Patch Picks: Great Italian Food in Los Altos

Creamy pastas; thick, doughy bread; garlic and parmesan; a great glass of wine—it’s not hard to see why we Americans love our Italian food.

Luckily for Los Altans, there’s no need to travel far if it’s Italian food you’re craving.

Here are five great Italian restaurants, located right here in town. So, the next time that Italian craving hits you, you’ll know just where to go.

Happy dining!

100 State St., Los Altos

Pompeii is a nice middle ground between fine dining and a casual café—it has an extensive and elegant menu such as you’d see in an expensive, five-star restaurant, with  the casual and comfortable atmosphere of a café. Pompeii is known for its varied offerings, from pasta to pizza, salads, ravioli, chicken, and even a kids’ menu. Dine indoors, or on Pompeii’s sunny patio, with a view of downtown.

376 1st St., Los Altos

Bella Vita is most often praised for having the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is small and comfortable, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining rooms, a full bar, a menu full of authentic Italian dishes, and an extensive wine list. Some diners even say it’s a good place to bring young kids! Bella Vita can also be rented out for private parties.

242 State St., Los Altos

Probably Los Altos’ finest Italian restaurant, Il Porcino is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner for two, or an elegant place that is sure to impress your most important clients. Il Porcino is famous for such elegant and mouth-watering dishes as its scallopine alle erbe, linguine with clams, truffle tortellini, gnocchi florentina and more. Choose the beautiful indoor dining room, or breezy outdoor patio—or, you can even take your food home and eat in. No matter your choice, Il Porcino is ready to please!

388 Main St., Los Altos

Aldo is undoubtedly one of Los Altos’ most popular restaurants, hands-down. Italian food lovers from all over the Bay Area flock to Aldo to eat the authentic cuisine of owner and head chef, Donato De Marchi. De Marchi is also known for his extensive wine list, and for always being willing to suggest the perfect wine to go with any of his hand-crafted dishes.  Aldo can be the perfect destination for just about any event, be it a casual night out for the entire family (since Aldo actually has a kids’ menu!), to cocktails for singles, or even the fanciest rehearsal dinner. Aldo can accommodate large parties, or private events, and they even cater, too. Whatever your occasion, be sure to make a reservation, for Aldo’s food is known far and wide, and therefore, they are frequently packed!

4546 El Camino Real, Los Altos

If you want Italian, but don’t want the fuss of a fancy restaurant, The Pasta Market is a great choice. Located in the Village Court shopping center, this casual restaurant features a separate market that sells fresh pasta and other groceries such as breads and desserts. The eatery features a selection of Italian entrees, for dining in or take-out. The décor and layout is simple, with enough room to fit a quiet table of two or a larger party. The staff is friendly, and the food is ready quickly. Diners can sit outside or in. If you want a real treat—try the tiramisu! It’s one of the Pasta Market’s most famous, signature dishes.