Momosan Santana Row Introduce
Located in the heart of San Jose's upscale Santana Row, Momosan Santana Row offers a distinctive Japanese dining experience that stands out amidst the bustling collection of shops and eateries. This establishment, envisioned by the renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, brings a contemporary approach to traditional Japanese cuisine, blending innovative dishes with a lively atmosphere. While the platform category "Doctor Near Me" might seem an unconventional pairing for a restaurant, it highlights the importance of local search and finding services and establishments within one's immediate vicinity. In this context, Momosan Santana Row aims to be a top-of-mind destination for those in the San Jose area seeking exceptional Japanese food, much like how one would search for a local doctor for specific needs.
Momosan Santana Row is situated at 378 Santana Row #1130, San Jose, CA 95128, USA, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the vibrant Santana Row. For reservations or inquiries, the restaurant can be reached at (408) 320-2776 or via mobile at +1 408-320-2776. The restaurant's presence in such a prime location contributes significantly to its appeal, offering a sophisticated backdrop for a memorable meal.
The environment at Momosan Santana Row is crafted to be both stylish and inviting. Drawing inspiration from Chef Morimoto's vision, the interior typically features modern Japanese aesthetics, often incorporating natural wood, elegant lighting, and contemporary art. The design aims to create a comfortable yet upscale ambiance suitable for various occasions, from casual lunches to intimate dinners or celebratory gatherings. Guests can expect a vibrant energy, characteristic of a popular dining spot, with a layout that allows for both lively interactions and more private conversations. The open kitchen concept, if present, adds an element of culinary theater, allowing diners to witness the artistry behind their dishes. The overall atmosphere complements the high-quality cuisine, creating a cohesive and enjoyable sensory experience.
The services at Momosan Santana Row are generally lauded for their attentiveness and efficiency. The staff is typically well-versed in the menu, capable of providing detailed explanations of dishes, recommending pairings, and catering to dietary restrictions or preferences. The service model aims to be professional yet friendly, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout their dining experience. Given its location in a high-traffic area like Santana Row, the restaurant is accustomed to handling a steady flow of customers while maintaining a high standard of service. Online reservation systems are commonly employed to streamline the booking process, and prompt seating and order-taking are priorities to enhance customer satisfaction.
One of the key features that sets Momosan Santana Row apart is its innovative menu, which showcases Chef Morimoto's culinary philosophy. While it is a Japanese restaurant, it extends beyond traditional sushi offerings to include a diverse array of izakaya-style dishes, ramen, and unique appetizers. Based on customer reviews, several dishes consistently receive high praise:
- The Gyukotsu Ramen is a signature dish and a true highlight. Priced at $30, this unique bowl features beef rib, kale, seaweed, and egg in a rich tonkotsu beef broth. Customers describe it as a standout ramen option, often noting its distinctive flavor profile compared to other ramen establishments. It’s important to note that this dish is often available in limited quantities, sometimes as few as 30 bowls per day, emphasizing the need for early arrival to secure a taste. This limited availability adds to its allure and exclusive appeal.
- The Salmon Carpaccio is another highly recommended appetizer. Diners describe it as very fresh and refreshing, making it an excellent choice, especially on warmer days. This dish exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients.
- The Kakuni BAP is a fantastic rice bowl, though some customers note it might be a tad smaller in portion size. This dish likely features tender braised pork (kakuni) served over rice, offering a comforting and flavorful option.
- Duck Tacos are consistently praised as a fantastic appetizer. This dish highlights the restaurant's fusion approach, blending Japanese flavors with a popular taco format, offering a delightful and unique culinary experience.
- The Chili Oil served at Momosan is highly recommended. Customers describe it as not overly spicy but incredibly flavorful, often evoking a sense of nostalgia. This seemingly simple condiment adds a significant depth of flavor to various dishes and is a testament to the restaurant's attention to detail.
- The Yuzu Margarita is a popular beverage choice, indicating a well-crafted drink menu that complements the food.
- The Tofu Bap, served in a clay pot, is another vegetarian-friendly option that has garnered positive feedback. Customers appreciate the perfectly cooked rice with crispy edges and the excellent flavor and texture of the tofu, which remains crispy on the outside without being dry or rubbery. The clay pot ensures the dish stays hot throughout the meal, a thoughtful touch for those who prefer to savor their food.
Reviewers consistently highlight that while some main dishes are good, the appetizers often steal the show, offering innovative and delicious options that are worth exploring. The restaurant is generally considered an "expensive, neat place," indicating a premium dining experience that justifies the cost through its quality and ambiance.
As for promotional information, Momosan Santana Row, like many establishments in a competitive area, likely engages in various strategies to attract and retain customers. While specific current promotions aren't available, common practices might include:
- Happy Hour Specials: Offering discounted appetizers and drinks during off-peak hours to encourage early evening or late afternoon visits.
- Seasonal Menus: Introducing new dishes based on seasonal ingredients to keep the menu fresh and exciting for returning customers.
- Special Event Promotions: Tying into Santana Row's events, such as holiday celebrations or shopping events, with exclusive dining offers.
- Online Presence and Social Media: Utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and their official website to showcase visually appealing dishes, announce new menu items, and share customer testimonials.
- Loyalty Programs: Implementing programs that reward frequent diners with points, discounts, or exclusive access to events.
- Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborating with other Santana Row establishments or local businesses for cross-promotional activities.
- Chef Morimoto's Renown: Leveraging the fame and reputation of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto as a key marketing tool, attracting diners eager to experience his culinary vision.
Given the repeated positive sentiments like "Yummy! Will be back" and "Definitely will go back to try the vegan ramen," Momosan Santana Row clearly fosters strong customer loyalty through its exceptional food and dining experience. The emphasis on unique, high-quality ingredients and innovative preparation, combined with a sophisticated atmosphere, positions it as a must-visit destination for Japanese cuisine in San Jose. For those seeking a unique and memorable meal in the Silicon Valley area, Momosan Santana Row presents a compelling option, embodying the idea of finding a premier service within one's immediate locale, much like searching for a "Doctor Near Me" for specialized care.
Momosan Santana Row Food & drink
APPETIZERS
- sticky ribs US$16.00
twice cooked pork ribs tossed in hoisin chili sauce
- duck tacos
house roasted duck, hoisin, apricot sweet chili, crispy gyoza skin
- spicy tuna tacos*
crispy gyoza skin, spicy mayo, guacamole
- karaage US$13.00
japanese style fried chicken, sweet garlic soy
- tofu agedashi US$14.00
fried tofu, king oyster mushroom, vegetarian umami broth, green onion, bonito (optional)
- edamame US$8.00
steamed, sea salt
- shishito pepper US$12.00
flash fried, ponzu butter
- brussel sprouts US$13.00
balsamic soy reduction, fried onions, bonito flakes
- duck fat french fries US$15.00
duck fat, truffle sea salt, truffle ketchup
- seaweed salad US$8.00
sesame seeds
- seasonal house salad
please inquire with your server!
- kakuni bao
braised pork belly, lettuce, dijon mayo
- soft shell bao
fried soft shell crab, lettuce, pickled cucumber, spicy mayo
- pork gyoza US$14.00
pan fried pork dumplings, scallion ginger sauce
- spicy wontons US$16.00
chicken wontons in szechuan sesame chili sauce
- popcorn shrimp US$16.00
tempura batter tossed in kochujang aioli
- tuna pizza* US$16.00
tuna sashimi*, serrano pepper, olives, red onion, anchovy aioli
- poke* US$16.00
choice of marinated tuna* (+$2) or salmon*, mozzarella, cucumber, chili oil
- hot oil fish carpaccio* US$15.00
hot oil seared, yuzu soy, ginger, garlic, micro cilantro
FOR THE TABLE
- peking duck* US$43.00
house roasted 1/2 duck, flour tortilla, hoisin, apricot sweet chili, pico de gallo
RAMEN
- ALL STAR* US$29.00
pork broth, chashu pork, kakuni pork, steamed chicken, kikurage, takana, ajitama*
- gyukotsu* US$30.00
limited availability. 7-hour braised beef rib, kale namul, black pepper oil, ajitama*
- tonkotsu* US$22.00
pork broth, chashu pork, kikurage, takana, ajitama*
- tokyo chicken* US$21.00
chicken broth, steamed chicken, menma, kikurage, ajitama*
- spicy kakuni* US$24.00
spicy pork broth, kakuni pork, menma, kikurage, ajitama*
- tan-tan* US$21.00
sesame curry broth, miso ground pork, cilantro, scallion, ajitama*
- spicy dan-dan* US$19.00
brothless. spicy szechuan sesame chili sauce, miso ground pork, kale namul, ajitama*
- vegan miso US$21.00
miso broth, fried tofu, tomato, kale namul, corn
- tsukemen* US$19.00
dipping ramen. dipping noodle w/ tonkotsu broth, kakuni pork, takana, ajitama*
- RAMEN ADDITIONS
RICE
- buri bap* US$29.00
yellowtail*, vegetable namul, egg yolk*, served in hot stone bowl, seared tableside with sweet sesame soy
- kakuni bap* US$24.00
braised pork belly, vegetable namul, egg yolk*, served in hot stone bowl, seared tableside with sweet sesame soy
- tofu bap* US$21.00
tofu, vegetable namul, egg yolk*, served in hot stone bowl, seared tableside with sweet sesame soy
- poke don* US$18.00
choice of tuna* (+$2) or salmon* with avocado, seaweed salad, scallion, radish over rice
MAKI STICKS
- california* US$13.00
surimi, kewpie mayo, avocado, cucumber, tobiko*
- karaage US$13.00
japanese fried chicken, kale, hoisin chili, mustard aioli
- spicy tuna* US$15.00
ground tuna*, spicy mayo, cucumber, avocado, green onion
- soft shell crab* US$16.00
tempura soft shell crab, avocado, tobiko*, sweet garlic soy
- ebiten US$14.00
tempura shrimp, greens, cucumber, spicy mayo
MORIMOTO SIGNATURE SAKE
- morimoto junmai
honeyed walnuts, sweet finish
- morimoto junmai ginjo
caramelized pear, stone fruit
- morimoto junmai daiginjo
melon, honeysuckle, rich texture
- morimoto sparkling nigori
semi-sparkling, fresh and clean aftertaste
- easy cup morimoto junmai
premium rice notes, dry flavor, balanced texture
- morimoto ‘5 year’ koshu
toasty honey graham, sweet chili pepper
- morimoto ‘10 year’ koshu
chestnut, highland malt, walnut cream finish
SMOOTH SAKE
- joto “the one with the clocks” daiginjo
- konteki “tears of dawn” daiginjo
CLASSIC SAKE
- eiko fuji ban ryu “10,000 ways” honjozo
- maboroshi “mystery” junmai ginjo
BOLD SAKE
- tentaka “hawk in the heavens” tokubetsu junmai
- kasumi tsuru kimoto extra dry
PLAYFUL SAKE
- rihaku “dreamy clouds” nigori
SAKE FLIGHTS
- morimoto sake flight US$39.00
featuring chef morimoto’s junmai, junmai ginjo, junmai daiginjo and sparkling nigori
- house sake flight US$42.00
a rotating selection of four hand-selected sakes, representing Momosan Santana Row’s curated list
COCKTAILS
- aurora mist US$16.00
Empress gin, passion fruit with lychee syrup, soda water
- ginger moon US$16.00
Sailor jerry rum, ginger syrup, yuzu and mint
- momosan highball US$16.00
santana row exclusive! suntory toki whisky, soda water, lemon
- momo gimlet US$16.00
empress gin, yuzu, simple syrup
- mimosa US$15.00
morimoto brut zero with choice of orange, grapefruit or pineapple juice
- spiced car US$16.00
suntory toki whisky, honey, yuzu
- yuzu margarita US$16.00
hornitas blanco tequila, lemon, yuzu
- mango matchasu US$16.00
MM junmai sake, mango puree, matcha
- momo 75 US$16.00
suntory roku gin, agave, yuzu
- momosan bloody mary US$15.00
suntory haku, tomato, wasabi, 7 spice
- smoked old fashioned US$17.00
maker’s mark bourbon, carpano antica vermouth, luxardo cherry liqueur, bitters
- matcha espresso martini US$17.00
bailey’s, kahlua, matcha, taaka vodka
- sake sangria
sake, plum wine, white wine, seasonal fruit
MOCKTAILS
- momosan ice tea US$11.00
fresh brewed tea, blueberry purée, calpico
- mint yuzu spritzer US$11.00
mint, yuzu, sprite
- strawberry margarita N/A US$12.00
strawberry syrup, yuzu and sprite
- lavander clouds US$12.00
lavander syrup, calpico, lemon juice, egg withe
- lyche martini N/A US$12.00
Lychee juiced, lemon and syrup
N/A BEV
- coke US$4.00
- diet coke US$4.00
- ginger ale US$4.00
- lemonade US$4.00
- fresh brewed tea US$4.00
- hot tea US$9.00
- arnold palmer US$4.00
- sparkling pellegrino US$7.50
- acqua panna US$7.50
DRAFT BEER
- morimoto soba ale US$14.00
- sapporo US$9.00
- barebottle hazy IPA US$10.00
BOTTLED BEER
- asahi super dry US$8.00
- kirin light US$8.00
- asahi dry zero US$7.00
non-alcoholic
SHOCHU / SOJU
- iichiko US$12.00
barley
- morimoto shochu US$14.00
rice
- aka kirishima soji US$13.00
SPARKLING WINE
- morimoto sparkling ‘dream’ brut zero
by treveri cellars. yakima valley, wa
- morimoto sparkling ‘dream’ brut rosé
by treveri cellars. naches heights, wa
- tattinger la francaise brut
champagne, fr
ROSÉ WINE
- château peyrassol rosé
AOP, côtes de provence
WHITE WINE
- morimoto ‘dream’ chardonnay
by grgch hills estate. napa valley, ca
- attems pinot grigio
friuli, it
- gainey sauvignon blanc
santa ynez, ca
- louis jadot macon-villages chardonnay
lake county, ca
- cuvaison los carneros estate chardonnay
carneros, ca
RED WINE
- morimoto ‘dream’ cabernet sauvignon
by grgch hills estate. napa valley, ca
- routestock pinot noir
sonoma, ca
- michael david winery earthquake zinfindel
lodi, ca
COCKTAILS
- spiced car US$13.00
suntory toki whisky, honey, yuzu
Momosan Santana Row Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free multi-storey car park
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Momosan Santana Row Photos










Momosan Santana Row Location
Momosan Santana Row
378 Santana Row #1130, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Momosan Santana Row Reviews
There are few things I love here:Gyukotsu ramen. This $30 bowl comes with beef rib, kale, seaweed and egg in a tonkotsu ramen beef. Honestly, this is the only ramen dish worthy of eating since it’s a unique signature bowl, and other ramen dishes aren’t that great compared to other restaurants. Keep in mind it’s limited quantity of maybe 30/bowls/day…? So get here early.I also remembered loving the salmon carpaccio as it was very fresh and refreshing which is great for the hot days.Next, I had the kakuni BAP and thought this was a fantastic bowl of rice, just a tad on the smaller size proportion wise.Lastly, the duck tacos were fantastic and I recommend this appetizer!I also recommend trying the chili oil here. It’s not spicy but it is packed with flavor and there is a sense of nostalgia which I highly adore!Overall, it’s an expensive, neat place with better appetizers than mains.
April 08 · S SYummy! Will be backMy friends and were strolling the row scoping out a dinner spot as we waited on a friend to arrive. We shortlisted the dumpling place and Momosan and Japanese got the majority vote.I had the yuzu margarita and Tofu bap. Both were delicious. The tofu bap was served in clay pot and rice was cooked to perfection. Loved the crispy edges. The tofu also had excellent flavor and texture. Crispy on the outside but not so much that it was dry on the inside or rubbery. The pot ensured my food was nice and hot until the last bite which I appreciated as I am not a fast eater. The ratio of rice and protein was just right for me.I was surprised I finished the dish as I had some ice cream before dinner 😋. But it was so delicious and I felt reheated leftovers won’t quite be the same as eating from clay pot so I found room in my tummy to squeeze it all in.Definitely will go back to try the vegan ramen.
May 27 · Niru ITried many dishes people recommended and everything was good or excellent. The ribs are the best. Only in California one can get interesting fusion food that comes with both pan Asian and South American influences. The part we didn’t like was the chair and table were very uncomfortable and if one has good appetite for lunch, please be prepared to pay $80 plus per head without alcohol drinks.
December 23 · Jenn JiangMy friends and I wanted to try this restaurant because they had some unique dishes like duck fat fries and Korean bowls along with ramen.We were seated immediately on a Saturday around noon. We sat outside since we had a dog. Our server also turned on the heat lamps for us since it's February. (The restaurant picked up in busy-ness around 1pm).I got the All Star ramen, which has chashu, pork belly, and chicken (along with bamboo, mushroom, green onion, egg). It is their meatiest ramen. It came out hot and well-plated. Their chashu and pork belly are delicious! The chicken was just okay. The noodles had a fresh texture. The broth wasn't too salty or fatty. I was pretty pleased with my ramen.One of my friends got the tonkatsu ramen which I believe is similar to the All Star ramen.Our other friend got duck fat fries and tsukemen ramen with fried tofu added. Our server forgot to bring his fried tofu and drink though. Our friend said his broth wasn't hot, and it was more watery/less thick than usual dipping ramens he orders, so he doesn't recommend it.All in all, I had a good experience and I would try the pork belly bap next time if I come back.
February 18 · L GHeard a lot of this place but never had a chance to visit till recently.To start off the ramen is good plain as but to go a bit deeper it is a bit pricy.Due to the location it is a bit pricy compared to many ramen spots locally but flavor wise it is a top 3 ramen in the area as far as I've tried.Lots of appetizers too with drinks and all. They do have a lot more then just ramen as well so it is nice.Do come for lunch as they do have a lunch special as of now at least.
December 18 · Dan Kim
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