La Catalana

Welcome to the vibrant and flavorful world of La Catalana, a tapas and wine bar nestled in the heart of San Jose, California. This hidden gem offers a plethora of amenities such as takeout, delivery, vegan options, wheelchair accessibility, and even live music, making it a versatile and welcoming spot for all types of gatherings.

Upon entering La Catalana, you are welcomed by a cozy yet lively atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and a hint of Spanish flair. The highlight of the experience lies in their expertly crafted sangrias, especially the house sangria which boasts a unique and well-balanced flavor profile that sets it apart from the rest.

As you delve into their menu, you will discover a tantalizing array of tapas, including the crowd-favorite croquetas, pulpo, and morcilla (Spanish blood sausage). Each dish is meticulously prepared to deliver an authentic taste of Spain, leaving your taste buds craving for more.

However, the true star of La Catalana is their seafood paella, a symphony of flavors and textures that transports you straight to the streets of Barcelona. Packed with an abundance of shrimp, calamari, and clams, this dish is a seafood lover's dream come true. The crispy bottom and garlic aioli on the side add a delightful twist to this traditional dish.

Whether you're looking for a romantic date spot or a cozy gathering with friends and family, La Catalana offers a culinary experience like no other. From the attentive staff to the extensive wine list curated by the owner from Barcelona, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a memorable dining experience.

So, if you're craving a taste of Spain right in the heart of California, look no further than La Catalana. Come for the delectable tapas and wine, stay for the warm ambiance and impeccable service. ¡Salud!

La Catalana Menu

Location

Address: 3720 N 1st St Ste 10 San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: (408) 324-1321

🕓 Work Hours
MON 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
TUE 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
WED 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
THU 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
FRI 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SAT 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUN Closed

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Walk-ins Welcome
    Yes
  • Delivery
    No
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • ADA-compliant main entrance
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Lunch, Dinner
    Yes
  • Private Lot Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Live Music
    Yes
  • Best nights on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
    Yes
  • Happy Hour Specials
    Yes
  • Beer & Wine Only
    Yes
  • Smoking Outside Only
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Private Dining
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Not Good For Dancing
    No
  • Not Good For Working
    No
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Winnie V.

    06 August 2024

    My bf recently went on a bachelor's trip to Barcelona, so I had major fomo/nostalgia for my time studying abroad in Spain. What does that mean - I've made it my mission to find the best tapas and paella spot in the bay! We tried La Catalana this weekend and it did not disappoint! It's in a very nondescript strip mall, but the inside was very vibey, with dim lighting and live music. I think there was a sign on the outside describing it as a wine bar, which is very fitting. First, drinks - we got both the house sangria and the sangria with fruit. The house sangria was definitely the star of the show. I couldn't quite place what it tasted like, but there was a depth of flavor different from what I've tasted at other spots. The waiter shared that it is made with sorbet, but it didn't taste too sweet at all. Very well balanced, and they definitely put on a show while pouring the wine into the glass in front of you! The sangria with fruit had a more pronounced wine flavor, but did not taste as refined. Their sangria definitely isn't as sweet as what I've had at other places. After our first round of drinks, the waiter also recommended a white wine that paired very well with the seafood in the paella. They definitely know their stuff with the wines. For food, we got the croquetas, the pulpo, morcilla (Spanish blood sausage), and the seafood paella. I think they change up the filling of the croquetas each day - they were filled with chicken when we went and they were super tasty! Though I might be biased since I love croquetas, and I don't think I've ever had a bad one. The pulpo was good, but the potato purée sauce at the bottom didn't taste quite as flavorful as the one at Telefèric. I loved the morcilla though! I haven't seen morcilla anywhere else outside of Spain. It's weird because I'm normally not into pork blood in Chinese food, but I love the taste of morcilla! It might be a texture thing and the way that it is flavored with spices. The morcilla here had a nice crisp on the edge and a nice chew. Finally, the paella here was soooo seafoody! When they first brought out, I looked and it and thought - wow, only two pieces of shrimp?? But then we dug in and there was literally so much seafood (shrimp, calamari, clams) mixed in with the rice. It was almost too much seafood flavor for me (especially the clams which gave a strong flavor). Next time, I definitely want to try some of their other paellas - they had an oxtail one, which sounds really good to me. I liked how the paella had a nice crisp on the bottom and came with a nice garlic aoli on the side. Overall, great date spot! I only wish they had a bit better seating. We were seated at a high top near the entrance and the seat of the chairs were maybe half the length of my thighs, so it was not the most comfortable. Food and drinks were good though!

  • Author: Rajiv P.

    25 July 2024

    My first time: did not disappoint.....some very authentic tapas paired with a varied wine list by the owner (Monzerrat) from Barcelona and with a very attentive staff....how can you go wrong? Go check it out!

  • Author: Ankitha D.

    13 July 2024

    Came here for a birthday dinner with some family on a Friday night. My family told the wait staff it was my birthday so I feel like they treated me super well. The wait staff was super friendly and helpful and attentive. We got a bottle of wine for the table and it was honestly really good and paired well with the food. Food: - patatas bravas: yummy 5/5, crispy and the sauce is really good with it - oxtail croquetas: 5/5 highly recommend, different from other croquettes that I have tried! - amanida Catalina: unexpectedly superb. It's a salad but wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. Definitely reached for more - octopus: 4/5 I think it just needed a little more flavor but it was crispy and good - xai bites: 5/5 my favorites. Perfectly cooked and 1 wasn't enough! - paella: 4/5 it was good but felt like it needed a little more flavor We shared these dishes with 4 people total and were totally full after. Felt like the meal was overall satisfying and would come back!

  • Author: PeiJen C.

    13 June 2024

    Are you looking for an unique Spanish and Spanish wine? This is the perfect place to start your journey with a fresh bold flavors of Spanish tapas pairing with a variety of delicious Spanish wine. Staff are knowledgeable about their menu and can provide you with recommendations for the wine to pair with your Tapas!! What a wonderful experience. I am in love with their melting cheese with cod fish and fried smelt (fish) with squid ink on side (super yummy:) love their decoration and feel like I am in Spain. Overall it is such a great food and I am very pleased with the quality of the food and the quality of their service. Cheers!

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