Anise Cafe

04/24/08

Best Coctail Ever! Freshly Made! Cool, Hip Bartender

by CoctailLover at Citysearch

Place was in a wierd location, however once you enter the courtyard you forget that you are in weird location. There is a nice tropical patio. As I entered I was greeted promptly by the beautiful hostess who asked if I would like to be seated? I told her that I am waiting for my date and that I would not mind chilling out at the bar. I started with the Mango Mojito. It looks great. The bartender muddle the fresh mint with chunks of fresh mango. I could not wait to tak a sip. It was everything that everyone has been talking about. My date showed up we were both promptly seated. My date ordered a Royal Tea..the Super Dooper drink. She was in heaven. We ordered corn fritters & mango spring roll. It was out of this world. I have eaten spring roll all over San Jose but I have to tell Anise Cafe Springroll is really good. Most places boil their pork..Anise Cafe actually marinade their pork and braised in a delicious sauce. The spring roll is wrapped with a thinly rice paper, red leaf lettuce, mint and dip in a nice peanut sauce. I ordered a Green Papaya Salad with Beef Jerky. I love it. 3 out of 3 were all good. For dinner we had Saigon Crepe. Beer batter flour with shrimp & pork dip in a light Vietnamese Vinaigrette. It is really good. I am sitting writing and craving for another one. I have to go back soon.

• Pros: Cocktails & Food quality are superb!
• Cons: Location!

04/24/08

Great Food, Beautiful Ambience & Friendly Service

by LoveFoodWine at Citysearch

Anise Cafe is located at a very un-expected location. However, once you have gotten over the location you will be in for a nice surprise. This is truly a treasure. There are lots of Vietnamese Restaurant in San Jose but only one Anise. It feels so warm and cozy. I would reccomend a Mango Mojito & Lychee Martini. Spring roll dipping in peanut sauce is perfect..fresh & crisp lettuce and cucumber. Mango & Water Crest Salad drizzled with lemongrass sauce is delicious. I would also order Anise Fried Rice...you will not find this anywhere else in San Jose. Mango Flan is a great way to end your meal. I love the space the food and the service were amazing. I will definitely come back.

• Pros: Small Plates, lots of choices & great ambiance!
• Cons: Locations!

04/04/08

WON'T GO BACK !!!!

by calidude at Citysearch

We went to Anise on a Thursday evening and there was not one customer there. That should have clued me in that the restaurant was sub-standard. We ordered several appetizers and entree's and the only item I enjoyed was the shrimp egg rolls. The main beef entree we ordered was horrible. I was expecting the beef to be carmelized or sauteed as given on the menu description, but it was a pale gray color and looked like it had been microwaved and slapped on top of some wilted lettuce and soy sauce poured over the top....nasty. The beef was chewy and had lots of tendons and fat inside. All of the dishes ordered were too sweet also.

We were very disappointed with the food and the ironic thing was that the waiter stated that the particular beef dish was one of the best dishes......haha. I would hate to taste one of the less popular dishes.....

I'm a big fan of asian-fusion and this is the WORST place so far. Please save your time, money, and stomach and go some place else.

• Pros: Nothing
• Cons: Food, poor value for the low quality food