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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in San Jose

Salad and pasta

A crisp salad followed by a heavy plate of pasta hits the right balance.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Goodtime Bar image 1
Goodtime Bar image 2
Goodtime Bar image 3
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Wine bar

Small wine bar offers cozy patio seating and a modern interior with rattan decor and communal tables. Warm, inviting atmosphere features chill vibes and live DJ sets playing Bay Area classics. Limited seating creates an intimate setting popular for casual evenings and dates.

Fennel salad stands out with its fresh, crisp flavor and excellent preparation. Other salads like pea sprout salad add variety with their light, vibrant ingredients.

Strong, well-balanced Tom Yum pasta stands out with a surprising fusion of Tom Yum soup in Bucatini form. Other pastas include a tantanmen-style butter pasta alongside arancini and pork belly.

People are saying

"The wine selection here is outstanding and thoughtfully curated."

"The wine selection here is outstanding and thoughtfully curated."

"I found the fennel salad to be heavenly."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Prices are around $14 per glass of wine and over $25 for food.

3

It can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends.

02
Island Taste Caribbean Grill image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, intimate space with Caribbean-themed decor and island-inspired music creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere. Outdoor tables accommodate pets, and the open floor plan offers wheelchair accessibility. Clean, cozy environment invites guests to enjoy authentic flavors in a welcoming setting.

Macaroni Salad stands out with its rich flavor. Island Salad mixes sweet cucumbers, onions, and carrots. Cucumber Salad and rice and peas have new recipes that make them absolutely amazing.

Creamy Rasta pasta stands out with perfectly cooked peppers and bold flavors. Options include Jerk Tofu, jerk chicken, curry chicken, goat Tasso, and oxtails, each adding rich, savory depth.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, packed with flavor, and tastes homemade."

"The Rasta Pasta with oxtails is the best I've ever had."

"The Macaroni Salad was the star of the show."

Good to know

1

Ordering is at a counter at the front.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a plate.

3

They host a great comedy show every 4th Friday of the month.

03
Pizza Maria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, family-owned pizzeria with cozy, vibrant atmosphere and unassuming decor. Offers arcade games and outdoor seating, creating a casual, welcoming vibe. Serves fresh, organic ingredients with a focus on thin, crispy crust pizzas and a variety of toppings.

Fresh salads come with careful preparation and attention to detail. Portions vary from small side salads paired with wine to larger servings included with meals like spaghetti.

Spaghetti stands out with handmade pasta and rich, authentic sauces. Portions come with bread and salad, offering a solid meal size.

People are saying

"I loved the pizza and beer in the outdoor space."

"I found the pizza and salads delicious."

"I was surprised I enjoyed their spaghetti; it was excellent."

Good to know

1

Pizza Maria offers a wide range of pizza toppings and other menu items.

2

The restaurant has been locally owned for 40 years, emphasizing its community roots.

3

Expect to see stray cats outside, as the restaurant cares for them.

04
Bertucelli's La Villa Gourmet image 1

Small Italian deli with tight space and a busy atmosphere filled with classic Italian charm and New York swag. Crowded during peak hours, it offers mostly takeout with a few outdoor tables and a ticket roll system. The vibe blends authentic Italian deli feel with a friendly, lively energy.

Salads come in varied sizes, starting from half a pint. Options include classic Caesar and fresh caprese, often paired with garlic bread. Salads are sold by the pound alongside sandwiches and snacks.

Beef ravioli stands out with its soft mouthful and generous filling. Lasagna offers good value and solid flavor. Raviolis and breads have a long tradition of quality across generations.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches were made with care."

"The ravioli pasta here is perfectly cooked and authentic."

"I picked up some delicious caprese salad and garlic bread."

Good to know

1

Customers have to get a numbered ticket and wait in line.

2

Expect a long line around lunchtime, but it moves quickly.

3

Parking in their lot is sometimes difficult due to its downtown location.

05
Angelo's Italian Restaurant image 1

Booth seating and a jukebox create an old school atmosphere with a cozy, quaint vibe. The setting is casual and welcoming, with a small business feel that draws a steady crowd. Sports games play quietly, adding to the calm and vibrant energy.

Salads come crisp and cold with every meal deal that includes soup or salad and garlic bread. They stay fresh and arrive promptly alongside other dishes.

Lasagna stands out with its satisfying layers. Chicken parmesan with spaghetti offers a tender, cheesy experience full of flavor. Pasta dishes overall come across as super delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the pizza with its perfect dough."

"I found this place to be a true hidden gem."

"I thought the salad was always fresh and crisp."

Good to know

1

Most entrees come with soup or salad and garlic bread.

2

The meal deal with soup or salad and garlic bread makes it a great value.

3

Expect higher prices compared to typical Italian restaurants.

06
Eos & Nyx image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-story space with lush greenery and a liquor carousel creates a luxurious, dramatic setting. Loud music and lively energy fill the room, especially during busy hours. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and unique features like an elevator bar add visual interest.

Tomato salad stands out with its fresh, surprising flavor. Chicken Caesar Salad features anchovies and more chicken than greens, making it hearty. Potato salad tastes fresh and well-balanced.

Lobster tagliatelle features lobster medallions, egg pasta, and a beurre blanc sauce with Tsar caviar, creating a bright and buttery dish without heavy cream. Duck lasagna uses green pasta layers for a unique twist.

People are saying

"The food here is creative and unique, with perfectly cooked dishes."

"The spaghetti with squid ink and crab was a perfect dish."

"The Chicken Caesar Salad had more chicken than salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

A $5 cake fee applies for each person if you bring your own cake.

3

Brunch costs around $50 per person, including food and drinks.

07
Jubba Somali Restaurant image 1
East African restaurant

Spacious indoor area with colorful seating and a family-friendly atmosphere welcomes groups and kids dining on the porch. The environment stays LGBTQ friendly and comfortable despite occasional noise from nearby trains. Outdoor seating options and complimentary tea add to the relaxed vibe.

Side salads come fresh and accompany main dishes well. Some plates include two side salads, adding variety. Salads pair nicely with flavorful meats and sometimes come with a spicy green sauce.

Somali pasta features a spicy green sauce and blends well with rice and salad. The mix of spaghetti and rice offers tasty options, with rice standing out more. The Somali pasta on the sports plate is a notable choice.

People are saying

"The Sweet Spicy tea was delicious."

"The beef suqaar's tender, juicy meat is complemented by the salad."

"I thought the Somali pasta was amazing."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at Jubba Somali Restaurant.

2

It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to receive your order when ordering in person.

3

Portions are large enough to share with 2-3 people.

08
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant image 1

Elegant Italian restaurant with a cozy, family atmosphere and generous booth spacing. Music plays at a lively volume, creating a warm and inviting vibe where conversations flow easily. The space feels clean and comfortable, suitable for casual dining and celebrations alike.

Salads come with free refills and arrive quickly, even when the place is busy. Staff regularly check in to offer more salad or breadsticks, keeping the table well stocked.

Pasta dishes come in large portions and taste fresh. Options include spaghetti with sausage, Fettuccine Alfredo, and shrimp and chicken pasta. Breadsticks pair well with the sauces.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and hot."

"The salad here is amazing and fresh."

"I found the pasta here really, really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking is usually available on-site without any fees.

3

The restaurant allows splitting the check for large groups.

09
Pasta Fresca image 1
Italian restaurant

Live pasta counter showcases fresh, handmade pasta prepared to order. Shared outdoor seating creates a cozy, busy atmosphere with wandering acoustics and a great playlist. Authentic Italian dishes appear alongside vegetarian options, offering surprisingly filling portions despite a no-frills setup.

Caesar salads come in small side portions and regular sizes. They taste fresh and flavorful and often come with bread on the side.

Fresh pasta gets made to order at a live counter with handmade ravioli like beef and butternut squash. The authentic Carbonara uses egg yolks and Pecorino Romano, and sauces taste fresh and well-made.

People are saying

"I found the pasta to be fresh and handmade."

"I found the Carbonara here to be truly authentic, made with egg yolks and Pecorino Romano."

"I was impressed by the tasty Caesar salad."

Good to know

1

Expect small portion sizes for the price, especially during busy times.

2

The average meal costs around $15, with some dishes priced higher.

3

The wait time can be around 20-30 minutes during busy evenings.

10
Locanda Ischia image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy, upscale ambiance with colorful decor that evokes the Amalfi coast. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often bustling with energy and a warm, welcoming vibe. Guests enjoy family-friendly settings and a spot suited for special events or romantic dinners.

Salads here come with fresh ingredients and a balanced flavor. They pair well with dishes like cacio de Pepe.

Fresh egg pasta features in dishes like the Saffron Linguini with squash blossom and crispy pork cheeks, and the Wrong Scarpariello with Calabrian chili and burrata. Lasagna offers tender noodles paired with a balanced sauce. Pasta is consistently firm and flavorful.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the Primitivo with the Gnocchi."

"The fresh pasta, like the cacio e pepe, is incredible."

"I shared a very good Caesar salad."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events or busy weekends.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during dinner hours.

11
The Pasta Market image 1
Italian restaurant

Large space with festive theming and Instagram-worthy decor creates a warm, quiet atmosphere for friends and family. Food serves in generous portions with affordable prices and a mix of authentic and fast-food style service. Locally owned vibe blends casual dining with unique presentation like sandwiches on cutting boards.

Salads come with a thousand island sauce that stands out. The cob salad tastes good and looks fresh. Lunch specials include a side salad with bread and cheese spread for under $20.

Fresh pasta made in house stands out with authentic Italian flavor. Dishes like seafood pasta and fettuccine Alfredo with chicken offer good flavor without heaviness.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was really good."

"The pasta dishes here are really tasty and flavorful."

"The salads here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $22 for a sandwich with tip and tax.

2

Kids are welcome, making it a family-friendly dining spot.

3

The restaurant has been locally owned since the 1980s.

12
Littlest Little Italy image 1

Restaurant offers spacious layout with separate bar, wine, and outdoor seating areas. Atmosphere feels casual and cozy, suitable for dates and gatherings, with a neighborhood-style vibe. Arcade games add a family-friendly touch to the experience.

Salads here stand out with fresh ingredients and classic options like Caesar and caprese. They pair well with appetizers and pasta dishes.

Pesto pasta offers good flavors and the ravioli comes with a sauce that complements it well. Sampling different pastas family-style works great to try a variety of options.

People are saying

"The casual Italian food here is authentic and delicious."

"I loved their terrific Caesar salad."

"The pasta here was decent, I liked the sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during events at the Shark Tank.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

They stop serving sandwiches at 6 pm, so plan accordingly.

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