On March 25 Santana Row will welcome Suspiro, a new restaurant from the acclaimed minds behind Colibri, Il Parco, Zazil, El Jardin, and more, adding to their existing restaurant portfolio in the area. Suspiro promises an immersive culinary adventure, weaving the rich flavors of Spain and Peru onto one plate, inspired by the rich cultural exchange between these two countries. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a curated wine program set the stage for a vibrant dining experience that is true to the historical roots between the two countries. Its very name, “Suspirar,” meaning “to sigh,” reflects the restaurant’s goal to transport them to a world of culinary discovery.
“At Suspiro, quality reigns supreme. We meticulously craft authentic Spanish and Peruvian dishes, showcasing the freshest ingredients with thoughtful details,” said Eduardo Rallo, owner of Suspiro in a statement. “From the freshness of our seafood to the thoughtful touches in our tapas, every bite and sip is a celebration of culinary history. Santana Row is about to get a taste of something truly special, and we are so excited to be a part of the vibrant community.”
Helmed by Chef Oscar Santos and Chef Yerika Muñoz Rodríguez, Suspiro’s menu showcases Spanish and Peruvian delights. Standout tapas like Bikini de Jamón con Queso (truffle oil-infused ham and cheese sandwich) and Pulpo asado con Patatas (grilled octopus with paprika mayo) entice the palate. Paella takes center stage, with options like Paella de mariscos (shrimp, mussels, squid, saffron aioli), Paella Vegetariana (seasonal mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, artichokes), Fideua Negra (pasta, shrimp, snow peas, black mayonnaise) and Paella Mixta (rice, pork ribs, chicken aioli). A curated charcuterie selection further enriches the journey, with 11 different meats and cheeses (jamón ibérico, pato, chorizo picante, truffle, salami rosso, manchego, cabra añejo, azul, triple crema, chevre) to mix and match.
Behind the scenes, Chef Oscar brings his Spanish heritage and years of culinary expertise to Suspiro as Chef de Cuisine alongside Chef Yerika, who adds her extensive understanding of Peruvian cuisine to the Suspiro stovetop as Executive Chef. Bringing in the multicultural influences that define Peruvian cuisine from the staples of Incan cuisine to the Nikkei, Criollo, and Chifa traditions, you can find the merging of these cultures in tapas such as the Causa de Cangrejo Camarón (cold potato purée, crab meat, tempura shrimp, huancaína sauce), originating from the Incan dish. And in the Nikkei tradition, the blend of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients can be seen in our ceviches, such as the Ceviche Clasico (white fish, corn, sweet potato, leche de tigre). In our main course, you can find classic Peruvian dishes, Ribeye y Tacu-Tacu (sliced Ribeye, chorillana sauce, tacu-tacu), introduced by Afro-Peruvians, and Lomo Saltado (beef tenderloin, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, potatoes, rice) using the Chinese stir-fry cooking technique.
Nick Varsic and David Rosoff collaborated to create the beverage program. Suspiro’s curated wine list is complete with recommended pairings that complement each dish. While creating the menu, David sorted through an array of unique varietals from South America, California and Spain, hand-picking each one to ensure that every sip has a story to tell. Some of these offerings include a Ulacia Getariako Txakolina from Basque, Spain, an Alfaro Family Pinot Noir from Santa Cruz Mountains, CA, and a Louis-Antoine Luyt “Pipeño – Coronel del Maule” from Maule, Chile, to name a few.
The cocktail menu is curated by Nick Varsic, a mixologist with over 20-years of experience in the hospitality industry. Each beverage is the result of extensive research and development. The menu will feature staple drinks such as the Alpaca, El Alquimista and Tinto de Verano as well as rotating specials featuring seasonal ingredients.
Suspiro will also offer an exclusive bottle locker membership in its extensive cabinet space. For a fee, Suspiro VIP’s can store wine at the establishment to be enjoyed when they visit. Bottle Locker members will also have access to one-of-a-kind benefits, including priority reservations at El Jardin, exclusive events and more.
Chef de Cuisine Oscar Santos brings his Spanish heritage and years of culinary expertise to Suspiro. Inspired by his grandmother’s passion for cooking, Oscar embarked on his culinary journey in Cardedeu, Spain at a young age. Under the tutelage of chefs at Fismuler, he honed his skills and embraced the collaborative spirit of professional kitchens. Now, eager to explore new horizons, Oscar brings his dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and his “less is more” philosophy to San Jose’s dynamic culinary scene.
Originally from Mexico City, and a graduate of California School of Culinary Arts, Executive Chef Yerika Muñoz Rodriguez opened Beverly Hills-based Mexican restaurant Cantina Frida before moving on to become the Executive Chef and General Manager at Astrid and Gaston Mexico. In this role, she worked with chef Gaston Acurio mastering Peruvian and Spanish cuisine for twelve years. Since 2019, Yerika has been the Culinary Director for Buen Rallo’s three existing San Jose restaurants and is an integral part of the team at Suspiro, reigniting her passion for cooking Peruvian and Spanish-influenced cuisine once again.
At Suspiro, there’s more than meets the eye. For those in the know, a speakeasy awaits beyond the bustling dining room. Imagine this: intimate ambiance, expertly crafted cocktails, and small bites to keep the evening going. It’s not your typical after-dinner scene, but a secret haven for those seeking a unique experience. So, when you think your Suspiro journey is over, keep your ears peeled for whispers and your eyes open for clues. You might just unlock the door to this hidden gem and experience Suspiro like never before. Due to its tucked away nature, the speakeasy also offers ample space for private dining and events, making it that much more exciting for the San Jose community.
Suspiro is located at 3060 Olsen Dr, Suite 20, San Jose, CA 95128.
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Thu: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Fri: 11:30am – 11:00pm
Sat: 10:30am – 11:00pm
Sun: 10:30am – 10:00pm
