Best Businesses in the Bay Area

Living Silicon Valley · Spencer Hsu Real Estate

The Best Businesses in the Bay Area

We explore Silicon Valley so you don't have to. Every spot on this list has been personally visited and featured on our Living Silicon Valley channel.

A note from Spencer: As a 40-year Bay Area native, I've made it my mission to discover and share the best local businesses Silicon Valley has to offer. This isn't a paid list — every business here has been personally visited and featured on our Living Silicon Valley Instagram. We update this regularly as we discover new gems. Have a recommendation? Let us know.

🍜 Food & Dining

Japanese · Ramen

Kumako Ramen

📍 Saratoga Ave, West San Jose

Everything made completely from scratch — and you can taste the difference. The food is clean, not greasy, and way lighter than your typical Japanese spot. This is the kind of ramen that keeps you coming back.

Spencer's Picks

Tonkatsu Ramen

Curry Katsu

Crispy Karaage

Watch Reel San Jose

Vietnamese · Pho

Pho John

📍 San Jose, CA

This isn't your typical pho restaurant. The space is HUGE — perfect for events, parties, and even karaoke nights. The food quality sets it apart from every other pho spot in the valley.

Spencer's Picks

Pho Meat Combo

Sizzling Steak with Secret Sauce

Avocado Smoothie (don't skip)

Smashed Avocado

Watch Reel San Jose

Pizza · Italian

Slice House by Tony Gemignani

📍 San Antonio Center, Mountain View

Award-winning pizza brought to Mountain View by a 13-time world pizza champion. Multiple styles in one place — New York, Detroit, Sicilian, Grandma, and more. Made with fresh daily dough using artisan Type 00 flour.

What to Know

13-time world pizza champion founder

Multiple pizza styles under one roof

Fresh daily dough, artisan flour

Great for lunch or a quick slice

Watch Reel Mountain View

Indian · Seafood

Surmai

📍 17500 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale

Authentic Maharashtrian Indian food — a seafood-focused spot serving traditional thali meals you don't usually find at your typical North Indian restaurant. Bold coastal flavors and perfectly spiced curries.

What to Order

Maharashtrian Thali

Fresh Seafood Specialties

Fresh Kebabs

Regional coastal curries

Watch Reel Sunnyvale

Asian · New Opening

Tai Er

📍 Westfield Valley Fair, San Jose

Modern Asian dining focused on bold flavors — not just spice. The experience is built around sharing: a vibrant atmosphere, open kitchen, and dishes meant to enjoy with friends and family. A Valley Fair exclusive menu item launches here.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Sauerkraut Fish

Truffle Vegetarian Fried Rice (VF exclusive)

Lime-Glazed Sweet & Sour Shrimp

Wok-Seared Black Pepper Beef

Watch Reel 🆕 New

💪 Fitness & Wellness

Fitness · Strength Training

Madabolic Santa Clara

📍 Santa Clara, CA

This isn't your typical gym. They've built out a full 52-week program so you're never guessing what to do next. Focused on building real strength and speed — not just burning calories. Every week is programmed for the entire year.

What Makes It Different

Full 52-week structured program

Strength + speed focus (not cardio)

Never guessing your next workout

Community-driven environment

Watch Reel Santa Clara

Know a Great Bay Area Business?

We're always exploring Silicon Valley for hidden gems and standout local businesses. If you have a recommendation, we'd love to check it out and potentially feature it on Living Silicon Valley.

Tell Spencer About It →

The Best Businesses in the Bay Area

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