Restaurant near San Jose Fairmont

[amyfink]

I'll be staying at the San Jose Fairmont on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I'm looking for a dinner recommendation for Friday night...hopefully some place not too far away. $15-$20 pp for entrees. There is an Il Fornaio across the street, but that is about all I've seen.
Thanks in advance!

[Ruth Lafler]

One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the Bay Area -- Vung Tau -- is not far from there.

-----
Vung Tau Restaurant
535 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112

[lrostron]

Another is 19 Market, great Vietnamese, along with a very nice bar.

[Claudette]

I second the votes for Vung Tau, Pizz'a Chicago, and La Pastaia.

[amyfink]

Thanks!

[thedoorchick]

I've traveled to San Jose often and usually stay at the Fairmont.

Il Fornaio is my favorite restaurant downtown. Some turn up their noses because it's a chain, but it's darn good food, at least to me. I love the butternut squash ravioli.

The Grill (restaurant in the Fairmont) is a good steak place. Also Morton's down the street (Park, I think the street is?) is good. I don't eat a lot of steak so I don't frequent these types of places. Both of those may be out of the price range you mention.

If you don't mind a short walk, I also recommend La Pastaia, in the Hotel DeAnza.
McCormick and Schmicks next to the Fairmont is pretty good.

There is a deep dish pizza place a few blocks away that I really liked, if you're looking for something more casual. I can't recall the name right now; maybe I can find it shortly.

[thedoorchick]

Okay, I think it was Pizz'A Chicago, at 155 W. San Fernando.

[tp24]

I second the vote for Il Fornaio! I wasn't aware it was a chain until recently, but boy, did we have a great breakfast there! Highly recommended. Friendly service too!

[lmnopm]

I had a lunch meeting (with a limited menu from the regular menu, but not served banquet style) at the restaurant in the hotel (the something Grill), and it was very decent. I don't know how the dinner is, but my lunch entree was dinner-ish style. I don't know what the actual price point is. I'd guess $20-$30, but really unsure. Quite convenient, however.