Have you ever had an elegant, sophisticated, well-mannered, humorous, versatile, and intelligent partner? That's exactly what Augustine is. This sophisticated and elegant restaurant manages to be versatile and relaxed at the same time, offering excellent quality in its carefully curated food and drinks.
Augustine, opening on March 13, 2025, at Santana Row in San Jose, is the latest venture from Bacchus Management Group, known for their Michelin-starred establishments. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant boasts a dramatic and extravagant 38-seat dining room, centered around a large, U-shaped marble bar surrounded by cobalt-blue tufted booths.
The menu features California cuisine with French and Italian influences, showcasing seafood and seasonal produce. Diners can expect dishes like savory Dungeness crab donuts, harissa-spiced carrots, and a roasted mushroom tart. The wine selection is equally impressive, spanning Greek and Italian islands, Southern Italy, and the French and Italian Rivieras.
Augustine's bar program revives classic cocktails from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, including espresso martinis and Long Island iced teas. The restaurant also features a covered outdoor patio, a separate lounge, and three private dining rooms, perfect for various occasions.
For those seeking a more casual experience, the adjoining Cafe Augustine offers pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and coffee.
With its combination of sophisticated ambiance, excellent cuisine, and carefully curated drinks, Augustine is undoubtedly a place you'll want to return to and share...
Read moreWe had the most incredible dinner here for a special occasion, and I honestly can’t stop thinking about how wonderful the entire experience was.
Somehow, we managed to find a last-minute reservation even though the place was fully booked — it felt like fate. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and care. The restaurant itself is in a beautiful, safe location and has such a cozy, elegant vibe. It immediately felt like the right place to celebrate something meaningful.
The food was unbelievable. Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious — so thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. You could taste the quality and intention behind every bite. What made it even more special was that the chefs came around to check on us personally, which was such a rare and heartfelt touch.
The service throughout the night was just as impressive. The wait staff was attentive and kind without ever feeling overbearing. Everyone we interacted with seemed genuinely happy to be there and wanted us to have the best possible evening.
I have to give a special shoutout to Rich, who truly made our night. He was amazing — warm, professional, and clearly someone who takes pride in making sure guests feel welcome and cared for. He went above and beyond, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
All in all, it felt like the kind of place where people really care — about the food, the service, and the guests. I’m so glad we got to spend our special evening here, and I already can’t...
Read moreAgustin Restaurant, the newest entrant in Santana Row’s polished fine dining repertoire, aims to captivate with a menu that balances contemporary flair and elevated comfort. The ambiance is sleek and cosmopolitan, with subtle Latin inflections that lend the space both warmth and character.
Culinary highlights included the Wood-Fired Mushroom Pizza, with its delicate earthiness and impeccably blistered crust, and the Heritage Pork Chop, cooked to a tender, blushing medium and accompanied by a thoughtful harmony of textures and sauces. Both were satisfying, though not abundant in size—particularly given the “shared plate” concept described at the outset. While the intention is communal, in practice, the portions are more reflective of individual plating, a detail worth noting.
Three guests dined, exploring starters, mains, and two mixed cocktails each. The total exceeded $500, without wine, positioning Agustin firmly on the upper echelon of pricing in the area. While the cost might be justifiable to gourmands seeking refinement, it may catch the unprepared by surprise.
What truly elevates the experience is the service: polished, attentive, and genuinely gracious. The staff not only anticipated our needs but engaged with an elegance rare in newer establishments.
In sum, Agustin delivers a sophisticated culinary experience, with standout service and beautifully executed dishes—albeit at a price that demands an appetite for indulgence,...
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