Bar Tako is about to become one of San Jose's most unique food offerings. It's a pop-up restaurant blending Mexican and Japanese cuisines at 17 North San Pedro Street in San Pedro Square. Set to open in late February 2026 and run through June, this temporary spot activates a key Downtown location previously home to Olla Cocina. Industry experts Derek Belanger and Greg Nasser lead the project, drawing on Nikkei influences from Peru to craft dishes that merge bold tastes in unexpected ways.
The menu divides into sections for shared plates, encouraging group dining experiences. Raw bar selections feature sushi-grade hamachi paired with salsa verde and salmon tartare alongside mango-shiso pico de gallo served with chips. Robata grill options include grilled pork and chicken skewers with housemade masa tortillas, corn ribs topped with Kewpie mayo and furikake, and Okinawa sweet potato with mole aioli and cotija cheese. Standout entrees range from togarashi shrimp tacos to shoyu-braised beef short rib tamales with ancho chile sauce and pickled ginger, plus A5 wagyu accompanied by mole.
Desserts offer creative twists like three varieties of sweet tamales with sauces, such as a red bean version drizzled in miso-caramel. The bar complements the food with tequila, mezcal, Japanese whisky, beers from both cultures, and Baja California wines including Nebiolos and chilled reds. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., Bar Tako invites San Jose foodies to explore one of the most unique food offerings in the South Bay.
Source: Eater
