Fitoor, the fourth venture brought to the Bay Area by the creators of Michelin Guide-recognized ROOH Progressive Indian, Pippal, and the recently opened Alora, opened March 19 on San Jose’s Santana Row. Conceptualized as a “neo” Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge, Fitoor will embody a physical manifestation of passion and soul with a vibrant variety of grilled Indian fare and rustic craft beverages paired with lively music and multi-dimensional maximalist design. The restaurateur duo Anu and Vikram Bhambri promise to bring a fresh and exciting addition to the re-energized San Jose establishment that evokes the ardor of modern-day India, complete with fire dancers and entertainment.
Fitoor (Hindi for ‘Passion’) is a vibrant, contemporary Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge. Featuring sultry, luxe decor, dishes, and drinks with dramatic presentations, live music, and fire performances to set the vibe, Fitoor is designed to offer an immersive dining experience that embodies the energy of modern India in the heart of Santana Row.
“It’s a dream come true for us to bring our vision for Fitoor to a community where we have deep personal roots, dating back to my very first visit to the Bay Area with Vikram many years ago,” said Anu Bhambri in a statement. “Santana Row holds a special place in our hearts, and we’ve always been drawn to its unique energy and buzzy atmosphere. Our journey has come full circle with Fitoor, from considering Santana Row for our first venture—and even living there for a period of time—to now proudly rejoining the community.”
Fitoor presents a contemporary take on Indian cuisine, elevating traditional grilled dishes inspired by the various regions of India with a fiery twist. At the heart of the menu are small plates, perfect for sharing, alongside entrees that fuse the vibrant flavors and spices of India with the freshness of California’s local, seasonal ingredients. From twists on classics like Butter Chicken with a buratta accompaniment to the Tellicherry Pepper Chicken that promises a flavorful kick. For those seeking a street food adventure, the assorted Chaats of India sampler offers seasonal delights including dahi puri chutney caviar, mozzarella & tomato samosa, deconstructed bhel bar, and dahi wada; while the Assorted Kulchas plate presents a trio of prawn balchao, cheese truffle, and egg bhurji (a type of scrambled egg). The standout “rustic grill” section of the menu boasts a Charred Jaffna Lobster Tail, Flamb’e Sikandari Raan + Garlic Naan, and Honey Nut Squash with tempered pickle spread and ratatouille. Fitoor’s ensemble of desserts includes a 72Hrs Vodka Panna Cotta with milk crumble, mint quenelle, and white chocolate soil; a Silver Pistachio Puff Gujia with vermicelli kheer mousse, and honeycomb bites; and a Donut Roll dripped with Nutella mousse, marshmallow bites, and almond chikki.
Fitoor’s sensory journey continues with a curated beverage program featuring craft cocktails designed to mirror the sensations evoked by the universe’s five natural elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Air, and Space. Masterfully embodying a distinct element within each cocktail, the Batanga, harnessing the Water element, features tequila, coffee, cola, and salt; while the Pasha, converting the Fire element, includes bourbon, drambuie, bitters, za’taar, and butter. The B. Rabbit, calling upon Earth characteristics, features gin, ancho, carrot, and papaya; while the Polynesian Breeze, one of Fitoor’s Air-inspired cocktails, includes a rum blend, cocoa, pineapple, cantaloupe, and ananas air. For Space, guests can sip on the Milky Way featuring bourbon, port, banana, cream cheese, and lemon. These atmospheric concoctions are accompanied by a diverse selection of unique wines by the bottle and glass, along with a rotating array of craft beers. Fitoor presents a spectacle with a Cocktail Shooter Cart featuring a weekly-changing array of shooters; an interactive Gin and Tonic Cart, offering personalized mixtures tailored to individual preferences; or the Whiskey Cart showcasing a curated selection of rare finds available for sample.
Continuing a strong partnership between Manu Studios and Anu & Vikram, Fitoor embodies their shared vision to emanate a sensory allure, boasting a plethora of rich colors and textures that captivate the senses. Its design strikes a delicate balance between darkness and fluidity, eschewing stark modernity for a maximalist approach that celebrates lush depth. Out front, guests will be greeted with an inviting open-air facade, patio dining, and a custom-made breeze block, designed to catch the eye of passersby on the street. Divided into three distinct dining rooms, each space offers a unique journey for patrons. Visitors are met with a rolling spine-like wood slat ceiling that is anthropomorphic in a sense, and flows up around the bar and over the front lounge space. Transitioning through “The Portal”, guests embark on a metaphorical passage from public to private space, deepening the experience into a sultry dining room with dark woods, sophisticated marble, and tall plant dividers, coined “The Gold Room”. “The Portal,” a twisted and warped short hallway crafted from a giant block of wood with special software, stands as a testament to the restaurant’s innovative design ethos. The space then transitions once more into a third dining space, “The Green Room” that offers an intimate retreat, with dim lighting cast from the warm glow of suspended floral light fixtures onto lush emerald green lacquer walls and furniture, evoking a sense of exclusivity akin to a private club experience.
