It's a pleasurable experience. High dining in the South Bay, without a long commute. Wines were very interesting, all from Portugal. The flow of courses was well organized and prompt, we weren't rushed and service was not slow - just right. Adega did not disappoint. Definitely a repeat on special occasions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Catherine Warren
I love Michelin starred restaurants. Not because they are bougie, although they certainly can be, but because of the work. It takes an extraordinary amount of work. It also takes talent, which we all wish we could cultivate through sheer determination, yet we know that at the very foundation there must be a God given gift, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Then one must layer on business acumen, which is an art form in itself. Add to that the discipline and the work ethic. Artists are rarely born with either, so that too must be learned and earned. Often these chefs begin from humble origins, where little is expected of them and where resources are scarce. That means limited capital, and certainly no angel investors swooping in with blank checks. Those who believe otherwise have watched far too much television; angel investors belong in Dickens novels, not in many real life kitchens. So when you encounter Adega, a Michelin starred restaurant in San Jose’s Little Portugal neighborhood, it feels like entering the triumphant final scene of an underdog film. This is a family business gone right. Adega was founded in 2015 by Carlos and Fernanda Carreira, with their daughter Jessica Carreira and her husband David Costa leading the kitchen. Against the odds, in less than a year Adega became the first and only Portuguese restaurant in the United States to receive a Michelin star. Jessica, just twenty three at the time, became one of the youngest chefs in the world and one of the few women to achieve such an honor. Adega’s ascent was not without setbacks. The restaurant lost its star in 2018, only to regain it in 2021, a testament to resilience and mastery. It closed briefly in 2023, but by November 2024 it reopened in its original Little Portugal space, bringing its star lit artistry back to San Jose. And then, of course, there is the art. The dishes are poetry, rooted in Portuguese tradition and reimagined with precision and grace. Adega is proof that when heritage, discipline, business sense, and artistry collide, greatness is not only possible, it is inevitable. #Adega #SanJose #MichelinStar #PortugueseCuisine #CulinaryExcellence #UnderdogStory #FoodArt #LittlePortugal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shahaf Akavia
The Good: The food and service were excellent. Each dish was unique, with diverse flavors and beautiful plating. The portions were generousmy wife and I were completely full by the end of the course meal. We also received complimentary appetizers and dessert from the chef, which added a special touch and included items not listed on the menu. The staff was very friendly and attentive throughout the evening.
The Bad: The atmosphere didn’t match the $450+ price tag. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt underwhelming. The parking area in the back of the resturant which was dark and unwelcome , the restaurant exterior resembled a medical office more than a fine dining establishment. The waiting area was dull, with an unattended bar that gave off a strange vibe. The main dining room felt very basic simple tables and chairs, minimal decor, and poor acoustics. Even with relatively quiet neighbors, it was hard to hear the background music. Overall, it lacked the ambiance and immersive experience I would expect at this price point.
Overall the food worth it , but the atmosphere of fine dinning should improve.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bonnie Hanh-Nhi Nguyen
Wondering why not marked as it should be “Michelin Restaurant”
Bilguun Ganhuyag
If you're looking for a truly remarkable dining experience in San Jose, look no further than Adega! This gem of a restaurant offers a celebration of Portuguese cuisine that is sure to leave you delighted and craving more.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The elegant decor, with its rich wood accents and soft lighting, creates a cozy yet upscale vibe, perfect for a special night out or a memorable meal with friends.
Now, let’s talk about the food—absolutely divine! The menu showcases a fantastic variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, all prepared with a contemporary twist. I started with the Bacalhau à Brás, a delightful cod dish that was perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented. Each bite was a flavor explosion that transported me straight to Portugal.
For the main course, I opted for the Grilled Octopus, which was tender and expertly charred, served with a zesty sauce that complemented the dish perfectly. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied but not overly stuffed.
One of the highlights of my meal was the wine selection. Adega boasts an impressive list of Portuguese wines, and the staff was incredibly knowledgeable, helping me find the perfect pairing for my meal. Their passion for wine truly enhances the dining experience.
The service at Adega was impeccable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They took the time to explain the dishes and made excellent recommendations, which made the evening feel special.
To top it all off, I couldn’t resist indulging in dessert. The Pastéis de Nata were the perfect sweet ending—crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious.
Overall, Adega Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in San Jose. The combination of exquisite food, exceptional service, and a charming ambiance makes it a standout dining destination. I can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Insiyah Yusufali
We come here for our wedding anniversary and so glad we did. The food was amazing the and service is really nice. Loved the ambience of the restaurant and the decor.
Note that the Parking in the back is limited spaces.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nelly Nelson Simoes
Do not see anything special on this menu, leitão is to expensive for it’s quality and the rest isn’t Portuguese. A Michelin what? Show me a bitoque or Uma alentejana or something that represents US!
Pierre Simard
It’s a great discovery in San Jose. The food menu is a tasting menu. Very creative, Portuguese inspired but not exclusive. Their dinnerware is outstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wine Pairing, Fresh Baked Bread, Tomato and Cucumber
Hamy Li
Desert is the best among all Michelle stars! Great food and service. Waiting time is a bit long between the courses.
My birthday dinner at Adega on February 16th was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped in, we were welcomed into a warm and elegant atmosphere, setting the tone for an incredible evening.
We chose the Tasting Menu, and every dish was a testament to Portuguese culinary excellence. What made it even more special was the complimentary additions of caviar and truffle, which elevated the experience to another level.
The starters were absolutely wonderful, especially the sardine, which was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Each course was thoughtfully crafted, from the Lula (a refreshing squid salad with cilantro sauce) to the Cogumelo, a rich and aromatic mushroom rice that had an optional black truffle upgrade. The Peixe, a perfectly cooked swordfish with a delicate white wine dill sauce, was another highlight, and the Leitão, a suckling pig dish with sweet potato, orange, and collard greens, was cooked to perfection, achieving the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
To complement our meal, we selected the Cabriz Vinho Rosé, which paired beautifully with the variety of flavors throughout the tasting. While Adega offers three levels of wine pairings (regular, premium, and reserve), we opted to enjoy just this rosé, along with some expertly crafted cocktails, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choices.
The cheese course, Queijo, featured São Jorge cheese in five unique presentations, and our evening ended on a high note with the Frutos Silvestres, a matcha meringue “mille-feuille” with white chocolate, raspberries, and green strawberries—a truly delightful and creative dessert.
Beyond the impeccable food and wine, what truly set this experience apart was the flawless service. The team at Adega was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience.
A special thank you to Chef David Acosta and the owners for curating such a unique and memorable dining experience. Adega is a true gem, and we are already looking forward to returning! Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jake Byman
Truly one of the best meals we've had in the Bay Area. The tasting menu was fantastic, and worked really well with the sangria and wine.
The opening dish was honestly one of our favorites. A huge assortment of delicious bites. Definitely a focus on seafood, but everything was super well executed.
The only thing that didn't quite hit for us was the mushroom risotto, which tasted a bit bland.
Food was amazing, service was amazing, and the design of the restaurant was really calming and welcoming. Strongly recommended! Would totally come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel Heinzer-Avar
Great food, great service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vasco
Great experience! Nice and honest food!
Eugena Yu
Wish I can rank it higher but the food is really mediocre and seriously disappointing. Surprised it ever got a Michelin star. It's either too salty or too sweet and even the fish was overcooked.
It's a pleasurable experience. High dining in the South Bay, without a long commute. Wines were very interesting, all from Portugal. The flow of courses was well organized and prompt, we weren't rushed and service was not slow - just right. Adega did not disappoint. Definitely a repeat on special occasions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love Michelin starred restaurants. Not because they are bougie, although they certainly can be, but because of the work. It takes an extraordinary amount of work. It also takes talent, which we all wish we could cultivate through sheer determination, yet we know that at the very foundation there must be a God given gift, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Then one must layer on business acumen, which is an art form in itself. Add to that the discipline and the work ethic. Artists are rarely born with either, so that too must be learned and earned.
Often these chefs begin from humble origins, where little is expected of them and where resources are scarce. That means limited capital, and certainly no angel investors swooping in with blank checks. Those who believe otherwise have watched far too much television; angel investors belong in Dickens novels, not in many real life kitchens.
So when you encounter Adega, a Michelin starred restaurant in San Jose’s Little Portugal neighborhood, it feels like entering the triumphant final scene of an underdog film. This is a family business gone right. Adega was founded in 2015 by Carlos and Fernanda Carreira, with their daughter Jessica Carreira and her husband David Costa leading the kitchen. Against the odds, in less than a year Adega became the first and only Portuguese restaurant in the United States to receive a Michelin star. Jessica, just twenty three at the time, became one of the youngest chefs in the world and one of the few women to achieve such an honor.
Adega’s ascent was not without setbacks. The restaurant lost its star in 2018, only to regain it in 2021, a testament to resilience and mastery. It closed briefly in 2023, but by November 2024 it reopened in its original Little Portugal space, bringing its star lit artistry back to San Jose.
And then, of course, there is the art. The dishes are poetry, rooted in Portuguese tradition and reimagined with precision and grace. Adega is proof that when heritage, discipline, business sense, and artistry collide, greatness is not only possible, it is inevitable.
#Adega #SanJose #MichelinStar #PortugueseCuisine #CulinaryExcellence #UnderdogStory #FoodArt #LittlePortugal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Good:
The food and service were excellent. Each dish was unique, with diverse flavors and beautiful plating. The portions were generousmy wife and I were completely full by the end of the course meal. We also received complimentary appetizers and dessert from the chef, which added a special touch and included items not listed on the menu. The staff was very friendly and attentive throughout the evening.
The Bad:
The atmosphere didn’t match the $450+ price tag. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt underwhelming. The parking area in the back of the resturant which was dark and unwelcome , the restaurant exterior resembled a medical office more than a fine dining establishment. The waiting area was dull, with an unattended bar that gave off a strange vibe. The main dining room felt very basic simple tables and chairs, minimal decor, and poor acoustics. Even with relatively quiet neighbors, it was hard to hear the background music. Overall, it lacked the ambiance and immersive experience I would expect at this price point.
Overall the food worth it , but the atmosphere of fine dinning should improve.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wondering why not marked as it should be “Michelin Restaurant”
If you're looking for a truly remarkable dining experience in San Jose, look no further than Adega! This gem of a restaurant offers a celebration of Portuguese cuisine that is sure to leave you delighted and craving more.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The elegant decor, with its rich wood accents and soft lighting, creates a cozy yet upscale vibe, perfect for a special night out or a memorable meal with friends.
Now, let’s talk about the food—absolutely divine! The menu showcases a fantastic variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, all prepared with a contemporary twist. I started with the Bacalhau à Brás, a delightful cod dish that was perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented. Each bite was a flavor explosion that transported me straight to Portugal.
For the main course, I opted for the Grilled Octopus, which was tender and expertly charred, served with a zesty sauce that complemented the dish perfectly. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied but not overly stuffed.
One of the highlights of my meal was the wine selection. Adega boasts an impressive list of Portuguese wines, and the staff was incredibly knowledgeable, helping me find the perfect pairing for my meal. Their passion for wine truly enhances the dining experience.
The service at Adega was impeccable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They took the time to explain the dishes and made excellent recommendations, which made the evening feel special.
To top it all off, I couldn’t resist indulging in dessert. The Pastéis de Nata were the perfect sweet ending—crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious.
Overall, Adega Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in San Jose. The combination of exquisite food, exceptional service, and a charming ambiance makes it a standout dining destination. I can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We come here for our wedding anniversary and so glad we did. The food was amazing the and service is really nice. Loved the ambience of the restaurant and the decor.
Note that the Parking in the back is limited spaces.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Do not see anything special on this menu, leitão is to expensive for it’s quality and the rest isn’t Portuguese. A Michelin what? Show me a bitoque or Uma alentejana or something that represents US!
It’s a great discovery in San Jose. The food menu is a tasting menu. Very creative, Portuguese inspired but not exclusive. Their dinnerware is outstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wine Pairing, Fresh Baked Bread, Tomato and Cucumber
Desert is the best among all Michelle stars! Great food and service. Waiting time is a bit long between the courses.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Superb!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fresh Baked Bread
Restaurantji Recommends
An Unforgettable Birthday Experience at Adega
My birthday dinner at Adega on February 16th was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped in, we were welcomed into a warm and elegant atmosphere, setting the tone for an incredible evening.
We chose the Tasting Menu, and every dish was a testament to Portuguese culinary excellence. What made it even more special was the complimentary additions of caviar and truffle, which elevated the experience to another level.
The starters were absolutely wonderful, especially the sardine, which was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Each course was thoughtfully crafted, from the Lula (a refreshing squid salad with cilantro sauce) to the Cogumelo, a rich and aromatic mushroom rice that had an optional black truffle upgrade. The Peixe, a perfectly cooked swordfish with a delicate white wine dill sauce, was another highlight, and the Leitão, a suckling pig dish with sweet potato, orange, and collard greens, was cooked to perfection, achieving the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
To complement our meal, we selected the Cabriz Vinho Rosé, which paired beautifully with the variety of flavors throughout the tasting. While Adega offers three levels of wine pairings (regular, premium, and reserve), we opted to enjoy just this rosé, along with some expertly crafted cocktails, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choices.
The cheese course, Queijo, featured São Jorge cheese in five unique presentations, and our evening ended on a high note with the Frutos Silvestres, a matcha meringue “mille-feuille” with white chocolate, raspberries, and green strawberries—a truly delightful and creative dessert.
Beyond the impeccable food and wine, what truly set this experience apart was the flawless service. The team at Adega was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience.
A special thank you to Chef David Acosta and the owners for curating such a unique and memorable dining experience. Adega is a true gem, and we are already looking forward to returning! Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Truly one of the best meals we've had in the Bay Area. The tasting menu was fantastic, and worked really well with the sangria and wine.
The opening dish was honestly one of our favorites. A huge assortment of delicious bites. Definitely a focus on seafood, but everything was super well executed.
The only thing that didn't quite hit for us was the mushroom risotto, which tasted a bit bland.
Food was amazing, service was amazing, and the design of the restaurant was really calming and welcoming. Strongly recommended! Would totally come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great experience! Nice and honest food!
Wish I can rank it higher but the food is really mediocre and seriously disappointing. Surprised it ever got a Michelin star. It's either too salty or too sweet and even the fish was overcooked.
Loading...