Olla is a casual Mexican dining experience that serves quality Mexican food and cocktails with efficiency and flair. Situated on the Historic San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose, Olla features house-made tortillas and tamales, delicious tacos and enchiladas with fresh seafood and locally sourced meats and vegetables.
Our bright and airy dining room opens to our street-front patio with plenty of outdoor seating. Olla offers a fast-fine model of service which ensures swift ordering and attentive, warm hospitality. A fun bar featuring signature cocktails, local and imported beers and wines, colorful private dining spaces and a modern design by restaurateur Doug Washington complete the Olla dining experience.
Our bright and airy dining room opens to our street-front patio with plenty of outdoor seating. Olla offers a fast-fine model of service which ensures swift ordering and attentive, warm hospitality. A fun bar featuring signature cocktails, local and imported beers and wines, colorful private dining spaces and a modern design by restaurateur Doug Washington complete the Olla dining experience.
Reviews (26)
Velma T.
Jan 31, 2022
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We went into Olla Cocina shortly before a Sharks game. We really enjoyed our food. There was four of us and we all had drinks, an order of chips and guacomole, and then we split two orders of the Taco Sampler plate. The taco's ranged from Duck, to fish, to Al Pastor, Steak and chicken. We all ate and were out of there with plenty of time to make the game.
The restaurant is comfortable, clean and the wait staff was very good. Prices seemed a bit high but not so much as to be an issue. Give it a try. I can't wait to go back and try more of their dishes.
The restaurant is comfortable, clean and the wait staff was very good. Prices seemed a bit high but not so much as to be an issue. Give it a try. I can't wait to go back and try more of their dishes.
Sayali M.
Jan 03, 2022
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Amy J.
Jan 02, 2022
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My friend recommended this spot and I was quite impressed that a lot of the items on the menu were reasonably priced. Being in downtown San Jose, I was expecting it to be another overpriced bougie restaurant. That was not the case here. Prices were decent for the amount of food we ordered. You order at the counter and they bring it to you. The menu is quite extensive although there isn't a burrito bowl option - they probably would've accommodated me if I had asked for it though I'm sure.
It's spacious and right in the heart of San Pedro Square. Parking was a bit tricky but
It's spacious and right in the heart of San Pedro Square. Parking was a bit tricky but
Nin J.
Dec 31, 2021
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This place was perfect for our party of 8. Walked in and picked a spot among the many available. Luckily we got there before the rush as it was a Thursday night and a Sharks game. Happy hour starts at 3 and goes to 6.
The place is nice, spacious and clean. The staff were all very friendly and our service was pretty quick.
Their Happy Hour is legit! They have tons of options at great prices. The nachos (ordered one of each -chicken, birria and shrimp) were all loaded with deliciousness. Their housemade chips were great!
Will definitely go back to try more items.
The place is nice, spacious and clean. The staff were all very friendly and our service was pretty quick.
Their Happy Hour is legit! They have tons of options at great prices. The nachos (ordered one of each -chicken, birria and shrimp) were all loaded with deliciousness. Their housemade chips were great!
Will definitely go back to try more items.
Cassandra A.
Dec 22, 2021
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I've passed this place so many times and always told myself I wanted to try it because it looked so cute and I finally did!
I was under the impression that this was a sit down/waiter style restaurant however you order first then sit down. This was nice because we didn't have to worry about reservations.
I originally wanted the pork tamales instead of the mole tamales but they were out. I love tamales but get nervous ordering them from a restaurant because they can sometimes be dry. I was craving them so I took the chance and I'm glad I did! They were still very moist and flavorful
I was under the impression that this was a sit down/waiter style restaurant however you order first then sit down. This was nice because we didn't have to worry about reservations.
I originally wanted the pork tamales instead of the mole tamales but they were out. I love tamales but get nervous ordering them from a restaurant because they can sometimes be dry. I was craving them so I took the chance and I'm glad I did! They were still very moist and flavorful
Shera K.
Dec 20, 2021
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Cute place in downtown San Jose! You order at the front before you choose your seat. I've been there twice and there was ample space inside and outside. I really liked the beef birria tacos and street corn. However, the shrimp burrito was meh...kind of bland and boring. I want to try the tamales next!
Lucy N.
Dec 20, 2021
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Felt like Mexican food & saw this place on Yelp. We checked out the menu & decided it looked great.
The mole chicken enchiladas were yummy The mole is sweet & I liked the black refried beans.
We also opted for the nachos which had flour tortillas chips. Really good too.
We parked about a quarter mile away but that's good because we're stuffed & can walk off a little of the meal.
The mole chicken enchiladas were yummy The mole is sweet & I liked the black refried beans.
We also opted for the nachos which had flour tortillas chips. Really good too.
We parked about a quarter mile away but that's good because we're stuffed & can walk off a little of the meal.
Kayla F.
Dec 11, 2021
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Absolutely delicious. The staff was knowledgeable and very polite. Try the homemade tamales, they are amazing. We ordered guacamole, salsa and chips with mole on the side to dip the chips in. The guacamole was a bit spicy, but the mole is delicious and so is the salsa. The margaritas are very good.
You order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. A great place to meet friends if you don't want to worry about splitting the bill.
You order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. A great place to meet friends if you don't want to worry about splitting the bill.
David C.
Dec 08, 2021
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Displays not only has great ambience and decorations but it also has a wide righty a list of tequilas and Mezcal's. The ceviche is very fresh and sizable portion and the fish tacos were also delicious which we had and they come to two a dish a little over price at $14. In general good service relatively high prices but it's San Jose and you should expect out here
Richard L.
Dec 02, 2021
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Fun and simple venue with a nice feel even on a Monday night. The food came fast and was delicious.
We shared a generous and tasty portion of chips, guacamole and dip with our tacos arriving just minutes after. The fried shrimp tacos were soft on the outside and a pleasing melange of crisp/saucy/tart on the inside. Plenty of small shrimp included.
The avocado taco featured a slab of battered and fried avocado that our vegan companion thoroughly enjoyed.
Washed down with authentic Mexican sodas: by the look of their tequila and medical menu a party night could be had here!
We shared a generous and tasty portion of chips, guacamole and dip with our tacos arriving just minutes after. The fried shrimp tacos were soft on the outside and a pleasing melange of crisp/saucy/tart on the inside. Plenty of small shrimp included.
The avocado taco featured a slab of battered and fried avocado that our vegan companion thoroughly enjoyed.
Washed down with authentic Mexican sodas: by the look of their tequila and medical menu a party night could be had here!
Kalkidan A.
Nov 16, 2021
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I think I had high expectations so this place was kind of a let down. Let's start with the street corn. It didn't have enough sauce. It was basically just like eating buttered corn. The beans were a bit to salty & when I ordered beef for my toddler, I wasn't expecting shredded beef. I thought it would be steak. Good flavor but again to salty. The highlight of my meal was the fish tacos and the prickly pear margarita, both were pretty good.
Mike P.
Nov 13, 2021
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Olla Cocina is a hip place to take your coworkers if they're craving Mexican - the interiors are gorgeous, they have a full bar, and their takeover of San Pedro Street has been amazing to enjoy. Their menu has been pared down significantly since they've first opened, but honestly it's been a good change.
They mostly serve tacos and enchiladas now, but honestly it's a good move, since most people just ordered 2-3 tacos anyway! I got the baja fish tacos, a dish that has remained excellent throughout their existence - perfectly crispy with just a hint of lime crema - yum.
They mostly serve tacos and enchiladas now, but honestly it's a good move, since most people just ordered 2-3 tacos anyway! I got the baja fish tacos, a dish that has remained excellent throughout their existence - perfectly crispy with just a hint of lime crema - yum.
Katie R.
Nov 05, 2021
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I've been wanting to come to Olla Cocina for quite some time since stumbling upon this beautiful spot right before Covid. If the stunning interior design/decoration is not enough to bring you in then the happy hour should be. The happy hour is Monday through Friday and boasts discounted bites and half priced carafes of house cocktails as well as wine and beer. Sadly we arrived four minutes after happy hour ended, so I missed out on the discounted tacos and had to pay full price.
I ordered the Baja fish tacos and my friend ordered the Swiss chard enchiladas. The fish tacos were good, but
I ordered the Baja fish tacos and my friend ordered the Swiss chard enchiladas. The fish tacos were good, but
Sydney G.
Oct 30, 2021
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Came to Olla for happy hour with a small group and by god what a good happy hour it was. We realized quickly that Olla does not skimp on food- those tacos could have been filled with 3 tacos worth of filling. The chips and salsa- huge. Nachos-also huge. Ceviche tostada- delicious. The spicy margarita was wonderful but the prickly pear was lovely at first and got a little too sweet very quickly. Otherwise the staff is great, the inside is beautifully decorated, and if you choose to sit outside you have plenty of great people watching right next to the San Pedro market. But really go for the happy
Ione A.
Oct 19, 2021
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Such a good option to come for happy hour, which is 3-6 Monday-Friday. The carafes of signature margaritas are half off and serve about 4+ cups per carafe. I also enjoy getting the chicken nachos from the happy hour menu, yummy and a good deal! They have a ton of outdoor and indoor seating and you order at the counter and choose your seating which is nice. They bring your food/drinks out to you when they're ready.
Odelia F.
Oct 10, 2021
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Good affordable Mexican plates if you're craving more than tacos! Great before a night out
FOOD
- Cucumber margarita (5/5): refreshing and delicious!
- Birria tacos (4/5): two tacos with generous filling. Could use some salsa to cut the heft
- Mole enchilada plate (3.5/5): massive portion, great value for the price. However mole is too sweet
SERVICE/LOCATION
- Conveniently in the heart of the downtown bar area, near San Pedro Square
- Order at the front, food is brought to your table (came out really quick!)
- Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating
FOOD
- Cucumber margarita (5/5): refreshing and delicious!
- Birria tacos (4/5): two tacos with generous filling. Could use some salsa to cut the heft
- Mole enchilada plate (3.5/5): massive portion, great value for the price. However mole is too sweet
SERVICE/LOCATION
- Conveniently in the heart of the downtown bar area, near San Pedro Square
- Order at the front, food is brought to your table (came out really quick!)
- Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating
Allie G.
Oct 09, 2021
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I loved the food and drinks here, but I feel like the ambience could've been better for the price! I came here on a Friday evening and there was plenty of open seating available. You have the option of ordering right at the front, and grabbing a number to take back
to your table, OR picking a table first and ordering off the QR code - both pretty convenient.
I started with their traditional margarita, which I enjoyed a lot - very well made! I ended up switching to a mojito after that, which was equally great. For food, I got the Beef Birria Tacos. The tacos themselves were delicious but
to your table, OR picking a table first and ordering off the QR code - both pretty convenient.
I started with their traditional margarita, which I enjoyed a lot - very well made! I ended up switching to a mojito after that, which was equally great. For food, I got the Beef Birria Tacos. The tacos themselves were delicious but
Lyna T.
Oct 04, 2021
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First time here for a coworker's farewell dinner. We were seated outside on the street. They blocked the whole street for outdoor dining for all the restaurants on San Pedro. We ordered tacos: baja fish, avocado and beef birra. We also ordered shrimp burrito, elote corn and loaded nachos. Everything tasted good and we shared all the dishes amongst 5 of us. My favorites were the avocado and baja fish tacos. We also a pitcher of prickly pear margarita. Overall, it was a good experience, food was decent, and service was decent, and price was on the higher end. The restaurant also had cute decor
Skillz Tommy
Sep 22, 2021
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A nice choice for Mexican food, at least for what's available in the area. The food is good and the ambience is nice. For downtown SJ, it's alright, although if you'd be willing to go 10 minutes in any direction you could find more food of similar quality for less of a price. Portions for drinks and plates are "small and upscale".
Regardless, good food and good atmosphere, definitely recommend!
Regardless, good food and good atmosphere, definitely recommend!
Laura Potter
Aug 22, 2021
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The restaurant is in a fun spot in San Pedro square they have lots of tables outside which makes for a great atmosphere! It is a counter service restaurant where you get a number for your table and they bring the food out to you.
We got chips, a shrimp tacos, and nachos. The nachos were GOOD. The tacos were tasty, but small for an entree.
We got chips, a shrimp tacos, and nachos. The nachos were GOOD. The tacos were tasty, but small for an entree.
Esteban R.
Jul 25, 2021
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Kim L.
Jul 25, 2021
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I wish I could give this restaurant a better rating if it wasn't for their service. I'm usually a pretty easy going person, but the service I was given here today kinda ticked me off.
First off, the restaurant looked so cute inside and out and had plenty of seating for a Saturday night. When you arrive, you will place your order at the front then grab a number and choose where you want to sit. They also have pitchers of water so you can just grab that for your table.
The food came out pretty quickly. The chips were definitely fresh and the salsa was mediocre. A downside is that there
First off, the restaurant looked so cute inside and out and had plenty of seating for a Saturday night. When you arrive, you will place your order at the front then grab a number and choose where you want to sit. They also have pitchers of water so you can just grab that for your table.
The food came out pretty quickly. The chips were definitely fresh and the salsa was mediocre. A downside is that there
Frank P.
Jul 17, 2021
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This place was BEYOND DELICIOUS! I came here for a work lunch with my mentor and his co-workers and I'm so happy they picked Olla Cocina. With it being my first time dining here, the hostess at the front of the ordering station was so sweet and recommended different meals based on what flavors I liked. I chose the Avocado Tacos and WOW my stomach has never felt so satisfied.
The Avocado Tacos comes in a pair; despite it's small portion, it actually made me feel super well-balanced afterward! The crispy outside of the batter-fried avocado combined with the smooth insides was very yummy
The Avocado Tacos comes in a pair; despite it's small portion, it actually made me feel super well-balanced afterward! The crispy outside of the batter-fried avocado combined with the smooth insides was very yummy
Nate Ulsh
Jul 11, 2021
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Ate lunch here outdoors for a Friday lunch. Ordered some guac and chips, street corn and the phenomenal mole tamales. The chicken was well cooked, masa was moist and the sauce was impeccable. This was a fantastic meal and not too spendy. Service was quick and staff were amicable. Establishment was very clean.
Stephanie N.
Jun 22, 2021
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Olla has a counter that you order at and you sit wherever you'd like. I ordered a plate of nachos to share with a friend and we also bought some drinks. I got the Cucumber Margarita and he got the Manhattan.
The drinks came out first and I absolutely loved the Cucumber Margarita. So refreshing especially on a hot day and we sat outside. The drink doesn't taste too strong but boy did I get a buzz! Not overly sweet either. I'm not the biggest fan of dark liquors so I didn't enjoy the Manhattan and my friend actually preferred the Margarita as well.
Our nachos came out and the
The drinks came out first and I absolutely loved the Cucumber Margarita. So refreshing especially on a hot day and we sat outside. The drink doesn't taste too strong but boy did I get a buzz! Not overly sweet either. I'm not the biggest fan of dark liquors so I didn't enjoy the Manhattan and my friend actually preferred the Margarita as well.
Our nachos came out and the
Sai Roop
Apr 20, 2021
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Good Mexican food and awesome cocktails. The prices are a little expensive compared to any normal taqueria but I guess that comes with being in an expensive neighborhood. I had the Baja fish tacos and they were so good, the chicken quesadilla was okay. And we didn’t get all the usual condiments we get for free at other Mexican food places so we were a little disappointed. Overall a decent place to have food and drinks.
