valley Winners: Arts & Entertainment | Family & Pets | Services | Shopping | Editorial Picks

Silicon Valley residents put a high value on staying fit, healthy and well groomed, and they’re willing to share the details on the local practitioners who help them meet those goals.

Best Acupuncture Practice
Gold—Mai Acupuncture, Campbell

Silver—Lōkahi Acupuncture, San Jose
Bronze—Sun and Moon Acupuncture, San Jose

Best Assisted Living Facility
Gold—Atria Willow Glen, San Jose

Silver—Villa Fontana, San Jose
Bronze—Westmont of Morgan Hill

Best Chiropractic Office
Gold—Revitalize Integrated Body Systems, Menlo Park

Silver—In Health, San Jose
Bronze—Chiropractic Solutions, Campbell

Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Gold—Illuminate—Multiple locations

Silver—Cheng Plastic Surgery, Saratoga
Bronze—Mehta Plastic Surgery, Menlo Park

Best Day Spa
Gold—Ritual Day Spa, Campbell

Silver—The Garden Spa, San Jose
Bronze—Silver Sea Day Spa,San Jose

Best Dental Practice
Gold—Bascom Family Dental, San Jose

Silver—Dr. Chandra Kodey, Miramonte Dental—Mountain View
Bronze—Fortune Smiles Dental Care, San Jose

Best Dermatology Practice
Gold—SkinSpirit, Multiple Locations

Silver—The Menkes Clinic, Mountain View
Bronze—RefinedMD, Los Gatos

Best Eye Doctor
Gold—Dr. Dan Beers, Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group, Mountain View

Silver (tie)
Branham Family Eye Care, San Jose
Dr. Gary Gold & Associates, Sunnyvale

Best Eyelash or Eyebrow Stylists
Gold—Lashed, San Jose

Silver—Acair Studio, San Jose
Bronze—Kiss and Makeup, Los Gatos and Willow Glen

Best Eyewear
Gold (tie)
20/20 Optometry of Silicon Valley, San Jose
Perfect Pair Optometry, San Jose

Bronze—Dr. Fred Slater, Optometrist, Campbell

Best Gym or Health Club
Gold—FNS Training Center, Santa Clara

Silver—YMCA of Silicon Valley
Bronze—Almaden Valley Athletic Club, San Jose

Best Hair Salon—Central Silicon Valley-Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara
Gold—Cut & Color Collective, Sunnyvale

Silver (tie)
dbs Salon, Sunnyvale
Her Studio Hair Salon, Santa Clara
Thy’s Hair Salon, Sunnyvale

Best Hair Salon—San Jose and South
Gold—Cherisse’s Hair Salon, Morgan Hill

Silver—Supercuts, multiple kocations

Best Hair Salon—West Valley/Peninsula
Gold—Michael Anthony Salon—Saratoga

Silver—Studio Latitude, Los Gatos

Best Health Care Facility
Gold—Kaiser Permanente

Silver—FNS Training Center, Santa Clara
Bronze—Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Best Hiking Trail
Gold—Sanborn County Park

Silver—Alum Rock Park
Bronze—Ridge Trail, Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

Best Massage Services
Gold—Body Rest Massage Therapy, Campbell
Silver—Oceanic Foot Spa, San Jose

Best Nail Salon
Gold—Kitchen Nail Bar, San Jose

Silver (tie)
Blossom Nail Spa—San Jose
Campbell and San Jose
Bronze—Royal Spa Lounge, San Jose

Best OB-Gyn
Gold—Barbi Phelps-Sandall, MD, Renaissance Healthcare for Women

Silver (tie)
Amy Teng, DO, El Camino Women’s Medical Group
Mark A. Fiero, MD, Good Samaritan Hospital

Best Personal Trainer
Gold—FNS Training Center, Santa Clara

Silver—Justin Hall, Addison-Penzak JCC, Los Gatos
Bronze—Shayne Smith, Addison-Penzak JCC, Los Gatos

Best Pilates Studio
Gold—Addison-Penzak JCC, Los Gatos

Silver—Club Pilates, San Jose and Santa Clara
Bronze—solidcore, San Jose

Best Skin Care Spa
Gold—Ritual Day Spa, Campbell

Silver—Rejuvenis Skincare, Santa Clara County
Bronze—Wellness in the Bay, Los Gatos

Best Urgent Care Center
Gold—El Camino Hospital Urgent Care, Cupertino and Willow Glen

Silver—Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Los Gatos
Bronze—Carbon Health, multiple locations

Best Waxing or Sugaring Studio
Gold—Ted D Bare, San Jose

Silver (tie)
Cristina’s Esthetics, Fremont
SEV Laser, Los Gatos

Best Yoga Studio
Gold—Morgan Hill Yoga Collective

Silver—Breathe Together Yoga, Los Gatos
Bronze—Flex Fusion, Campbell