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
