Boasting a mix of rich history, ornate architecture, and authentic Portuguese restaurants, Little Portugal is one of the lesser known ethnic enclaves of San Jose. Located in the eastern part of the city, the four-block stretch of Little Portugal is nestled between 33rd Street and Highway 101.

The iconic landmark, Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish, is a central point of interest in the community. It has welcomed worshipers since 1914 and remains one of the most well-known and photographed buildings in the city, thanks to its grand soaring towers and epic stained glass windows. Moreover, it was founded and run by Portuguese immigrants who then settled in the nearby neighborhood.



If you’re interested in learning more about Portuguese heritage and culture, stop by the Portuguese Historical Museum, which depicts life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley (now known as Silicon Valley) at the turn of the 20th century. Exhibits begin with Portugal during the European colonization of the Americas and Portuguese immigration throughout the world and continues on to Portuguese immigration to the United States, then to California, and finally settling in the Santa Clara Valley.



The most acclaimed of all the eateries in Little Portugal –and San Jose as a whole — is family-owned and operated ADEGA restaurant. ADEGA currently holds the first Michelin star in San Jose, and moreover, it’s only the second Portuguese restaurant in the country to be recognized with one. While ADEGA is run by Portugal natives Carlos and Fernanda Carreira, it’s truly a family affair, as their daughter, chef Jessica Carreira, and her fiancé, chef David Costa, also are stationed at the restaurant. Both are strongly influenced by family recipes and have worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Lisbon, Portugal.

At ADEGA, the focus is on fresh seafood dishes and seasonal ingredients. ADEGA brings together age-old family recipes with culinary expertise to create a fine dining experience with a modern flair. ADEGA, meaning “wine cellar” in Portuguese, is also known for their phenomenal wine list. They offer the largest selection of Portuguese wines outside of Portugal.

Just down the street from ADEGA, is one of the most beloved bakeries in San Jose is Padaria Popular, an authentic Portuguese establishment. In addition to their artfully decorated sheet cakes and sweet breads, this bakery offers queijadas (Portuguese tarts), authentic pastries which have been around since the 18th century. Flakey, buttery, and rich, these treats come in flavors such as pastel de nata (creamy custard), orange, and even bean flavored. While some have a hint of cinnamon, they all literally melt in your mouth.

After you swing by for dessert, grab a cup of coffee from Café do Canto, a charming café located on the corner of the neighborhood. Reminiscent of the kind of cafes you’d find on most corners in Lisbon, this is where you go for strong, high-quality coffee in the neighborhood. Opt for a Garoto, which is espresso with steamed milk, a popular choice among regulars.

A visit to Little Portugal isn’t complete without stopping by Bacalhau Grill, which boasts “one of the best codfish in town,” according to its site. From cod prepared Spanish-style with peppers, cod cooked in a cream sauce, or salted cod grilled with sautéed garlic, onions, olive oil, and spices, visitors have quite the selection of authentic flavors to choose from. Another popular choice is the octopus stew, Portuguese-style of course.

Bacalhau Grill offers guests the flavors of Portugal and Brazil both on their made-to-order menu and also in their specialty store. Not to mention they feature a large wine and spirit selection from Portugal and Brazil. Be sure to buy some Portuguese treats for the road, as you’re not likely to find another store offering as wide of a selection of authentic goods.

Those looking to get some ingredients for their own Portuguese feast need look no further than Goulart’s, a small, but high-quality San Jose establishment that’s known for its traditional linguiça, a Portuguese smoked sausage. Olive oils, a variety of styles of linguiça, morela, blood sausage, chorizo — try a little of everything at this local favorite. You won’t be disappointed.

Another tiny shop that offers quality goods is L&F, a family-owned fish market that oozes old world Portugal style and charm. In addition to a fresh selection of fish, this shop also sells authentic Portugal bites and other imported goods from Portugal and Brazil such as piri piri, canned fish, salted cod, breads, cheeses, and more.