Orchestria Palm Court

This is one of my favorite new restaurants in Downtown this year, and one of the most unique restaurants I have ever been to period. Walking through the door, you feel like you are going back in time to the early 1900s. Everything from the telephone (which only accepts inbound calls) to the toilets is era-appropriate.

The most interesting feature is of course the impressive collection of Orchestrion music machines from the 1920s. These were some of the highest-tech gadgets available from their era. Think sheet pianos that also can play percussion, pipe, and even string instruments like the violin below. Every 5 minutes or so, a different Orchestrion is triggered to play a song, and it's pretty impressive to see what these machines built so long ago are capable of.

The food is also fantastic. They use top-quality ingredients and prepare everything the old fashioned way. A neat feature is a soda bar where they make traditional fountain drinks using fresh-squeezed fruit juices and classic recipes. These sodas alone make the trip worthwhile. If you feel like something stronger, you can add Orchestria Palm Court to the long list of Downtown San Jose restaurants where you can enjoy unique and hard-to-find craft beers. Also, the tax and tip is already factored into all of their prices.

This place pushes the bar for providing a unique dining experience, not just Downtown but anywhere. Please go and check them out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Orchestria Palm Court is located at 27 E. William Street (behind the Stage theater) and is open:

• Thursday 6pm-11pm
• Friday 6pm-11:30pm
• Saturday 6pm-11:30pm
• Sunday 4:30-10pm