7 Restaurant & Lounge
Categories: French, American (New), Lounges, Wine Bars [Edit]
San Jose, CA 95101 (408) 280-1644
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat, Thu
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
164 reviews
San Jose, CA
"My company has held several parties here, and they've always been great. We rent out the upstairs, have drinks at the bar, food in the…" read more »
123 Reviews for 7 Restaurant & Lounge
Intimate local venue, great find! I was a bit out of sorts as I walked into Seven. However, I immediately appreciated the minimal, industrial feel, balanced by the warm colors and light. I've been to Seven a few times now. The bar area is small, but cozy. They make some awesome martinis. It's a fun, intimate environment with great service. Aside from the limited on-street parking, Seven is a great place to meet friends for drinks
The had nothing vegetarian on the menu, except on thing that would require some minor adjustments. I explained my adjustments to the waitress, only to be greeted by an interruption and a frowny face: they were out of that particular dish. I explained my predicament, she said, no problem, I'll have the chef whip something up.
My dish was an amazing stuffed bell pepper full of seasonal vegetables, flavoured with cumin & coriander and lovingly placed on a mat woven out of zucchini and carrot strips. In short, it was delicious and clear that a lot of thought had been put into my dish (instead of a garden burger bunged on a plate with potatoes as some restaurants will give you). I sent my complements to the chef.
Everyone else had an equally sumptuous meal. The sommelier came and chatted with us about the wines we had chosen and actually brought us something from his private stash.
As far as cocktails go, I recommend the Purple Haze for gin drinkers. Gin, ginger ale and cucumber, so good!
All in all, a great experience with no complaints except for the fact that it's in San Jose.
This place can seem a little pretentious at first, but when the restaurant uses a number for its name...what would you expect?
I've always had great service here our waiter has always been very helpful and it usually helps when you call ahead and make a reservation before coming. They accommodated me and my fiancee on a slow night when they were planning on closing early.
Their food is seasonal, so it's hard to comment on things because it'll be different when you go there. It's easy to say that I haven't been disappointed. HOWEVER, if you are eating in the bar you can order their hamburger which is delicious! It might seem a little costly for a burger, but it's worth it.
My date and I went to 7 on a quiet weeknight. The Sharks weren't playing and I don't think any major event was going on at the HP Pavilion. I found a parking space in the small lot behind the restaurant. I imagine parking could be an issue during busier times as it seems limited in the neighborhood.
Walking through the revolving door was fun. It was however a bit cramped. I thought I was either going to run into the glass or crush my date. Maybe we weren't supposed to walk through together. Does anyone know the etiquette for escorting a date through a revolving door, heh?
The seats at the bar were full and one or two of the tables in the bar area were occupied as well. It was smaller than I imagined.
The dining room was empty except for another table or two. The hostess seated us after walking back to the kitchen area to grab some colored plastic clipboards which turned out to be the menus. She seated us in a nice booth as pictured on their web site. The high backs gave me a cozy private feel.
Our server greeted us and offered the option of bottled water so we ordered a large bottle of Pellegrino for the both of us. He gave us a great description of the sea bass special which had an option of being paired with a light Italian red wine.
When he returned with our Pellegrino, he brought with him two small squarish glasses each with a black plastic lime skewer. He then took our drink orders as well. Based on the other reviews, we decided to try some martinis. The pomegranate lemon drop with Bombay Sapphire sounded good so I decided on that. I told myself it was the "healthy" choice LOL. My special lady friend (SLF) ordered a French martini. Both were well done. Mine was a bit sweet and the glass was dusted with sugar on the rim but I guess that's to be expected when I order a fruity drink instead of a hardcore dry martini.
Our server gave us some time to look over the menus and asked if we had any questions when he returned with our drinks. I was in the mood for fish and was deciding on either the salmon or the ahi. After hearing about the sea bass special and asking our waiter to compare the two, he quickly recommended the special so I went for it. My SLF chose the brick dough encrusted ahi. We decided to skip appetizers though quite a few looked good. The crispy spaetzle had caught my date's eye and we definitely have to go back for the often mentioned crab cakes. Seeing fries on the menu was interesting so obviously we had to have an order.
Another server came by and offered us a choice of wheat or sourdough bread. We were each given two slices without prompting so maybe they have listened to the feedback of everyone that mentioned only getting one slice at a time.
Our food came quickly and well prepared. The sea bass was excellent. It was lightly seasoned on the outside and cooked just right so that the center was moist and buttery in texture. Our server had mentioned that it was not a normal sea bass but some sort of mini sea bass. I forget the exact details and name. Maybe it was the type or the high quality of the fish but it did not taste fatty or oily as some Chilean sea bass I have had. It was served with a carrot puree, raw spinach with grilled red onions with a light vinaigrette and a light cream sauce accompanied the sea bass. I loved the puree and so did my SLF. The ahi was also very well done. My SLF thoroughly enjoyed it. She was kind enough to share some with me. The crust was light and tasty plus it complimented the high quality tuna very well. No low grade fish here. It had a very delicate but firm consistency and melted in my mouth with each bite. A healthy portion of fries came wrapped in wax paper folded into a cone in a tall square metal cup. It was served with a ranch dressing that had some tarragon folded in and of course ketchup.
It was getting late but we were not rushed at all and felt very welcomed to take our time. We took a look at the desert menu and while tempting we decided against because of our full bellies.
All in all it was a very satisfying dining experience and a great place to take that someone special. Service was very attentive and efficient and our server was friendly without being overbearing while still having a personality and being a bit of a character. My SLF made the observation that he may very well have been the manager doing double duty since it was a slow evening and near closing time. I thought the fries and ice cream cones on the desert menu worked well juxtaposed to the unique entrees and other desserts. Hey, I'm a simple guy and the gimmick of using these childhood favorites worked on me.
As we were leaving, my SLF being the observant one spotted a normal door so we skipped the revolver on our way out.
I went here for Valentine's Day and could not be more pleased. We were the last couple to arrive for the night (about 20 minutes before closing) but the service was still as good as if it had just opened! They were accomodating, generous, and insisted that we stay as long as we like for more desserts/food despite it being almost 1 hour past their closing time! We were the only ones in the restaurant (besides the people at the bar) because everyone left already. Enough of the "service" talk.
Food was excellent. I had the Duck Cassoullet and my girlfriend has the NY Steak (medium rare). Both were delicious. Full of flavor. We had Chocolate Soufflet for dessert which was freshly made and delicious as well. Price ranges are just about right for the type of food, service, and environment that you are in.
Great place to go with a special someone for a nice night out.
This place is aight. It's SJ's attempt at a NYC chic restaurant. I've eaten here twice, my food was decent. The bar is overcrowded. The service is nothing to write home about. I didn't really have any expectations about this place but still wasn't all that impressed. I think everyone should at least try it once for themselves and see how they like it. I don't think it's the best date place. I did like how you can see the kitchen. Had a somewhat pretentious vibe.
Dunno...I expected more. Went there on Valentine's Day this year. Hostess definitely did not have the mostest...she didn't even look up when we got there, kinda the "I'll get to you when I'm ready" feeling, certainly not welcoming. Sat us at a tiny table between two other tables of 2. I hate having to listen to other people's conversations, especially when it's supposed to be romantic...
Fortunately, my husband doesn't take too well to poor service (he was a maitre 'd at the Washington Hilton in a prior life), so he and the manager got to be good friends. To the manager's credit (John??), he made everything right immediately. I think he saw the light of battle in my hubbie's eyes. We got a booth and good service within 10 minutes. Food was OK, but not special. Crowd that night was mostly 20-30 somethings.
Last week my friends wanted to go there, but I just wasn't impressed to go back right away. Maybe it was just an off night being V-Day.
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My fiance and I went here for a pre-Valentines day dinner. (We never celebrate Valentines Day because its also his mom's birthday... but I'm not bitter.)
I loved the ambiance inside - the decor was sleek and modern. Their service there was hands down the best service I have ever received at a restaurant.
My Cesar salad was excellent. My chicken was so-so. But, my fiance's New York Steak was delicious! And I usually don't like steaks! Both dishes came on top of a bed of mashed potatoes (which tasted like they came out of a box - which in my opinion isn't a bad thing).
It was a bit pricey, so I won't be coming all the time - but I definitely will be back! We had our eyes on the bar - next time we need a cool spot to spend happy hour, we'll be here!
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I have to agree with most of the Yelpers about the hostess staff of Seven - I've been to Seven about 4 times now for dinner and 3 times for lunch....the hostess has always left a sour impression for me, and it is not the same person either! They do make you wait when there are many tables open and at least 50% of the time, they are on the phone....I'd expect at least a nod hello or eye glance to let me know they'd be right with me, but no.
On the flip side though, I always enjoy my main courses at Seven. My favorite meal was a pan-seared chicken served with a tart apple and onion salad and sweet potato bread pudding. The side dishes complimented the chicken so well - but unfortunately, their menu changes seasonally and I haven't seen it on the menu since. Another dish that I've had and enjoyed included the seared ahi tuna, with a delicious mushroom and backchoy side dish.
The desserts have been a hit or miss here though - the honey pot de creme came with apple fritters that could have been fried a little longer, and their chocolate churro was just way off.
With a name like Seven I think the restaurant is underachieving. I would have named it at least Nine or NinePointFive. Either way a great meal was had by TT and myself.
A very modern and sleekly designed restaurant that although screams "trendy" gave me one of my more memorable meals. With the decor comes a display kitchen with as much staff back there as seats for customers in the front of the house. I like that a lot. Each course showed attention to detail and flavoring that just had us anxiously awaiting what might be next.
We enjoyed the crab-cakes as an appy. Well browned on the outside and deliciously soft middle was very nice on the palate. The short rib entree I ordered was perfectly melt in your mouth tender. Accompanied with mashed potatoes that for once were seasoned nicely and no salt had to be added. Being that it was Fat Tuesday we both ordered dessert. I had the ice cream cones (pl). Four miniature home made cones that reminded me of rolled pizzelles topped each with different gelattos. Not bad but my way better half had as part of her dessert, which was a honey pot de creme, these "deliciously doughy" apple fritters that will stick in my mind for a while.
We played the slots and it came up all Sevens for us when we tried something new in SJ.
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The bar is claustrophobic. The drinks are mostly filler and very little alcohol.
The dining room is loud and the food is forgetful. Unless of course, you like it to be architectural and then you will be amazed at how high they can build a pile of food.
Don't buy into the bad taste of trendy people not knowing any better.
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I actually found this restaurant on Yelp and saw the great comments here, so I decided to try it out with some of my friends. Look at the power of Yelp, peeps!!
I came here with 2 of my friends last night and thought the atmosphere and the restaurant was eclectic. I felt like I was tranformed into a SF or LA restaurant. Glad that San Jose has a very nice restaurant like this here.
For starters, the hostess forgot all about us...=( We checked-in early and told her we had reservations and she told us that they will get the table ready but if we could wait by the lounge/ bar area. No problem at all, but after 1/2 hour later, we did not get seated. I started to notice other people coming in after us being seated. So, I approached her and asked her that did she forget about us, and she was "uumm, who are you?"...I explained that we checked in earlier, etc. Starting out the night like this was not very encouraging. She then said she will seat us in a moment.
When she was seating us, she apologized as she had alot of things on her mind. I totally understand as we are all not perfect, right? I was kinda angry but tried not to let it bother me and ruin the whole night.
The food and the wine made it all up to us!! I would have probrably gave it a 5 if I didn't have the mis-hap earlier with the hostess. We ordered the mussels, which were GIGANTIC, and had alot of flavor. We also ordered the crab cakes as people suggested here and that was YUMMY too. I think my other friend ordered the split pea soup, but didn't try it.
For dinner, I had the Salmon and that was delicious. My other friend ordered the Ahi which was yummy. My other friend ordered the Swordfish which we all agreed was alittle too salty. It was blackened but the salt overpowered the fish which you couldn't really taste the fish. Overall though, the food was great.
For dessert, we ordered Lemon Meyer with sesame seed pound cake, which was light and tasty. It was a good ending to an overall great meal.
The staff was friendly and my water was filled-up on a consistent basis which means the staff was very attentive. GREAT JOB!
I would definately come here again and try their other menu items.
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I have to say, that if it weren't for the spectacular food and our very nice server, I would have given this place a mere two stars. YES! 2!
THINGS THAT ANNOYED ME:
1) The menu states that it costs $2 to split a starter and $4 to split an entree.
2) The restaurant was 25% full and the hostess told us it would be a 10 to 15 minute wait. I was staring at two empty tables from the bar as my blood boiled.
3) When we were finally seated, there were tons of free booths but the hostess told us they were all reserved. BAH!
4) the wheat bread they gave me was stale.
5) this place is expensive for San Jose.
Reasons Why I Will Return:
1) the pan seared salmon with butterbeans and meyer lemon vinaigrette.
2) the vanilla pot de creme which had some orange blossom honey mixed in and a side of apple fritters.
3) the beef short rib dish--yummy fatty tender beef!
4) best crab cakes ever!
So i will most likely come back here. I won't even be mad if they don't want to seat me in a booth again. I must have really enjoyed the food because I don't feel like I paid too much for anything.
p.s. Their bathroom is spectacular!
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I really like this place. They have really good drinks like pomogranate martinis. I've come for drinks and appetizers and have not had any problems with service. The starters are all really good and so are the fries. So simple but addicting. On concert and game nights, it gets a little hectic but it's still a good time. Food/drinks add up and it's a little pricey but worth a dinner with friends or a date night.
Very cool restaurant. Hip and modern decor. Fine looking and friendly crowd at the bar. Great meal -- mmm, pan fried steak (I love those high BTUs, baby). I also liked the duck. Lovely wine selections. Great service, to the extent that the manager provided his contact information and personal attention for future dining wine pairing requests. Perhaps I was just lucky, because none of the problems noted in previous reviews occurred for me, and the experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
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I haven't been here in forever, but was reminded today of their existence. It's a little on the pricey side, but tasty food and excellent drinks.
Try the crab cakes. ;)
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This is my favorite place in San Jose. It's just outside of the hustle and congestion of downtown, but still urban and chic. The staff is always friendly and the drinks are GOOD! The food is constantly delicious. The burger is always a great choice, as are the steak frites (all from the bar menu, where I probably spend too much time). I can't say enough about this place...you must try!
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Awesome restaurant. Only thing you can say bad about this place is that the food isn't cheap, but then again, is that really a bad thing? Oh, maybe if you don't have a reservation you will have to wait a while if they are busy, but again there is reason for that. If you odn't want to spend a lot of money then get the burger, which is also freaking good. San Jose needs more places like this. Great food, great atmosphere.
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The boyfriend and I always have a hard time finding really good food in san jose, so after consulting yelp we picked 7. the mushroom ravioli and the beet salad were both great. i wasnt crazy about the meyer lemon tempura. but only because i dont like anything bitter period. the beef short ribs were perfect and the orange pot de creme was great. Lisa was our server and she was wonderful as well as the rest of the staff. thats great. i loved how they do the bread too by presenting you a bowl and having you pick your slice. definently a good spot to hit up in san jose
I was less than impressed. I would have expected to find a welcoming environment at a relatively new restaurant just outside of downtown San Jose. I didn't. The hostess was plastic and seemed bothered by my presence. She paused to verbally consider whether she could accommodate me at 7pm on a weekday without a reservation, when the place was 70% empty (and didn't get much busier by 8pm). My waitress was okay, but didn't see the need to be friendly. The manager (owner?) made his rounds to all the tables to see how they were enjoying their meal ... except mine. The food was sub-par for the price. My salmon was overly salted and soaked in some sort of cream-based drizzle. The tempura was a nice touch, but I ordered the salmon to eat healthy, and fried vegetables are not. The table I was seated at felt like something I would buy at IKEA. The waitress did a nice job of keeping my water glass filled, and promptly bringing the dessert menu and then check. I don't mind paying a premium for trendy, hip restaurants and good food, but the restaurant has to deliver on their part of the bargain. Seven did not, at least not this time.
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When I am feeling hot and sassy Seven is a good neighborhood choice for a drink, when I'm feeling tacky and my hair is oily I go to Mexico Lindo.
Seven makes a damn serious Dirty Martini. Downside is the bar area is cramped.
The revoving door is a smart architectural bonus rare in San Jose.
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Seven has an air of a chic San Francisco restaurant, with the quality of food to match. I would say it's better than four stars, especially considering it's in purgatory of cuisine known as downtown San Jose, but not quite five.
The have a concise, straight-forward menu, which has some good dishes. I loved my pan seared ribeye...cooked in what seemed like clarified butter topped with some creme fraiche and wine reduction if I remember correctly. Paired with a fabulous Steven Kent cabernet, I was in heaven.
You should definitely put on your button-up, your blazer, and Italian shoes at this place. No need to stand out with your kids tagging along. They have some nice signature cocktails and a fabulous wines-by-the-glass selection. It's a nice place to treat yourself to a San Francisco-caliber dinner, walking-distance to the arena.
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One of my favorite places when I'm feeling spendy. Our waiters usually look like male models (think zoolander) and the place seems pretty trendy. They food is A+, we really like the crab cakes! Try it out, you wont be disappointed.
I know, 5 stars, you're probably thinking "no way". But.....WAY. I went on the recommendation of my best friend for a lovely night out with my sister. We went on a Wednesday and made a reservation first. This is a must. When we got there we were greeted and although the restaurant looked not that full, we were asked to sit for a bit while I'm guessing they let the waitress get caught up on her tables. We sat in the bar area next to another couple who was also waiting for their table. I'd say we waited about ten minutes, during which time I started getting angry that we were even waiting in the first place. But the waitress redeemed herself when she came to seat us and the woman in the couple who were waiting shot up and practically shouted "oh no, WE were next!" Our hostess explained that we had a reservation (I couldn't help but take pleasure in this, even though I would have been mad if I were them) and I was immediately won over.
We both got drinks which were fantastic. Then we got the mussels. Huge and delicious. Salads. Wonderful. I had the slow braised short rib and it melted in my mouth. My sister had the chicken which was slightly better. We had a couple more drinks and split the chocolate souffle for dessert. I am serious when I say we could barely walk out of the restaurant. But it was by far one of the better meals I've had in a while, and although it was expensive, it was worth it. I've read the reviews of people who say it's too trendy and service was bad, but honestly it's not that great looking inside and of course your service is not going to be up to par when you go on Valentines Day.
So, try it out if you are looking for a place to try something new and you want great drinks and a fantastic meal. But make a reservation first. :)
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made a reservation for a booth a week prior....they end up giving us this tiny table...
the hostess was not a nice lady
the food was okay not memorable
the only good thing about this restaurant is the decor
definitely will not go back...
ONE STAR!
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Great place for lunch or after-work cocktails. I've been here a few times and have never been disappointed with the food. It is all very delicious. One of my favorites is the Grilled chicken sandwich with sauteed onions on ciabatta and garlic fries. Very good! The atmosphere is a great meeting place, you definitely can have conversations here without the restaurant feeling too loud where you can't hear each other, or too quiet where you feel everyone can hear you. The lounge/bar area is great, too, for after-work drinks if you can find a spot on the couches to sit. It's pricey but definitely a good treat.
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I just got drunk and ate crabcakes here. And you know what? It was tight. The bartender is a chick and she has a mullet. The bathrooms smell like aloe vera. The bar is a narrow ass walkway. Revolving door seems to trip everyone out but you know, it's just a revolving door. Not too intricate.
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I love this place! I haven't sat in the restaurant side yet, but the bar is very nice, low lighting, great food and drinks.
I'm hoping this area of town will continue to bring in great places.
UPDATE... I have heard that the Owners have "split" up and that the better half has left. I haven't checked it out since...curious, though...so Y'all let me know!
Great food, good service, a little off the beaten path. Decor is fab, worth the trip just to experience the ambiance. Man do I look good in this restaurant!
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A fab swanky neighborhood haunt...we have a hard time remembering this place is right around the corner from us amazingly enough. And every time we eat there we always scratch our heads wondering why we are able to forget it...because the food is darn good!
The last time we had dinner there, I mowed on the bread basket quite unabashedly. Their dark wheat comes from somewhere in Watsonville, they were actually quite free with telling us where they get it, but I have already forgotten where. (seems like I might have a memory problem eh?).
Quality of food here is always top notch and service is impeccable for the most part though sometimes it feels a little 'fussy'. Almost too impeccable! I do love their fun drinkies, and on special occasions like V-Day they make special drinks for the day.
If you are a fan of the gourmet take out, get their cheeseburger with Tillamook cheese one evening...it comes with divine garlic parsley fries and a buttermilk dipping sauce! It costs, I think it's maybe about $13 for the burger and fries, but we love it...it's a great 'feels like we should go out but don't really feel like it' kind of night food.
One note about take-out here that is irritating to me...they have really odd and inconsistent rules around it. One night they said they weren't taking any more to-go orders (it was 8pm). Another night they said they weren't taking to-go til 7:30 as it was a Shark's night so they were too busy. Why not just tell me that it might be a 45 min wait for pickup rather than make me call back 45 min later??? Totally odd. We ended up going elsewhere that night.
A fun place to meet friends for drinkies as well...lounge is dark and smoky (woops forgot we were in CA, nix the smoky part)...and there's usually a decent amount of seating for groups. If you're dining in on the wkd, definitely make a reservation...but if you go during the week we have been lucky most times on a spur of the moment visit.
One note...you can order items from the bar menu in the restaurant area too. So if you feel like the gourmet burger instead of the flank steak...ask for it, they will serve it to you.
UPDATE 12/9: We went to Seven last nite at 10pm for some late night grub after a holiday party that just had very rich apps and drinkies...they weren't seating any longer in the dining room but were still serving off both menus, so we snagged the sweet corner booth in the lounge/bar area. This is probably the only place we'd want to sit if we were actually eating. Too bad they only have one. I tried the hangar steak and frites...the steak was way too gristly for me but the fries as usual were spot on. My husband had an amazing crusted ahi tuna that melted like butter in our mouths. The bar wasn't packed either so we got great service...and we could people watch as well. Still loving the cheeseburger, though glad I tried the steak and fries because I'd still be wondering....
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I went here on a Friday night. We made a reservation, which was probably a good idea; the place was full. I had the encrusted ahi, and honestly, it was the best food I have had in a year. We also shared the mussels as an appetizer which were also quite tasty (and a bit jumbo). The venue is very cool, I love the ample parking, the revolving door and the L.A. atmosphere, but the food was what clinched the 5 star review. The service seemed a bit informal for a place of such calibre, but this will probably not phase anyone except the most uptight. I kind of enjoyed the fact that the staff and owners might not realize their restaurant is as good as it is.
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although i haven't been here in awhile (couples of times since its opening), i wanted to review this restaurant so that i can add it to my top restaurants list.
my husband 'n i came here when it first opened. i was impressed with the decor but also live dj music playing in the background. it was so ultra-chic.
i also loved seeing the twin chefs working hard in the kitchen. they purposely looked different from each other. ('n i heard that their personalities were different from their childhood friends.) when i saw that executive chefs were cooking my meals, i was immediately not just taken back but impressed. the food was absolutely delicious and did not disappoint.
i have to come back to this restaurant. i hope much hasn't changed, because i really loved it when i visited the restaurant awhile back.
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Had it not been for the general manager taking care of things as a professional businessman should always do, I would've given this place a lower rating to 2 stars. I should start off by saying that I had high expectations. Not only Yelpers, but also my neighbors and my husband's close friends highly recommended this place. Perhaps I ordered the wrong dish?
My girlfriend and I went here for dinner tonight, made a 6:15 p.m. reservation, and were immediately seated in a rounded booth since I wanted to get a good angle of what was going on around us.
I ordered a pomegranate lemon drop (very tasty, but not enough in the glass) and Ginny had a vodka tonic (she said it was the perfect balance and ordered another as soon as #1 was finished).
For food: side of fries (a bit too salty, but still good enough to finish every last one - I ordered them extra crispy), pan roasted salmon, slow braised beef rib.
My salmon was not fully cooked and the tempura battered cardoon (veggie) was not fully cooked either, leaving the tempura batter mushy and pasty around it. Ginny's beef rib was "scrumptious, and the surrounding cubed vegetables were delectable, could've been a meal unto themselves."
I know I'm a food snob, hard to please, and want things to taste great if I'm gonna spend $30/entree or more.
Unfortunately, my meal didn't taste great, so I told the waitress in a very matter-of-fact, not rude manner, the details of the dilemma. She was in training, and said she could send over the general manager if I wanted. I simply stated I'd just appreciate if she could relay my feedback to the chef, so he'd know beforehand why I was reviewing the meal as such...and what to pay closer attention to for the rest of what presumably would be a long night in this kitchen (judging from their hours of operation).
Nevertheless, the general manager DID come by and personally took over for the rest of our meal...even cleared our plates.
He attended to our water glasses, was exceedingly polite, and made sure the bill had no remnant of my having ever ordered the salmon.
That gesture in itself made me a repeat customer, and I will certainly give them another try. It was such a pleasant surprise to see things get dealt with like they ought to.
The owners of 7 should be very glad they have a competent general manager, or they'd seriously lose potential repeat business from discerning foodies like me.
Note: corkage fee is $25. This is too high for a bistro which cannot deliver on its main dishes ALL the time, especially considering the entree menu is not extensive.
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Fun place to go have drinks. Very cool decor that makes you feel as if you're one of the cool set. Seven reminded me of a place where they could remove the tables after 9 or 10pm on the weekends and make it a club. Kinda like Butterfly in San Francisco.
The food here is good and worth going to try, but the atmoshphere and service is why I go.
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What's up with the rotating door? I thought I was walking into an airport for a minute. I came to Seven with no hopes or expectations because I didn't bother yelping it first. I know someone who used to work here and had been curious to try the food. The hostess was nice, and our waiter was ok, if only a little akward (which in turn made me feel akward). I ordered two starters - the tomato fennel soup and the spaetzle. Both were excellent. The wine list was very small. I had a glass of pinot and it was all right. Eventhough I came in without preconcieved notions, I have to admitt I didn't think this place was that great. The food was good, but the ambience and service felt cold and lacking. I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon despite the tasty food.
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Wow, a place we can go back to over and over and not be bored by the menu!
Great cocktails served up in the bar as we waited for our table.The bar's nice, but sit toward the door, it can get crowded in here and be hard to get to the hostess when your table is ready!
I had shortribs that melted in my mouth, tender and flavorful. The salmon was perfect, nicely crisp and carmelized on the outside, yet just barely med rare in the center.
The menu is classic yet imaginative, every dish our table had came out well prepared and delicious.
The only dish that could be improved on was the sweet potato ravioli.
Not because the dish wasn't good, it was awesome, but there wasn't enough on the plate.
We didn't have dessert. There was a private party there celebrating very loudly and we left and went to A Perfect Finish downtown instead.
We love that place too!
Yum!
Another great restaurant encountered! Definately reccomend making reservations because the place appeared to be a bit full.
Service is excellent! Friendly, helpful and hate to make you wait.
Decor is very modern as for the cleanliness..A++ :)
As we waited for our table we had their special cocktails, which were made smoothly and we're oh so pretty! The lounge area is just a bit small and narrow, but we managed to find a comfortable seat.
The food was flavorsome and palatable. Perfectly sized portions with a explosion of flavor in each bite. Must try the Crab Cakes and the seared Ahi! and if you don't like it.. the waiter says he has the keys to the silver chrysler in the back that you could have.
I came here for my birthday last year. The atmosphere is really cute for San Jose. I ordered the sea bass and the odor of the fish was very overpowering...I wasn't able to enjoy my meal. The other food that was ordered wasn't very spectacular either. I would come back for some drinks and maybe give dinner another try....I've seen some good reviews on here. Maybe I was there on an off night?
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Update 5/8/08
I came here with the girls last night and our meal was pretty good! I was really impressed. It was a much better experience than I had previously. I ordered the arugula frisee salad which was huge and delicious. My friend ordered the hearts of romaine caesar salad which looked great. For dinner we ordered the New York Strip, Braised Short Ribs, and Chicken Palliard. The New York Strip was a 3.75, the short ribs were a 4, and the chicken was a 4.
The service was a bit on the slow side but it's a great place to have a nice dinner with some friends or a date. The prices were on the high side, but the large portions and flavor make it easier to deal with.
We went to this place probably earlier this year or late last year. it was nice and upscale looking but overh