Momosan

OK, we know we said celebrity chefs aren’t exactly driving the San Jose food scene (they’re not), but one new restaurant is breaking the mold for the better. Whether you recognize Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto from TV, or have to ask the waiter who that guy on the giant mural is, his buzzy new Momosan is a great spot for a Japanese meal. Come for ramen fueled by dashis packed with pork, braised beef ribs, wood ear mushrooms, and soy-marinated eggs, but don’t stop there: the appetizers, including roasted duck tacos with apricot sweet chili, tuna sashimi pizza, and more mash-ups of French, Italian, Mexican, and Korean flavors, are worth ordering, too. Designed with sleek black accents, the perpetually busy restaurant works well for any situation or celebration, big or small.