Six months is usually considered the earliest a new restaurant, bar or coffeeshop can receive a fair review. By then the kinks should be ironed out, the bad apples fired and the dishes and drinks refined. But who’s got time for that? Each month, Metro spotlights five of the newest places we think are worth a look-see.

Taco Mania  150 S First St, Ste 117, San Jose. 408.459.7667. tacomaniainc.com
What began as a no-frills taco truck has blossomed into a bona fide local chain. The seventh location recently opened in downtown San Jose. While the sleek graphic design of the menu may recall Chipotle, the options aren’t basic. Sample a cabeza taco (regular $1.89; super $2.85; regio, or royal, is $3.20). Or go for the lengua torta ($6.25) and tripa quesadilla ($4.95). Taco Mania pulls out the stops Saturdays and Sundays with a special barbacoa lamb stew ($16).

Mehak Of India  311 N Capitol Ave, San Jose. 408.570.3300
Mehak leaves guests feeling full—including their wallets, as the large menu has exceedingly fair prices. Try a traditional chaat plate ($4.99) or the chicken biryani ($8.99), and end the meal with an ice cream dish of kulfi ($3.99).

Restaurant ASA  242 State St, Los Altos. 650.935.2372. asalosaltos.com
The sister restaurant of The Basin in Los Gatos, ASA is a sleek addition to Los Altos’ cocktail and dining scene. The Spanish and Italian-influenced cuisine is served over three courses: seafood, salad and then pasta. Wash it all down with one of the house’s nine specialty cocktails ($13), including a “Punch of the Day.”

The Province  1788 N First St, Ste 10, San Jose. 408.796.1699. provincesj.com
Found at the newly renovated Bay 101 Casino, this chic Asian-American fusion restaurant from chef and restaurateur Christopher Yeo—of Sino, Straits and Roots & Rye—redefines local casino cuisine. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday 4pm-6pm and featured 50-cent Korean fried chicken wings.

Pot Belly Ramen  1710 Berryessa Rd, Ste 107, San Jose. 669.284.3926
Their chewy noodles are cut straight and fine like angel-hair pasta, which only accentuates dishes like the silky tonkotsu ($11)—sous vide chashu pork, a half marinated soft boiled egg, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms and green onions. For more of a kick try the spicy miso ($12). Or go for the signature pot belly ($13) made with a special 12-hour rich pork broth and special pork cheek.