Treat your tastebuds to an international culinary adventure in Gilroy! While the Garlic Capital of the World boasts some of the best Mexican cuisine, you can also savor delectable dishes from around the world — from phó and butter chicken to Brazilian barbecue and gyros — at more than 75 restaurants within Gilroy.
Visit our neighborhood bistros and local gems serving up authentic cooking styles and flavors from the Mediterranean, Japan, China, India, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil. Tuck into a familiar dish just like Mom used to make or indulge in something entirely new at Gilroy’s restaurants ranging from casual family fare to four-course experiences.
Start with Garlic (of course!)
The first stop of our international food tour begins at local favorite Garlic City Café located in our historic downtown. This downtown staple will satisfy your appetite after a long day of shopping or exploring our area wineries. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it serves up Mediterranean dishes and garlic specialties in a welcoming setting. There’s also a delicious array of breakfast and dinner options, including Eggs Benedict and a Crab Melt served on crusty ciabatta.
Classic and Contemporary American Fare
Down the street, Old City Hall Restaurant resides in one of Gilroy’s most historic buildings, designed in the Baroque and Mission Revival style. Built in 1905, this downtown landmark once housed the city’s fire department and Gilroy’s City Hall, as the restaurant’s name suggests. Today, this fine dining establishment is a local favorite. It offers surf and turf dishes, including Steak and Lobster, and signature dishes like Fish and Chips. With its outdoor patio and charming dining room, Old City Hall is also an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch as well as Friday night karaoke.
For a delicious meal and hand-crafted cocktails, head to Tempo Kitchen & Bar, also in downtown Gilroy. Choose from an extensive lunch menu featuring Chicken & Waffles and Fish Tacos to name a few savory dishes. At dinnertime, Tempo’s signature eight-ounce steak will fulfill the heartiest appetites. This contemporary restaurant serves up lots of shareable dishes, including Flatbreads, Chicken Wings, and Truffle Fries. And be sure to check out their winemaker’s dinners as well as weekly live music and stand-up comedy nights.
Craving more New American options? POP’s Public House offers dishes like Ahi Tuna Nachos, Whiskey BBQ Burgers, and Teriyaki Salmon. Brew City Burgers serves up Gilroy Garlic Fries to go along with the Gilroy Garlic Burger and hand-spun milkshakes. The Westside Grill is a favorite place for special occasions or family dinners, with dishes like Filet Mignon and Short-Rib Ravioli, and don’t miss their brunch specials on Saturdays and Sundays. For a savory sampling of Tri-tip, Brisket, Hot-Links, and Chicken, BBQ-152 has a menu full of craving-inducing options. For a quick lunch downtown, Café 152, not only promises Gourmet and Hot-Pressed Sandwiches, but various breakfast options with tea and coffee too!
Chinese, Mediterranean, and…Brazilian BBQ??
We’re next headed to Ginger Café, a family-owned restaurant specializing in fresh and seasonal cuisine rooted in the Chinese culinary tradition. Located in the Gilroy Premium Outlets, it’s a convenient lunch-time spot after a day of shopping at our more than 145 stores. The lunch and dinner menus feature a wide range of entrees with daily soup and choice of steamed rice or egg-fried rice.
A Mediterranean market with a restaurant is next on our list! Stock up on hummus and other tasty market items at Olives Mediterranean Market and Grill while waiting for your order of Baba Ghanouj, Beef or Lamb Gyro, and Vegetarian Falafel. Friendly service, generous portions, and authentic Mediterranean flavors are what you can expect at Olives. Visit Mama Mia’s Restaurant in Gilroy for another option serving up Mediterranean cuisine.
For traditional Rodizio-style Brazilian meal, be our guest at Chama Nativa Brazilian Steakhouse. Chama Nativa boasts a two-course menu featuring a gourmet salad bar and your choice of prime meats served in elegant surroundings. Enjoy seventeen different cuts of meat, ranging from beef and lamb to chicken and pork, served table-side and custom-cooked to your liking. And be sure to save room for dessert, including Brazilian Flan, Tres Leches Cake, and delicious Grilled Pineapple!
The Best of Asia and India
In the mood for sushi? Visit family-owned sit-down restaurant and sushi bar Ten Japan, nestled in a shopping center on First Street that is home to many local favorite restaurants. The freshest sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls are prepared with expertise and care by seasoned sushi chefs. Sidle up to the sushi bar or opt for a table while feasting on ramen, teriyaki dishes, tempura, and gyoza. Be sure to order the locals’ favorite 49ers Roll. Two other notable neighborhood Japanese restaurants include Ninja Sushi and Sushi Omakase.
Just steps away, family-owned Saigon-2-Siam Bistro offers succulent Thai and Vietnamese fusion dishes. Traditional favorites include rice plates, noodle dishes, Saigon Tacos, Spring Rolls, Pad Thai with choice of protein, and Phó noodle soup. It’s also one of the few restaurants that serve Sate Phó, a Canadian version of the Vietnamese favorite. For another option for Asian cuisine, check out Pineapple Village.
A few doors down you’ll find Indian restaurant Little India, offering fresh, homemade Indian cuisine. Samosas, Vegetable Pakora, Lamb Curry, and Chicken Tikka are just a few of the tasty offerings you’ll find here.
Another option for authentic Indian dishes is Gilroy’s newest Indian restaurant, Tadka. The eatery is named after a cooking method widely used in Indian cuisine, in which whole or ground spices are heated in hot oil or ghee and the mixture is added to a dish. Cooking with love is the philosophy of this restaurant, which serves more than 85 authentic Indian recipes using locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy their diverse menu of dishes, including Paneer Pakora, Tandoori Fish, Channa Masala, and various types of naan.
Poki, Phó & More
For a truly unique culinary experience, visit Poki Bowl, where seafood of the highest quality is served in the Hawaiian tradition. This build-your-own bowl experience is sure to satisfy your cravings for fresh poki! Customize your bowl with your choice of tofu or fresh seafood including Yellowtail, Salmon, and Tuna over a bed of greens or rice of your choosing. Next, garnish your bowl with your choice of ten toppings, including seaweed salad, masago, avocado, and edamame, and various sauces and spice levels.
For fresh Vietnamese Phó soup, look to M Noodle & Café. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, generous portions, and prompt service. This casual eatery serves up a variety of tasty vegetable, rice, noodle, and meat dishes, including Spring Rolls, Pork Vermicelli, Pad Thai, and Wonton Soup. Round out your meal with boba tea or Vietnamese coffee. Another tried and true Vietnamese phó eatery is Pho Than An, located at the crossroads of Pacheco Pass and Hwy 101.
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We look forward to welcoming you to Gilroy to indulge in our mouth-watering international dishes. Satisfy your cravings for cuisine from around the globe at our world-class restaurants. Extend your culinary tour by checking in to one of our comfortable and welcoming hotels and lodgings.
And be sure to visit the California Welcome Center Gilroy at the Gilroy Premium Outlets (near Forever 21) for helpful maps, guides, and coupons. We can help customize your visit to help you make the most of your time in Gilroy.
Kelly Barbazette is a freelance writer who has lived in Gilroy for more than 20 years. She loves to cook and try new foods.
