Situated next to the lobby in the beautiful Hotel Valencia, is their signature restaurant Oveja Negra. The restaurant and the hotel are ideally located in the middle of the upscale district – Santana Row in the city of San Jose. 

The minute you enter the restaurant, you realize that this will be a unique dining experience. The carpeted entrance, gives you hint of what you have to look forward to – as it is a bit “unruly”*!

*Note: The restaurant’s website, Oveja Negra, describes themselves as “unruly”. This is an accurate description. The cuisine is defiant, but in a way that will delight your palate! 

The restaurant name means “Black Sheep” in Spanish. This name is appropriate to the restaurant as the menu and culinary experience has fun, rebellious twists on the traditional Spanish tapas and cuisine.

The restaurant is cozy and intimate. The atmosphere is relaxed, but do not let this fool you! This is not your typical restaurant! The menu is an original and eclectic take on Spanish cuisine. The unique flavors and casual ambiance pair perfectly together to create a very special evening dinner.

Toward the back of the restaurant, there is a room that allows for a more private dining experience. This would be ideal for a special event, family, business, or a large group of friends enjoying an evening out.

The Culinary Journey

To start our culinary journey, we (three women) decided to choose the Ruinart Champagne from their wine list. I am a fan of Ruinart and it was exciting to see this selection on the menu. Champagne is a great beginning to any dining experience. We ordered the Ruinart Rosé to toast what was going to be a special evening. I enjoy this champagne because of the fine bubbles, as well as a light, fresh, fruity taste with well-integrated tannins and a trace of spice that allows for a fabulous finish. In plain words, it is an excellent choice!

We then began the difficult task of deciding what to order. Everything on the menu looked so intriguing and appetizing.

5StarTip🌟:

We decided to order several dishes to share! If your dining party is open to the idea, sharing dishes is a great opportunity to explore items you would not normally order. Be open to trying a dish that your companions might be interested in. You may surprise yourself with what you will find to be delightful. I certainly did on this occasion!

The following is a photo journey of our culinary dinner experience. All dishes were excellent, and I would highly recommend any or all of the same dishes. The Executive Chef Michael Behan, has designed a savoury menu that is sure to please everyone’s palate. 

SCALLOPS CRUDO

radish, calabrian chili, mint pistou, chicharrones, with blood orange

BISON SHEPHARDS PIE

fava beans, and the chefs blend of mushrooms

BEER BRAISED MUSSELS

spanish fries, andouille sausage, fennel, capers

BURRATA

balsamic pearls, citrus olive oil, grilled ciabatta

PINEAPPLE-CHILI GLAZED DRUMSTICKS

pickled carrots, scallions

CINNAMON SUGAR CHURROS

choice of chocolate or caramel filled churros served with vanilla bean gelato

Who could say no to this dessert? …..Not me!

S’MORES SOUFFLE

french chocolate, graham cracker crust, roasted marshmallows

CINNAMON PANNA COTTA

macserated apples

Final Thoughts:

Oveja Negra was a pure delight for me. It offered an extraordinary experience that I feel confident in recommending. On one hand, it was very casual and relaxed, and yet the cuisine was upscale. If you are visiting the San Jose area, make your way to the fabulous Santana Row and Hotel Valencia to enjoy this wonderful “unruly” evening of dining!

I would give Oveja Negra an Always5Star Cheers! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 

For more Always5Star ideas of places to experience while in San Jose, California – please visit the following links:

🌟 Hotel Valencia in San Jose, California – A luxury boutique hotel! 

🌟 An Always5Star Afternoon at Testarossa Winery 

🌟 An Always5Star Guide to Ridge Vineyards Winery 

🌟District – An Always5Star Wine, Whiskey and Cocktail Bar in San Jose California

🌟 Please note: This was a sponsored opportunity to dine at Oveja Negra Restaurant. However, my opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for writing this article or endorsing their menu.

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