E&O Trading Company pioneered the Southeast Asian grill concept. Unlike many of today's restaurants that draw from more than one ethnic heritage, we take direct inspiration from true recipes of countries in Southeast Asia. In keeping with this philosophy, E&O strives to retain the authentic core of every dish on its menu. Our unique collection of small plates and entrees are inspired by the cuisines of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and East India and use only the freshest ingredients. Our menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp and fish, in a variety of styles; soups; salads; rice and noodle dishes and Indian flat breads. You'll find that some dishes have been replaced by local favorites at each E&O restaurant, but you'll always experience the flavor and quality that E&O Trading Company is famous for.
The Scene The San Jose location is less cluttered with little trinkets and baubles than its San Francisco counterpart. The ceiling towers 17 feet high, giving the restaurant a wonderfully airy quality. Sleek blond-wood floors and rich dark-wood chairs and tables create an elegant contrast in downtown's historic 18th-century Security Building.
The Food The fusion cuisine centers around Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and India. The crab cakes, calamari, corn fritters and truly regal imperial rolls are all wonderful. Meat lovers should try the New York steak or pork chops, the former with Thai accents, the latter with Filipino adobo sauce. Order one of E&O's own brews with dinner. The India Pale Ale, its flagship beer, is a classic, hoppy, full-bodied ale, while Gecko Bay Wheat is an unfiltered, summery beer with the allure of fresh-baked bread.
Everytime I go back here, I always order the same thing- the corn fritters and the noodles. The food has a very nice asian fusion touch, and the service is great! Waiters and bus boys quickly refill your glass of water, or change your plate to a clean one. The atmosphere is nice, and is very nice for two or for ten. The drink selection is very good. You should order the mai tai.
PROS:
CONS: can get overcrowded
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I've been to E&O a few times for dinner and have been pleasantly surprised with all of the meals. The entrees mainly consist of a spin on familiar Asian dishes (BBQ, fried rice, curries) but with a California/Thai twist. We've had the BBQ beef, seafood curry and been there for a company dinner (many different dishes) and they were all very good. Their menu may not appeal to the mainstream as they do have some odd twists, i.e. pineapple in the curry, chilies in the fried rice entre, kim chi in the Korean BBQ plate (makes the most sense but kim chi is an acquired taste), etc. However, I found these twists a refreshing change of pace. Pricing is reasonable, most under $20 for a good sized entre.
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 21 reviews
on Citysearch)
Nice place to hang out especially for happy hours
By simrankaur
went couple of times for happy hours... love the mango majito ... The corn fritters were delicious and the calamery.... hmmm yummy. I would never say no to E & O :)
Pros: Nice location Cons: nothing really
Posted 04/20/09
Something Different
By hopalongcaddidy
Interesting combination of Asian, Thai, and Indian flavors. Try the "Big Plates:" Firecracker Chicken, Grilled Salmon, and the steak (dinner only). The Small Plates are OK: Indonesian Corn Fritters didn't work for me, but steamed chicken dumplings were good. Good place for a large group or for drinks/dinner.
Pros: Atmosphere, main dishes
Posted 12/11/08
Great place, awesome food!
By lisahazarika
We usually drop by E&O on Fridays or Saturdays. The ambiance is great, good service, but the best part is the food...love the firecracker chicken...n' also the small plates, specially the fried shrimps...its yummy!
Cons: finding parking, not a lot of vegetarian choices!
Posted 09/25/08
worst service ever
By sadiegirl77
We went here for a friends birthday dinner. We did not get our order taken for over 20 mins. We had to ask where are waiter was. The food was ok but very expensive for the portion size. Bottom line if you don't mind poor service and high price its the place to go!
Pros: pretty drinks Cons: small portions, poor service, expensive
Posted 04/29/08
OK food with poor service
By jezzdoll
We went to dinner at E&O trading company on Feb. 17, 2008 as a party of seven. The restaurant was mostly empty, and we were sat at a table next to the window very quickly. It took a good 20 minutes until the waitress came over to take our drink orders, and then another 30 until she came to take our food orders. Through out the night, we had to either find water pitchers to fill the glasses ourselves, or obtain new silverware from the bar to replace the ones that were taken from us by the bus boys. Our wait staff were nowhere to be found most of the night. At the end of the night, after waiting a good 30 minutes for the waitress to come and take our credit cards, we finally had to go and find the manager to pay our bill. An 18% gratuity is included on top of the bill & tax for parties larger than 6. The manager did not show even after we complained to the hostess about the poor service.
The food was pretty good, definitely not as good as it used to be 2 years ago, or as good as the price calls for. The service was so poor that we would never go back to E&O. We recommend that you do not go with a large group either.
Pros: good location, good decor Cons: poor service, poor value
