SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant

Best American Food

Combine delicious, locally sourced American bistro cuisine in a downtown San Jose location that’s part swanky, part laid back. Top it off with house-made, handcrafted cocktails. Add a beautiful open patio and serve lunch, a 4-7 p.m. Happy Hour, dinner, late-night meals and weekend brunches. The result? SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant, a true American dining and gathering experience near San Pedro Square Market and SAP Pavilion. It mixes a cosmopolitan environment with innovative adaptations on American fare. Favorites include the Roasted Rainbow Cauliflower and the house-made Smoked Duroc Pork Belly Boas people say are “to die for.” 72 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408-299-2000 sp2sanjose.com

Best Brew Pub BJ’s Brewhouse

Serving up a hearty experience, BJ’s Brewhouse & Restaurant locations draw beer lovers seeking handcrafted brews; diners seeking creative takes on pizza, pastas and tacos; and dessert lovers who crave BJ’s world-renowned Pizookies. But when it comes right down to it, BJs is a destination, a place that blends brewhouse energy with that of a sports bar or a spot worthy of major family celebrations. BJ’s handcrafted beers include the classic Brewhouse Blonde, seasonal favorites like the Zany Zitrus IPA or the Goliath Imperial Red IPA. Come celebrate BJ’s 20 years of brewing heritage! The 13 Bay Area BJ’s locations include San Jose (2), Cupertino,

San Mateo and San Bruno. www.bjsrestaurants.com

Best Chinese Food Mandarin Gourmet

Everyone likes to feel catered to now and then, and Mandarin Gourmet’s three Silicon Valley locations, make a point of doing so. The community agrees that Mandarin Gourmet restaurants achieve their goal to “offer gourmet Chinese in an elegant environment and pamper our guests with an attentive staff.” For some people, Mandarin Gourmet is the go-to place for Chinese, where Peking Prawns, Chow Fun and Three Delicacies Kung Pow (from the “set” menu for dinner) are favorites, as are the reasonable prices. Long, inventive menus meet all tastes and many special dietary requirements. Catering available! Cupertino: 10145 N. De Anza Blvd., 408-725-8168

San Jose: 5560 Santa Teresa Blvd., 408-281-8898

Palo Alto: 420 Ramona St., 650-328-8898 mymandaringourmet.com

Best Deli Bertucelli’s La Villa

For decades, locals have loved coming to what they call “the best little Italian deli.” A meal or a treat from Bertucelli’s La Villa in Willow Glen is always a delight. From dozens of hearty hot or cold sandwich options at remarkably good prices to classic Italian pastries and cookies, the cozy shop delivers in flavor, quality and atmosphere. Guests are greeted with a smile and kindness and enjoy unique Italian creations like famous stuffed artichokes, specialty salami, calzone specials and sfogliatelle pastries imported from Italy. Don’t be deterred if there’s a line; everyone in it knows it’s worth the wait. 1319 Lincoln Ave., San Jose 408-295-7851 wglavilla.com

Open Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Best French Food Black Sheep Brasserie

1202 Lincoln Ave., San Jose 408-816-7251 bsbwillowglen.com

Open Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. brunch and 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. dinner

Best Frozen Yogurt Yogurtland

Tasty, fun and real, Yogurtland aims to “make a good day great” and succeeds. Adding creative seasonal flavors and toppings throughout the year, the multiple Silicon Valley Yogurtland locations keep the frozen yogurt experience refreshing. Their dairies select the highest quality ingredients; they use real fruit and offer several dairy-free and gluten-free options. For those who can’t abandon their preference for old-fashioned frozen treats, in late 2017 Yogurtland introduced select, classic ice cream flavors. Making people’s days better with yogurt and fresh, topping combinations is still the priority at Yogurtland. Remember to join the rewards program! Several locations across the Silicon Valley. yogurt-land.com

Best Ice Cream Baskin-Robbins

Although Baskin-Robbins stores have been an American tradition for more than 70 years, each location is committed to being a contributing part of their community. Whether serving up the classics like Jamoca Almond Fudge, Cherries Jubilee, New York Cheesecake ice cream or seasonal favorites like Baseball Nut and Boston Cream Pie, helpful staff members are generous with the scoops and honor free-scoop coupons. Certain flavors are free of milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts or wheat. Party planners can order cakes online using the so-called sweetest app around. There are dozens of locations across Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. baskinrobbins.com

Best Indian Food Amber India

It’s hard to believe that genuine fine-dining Indian cuisine has only been available in the South Bay since 1984, given the impact of the Amber group

of fine-dining establishments. Sweeping the Best Indian category for another straight year, Vijay Bist’s renowned Indian cuisine continues to delight and now boasts five locations. From bites at the bar or family style dining to a customized prix fixe menu or catered events, even have chefs prepare a customized prix fixe menu, the Amber group of restaurants epitomize a special class of distinctive, innovative culinary offerings. Five locations:

San Francisco: 25 Yerba Buena Lane, 415-777-0500

Palo Alto: 150 University Ave., 650-329-9644

Los Altos: 4926 El Camino Real, 650-968-7511

Mountain View: 600 W. El Camino Real, 650-968-1751

San Jose/Santana Row:

377 Santana Row, 408-248-5400 amber-india.com

Best Japanese Food Yuki Sushi

Billed as “traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists,” Yuki Sushi’s two locations are the best places for a classic Japanese dining experience with terrific food and warm hospitality. Based on the traditions of its wildly successful flagship location, which opened in Santa Clara more than 30 years ago, the Willow Glen restaurant has a following all its own. Sushi lovers appreciate the freshness of the fish. There are plenty of sashimi and nigiri options in addition to favorites like the rainbow roll and crunch roll. Yuki Sushi offers call-ahead reservations for parties of six or more and also takes orders by phone for pickup. Santa Clara: 1827 Pruneridge Ave., 408-248-9144

San Jose: 1140 Lincoln Ave., Suite 8, 408-287-9854 yukisushi.com Best Mediterranean Food DishDash Well regarded for flavorful starters, juicy meats, sumptuous entrees and savory desserts, DishDash’s two fine dining locations in Milpitas and Sunnyvale pay homage to the culinary traditions of several Middle Eastern countries, each in a refined setting. They pride themselves on original family recipes and clever blends of legumes, grains and exotic spices. Enjoy a series of starters as a full meal or dive into a mouthwatering entrée followed by classic baklava. The creations are so popular that DishDash also operates three fast-casual locations. There, choose from three-step menu and top it off with a fresh smoothie or tea! Enjoy table service at the two fine dining DishDash locations in Milpitas and Sunnyvale. Three fast-casual Dish n’ Dash locations are in Sunnyvale, San Jose and Fremont.

Online ordering is available for pickup or catering.

Visit dishdash.com for locations, menus and online orders.

Best Seafood The Fish Market

A favorite among Bay Area fish and seafood lovers, classic dining experiences at The Fish Market locations feature delicious meals in open, refreshing atmospheres. Praised for “amazing food and amazing service at great prices,” the menu spans everything from Oysters Rockefeller and Seafood Louie to The Fish Market’s famously decadent Dungeness Crab Cioppino or Smoked Atlantic Salmon. As proof of their dedication to freshness, The Fish Market even runs its own seafood processing and distribution facility, Farallon Fisheries; fresh items are on display and for sale just inside each location. For an exquisite memorable experience, book a gathering at Top of the Market, located on the upper level in San Mateo, where fine dining pairs with privacy and views. Palo Alto: 3150 El Camino Real, 650-493-8862

Santa Clara: 3775 El Camino Real, 408-246-3474

San Mateo: 1855 S. Norfolk St., 650-349-3474

San Jose: 1007 Blossom Hill Road, 408-269-3474 thefishmarket.com

Best Steakhouse Alexander’s Steakhouse

Once again topping the charts for Best Steakhouse in Silicon Valley is Alexander’s, where Japanese influence brings out the best in every meal and incorporates the freshest ingredients, finest cuts and most savory marinades and seasoning blends. Serving both lunch and dinner, Alexander’s upholds its reputation for taste and 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 408-446-2222 alexanderssteakhouse.com/ cupertino

Best Thai Food Best Vegetarian Food Blue Mango

Back again as a Best in Silicon Valley in multiple categories, Blue Mango continues to please with lunches and dinners featuring an impressive selection of traditional and fusion Thai food, all served up with classic Thai flavors — even the sushi. Come for the Spicy Noodles, but don’t forget to try something new; there’s so much on the menu, it’s easy to find a new favorite, such as the Seafood Soup or the Spicy Waterfall Beef. Blue Mango’s separate vegetarian menu of more than 60 items draws a regular crowd for lunch or dinner, given rich and flavorful dishes such as J. Mango Curry, Spicy Fried Rice with green beans and basil, or Red Noodles. Blue Mango offers lunch, dinner, private parties, catering, take-out and delivery. 635 Coleman Ave., San Jose 408-885-9222 bluemangocuisine.com

Best Vietnamese Food Khanh’s Restaurant

Since has Vietnamese What gained served began 1981, so much up food as Khanh’s fresh, a popularity 12-table in San contemporary Restaurant Jose. eatery that Khanh’s before settling expanded near several Santana times Row. In a European-Vietnamese setting, Khanh’s gains favor for its Asian fusion-style Vietnamese fare, including make-your-own rolls, Banh Hoi options like grilled shrimp, BBQ pork slices with vermicelli sheets, and a terrific selection of Pho. The menu is diverse enough to make each visit unique. Try the rice noodle salads, rice plates and vegetarian plates. The a la carte menu and selection of wines make for a great date night! 335 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose 408-241-4940 http://www.khanhsrestaurant.com Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week.