The Discover
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Global Games
Food Trail 2026

Bafang Dumpling is the new kid on the block, and one of the hottest spots in Santa Clara Square. If you show up and don’t order dumplings, we need to talk.

In Taiwanese culture, dumplings (shuǐ jiǎo, 水餃) are peak comfort food, and they are often linked to wealth and prosperity because they look like ancient gold ingots. Not saying they’ll fix your finances, but they will fix your mood. You also have to try another signature dumpling dish: the potstickers (guō tiē, 鍋貼). These are the crispy-bottom kind of dumplings that somehow disappear faster than you planned. Once you’ve crushed the dumplings, it’s time for the obvious next step: Taiwanese beef noodle soup (niúròu miàn, 牛肉麵). There are so many comfort food staples on this menu that you really have to experience it for yourself.

Jang Su Jang is an iconic Santa Clara staple. It’s one of those places that earns its reputation—even recognized by the Michelin Guide. If you want Korean food that feels like a full experience, this is it.

Come with a group and order family-style so the table turns into a full spread. Start with the bibimbap mixed rice bowl (비빔밥). It comes out hot, and mixing everything together is half the fun. Then go for LA galbi, marinated short ribs (LA 갈비): sweet, savory, and grilled. Add bulgogi marinated beef (불고기), because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. To finish strong, get a stew. Sundubu jjigae, spicy soft tofu stew (순두부찌개), is a classic comfort that arrives bubbling hot. Or go with yukgaejang, spicy beef soup (육개장), if you want something bold. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the kind of meal that makes you slow down and actually enjoy it.

Beijing Restaurant is all about Korean-style Chinese comfort food, the kind of spot you roll into when you want big portions and bold flavor. The vibe is casual and relaxed, with plenty of space for groups and shared plates. This is a great place to try classics like black bean noodles (jajangmyeon) and spicy seafood noodle soup (jjampong)—both serious favorites for a reason. If you’re sharing, add Sweet and Sour Pork Beijing Style, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or Eggplant with Garlic Sauce to the table and let everyone keep reaching in. It is simple, satisfying, and very easy to over-order in the best way.

Puesto Santa Clara brings Mexico City-inspired flavors to Santa Clara with a modern twist, and it’s all about big flavor and big energy. When you walk in, it feels bright, loud (in a good way), and social, with colorful decor and a lively patio.

The tacos are the main event, and they do not mess around. Go for the Filet Mignon Taco if you want rich and indulgent, the Tamarindo Shrimp Taco if you like sweet heat, and the Baja Fish Taco if you want that crispy, beachy classic. 

And do not sleep on the drinks. Their cocktail game is a big part of the experience, so grab the Puesto Perfect Margarita, go spicy with the Serrano Margarita, or switch it up with the Poblano Paloma. This is an easy pick for groups, pre-game energy, or any night where you want good food and good vibes without trying too hard.

At Eataly Silicon Valley, they have two restaurants that really steal the show: Terra and La Pizza & La Pasta. Whichever one you choose, you get that Italian hospitality built in.

Terra sits up on the rooftop with a wood fired grill, greenery, and the kind of lighting that makes everything look extra good. This is where you go for grilled steaks, seafood, and veggies that come off the fire with real flavor, backed up by spritzes and Negronis that keep the table happy.

La Pizza & La Pasta is full-carb commitment in the best way. Think blistered-crust pizzas, like a proper Margherita, and bowls of pasta like Cacio e Pepe or whatever seasonal special is on. It is loud, fun, and perfect for sharing plates, trading bites, and pretending you are “just having one more slice.”

Jak’s Authentic Indian & Modern Vibe, located in Santa Clara Square, lives right at the intersection of comfort and cool, blending familiar Indian favorites with a contemporary energy that makes it feel equally right for a casual dinner or a night out. 

Kick things off with the Banarasi Paan Patta Chaat, where crisp fried betel leaf meets cool yogurt, fresh herbs, tamarind, and pops of pomegranate for a sweet, tangy, and refreshing start. For mains, go straight for the Pardha Murgh Dum Biryani: a fragrant, dum-cooked chicken and rice dish sealed with a golden bread crust and infused with aromatic spices and buttery richness. The butter chicken delivers classic comfort, with chargrilled chicken in a creamy, tomato-forward sauce that begs to be paired with the flaky Ghee Porotta, layered and indulgent in all the right ways. Round things out with a drink like the Paan Ki Gulkand: a playful cocktail with rose preserve and bright citrus that brings a modern nod to tradition.

Rantei is where you go when you want sushi that feels a little more sophisticated than your usual roll combo. Skip the basic California roll and level up with the Jalapeño Hamachi Roll, which hits that rich-plus-spicy balance, and the Hamachi Carpaccio made of thin yellowtail slices with a bright, clean flavor. If you want a “main character” bowl, get the Chirashi Don Deluxe: a stacked bowl of assorted sashimi over rice that feels like the best kind of flex. Or let the chef cook for you and go for Omakase Sashimi or Chef Nigiri, which is where Rantei really shows off.

Mikiya is not a “light snack” spot—it is a full send. This place is about all-you-can-eat wagyu hot pot, so if you are going, go hungry. Their menu is built around tiered packages, with different sets that let you choose how hard you want to go, from more approachable wagyu cuts to premium options that feel like a full treat. 

Pick a broth like sukiyaki if you want sweet soy flavor, or spicy miso if you want a little kick, then just keep running plates of meat and veggies through the pot. Hit the self-serve bar, build your own dipping sauce, grab some house milk tea, and accept that you are not leaving hungry.

Shawarmaji is the kind of place you can smell before you see it, and that’s how you know you’re in the right spot. This Jordanian family-owned shawarma shop keeps things authentic. No frills, all flavor, with a steady hum of locals who already know what’s good. The vibe is casual and welcoming, built for quick bites that somehow turn into full-on feasts. 

Go straight for the lamb and beef arabi-style wrap that’s tightly wrapped, deeply seasoned, and exactly what shawarma dreams are made of. The chicken wrap is a must too,—juicy and perfectly spiced, especially when it’s loaded with their homemade toum, that bold garlic sauce, and shatta: a spicy chili kick that wakes everything up. The chicken shawarma fries deserve their own moment, generously topped and impossible to stop eating. Balance it all out with a bright tabouleh salad and a side of assorted pickles for that crunchy, tangy contrast. This is the kind of place you crave once and then keep coming back to, because when Middle Eastern food is done this well, there’s no such thing as just one visit.

Athena Grill feels like a little Greek taverna hiding in a business park. You walk in, or grab a seat on the patio, and it is all about big plates, grilled meats, and that relaxed, regulars-welcome vibe. It is the kind of place people swear by and bring friends to with a “trust me” tone.

Food-wise, this is comfort Greek at full strength. Go for the lamb souvlaki plate if you want juicy, charred skewers with rice, salad, and warm pita. Pastitsio and moussaka are rich, baked, and perfect if you are in the mood for something heavier. Start with spanakopita or calamari, then level up with grilled octopus if you want a little flex. Gyro plates are stacked and easily feed you past halftime. Portions are generous, leftovers are likely, and no one is mad about it.

JOEY Valley Fair is a two-story hotspot at Westfield Valley Fair that blends sleek design with laid-back luxury. Think a central staircase, moody lighting, and a patio that basically demands a sunset toast. It’s the kind of place that instantly feels like a night out, even if you told yourself you were “just grabbing dinner.”

The menu is globally inspired, modern American comfort food that knows what it’s doing. Go for the Seared Salmon Sushi when you want something light but still impressive, order the Ravioli Bianco for rich and creamy comfort, and do not skip the Truffle Udon Carbonara, because yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Pair it with a cocktail like the Spicy Passionfruit Margarita, and you’ve got yourself a full vibe. Whether it’s date night, happy hour, or a random Tuesday treat, JOEY brings the flavor, the flair, and the fun.

Toppings Tree is one of those spots that feels casual the second you walk in, but the food comes out like you should have brought a bigger crew. It’s warm, welcoming, and perfect for a laid-back meal that still hits hard, especially if you are trying Filipino comfort food for the first time or showing it off to friends.

Go in with a game plan and order for the table. Start with Shanghai lumpia for the crispy, snackable opener, then add pork tocino for that sweet-savory classic. If you want bold and sizzling, pork sisig is the move. For comfort, chicken tinola brings that cozy soup energy, and pork adobo is a must for the salty, tangy, slow-cooked favorite everyone knows. And if you really want to go big, get the crispy pata. It’s crunchy, dramatic, and absolutely worth the commitment.

Stan’s Donuts is more than just a donut shop; it’s a Santa Clara institution. Since 1959, this family-owned spot has been serving fresh donuts that draw customers from across the Bay Area and beyond. Known for light, fluffy donuts made from scratch daily, Stan’s has become a true local favorite. There are no wrong orders here, but they are especially famous for their simple glazed donuts. And look, if you’re counting calories, this is a great day to take the day off. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast for the road or going all in on a sweet treat, it’s the kind of place that tastes like nostalgia in the best way.

Pro tip: Make sure to hit the ATM before you arrive. Stan’s is a cash-only establishment, and they often sell out of the favorites early, so get there sooner rather than later!

Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos is exactly what it sounds like—and somehow even more fun. Think hand-rolled waffle-cone “taco shells” filled with ice cream, dipped in chocolate, and topped with all kinds of crunchy goodness. You can build your own combo or pick one of their house creations (if you freeze just like the ice cream under pressure). It is playful, colorful, and the perfect stop when you want something over-the-top and very, very photogenic.