
LUNA Mexican Kitchen - The Alameda
A vibrant Mexican eatery celebrating 'Local, Unrefined, Natural, Authentic' cuisine with organic ingredients and ancient preparation methods.

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Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

LUNA Mexican Kitchen - The Alameda

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Mexican eatery celebrating 'Local, Unrefined, Natural, Authentic' cuisine with organic ingredients and ancient preparation methods.
"The best authentic Mexican restaurant I tried in the area to date."
Embrace Staff Recommendations
Trust staff to suggest flavorful dishes or ordering the 4-person platter for good value.
Expect Potential Waits
Busy hours may involve a wait, but excellent service awaits once seated. Consider off-peak times.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic, Farm-Fresh Mexican Cuisine
Experience scratch-made Mexican dishes using organic, non-GMO ingredients, crafted with ancient methods for true authenticity.

Unique and Flavorful Signature Dishes
Savor creative offerings like wild salmon tacos with pineapple jalapeño salsa and chile rellenos filled with grass-fed beef.

Warm Ambiance with Patio Seating
Enjoy a cozy dining experience in a vibrant setting, perfect for a date night or a meal with friends, with a lovely patio.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Embrace Staff Recommendations
Trust staff to suggest flavorful dishes or ordering the 4-person platter for good value.
Expect Potential Waits
Busy hours may involve a wait, but excellent service awaits once seated. Consider off-peak times.
Dine on the Patio
The covered patio offers a pleasant dining experience, especially on warmer days and evenings.
Explore Breakfast/Brunch
Chilaquiles, horchata French toast, and cafe de olla are highlighted as flavorful morning options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace Staff Recommendations
Trust staff to suggest flavorful dishes or ordering the 4-person platter for good value.
Expect Potential Waits
Busy hours may involve a wait, but excellent service awaits once seated. Consider off-peak times.
Dine on the Patio
The covered patio offers a pleasant dining experience, especially on warmer days and evenings.
Explore Breakfast/Brunch
Chilaquiles, horchata French toast, and cafe de olla are highlighted as flavorful morning options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
LUNA Mexican Kitchen is highly praised for its authentic, farm-fresh Mexican cuisine and commitment to quality ingredients. Diners rave about the creative dishes, warm ambiance, and friendly service, making it a standout in San Jose. While some note minor inconsistencies in certain dishes, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"Fast friendly service. The salmon tacos were spectacular 😋👌. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious. I could tell they were not commercial. The black bean were very natual and cooked perfectly. The price is very reasonable. Small parking lots, found street parking."
Elizabeth Dickens
"Great atmosphere! The food was good, and the service was really great. They had a very hard working staff. I got the calabacitas, and my fiancé got the salmon tacos. The tacos honestly weren't the best, but everything else was delicious! For dessert. we shared the tropical tres leches cake. So good!"
Brianna
"It was all very good, but not mind blowing. Got there for lunch over the weekend, and since they don’t take reservation, it’s first come first serve. Had to wait about 15 minutes to get a table. Service was extremely prompt. They bring you complimentary chips and sauces, which is a nice touch. Had the bacon wrapped shrimp, and while it was good, I have had better. Was overcooked and hard. I had Horchata for my drink, and my friend had a mocktail, and both of these were great. For our entree, I got the chicken enchiladas while my friend got the chicken tacos. Both were pretty good, but again, nothing extraordinary. The space itself is pretty large and also has outdoor seating, which is really nice on a clear day."
Suman Hazra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
LUNA is committed to authentic Mexican cuisine using organic, non-GMO ingredients and ancient preparation methods, emphasizing 'clean ingredients, ancient methods, no shortcuts.'
No, LUNA Mexican Kitchen operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared for potential wait times during busy periods.
Highly recommended dishes include wild salmon tacos, chile rellenos, mole enchiladas, and cochinita pibil. Many also enjoy the complimentary chips and salsa.
Yes, LUNA Mexican Kitchen offers several vegan and vegetarian options, though some reviews suggest a limited selection for dinner.
Yes, LUNA Mexican Kitchen features a pleasant covered patio, which is a popular choice for diners, especially on warmer days.
The restaurant offers a cozy and vibrant ambiance, making it a great spot for a date night or a meal with friends.
Yes, TikTok creators frequently recommend LUNA for breakfast and brunch, highlighting dishes like chilaquiles and horchata French toast.
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Where to Find the Best Mexican Food in San Jose
Everything you need to know about LUNA is right in the name: Local, unrefined, natural and authentic. Chef and co-owner Jo Lerma-Lopez has gone to great lengths to live up to those standards; it took her six months just to find a certified non-GMO strain of corn to use in her tortillas. LUNA’s menu boasts dishes like wild salmon tacos with pineapple jalapeño salsa and chile rellenos filled with grass-fed beef.
Best Dinner in the South Bay
1495 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.320.26541875 South Bascom Ave Suite # 570, Campbell, 408.963.6681. Luna prides itself on its wholesome Mexican food prepared with clean ingredients using ancient methods, starting with the masa for its tortillas, which is made dailyusing the ancestral method of nixtamalization, where corn is soaked in alkaline overnight, rinsed and then ground with stone. Standouts include a variety of enchiladas, from mole poblano to rojas; cochinita pibil, 24-hour marinated, achiote-citrus pork, slow-braised in banana leaf; and the chile relleno stuffed with roasted corn, squash, cheese and quinoa.
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Luna’s Mexican kitchen name is derived from the name of the moon, and this is also symbolized on its logo. Luna is used as an acronym where L stands for Local, U stands for unrefined, N stands for natural, and A stands for authentic Mexican food, which is served to the customers with the aim that it does not just give satisfaction to their hunger but also satisfies their spirit and soul. They call their food healing food and believe that food has the power of healing the body and the soul by which the body gets energy, motivation, and strength to live a longer and healthier life.
Best Michelin Star Restaurants In San Jose California
This lovely addition to the Michelin Guide San Jose is a labour of love from chef and owner Jo Lerma-Lopez. Luna Mexican Kitchen is named not only after the Spanish word for “moon”, but is actually also an acronym that reflects the restaurant team’s ethos of “L(ocal) U(nrefined) N(atural) A(uthentic) cooking. The restaurant’s slogan is “eat like an ancestor”, and this is reflected in the authenticity of the Mexican cuisine on offer.
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LUNA Mexican Kitchen prides itself on serving wholesome Mexican food made with organic, non-GMO ingredients. The menu celebrates traditional recipes passed down through generations, with dishes like slow-cooked carnitas, enchiladas smothered in rich mole sauce made from scratch, and the hearty pozole soup. They also offer an array of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
12 Best Mexican Restaurants In San Jose, California
Luna has a mission, to serve authentic Mexican food that is clean, healthy, and nutritious. Luna Mexican Kitchen’s menu revolves around Mexican staples, including corn, chili, and beans, which are present in all their dishes. The best part about dining here is that omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans can all dine here together because there are several choices for all three lifestyles.
Couples Weekend Getaway | Itineraries
Be sure to eat at Zona Rosa or Luna Mexican Kitchen, which boasts a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide, before leaving the Rose Garden area. A great alternative is to head to the artsy SoFA district for a self-guided gallery crawl before finding your way into the SoFA Market for lunch. Here you can refuel with anything from burgers and pizza to poke and ramen.
10 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Jose
Luna Mexican Kitchen has a simple philosophy: “clean ingredients, ancient methods, no shortcuts.” And while it’s simple, it certainly isn’t ordinary. The restaurant is committed to bringing local and organic products to its plates. The Cal-Mex establishment offers healthy breakfasts, mixed grilled meats, Mexican street corn, elote salads and much more.
The 15 Best Mexican Food Restaurants in San Jose
A local gem that prides itself on serving unrefined, natural, and authentic Mexican cuisine. They use ingredients carefully nurtured from farms in their kitchen to ensure the freshest and most flavorful dishes. In addition to traditional Mexican words, LUNA Mexican Kitchen also offers ancient superfoods that are both nutritious and delicious.
Michelin Star Restaurants in San Jose: 8 Amazing Restaurants Worth the Stop
If you’re craving Mexican cuisine, Luna Mexican Kitchen should be your first stop. At Luna Mexican Kitchen, they pride themselves on offering items that are authentic, traditional, and made with clean ingredients. This restaurant has been recognized by Michelin as well as by publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and The Mercury News.
Top 10 Michelin Star Restaurants in San Jose
At Luna Mexican Kitchen, they believe in the healing power of food. Each ingredient they put into their bodies serves a purpose, giving them energy and making them stronger to live longer healthier lives. They’re proud to use ingredients that have been nurtured slowly, with care, all the way from the farms to their kitchen.
Best Mexican Restaurants in San Jose, CA
If you’re seeking a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, Luna Mexican Kitchen is a must-visit. Located on The Alameda, Luna prides itself on using organic and sustainable ingredients to create fresh, vibrant dishes. Their handmade tortillas, rich mole sauces, and tender birria tacos are crowd favorites.
12 Best Tacos in San Jose, CA
LUNA Mexican Kitchen – The Alameda offers a great atmosphere with a lovely outdoor seating area and great music. The coffee is wonderful, and the chips and guacamole crema are amazing. The service may have some room for improvement, but overall, it’s a vibrant spot to enjoy Mexican food in San Jose.
Top 17 Restaurants in San Jose, CA You Have To Try
Luna Mexican Kitchen is a bustling Mexican eatery and bar that redefines traditional Mexican cuisine. Nestled in a cozy ambiance with a charming patio, they firmly believe in the healing power of food. Every ingredient is carefully selected, sourced from farms, and nurtured with care.
11 Best Michelin Restaurants In San Jose [2024]
Luna Mexican Kitchen serves traditional and ancient Mexican food, and it serves local, unrefined, natural, and authentic food. Michelin Guide has awarded it with Bib Gourmand honor for good quality and good value cooking. They customize food based on different allergies and diets.
Best Vegan Restaurants – San Jose
Although not a vegan/vegetarian place, Luna Mexican Kitchen does have a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly items on the menu. The restaurant is located on The Alameda, and they also offer online ordering and catering. Some of the vegetarian options can be modified to vegan.
14 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in San Jose, CA (2023)
Located on The Alameda and The Pruneyard, Luna is one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in San Jose. Customers enjoy the attentive service and the delicious, fresh food served there. Try bacon-wrapped shrimp tacos, mole chicken enchiladas, or a protein bowl.
10 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Jose (2023)
This Mexican restaurant in San Jose serves fresh, farm-to-table dishes with a modern twist. They also offer a selection of craft cocktails and Mexican beers. Monday to Thursday 11:30 am – 9 pm, Friday 11:30 am – 10 pm, Saturday 10 am – 10 pm, Sunday 10 am – 9 pm
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at San Jose's best Mexican restaurants
The Rose Garden's Luna Mexican Kitchen, located at 1495 The Alameda, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 1,100 reviews. Stop by to dine on the outdoor patio or look for the breakfast-only "para llevar," or take-away, window.
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An authentic spot with a cozy vibe, offering delicious house-made chips and vibrant outdoor seating perfect for a chill night out. Luis and Josie at the bar are amazing!!!. Great friendly service!
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in the San Jose Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1792 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1875 South Bascom Ave. Ste 570 Campbell, California - Categories: Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch, Latin American- Read more on Yelp
5 San Jose soup spots
Warm up with this fiery-red traditional Mexican stew packed with hominy, chicken + chile peppers. The light and flavorful broth is also great to pair with LUNA’s homemade tortillas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit