Poppy & Claro will open its doors on Thursday, October 16, at 50 West San Fernando in downtown San Jose. The new all-day restaurant and bar will bring in a menu inspired by Northern California’s fresh ingredients and local artisans.
Poppy & Claro Opens in Downtown San Jose: A New Culinary Destination
Poppy & Claro blends style and convenience, with counter service plus QR code and kiosk ordering for busy downtown diners. This marks the first restaurant from Jay Paul Company, a Silicon Valley real estate firm known for creating innovative workspaces.
“Poppy & Claro is a space where San Jose can gather, connect, and celebrate over great food and drink,” explained Maia Harris, Director of Special Projects & Community Relations at Jay Paul Company.
“We hope that Poppy & Claro becomes a gathering place that feels refined, yet relaxed, with both menu and design elements that highlight the craft and bounty of the region,” Harris added. Poppy & Claro is within walking distance of museums, hotels, and theaters.
Modern Design Meets Artisan Craftsmanship
Poppy & Claro embraces a modern California aesthetic that highlights the region’s craftsmanship and natural beauty. Designed by acclaimed restaurant architect Cass Calder Smith, the interior creates a welcoming and refined space.
While the walls have poppy-toned accents, the restaurant features custom oak furnishings, local claro walnut millwork, and colorful ceramic tableware paired with Heath tiles. Against the walls hang works by contemporary artists Sharon Paster, Rodrigo Franzao, and Jay Kelly.
The art pieces also include a specially commissioned California bear mural by Kelly. Created from vintage magazines, the mural celebrates California’s history and spirit. The restaurant accommodates groups from intimate dinners to larger gatherings, with a spacious patio overlooking San Jose’s Circle of Palms and comfortable banquette seating.
It also has retractable doors that connect the private dining room to the main space. The eatery features a dynamic design that can host private, semi-private parties and restaurant receptions for 15 to 200 guests.
Diverse Menu for Every Occasion
Poppy & Claro serves dishes that are locally inspired and made with seasonal ingredients. The food menu is accompanied by options for craft cocktails, California wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests can enjoy their mornings with curated coffee and pastries alongside hot and cold breakfast options.
Fresh salads and sandwiches are offered for lunch and small bites for after work. Dinner offerings include hearty entrées and desserts, while all-day menu highlights feature the Cali Breakfast Burrito, Soft Scramble Mushroom & Avocado Toast, and Shrimp & Scallop Cornmeal Dog Bites.
It also offers Farro & Rainbow Carrots Salad, 50West Smashburger, and 2” stone-hearth pizzas such as the Truffle Shuffle. Guests can enjoy the weekday Social Hour from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring rotating beer and wine specials.
Some signature cocktails include Welcome Trolley (lemongrass tequila, pineapple gomme, lime, absinthe, sparkling wine) and Sybil’s Sour (gin, dry vermouth, raspberry, lemon, egg white). The restaurant highlights local produce, cage-free eggs, and responsibly raised meats.
As a nod to the restaurant’s signature claro wood design, black walnuts appear in several dishes on the menu. Guests can enjoy the flavor in Claro Cauli with black walnut romesco sauce and as a brown sugar streusel topping for Straus Family Creamery soft-serve desserts.
From breakfast and lunch meetings to mid-afternoon snacks and after-work drinks, Poppy & Claro aims to be a go-to downtown spot. With menu options for every occasion, Poppy & Claro highlights local ingredients while celebrating San Jose’s vibrant community.
