Tonight, we visited La Más Querida Cantina & Cocina, a Mexican restaurant tucked away off Story Road and Highway 101 on the northeast side of San Jose. After reading some strong reviews--and being big fans of quality Mexican food--we decided to give it a try. We've been to many (if not all) of the top-rated Mexican spots in the South Bay, so our expectations were high. Not to mention, I lived in LA for over a decade and grew to love authentic Mexican cooking from my coworkers and friend's moms. When we arrived, the restaurant was relatively quiet, but it started filling up as we enjoyed our meal. We did have a small hiccup when one of our appetizers was missed, but it was quickly addressed and honestly didn't take away from the overall experience. What stood out most was the food--it was phenomenal. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor, well-seasoned, and clearly made with quality ingredients. From the sauces to the chips, the shrimp to the skirt steak, even the beans--everything was on point. As people who regularly fine dine (feel free to check my profile), we were genuinely impressed by the depth of flavor and the thoughtful execution. The vibe of the place was lively and welcoming, and while it's a bit of a drive for us, we're already planning a return visit. The staff was young, friendly, and attentive, and the overall service was warm and casual in the best way. A few extras worth noting: we appreciated the large, high-quality TVs around the space--great for catching a game. The one small suggestion I'd make is upgrading the napkins to higher-quality or reusable cloth ones. It would elevate the overall dining experience even further. Pricing was very reasonable, the ambiance was fun, and the restaurant is located in a huge plaza with plenty of parking, surrounded by other Mexican grocery stores, restaurants, and shops. It's a vibrant area that adds to the charm of the visit if you're looking for authenticity. All in all, La Más Querida is a fantastic find. We're excited to come back, try more dishes, and bring friends and family along next time. read more

I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across an incredible reel showcasing a must-visit spot that serves up elevated Mexican cuisine! The vibrant flavors and innovative dishes caught my attention, and I couldn't wait to check it out! RESERVATION I made a reservation for a table for four through their website. Upon arrival, I noticed that our table was indeed reserved, and we were quickly seated despite the waitlist. AMBIANCE If you love a lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter, Club La Mas Querida is the place to be! The music was pumping, and everyone was having a great time. Every time a round of shots was ordered, an employee in a Bad Bunny mask would dance out with a group to deliver the shots, creating an energetic bottle service vibe. What an experience! FOOD We ordered several items to share. They were good and well presented. The food was enjoyable. * Chips, Queso & Beans: The chips were fresh and crispy. I believe they're made in house. Salsa was delicious. * Ceviche Mitotero:The ceviche featured a delightful mix of fresh seafood, providing a flavorful experience. The portion size was generous, and it was nicely accompanied by tostadas and lime, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish. * Bone Marrow: This dish was recommended by the waiter, so we ordered it. It featured two pieces of bone marrow served on a bed of salad, topped with a special dressing, corn, and cheese. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite dish. It was pricey and not enjoyable. * Carne Asada Skilley x2: We ordered two carne asada plates, one with shrimp, and the other with quesadilla. Everything was seasoned well and delicious. The modern Mexican cuisine here is vibrant and full of flavor, offering an exciting dining experience. The menu features a diverse selection, including sushi and impressive tomahawk steaks. It's a lively spot that's perfect for enjoying a meal with friends and having a great time together. read more

La Más Querida Cantina & Cocina. My husband Keith and I truly enjoyed dining at your restaurant: La Más Querida Cantina & Cocina. We had such an exciting and memorable time, and our waitress, Anny (spelled with a Y), was absolutely phenomenal. She is a very beautiful lady with a beautiful personality, and her service made our experience even more special. I also loved the staff's energy. While we were there, a birthday was being celebrated, and the way your team joined in showed just how much you know how to make guests feel welcome and celebrated. The food was outstanding. I had the ribeye with lobster tail, and my husband's dish was just as amazing. Both meals were a 10 out of 10--perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. I am so thankful and grateful for this wonderful restaurant, and I'm already telling everyone how great it is. Keep up the excellent work. We will definitely be returning soon. Thank you, Linda read more

"Antonio is hands down one of the best bartenders I've ever had! His attention to detail, creativity, and friendly personality made my experience at La Mas Querida unforgettable. He crafted amazing cocktails with perfect balance and even took the time to recommend a drink based on my preferences. On top of that, the food was absolutely phenomenal--every bite was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. What truly set this experience apart was the hospitality. The owner went out of his way to personally greet me, making me feel genuinely welcome, especially since I came alone. The combination of incredible drinks, delicious food, and outstanding service made for an unforgettable night. Whether you're dining solo or celebrating a special occasion, La Mas Querida is the perfect spot. It's a great place for birthdays, parties, or just a night out with friends. I can't wait to come back!" read more

The food was decent, but the service was truly disappointing. It felt like we were constantly being ignored by the staff. Each time we requested something, we had to repeat our request to multiple people before finally receiving what we needed. The only highlight of our experience was the entertainer wearing the Bad Bunny mask, who was friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. I wish he could have received the tip instead, as he was the only person who made us feel welcome. In contrast, our actual server barely checked on us, didn't bring us what we asked for, yet quickly presented the bill and expected a tip. Sadly, the food quality didn't make up for the poor service. While we truly want to support local businesses, customer service is key. I hope the management will focus on improving their service standards so others can enjoy a better experience. read more

I had a wonderful dining experience at las más Querida in San Jose and a big part of that was thanks to our incredible server, Santi From the moment we were seated, [he/she/they] made us feel genuinely welcome and at ease. Santi was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered great recommendations that ended up being spot on. We especially appreciated the way he checked in at the perfect times--never too often, but always there when we needed something. The service was prompt, our orders were accurate, and even small requests were handled with professionalism and a friendly attitude. It's clear that Santi takes pride in their work and truly cares about guests having a great experience. We'll definitely be back--and next time, we'll be asking to sit in Santi's section again! read more

Fuimos a La Más Querida y salimos encantados. El lugar tiene una energía increíble: luces tenues, música con ritmo y un ambiente que te invita a quedarte horas. Pero lo mejor de todo fue Nicole, nuestra mesera... qué manera de atender. Desde el primer momento, Nicole fue súper amable, divertida y con ese toque especial que te hace sentir como en casa (o mejor). Nos recomendó platillos deliciosos y unos tragos que, entre sabor y presentación, fueron un espectáculo. Uno venía en una piña de cobre -- ¡una joya! Nicole no solo nos trajo comida, nos trajo sonrisa, coqueteo sutil y una atención que pocas veces se encuentra. Si vas a este lugar y te atiende ella, prepárate para disfrutar... y no solo del menú. read more

Más Querida nos encantó! Desde que llegamos, el ambiente vibrante, la decoración colorida y la música nos hicieron sentir muy bienvenidos. La comida estuvo espectacular -- todo lo que pedimos tenía un sabor increíble y una presentación impecable. Queremos destacar especialmente a nuestra mesera Nicole, quien hizo que nuestra experiencia fuera aún mejor. Fue súper amable, atenta y nos recomendó platillos deliciosos del menú. Su energía positiva y profesionalismo realmente marcaron la diferencia. Los cócteles también fueron una delicia -- especialmente el que viene en una copa de piña de cobre, ¡una obra de arte! Sin duda volveremos, y pediremos que nos atienda Nicole nuevamente. ¡Muy recomendado! read more

I just wanted to take a moment to recognize Monica for her outstanding service! From the moment we were seated, she was warm, attentive, and made us feel so welcome. She had the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness -- always checking in at just the right times without ever feeling overbearing. Monica really went above and beyond to make our experience memorable. She was knowledgeable about the menu, gave great recommendations, and made sure everything came out just how we liked it. It's rare to find someone who genuinely enjoys what they do, and with Monica, it shows. Thank you, Monica, for taking such great care of us, we'll definitely be coming back! read more

We absolutely loved this place! The food and atmosphere were fantastic, but what truly made our experience exceptional was the outstanding service from Alexis. From the moment we arrived, Alexis was warm, attentive, and genuinely cared about making sure we had a wonderful dining experience. He went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, and his professionalism and friendly attitude made all the difference. Excellent service like his is hard to find, and it's one of the main reasons we'll definitely be coming back. Thank you, Alexis, for making our visit so memorable. Highly recommend this place, especially if you have the pleasure of being served by Alexis! read more

I had an amazing experience at Mas Querida, thanks to Clarissa! From the moment I walked in, she was welcoming, friendly, and attentive. She made sure everything was perfect, had great recommendations, and genuinely cared about making our visit enjoyable. The service was fast, professional, and always with a smile. It's rare to find someone who goes above and beyond the way Clarissa does. She made us feel like valued guests, and that's the kind of customer service that keeps people coming back. If you're visiting Mas Querida, definitely ask for Clarissa--you won't be disappointed. Thank you for making our experience such a great one. We'll definitely be back! read more

He ido tres veces al restaurante, dos fueron a la hora de dinner y la semana pasada tuve la oportunidad de ir al desayuno. El ambiente es más tranquilo que en la noche lo cual me gustó porque pude hablar a gusto. El desayuno con mucho sabor lo recomiendo, en especial los chilaquiles que fue lo que yo ordene. La atención en esta ocasión me gusto mas que durante la noche, la chica de nombre Isabel nos atendió amable y muy pendiente a todo lo que necesitábamos al final de manera muy amable nos pidió un review al cual ¿como no darle un buen review a quien trabaja bien por conseguirlo? Buen trabajo en la cocina y en la atención cien de diez. read more

The food was absolutely amazing! Every dish was incredibly flavorful, fresh, and truly authentic. You can tell they take pride in using quality ingredients and preparing everything with care. It was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. A special thank you to Clarissa, who made the experience even better. She was super professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about providing outstanding service. She checked on us at the right times, made great recommendations, and made us feel very welcome. Between the incredible food and Clarissa's exceptional service, I can't wait to come back. Highly recommended! read more

We had such a great experience here thanks to Santi's amazing service! From the moment we sat down, Santi made us feel welcome and taken care of. Super attentive without being overbearing, quick with recommendations, and always checking in at the right time. The food was delicious, but what really stood out was the level of care and professionalism Santi brought to the table. Friendly, genuine, and clearly takes pride in making sure guests have a great time. If you're coming here, I definitely recommend asking for Santi -- you'll be in good hands! Great food + excellent service = a win in my book. Highly recommend! read more

Mi primera ves benimo con mi esposo a este hermosos lugar y degenme les presumo un poquito lo d lo que pude probar en primera un delicioso shot frio que t regalan cuando estas en la espera de tu mesa y ya adentro un mojito d coco y una margarita fresada un 408 Sunday k están deliciosos y d la comida unas enchiladas poblanas qué esta para chuparse los dedos y el servicio super super d lo mejor nuestra mesera yaly lo iso maravilloso hojala esta aplicación me dejara dar 10 estrellas y sin pensarlo las daría grasias yaly regresaremos pronto a disfrutar d otra maravillosa noche read more

The restaurant was really good and it has great selection Mexican food. I had a good lunch there and the food was nice quality. I'm a taco lover, and this place exceeded all my expectations. The carne asada tacos were so tender, with a little crisp on the outside and perfectly seasoned. The Queso Fundido was rich and flavorful, and paired with the house-made salsa verde, it was absolute perfection. If you want real, street-style tacos, this is the place. Fresh ingredients, homemade tortillas, and a cozy, authentic vibe. read more

this place is overall 10 out of 10 . From the moment we we were warmly greeted and received. Our server Clarissa took her time to explain the menu and even allowed us to have a free cup of coffee upon entry. We got the French toast, Chilaquiles, and Birria. I would order all of these things again. the ambience was reminiscent of an authentic Mexican restaurant. They also brought out the Bad Bunny mask for my birthday celebration and gave me a free shot. The service was amazing and I really enjoyed my experience here. read more

We had an incredible dining experience at La Más Querida, and a big part of that was thanks to our amazing waiter Santiago! From the moment we sat down, they were friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. They knew the menu inside and out, gave great recommendations, and made sure everything came out just right. It's rare to find someone who balances professionalism with such a genuine, warm attitude. Thank you for making our night extra special we'll definitely be coming back l. Buen trabajo Santiago)! read more

Always coming to this restaurant with my mom, mornings and nights. It's definitely busier at nights but there's more ambiance and music if you're in the party mood. In the mornings it's nice and calm. We almost always get the same server, Samuel. He is the best always really kind and gets to know his customers. The food is also always BOMB! I really don't have anything negative to say. Definitely recommend coming here especially if you're celebrating something they have little shows for birthdays and such. read more