Restaurants owned by black people in San Jose need your support
Posted on 03-04-2023 10:02 PM
Restaurants owned by black people in San Jose need your support
San Jose Black Owned Restaurants need your support
We remain loyal to #sanjoselove even as the dialogue shifts in San Jose. We are sharing our platform with local community organizer Mary Celestin, a musician, engineer student, and activist who offers ways for Black voices and businesses to gain financial support.
Here are some ways locals and tourists can support the Black community in Mary's now viral illustrated guide, Lets Get to Work, San Jose! Mary recommends her top Black-owned restaurants for al fresco dining, takeout or delivery.
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill
Various San Jose Locations
Back-A-Yard offers the best jerk chicken platter in town. Don't miss out on the sweet potato pie or key lime pie, and order Jamaican patties, salad yard bowls, and dessert. To go, you can even purchase their famous sauces!
What Mary thinks: When I go here with my dad, I have a great time. Our mother is Haitian and my father is American, so we always try to sit next to the Haitian flag in the dining room.
Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant
Willow Glen
San Jose has plenty of delicious Ethiopian food to choose from. With its name inspired by the word for an Ethiopian home, this restaurant in San Jose. literally offers authentic, homestyle flavors and smells.
Jackies Place
Downtown
From Jackie Johnson's plate to yours, this Japantown favorite caters soul food delights from over 20 years of experience. You can get their signature fried chicken and catfish or shrimp and grits along with black eyed peas and hush puppies. Keep dessert in mind as well!
Jubba Somali
Almaden Valley
Somalin cuisine is served at this local gem hidden away in a residential area. Some of the most popular dishes include the goat cutlets, jumbo steaks, and sambusas!
LeYou Ethiopian
Downtown
Featuring a contemporary spin on classic Ethiopian dishes, including traditional options such as sega kitfo (steak tartare), Keywot (red beef stew), and ahi tuna and tofu. According to Mary, the vegetable platter is to die for.
Lunch Box
West San Jose
Easily accessible Ethiopian restaurant serving homestyle meals in a casual atmosphere.
Mudai Restaurant
Downtown
Featuring traditional Ethiopian spices, Mudai offers shareable dishes and individual plates that can be prepared for meat-eaters and vegans alike. Serve lamb tibs, gomen, and doro wot with a classic combo. Enjoy the traditional Ethiopian beer and injera flatbread to soak it all up.
Walia Ethipian Cuisine
West San Jose
The Ethiopian restaurant has earned some of the best reviews in the Silicon Valley, where many Silicon Valley tech leaders have eaten there. Try a classic combo plate or try the modern Silicon Valley classic, the Zuckerberg Combo.
Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant
Downtown
The Zeni restaurant in San Jose is a favorite of locals who want a dining experience that blends the best of Western and Ethiopian dining cultures. Our dishes are authentic and customizable. Get to know the cuisine better by sharing, experiencing, and interacting with it. Among Mary's favorite dishes are Kitfo (ground beef sauteed in butter and spices), Tibs (cubed meat with onions and jalapenos), and Kik Alicha (yellow split-pea stew).
Nirvana Soul
Downtown
Owners Jeronica Macey and Be'Anka Ashaolu have opened this new coffee shop in SoFA District, one of the most anticipated openings of late. Both natives of San Jose, they inherited their love of coffee from their grandmother and have always dreamed of creating a place that nourishes souls and brings people joy. For a taste of the menu, Jeronica and Be'Anka recommend the Celebration Latte.
Honorable Mentions
While they do not have a brick and mortar location, there is no denying that the food is fantastic. San Jose has a lot of flavors to offer, so don't miss out!
Jon Jon's BBQ
Downtown
Order your combo platter and watch them grill your order outside in this local eatery. Jon's Jon's has been serving good food and service for over two decades from a walk-up trailer.
Shark Plumbing Services
Address: 1563 June Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Phone: (408) 724-7909
Website: https://www.sharkplumbers.com/