Cafe One

I’ve been to Café One a few times. Each experience was very pleasant. The service was without a doubt 5 star. Alivia was the lady who served me each time. Very polite, quick, and might I add pretty. The food is FRESH, something that seems to be harder to find these days. Salads ~ Delicious and decent size. Sandwiches, although not large were very tasty. The reason it’s a 4 star rating is the prices were a little steep. If you’re tight on money, this might not be the sandwich shop for you. The lunch hour rush is significant as I have witnessed each time. (I have eaten at one of the 2 or 3 tables in store) — The line moves surprisingly fast so not an inconvenience. Overall I’d say «check it out, if pressed for time, you may want to avoid 11:45 am till about 1pm. It’s also easier to sit in and eat at off hours. note: there seemed to be a steady flow of people throughout the times I frequented. there is also places to eat outside if you would prefer the beautiful weather. (cement planters, no tables, chairs)

I love this place! They make picking up lunch quick and easy! I like that most options are pre-​made. The girl that works there is awesome! She remembered me after my first visit.

Prices are a little higher than I would like, but the food and people there are great. Love the salads!

Wish the owner was more polite! He walked in from the outside and ask what I ordered — a very sweet young lady working at the counter had just taken my order. She responded to him as he went to wash his hands and I was looking at him the whole time, he only washed his hands for less than 6 seconds and I didn’t see him use soap (that part I am not sure of) BUTeven if he did, he didn’t wash long enough to kill any germs. He went to grab the bread to started making my sandwich and I said, Sir, do you use gloves because I watched you attempt to wash your hands, it was not very long. He got very upset and said I DID, DO YOU WANT YOUR SANDWICH!!!, then the nice girl walked over to me and pulled out a chair for me to sit in?! I was so shocked by his demeanor and lack of respect for the customer. What would have been the harm in rewashing your hands and WEARING gloves! I tried to tell him my thoughts very kindly as he handed me the sandwich but he was not having it. He said even if I wear gloves I still have to wash my hands… it was a very strange response to a very strange experience! NEVER AGAIN!
I think his attitude was worse then the fact that I had to toss my sandwich!

The salads and sandwiches are fairly expensive for what they are and they keep raising the prices. The last time I went there I asked for cream cheese on a bagel and they used the towel they use to wipe the counter to clean off the knife before sticking it into the cream cheese tub and spreading it on to my bagel and it grossed me out. One of my coworkers also found a weird wire/​metal spring in their salad, although that was a long time ago. Plenty of my coworkers go there all the time since it’s conveniently located, so it will do if in a pinch.

I stop in there once in a while for a salad. It is super convenient since I work across the street. There’s a wide variety of salads to choose from. very fresh, and large portions. The staff is also very friendly. The reason why I gave them 4 stars is because I do think paying close to $ 10 for a salad is pretty pricey… Other than that, I’m definitely a fan.

Café One is a classy caterer. Their catering sales rep was courteous, professional, honest and reliable. Lisa was there for her site inspection and was accomodating and made excellent suggestions. The team of 4 arrived on the day of the event and were ready as soon as the «Start time» arrived. They were all friendly and gracious to my guests. The food was excellent, and the quantity was more than adequate. We had «hearty appretizers» and although it was dinner time, no one was lacking for food. The team worked efficiently to rinse dishes and completed their work on time. I would recommend Café One to anyone interested in finding a caterer in the South Bay Area.

Café One is really nothing special. If you work in the building it’s a convenient place to quickly grab a bite to each, but I definitely wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here.
The sandwiches are a bit pricey, but they are decent. They will make fresh sandwiches upon request. If you’re in a hurry there is a whole cooler full of sandwiches, fruits, and salads ready to go. There are also a wide selection of drinks. If you’re a vegetarian they do make a VERY good vegetarian sandwich, which I highly recommend.
The best part of Café One is the people that work there.

I come here minimum once a week! This place has by far the best salads ever and they have a huge selection of salads! I have never ordered their sandwiches before so this review is specifically towards their salads. I have tried every type of salad there and was very satisfied with all of them! The people there are nice too! You do have to come here early (before 12:00) to get a wide selection. They don’t make enough food for the amount of customers that come in a day. Hopefully, they will start to make more daily! This place is hidden on the corner of Almaden and Santa Clara.

Great salads and everyday specials. They keep changing their staff but overall it’s a good spot to get something to grub when you are short on time. n

good for lunch and fast.
thank you!

Prices are way too high ($ 7 – 8) for the simple deli sandwiches that are kept sitting in the refrigerator section. If I am ever forced to eat here again, I will order a panini.
I wouldn’t say the owner is friendly, but he is definitely kind and serves his customers well enough. There are only a few tables and chairs in the café, so don’t bring a huge crowd of your coworkers to dine in.

I recently came to San Jose for a convention at the HP Pavilion. I popped into Café One to grab a bite as I headed over and was delighted to find a variety of healthy options. They had a at least three if not four delicious salad types to choose from as well as sandwiches and other café fare… The manager was very friendly and accommodating and it was the perfect way to start my day in San Jose. Thanks Café One!

I come to this café for lunch few times every week. The owner is very friendly, greets you with a smile, and is very quick serving his customers. He remembers you, and once he asked me something that I mentioned a half a year ago!
Food is always fresh. Soups are made from scratch.
It is great to have such a nice little café just around the corner.

Café One=
Great prices, excellent food, kind customer care, and an entertaining spot to take in the wonders of downtown San Jose.
I am new to the building and was going to have to jump in the car, leaving the parking garage, and try to find parking in San Jose-​so I gave the little café a chance.
I was blown away and excited to have such a great place right down stairs. They have a great spot for outdoor seating. Just far enough from the street to be relaxing. There are trees, art, and sky scrapers all around. A husle and bussle to see from a far and the ocasional plane over head. I just love it. A perfect area to people watch or relax alone with a yummy sandwhich and a magazine!
The food is very fresh and has high quality ingredients.
Lunch there will run you about $ 10 for a combo of 2 of any of the listed items: sandwhiches, soups, slads, chips, coookies, and a drink.
The man that runs the place is very fast and nice as can be. I have only worked in the building for a week and he remembers me when ever he sees me around the building.
I am already taking friends there Monday!
If ever you are in down town San Jose on a week day and are looking for a mellow little spot to sit back and take it all in.
The price is right and the food is GREAT!
I’m a big fan of this little spot!

It’s a cute, small café on the corner of Santa Clara St and Almaden Blvd in the lobby of one of the tall business buildings.
You walk in and there are three simple, small tables to the left, a deli case for salads/​sandwichs and a counter for all kinds of pasteries, chips etc with the one cashier. It’s simple but always very clean and very well kept. While it isn’t quaint or some where you would really go to dine to it is great for picking up lunch if you are in the area or work around the area.
The same cashier has been there in the mornings and afternoons of the time I’ve been coming. He is polite, friendly, quick and in general a fair cashier. The the line can get a little long at lunch since there is only one cashier but it doesn’t take too too long if you are patient.
I’ve tried a few of the sandwichs, sometimes the bread can get a little soggy for the runoff of the tomatos but in general they are fair portions and the quality is high. I like the Tuscan Sandwich with pesto, bacon, turkey and avocado. The salad are large too and come in many different fresh varieties.
They have a special everyday and I’ve tried quite a few. From quesadillas, nachos, pasta, wraps to soups of the day it’s fun to have something different to look forward to. They range from ok to pretty darn good. I like the southwestern wrap the most and the clam chowder was really tasty.
The prices are a bit high at $ 6.50 for sandwiches and $ 7 for the specials. A can of soda is $ 1.50 and an english muffin w/​butter is $ 1.25. It’s isn’t super high quality but you do get a large amount of food. So I’m torn on how off the price is too me, but then it’s not like I’m rolling in the money. .. . hum.
It’s worth stopping in, it’s a great spot if you want something quick for a work lunch and there are some tables outside if you want to enjoy the fresh air.

Great food, reasonable prices, and quick service — a great lunch spot!
I refer many clients to Café One for their catering needs. Luis, the chef and owner, is so easy to work with. He helps create custom menus for each of his clients and is always able to work within the clients budget. He arrives on time, helps with the set-​up, neat and tidy in the kitchen or home he is working in. Luis is also delivers catering orders, for those clients who do not require full-​service catering.

I work nearby here and on my walk to the office, have passed by this little café that recently opened.
My first experience was with a special they had with a steak and cheddar panini, which blew me away. The steak was tender and the entire sandwich, pretty savory and juicy.
My next 2 experiences were pretty sub-​standard with the deli sandwiches they had in the cooler. $ 7 – 8 for a standard tuna or turkey sandwich is a ripoff.
Not to be deterred, I came back today, swearing only to get their special, which was a tuscan chicken panini. Again, similar to the steak sandwich, I’m blown away with the nicely toasted panini, chicken breast, cheese, and various vegetables that complemented it well.
My recommendation: if you’re looking for a sandwich place downtown with typical meat and good bread, go to freshly baked eatery. If you’re looking for something closer and cheaper, hit up togos. If you’re looking for something special, check out Café One, but do not go there for any normal sandwich because you’ll be fleeced with the price.