Fitoor is now open, bringing high-end Indian cuisine and late-night music to Santana Row

The San Jose food-scene continues to evolve and reach new heights. Fitoor (which is the word for passion in Hindi) is brining Indian food back to Santana Row in the same space that housed Amber India for years. However, Fitoor is a much higher-end concept than Amber and is run by serial entrepreneurs that also own the Michelin-recommended Rooh in Palo Alto.

Fitoor's ambiance and food look exquisite and I can't wait to try it for myself in early May. For now, I'll just have to savor these photos from The Merc.

Another twist on traditional Indian cuisine is their take on nightlife. On Friday and Saturday nights the lounge portion of the restaurant features DJs, fire dancers, and a more clubby vibe. It's certainly a unique addition to the Row and seems like a step up from what was there before (and I really liked Amber).

In other restaurant news, the expanded Elyse featuring French Vietnamese cuisine--and a local San Jose chef--has their official ribbon cutting tonight. More on that later this week.

Source: The Mercury News

Eye-catching residential towers could rise near Valley Fair and Santana Row

If there ever was an area ripe for high-rise development outside of Downtown it would be right around our shopping mecca of Valley Fair and Santana Row. While it has limited transit, the area is flush with shopping, dining, and jobs.

A two-tower project has been proposed to replace a dilapidated building at 826 North Winchester Blvd. The project would consist of 135 residential units (70 one-bedroom and 65 two-bedroom units), 20 of which would be affordable. There would also be 13,000 SQFT of open space, 6,000 SQFT of terrace space, and 7,500 SQFT of amenity space.

The top floors would have amazing views in all directions, including views of neighboring Downtown San Jose. Another impressive feature is a sky bridge connecting the two towers and likely featuring outdoor and amenity space with views.

If this comes to fruition, it'll be the new standard for development going forward in "uptown" San Jose.

Source: The Mercury News

Santana Row has a Speakeasy now!

Today I finally got to try Suspiro, the new Spanish & Peruvian restaurant at the end of Santana Row facing Meso. They just opened three weeks ago and have a few kinks to work out, but the ambiance was outstanding and the food was solid. My favorites were the Paella, Ceviche, and Lomo Saltado. However, this restaurant hides a secret...

In the very back past the unisex restrooms there is a black curtain that reveals a Ms. Pac-Man arcade cabinet. Behind the arcade is a locked door that takes you to S.Suspiro, a secret speakeasy! You can only get in with a reservation and have to be escorted by staff.

The Speakeasy has a completely separate food and drink menu from the restaurant, and even has it's own hidden patio on the other side of the building (last photo)! I don't have a lot of other info except for the house rules:

- No standing at the bar

- No flash

- No name dropping

- No smoking

- Please be patient, our drinks are labor intensive

- Please exit quietly

I can't wait to try it out. Previously, the closest thing Santana Row had to a secret bar was Cielo--a rooftop wine bar where you have to take two separate elevators up to reach in Hotel Valencia.

To make reservations for S.Suspiro and experience the first actual Speakeasy at Santana Row, click here.

Plans to convert medical office to housing near Santana Row

This is a relatively small project, but an interesting one due to it's location and density for the surrounding area. There is a proposal in play to demolish three single-story commercial buildings at 2881 Hemlock, 376 Baywood, and 384 Baywood and replace them with a six-story mixed-use building.

The structure would have 18,825 SQFT of commercial space on the ground floor (potentially commercial condos) and 75 "high-end" residential condos on the upper floors. The condos would be a mix of 1-3 bedroom units. There would also be 100 parking spaces in two underground parking levels.

In terms of location, it is a two-block walk to Santana Row and short walk to Valley Fair. This is a prime area for redevelopment.

Source: SVBJ

PwC coming to Santana West

PwC has leased 141,000 SQFT of office space at One Santana West, right across the street from Santana Row. The decision was led by the modernity, efficiency, and amenities the office offered. PwC plans to occupy the space in early 2026.

That now makes 3.5 floors leased in the building, with 4.5 floors and 198,000 SQFT to go. Acrisure is the only other tenant in the building.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row Spring Fling Wine Stroll

Walk down the Row while enjoying an assortment of wines in select shops and restaurants. The two hour event runs from 5-7pm on April 18th and includes a Santana Row wine glass to keep and wine tastings from local Bay Area wineries.

The cost is $50 per person, and you can also get a complimentary flower bouquet if you spend more than $100 while strolling down the Row. You can order tickets here.

Santana Row's two newest restaurants are opening soon

A new Indian and Peruvian-Spanish restaurant are coming to the Row very soon. 

In March, Suspiro (pictured below) will bring upscale Latin fusion to San Jose. The restaurant is owned by the same people as Zazil and El Jardin and will be open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Suspiro specializes in fresh seasonal seafood and grilled meats. You'll find it at the very end of Santana Row next to Barry's Bootcamp and Meso Modern Mediterranean.

Fitoor will open in late March and will be an modern Indian grill and lounge. It comes from the team that owns Rooh, Anu, and Vikram Bhambri and it will be located in the space formerly occupied by Amber India.

Source: The Mercury News

More retailers coming to Santana Row

As retail struggles all around the country, Santana Row and Valley Fair continue to thrive. It actually has signed seven new leases recently. They are:

• Cast - boutique jewelry store that opened in November
• 7th Avenue - modular furniture store opening in 2024
• Evereve - women's fashion retailer
• New Balance - sports footwear and apparel opening in March
• Todd Snyder - designer menswear
• Solidcore - fitness center set to open between April and June
• Kohler Signature Store - plumbing fixtures and bath products

As for office leasing, there was some good news there as well. Acrisure will move into 29,000 SQFT at the One Santana West building across the street from Santana Row.

Source: The Mercury News

Santana Row 2024 Lunar New Year Event on Feb 10th

Santana Row is welcoming the Year of the Dragon with entertainment and specials at several restaurants and stores. On February 10th, Santana Row Park will filled with lion dances, cultural performances, and surprise red envelopes containing gifts and offers. The event will be hosted by NBC Bay Area's Mike Inouye.

Scroll on down to see the dining and shopping specials that will only be available on Lunar New Year.

DINING SPECIALS:

Dumpling Time - Visit the pop-up bar outside Dumpling Time for to-go dumplings & drinks.

EMC Seafood - $20 gift card to customers that dine-in Chinese New Year who spend over $20 (before tips & tax) Card valid 2/25-4/30. One card per table, only in store.

Fogo De Chao - $25 Fogo Card for every purchase of a Trilogy Wine Box or purchase of the Seafood Tower Appetizer. 

LB Steak  - To celebrate the Year of the Dragon and the good fortune it will bring, LB Steak is offering a special Wagyu Fried Rice and cocktail offerings during February. Plus, receive a red envelope with your meal, containing a special offer to redeem upon your next visit. Offers include a complimentary dessert, appetizer, or even a Tomahawk steak!  Available for lunch and dinner, from February 10th-February 18th along with regular menus.

Maido - $5 off purchase from 2/10-2/19

Momosan  - Head into Momosan for a special discounted offer on 2/10/24.

Oveja Negra - 20% off 

Ozumo - Complimentary Dragon Crunch Roll with the purchase of a signature roll. Available 2/10/24 from 12pm-5pm.

Palmetto Superfoods - Pop in for an in-store promotion and 10% Off when you order the Just Acai Smoothie with Renude's Chaggaccino (must order with a staff member to receive discount)

Rosie McCann's - Enjoy Lunar New Year Festivities within Rosie McCann's and Chinese dinner special, plus specialty cocktail, Dragon Sour!

Straits- Receive a free glass of sparking for dine in guests only with your food order. 

SHOPPING SPECIALS:

Amour Vert - Year of the Dragon Sip & Style event , 2024  promotion and 15% off.

Atelier Studio - Receive $20 off for any new service.

BoConcept - 20% off 2/10/24-2/11/24

Fjällräven - End of season sale, select items 30% off.

Le Labo - 1.5 Ml Fragrance samples within red envelopes (while supplies last).

Optical Illusions - 35% off Trunk Show Items 2/10/24 only. 

Vince - 15% off entire purchase on 2/10/24 only. 

Some restrictions apply, see merchant for details.  Valid Saturday, February 10, 2024 only.

Santana Row expansion (Santana West) scores their first lease -- Acrisure

It's a challenging market for office space, but it always seems to be sunny at Santana Row. A financial tech company called Acrisure LLC is leasing 29,000 SQFT in the shiny new Santana West project across the street from the famous Row. Acrisure is planning on having 150 employees work out of that office, taking up most of the 4th floor of the building.

So far, only one building has been constructed as part of for Santana West. The plan is for there to be two more midrises with the final project totaling a million SQFT of office space. However, given the state of the office and residential markets, perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to pivot and use the remaining space as a true mixed-use extension to Santana Row with retail and residential.

Source: SVBJ

Spirit of the Row in San Jose

Every Tuesday leading up to Christmas, Santana Row is hosting free holiday performances featuring local community groups in Santana Row Park. There will also be photos with Santa in the Oak Tree Lounge by Blue Bottle and snow showerers in Park Valencia.

Below is the full lineup of performers:

Tuesday, December 12

The New Ballet performing The Nutcracker

Sarah Bylsma Soloist

Fantasy Dance

Presentation High School Choir & Dance

Santa Clara Elite Dance

Melissa Marielle Vocalist

Los Laurales performing Feliz Navidad

West Valley Dance Company

Tuesday, December 19

The New Ballet performing The Nutcracker

Sarah Bylsma Soloist

Nor Cal Dance Arts

PNC Music Management 

Joy of Dancing Competition Team

Castillero Middle School Choir

Almaden Spirit Athletics Cheer & Hip Hop

Markers Market in the Park at Santana Row on Nov 11th

Tomorrow Santana Row is hosting a "Makers Market" featuring local entrepreneurs. Items for sale include jewelry, organic body products, candles, plants, home goods, apparel, glass, and even some CBD products. The best part is you can sip & stroll at the Makers Market. Grab your favorite cocktail to-go from Zazil, El Jardin, EMC Seafood (great Old Fashioned), Left Bank Brasserie, or Vintage Wine Bar and you can take it with you as you browse and shop between Olin Ave. and Olsen Dr.

The event is kid and fur baby friendly and runs from 11am-6pm tomorrow (Saturday, Nov 11th).

New hotel proposed across the street from Santana Row

KT Urban has submitted new renderings and an environment review for a hotel that is right across Winchester Boulevard from Santana Row. And by right across, I mean it's facing Maggiano's and Olin Avenue. This is perhaps the single best spot for quickly getting to the center of Santana Row without actually being inside of Santana Row.

The new renderings show a blue brick facade, metal panels, and textured cement. It's 85-feet tall, 7-stories, with an underground floor for parking. There will be 176 guest rooms total, a 4,270 SQFT pool deck and fitness center, and parking for 45 cars and storage for 20 bikes.

On the parcel today is an anachronistic-looking gas station. With most people switching to EVs and 200+ charging stations at Santana Row, I don't think it will be missed.

Construction is expected to last 21 months, and they are hoping to open the project in 2026.

This is a great improvement for this key corner. My complaints are that it could have been much taller, they should have pushed for the maximum height allowable by the FAA. Also the amenity deck with the pool could have been on the roof as opposed to the podium on the 2nd floor. I'm sure this will be a very expensive hotel with a premium brand. Having the pool on the roof with a view of Santana Row or the Santa Cruz mountain would have helped justify the price for weekend guests.

Source: SF YIMBY

Santana Row Halloween Family Fest - Oct 24th

Halloween Family Fest is a kid-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, live music, stilt walkers, and arts & crafts at Santana Row. Families should bring their Trick-or-Treat bags and costumes. As an added bonus, kids will eat for free at LB Steak and Left Bank.

Santana Row Halloween Family Fest takes place Tuesday, October 24th from 10am to noon.

San Jose housing project upsized in "Uptown"

The site of the former Century 24 domed movie theater at 741 South Winchester Blvd. is destined to become an affordable housing project. The developers SyRes Properties LLC is increasing the number of units to 264 in a seven-story residential building.

The project would have 35 studios, 113 one-bedroom apartments, and 116 two-bedroom apartments. 20% of the units units would be considered affordable, which allow the complex to qualify as a housing development for very low, low, or moderate-income households. This designation allows the developer to apply for a "builder's remedy" which not only accelerates the project through city planning but enables to builder to add more units to the project.

The project would also include a community room, a 3rd floor outdoor space, a gym, and co-working spaces for residents. However, the biggest draw might be that is is just blocks away from Santana Row and other development projects around the Winchester Mystery House.

Source: The Merc

Santana Row getting first Yeti store in Northern California and 3 new restaurants

Yeti specializes in innovative outdoor gear and apparel. They have a strong following of brand loyalists around the world and this happens to be their first store not just in Silicon Valley, but all of Northern California. The store is open today.

In other Santana Row news, Urban Plates will open on September 4th. The restaurants will focus on health-conscience seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. They have two other locations, Dublin (which I've been to and it's fantastic) and Sunnyvale.

In 2024, Fitoor--meaning passion in Arabic and Hindi--will bring an Indian grill and lounge to Santana Row. The team behind the new restaurant launched the Michelin-rated Indian restaurant ROOH in Palo Alto and San Francisco. They are planning an upscale twist on Indian cuisine with cocktails that have "dramatic flourishes" and ambiance they describe as sultry and luxe.

Last but not least, Suspiro is a new Peruvian and Spanish fusion restaurant by the same owners as El Jardin and Zazil. They are planning to capture the best flavors from both types of cuisine in an atmosphere that is visually captivating.

While many shopping districts are struggling right now, both Santana Row and Valley Fair seem to be more than holding their own. If only we had a solution to bypass the traffic getting into the area.

Santana Row gym and nail salon now providing outdoor services

Santa Clara County may be in the "purple" zone when it comes to California COVID restrictions (the worst one), but that isn't stopping two Santana Row businesses from providing approved services outdoors. Both Barry's Bootcamp and Lavande Nail Spa are now open. Given that it will be at least 3 weeks before indoor gyms and nail spas are allowed in San Jose, these may be your best options.

Indoor restaurants are also off the table for at least 3 weeks, but Santana Row has shut down several streets to expand outdoor dining considerably. It's perhaps ground zero for some sort of normalcy in the South Bay. Many indoor stores have also reopened with a 25% capacity limitation.

Kebabery by Meso now open at Santana Row (pickup & delivery only)

Meso has become one of my favorite restaurants at Santana Row. Not only are the food and drinks consistently great, but they have gone above and beyond with their COVID policies. Tables are spaced out 15 feet apart across the beautiful plaza at the end of the Row with plenty of heat lamps (photo below). The ambiance and Mediterranean dining are on point. It feels like a two hour escape from reality where I'm not missing indoor dining one bit.

The owners of Meso have opened a virtual eatery, which means they share the kitchen with Meso and don't have any sit-down options. The food is only available for pickup and delivery. Featured are some of the key signature kebabs from Meso, including Impossible meat and swordfish kebabs, and several delicious sides like sweet potato with spiced honey harissa, hummus with lemon and extra virgin olive oil, and baklava for dessert.

It's a great casual alternative option, especially considering Meso is one of the higher-end options on the Row and it can get pricey.

The virtual restaurant is open every day from 11:30am to 9pm and you can use either DoorDash or UberEats for delivery.

Santana Row Farmer's Market

One of the few food-related events we can still enjoy in Silicon Valley are farmer's markets. Santana Row's Farmer's Market is already running and has been has been slightly modified to ensure social distancing is in place. Face masks are required and there are limitations around samplings and how many people can visit each stall at a time. The featured items are organic produce, fruit, pasta, pastries, and jams.

If you are interested in a bit of normalcy, the market runs today--and every other Wednesday until September--from 4pm to 8pm. For additional information, click here.

Santana Row 2020 Openings and Events

The first big restaurant news for Santana Row in 2020 is Momosan, a Japanese yakitori spot owned by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is coming this summer. Think of it as grilled tapas and ramen along with a full bar. If you have been to Morimoto in Napa, you know the quality is bound to be quite high.

Hot 8 Yoga will bring another health and wellness option to Santana Row when it opens this Fall. It should complement SoulCycle and Barry's Bootcamp nicely.

As for events, the San Jose 408k 'Race to the Row' takes place on February 2nd and the Lunar New Year Celebration will be on February 8th. For all of the details, read on below for the full press release.

Santana Row - an Oasis for Delicious Food, Sought After Brands and Action-Packed Entertainment

SAN JOSE, Calif. – January 14, 2020 – Santana Row is kicking off 2020 with the announcement of incoming merchants and community celebrations! Upcoming dining and fitness additions will bring a number of new experiences to Santana Row in 2020. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a Japanese master chef known for his innovative and signature style of cuisine, will open his popular ramen and yakitori Izakaya concept, Momosan, at Santana Row. This energetic and casual dining experience will feature the Iron Chef’s signature take on Japanese ramen, grilled skewers and Izakaya dishes, plus a diverse selection of premium sake, beer and spirits.

“I am looking forward to opening Momosan in San Jose’s vibrant Santana Row district,” said Chef Morimoto. “Momosan is all about enjoying ramen, yakitori, beer and sake in a fun, casual environment.”

At Momosan Santana Row, noodles will be front and center, highlighting Chef Morimoto’s varieties of Japanese-style flavor-forward ramen.  The menu will also shine with a variety of grilled dishes and Japanese bar snacks, all with Chef Morimoto’s signature twist. Playful small Izakaya plates and appetizers will take guests on a comfort food journey.

“San Jose is a city with traditional culture, including traditions that are adapted from Japan, as well as the most advanced technology as the center of Silicon Valley,” added Chef Morimoto. “I am very excited to explore the challenges and opportunities such a unique place offers me.” For more information on Chef Morimoto, visit ironchefmorimoto.com.

Group fitness concepts’ SoulCycle and Barry’s Bootcamp have become ritual for many workout enthusiasts at Santana Row, and another is in the works! Hot 8 Yoga will bring a variety of hot yoga classes to The Row in Fall 2020 that are ideal for students of all levels, paired with luxury amenities in a spa-like setting. Santana Row is the ideal fit for Hot 8 Yoga: its offering of curated shops focused on delivering premium goods and services is directly in line with the studio’s careful cultivation of the best movement and wellness experience for its practitioners.

And the excitement doesn’t stop here! 2020 kicks off with celebrations and community events for the entire family.  Here’s what’s coming up this February for all to enjoy.

San Jose 408k ‘Race to The Row’

Sunday, February 2^nd, starting 8 am

Join us for the 9^th annual Race to The Row, brought to you by Amazon and benefitting Pat Tillman Foundation. Featuring the famous “Mariachi Mile” and “Memorial Mile,” this fun point-to-point course will take you through some of San Jose’s most charming neighborhoods. As you cross the finish line, Santana Row shops & restaurants will be waiting for you with free yoga classes, mimosas and more. Stay tuned for the official offers!

Click here to Register for this event. For registered runners, the Packet Pick Up will be held in Santana Row Park (across from Left Bank) on January 1^st from 2 pm – 7 pm, and February 3^rd from 10 am – 5 pm.

For more information, visit santanarow.com/events/408k-race-to-the-row.

Santana Row Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 8^th, 1 pm – 3 pm

Santana Row welcomes the Year of The Rat with an afternoon of Lunar New Year festivities, presented by NTD Television and The Epoch Times. Enjoy the drumbeats and crashing cymbals of the Dragon and Lion dances, plus other fascinating cultural performances on a large stage in Santana Row Park (across from Left Bank).

Every hour, on the hour from 1 pm – 3 pm, red envelopes will be distributed in the park filled with Santana Row shop & restaurant gifts and offers! *Available while supplies last. Also enjoy in-store events, discounts, arts & crafts and more on The Row in honor of Lunar New Year.

This event is free and open to the public. Bring the family and celebrate the start of 2020 coordinated by the cycles of the moon! For more information, visit santanarow.com/events/santana-row-lunar-new-year-celebration.