by C Song

Created on: July 15, 2009

Aromatic spiced Indian curries, succulent Greek-style lamb, good ol' American hotdogs, Cajun gumbo, and tart delicious yogurt: You can find all of that and much more at Santana Row, San Jose's premier upscale shopping center. With over 35 eateries and restaurants featuring their own diverse range of cuisine, Santana Row can satiate the appetite of any hungry shopper.

Thea Mediterranean
3090 Olsen Dr

With its "Flaming Cheese", exotic belly dancers, and beautiful garden atmosphere, it is no wonder that Thea Mediterranean is one of the top new hot spots on Santana Row. Start off your meal with the Saganaki Opa!, flamed asiago cheese served with brandy, lemon, and pita bread. Thea's spanakopita, a traditional phyllo dough pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and leeks, is also delicious. Moving on to the main course, you can't go wrong with lamb. The Braised Lamb Shank, described on the menu as"colorado lamb shank served with a parmesan cheese, spinach and green onion orzo" is fall off the bone tender and flavorful. Located next to the Cinearts Theatre, this place is perfect for an exceptional movie-and-dinner date experience. Dinner prices range from $7-11 for appetizers and $15-28 for most main dishes.

Amber India
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128

With its elegant furnishings and stars twinkling in the night sky ceiling, Amber India is definitely a step above those greasy Indian buffets in San Jose. The beautiful artworks hanging on the walls add a splash of color to the exquisitely decorated space and provide a feast for the eyes. And having been featured in the San Jose Mercury and SF Chronicle, Amber India is sure to not disappoint your taste buds. Amber India serves both traditional Indian dishes and contemporary fusion ones that you are not likely to find anywhere else. Whet your appetite with an appetizer or two; the Ceylon Tuna Roll is a notable example of chef Vittal Shetty's creations. Srilankan style tuna, curry powder, potatoes, egg roll sheet, and rampa leaves compose this deliciously aromatic dish. The most popular dish at Amber India is the butter chicken which is, according to one diner, "rich, creamy, flavorful, simply to die for". Amber India also has an extensive vegetarian menu including such entrees as Pan-Fried Eggplant Steak and Spinach, Lotus root & Sun Chokes Kofta. Plus, every meal comes with a basket of pillowy soft and delicious naan that is constantly refilled by attentive waiters. With such delicious food and ambient atmosphere,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>