Best Affordable Pasta in San Jose | Top 13 Affordable Spots

13 restaurants in Best Affordable Pasta in San Jose | Top 13 Affordable Spots

• Aldo's — Italian · rated 5/5: Aldo’s captures the essence of a spirited Mediterranean bistro, where the table becomes a vibrant canvas of shared plates and artisanal antipasti. The air is rich with the aroma of golden-fried calamari and earthy mushrooms over creamy polenta, while delicate ribbons of carpaccio and sun-ripened caprese bring a fresh, colorful elegance to the dining experience. It is a warm, inviting sanctuary where every bite celebrates the beauty of tradition and the simple pleasure of a meal shared among friends.
• The Pasta Market — Italian · rated 4/5: This lively neighborhood haunt invites guests into a world of golden-brown comforts, where the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and warm, fresh-baked dough sets the stage for a convivial meal. Tables are anchored by baskets of their signature pillowy breadsticks paired with rich cheese spread, while a parade of crispy, herb-dusted favorites—from molten fried ravioli to tender calamari—brings a satisfying crunch to every shared plate. It is a sanctuary of classic, savory flavors that celebrates the simple joy of indulgence, perfectly balanced by the refreshing snap of chilled, vibrant salads.
• Golden Bay Pizza — Italian: Golden Bay Pizza captures the essence of coastal creativity, where the aroma of hand-stretched dough and bubbling artisanal cheeses drifts through a bright, welcoming space. The kitchen artfully balances tradition and bold experimentation, layering everything from earthy Tuscan mushrooms to aromatic butter paneer atop perfectly charred crusts. Whether you are craving a classic Margherita or a vibrant, plant-based Berkeley vegan specialty, each slice offers a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and inventive spirit.
• Original Joe's — Italian: This timeless culinary landmark hums with a nostalgic energy, where the aroma of char-broiled steaks and simmering pasta sauces drifts past plush booths and polished wood accents. Guests find comfort in a menu that balances the smoky indulgence of a perfectly seared burger with the delicate brightness of fresh seafood, all complemented by expertly shaken cocktails that evoke a bygone era of effortless sophistication.
• Giovanni's Pizza — Italian: Stepping into this lively neighborhood hub, guests are greeted by the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough baking to a golden crisp amidst a flurry of flour and molten cheese. Generously topped pizzas range from zesty, spice-flecked creations to classic meat-heavy favorites, while tangled ribbons of fettuccini and savory meatballs offer a soulful, steam-rising taste of traditional comfort.
• La Pizzeria — Italian: La Pizzeria invites guests into a sun-drenched corner of Italy where the air is thick with the scent of toasted garlic and warm, herb-dusted focaccia. Tables overflow with vibrant platters of creamy burrata, crisp zucchini flowers, and golden arancini that pull apart to reveal molten mozzarella. From the delicate saltiness of prosciutto-wrapped prawns to the communal joy of a shared fritto misto, every bite celebrates the simple, soulful elegance of Mediterranean tradition.
• Mio Vicino — Italian: This lively neighborhood gem hums with a convivial energy, where the air is perpetually perfumed with the scent of roasted garlic and fresh basil. Guests linger over tables laden with golden-fried artichokes and vibrant antipasto platters, sharing plates of steaming mussels and crispy polenta that celebrate the rustic, soulful flavors of the Mediterranean. It is an inviting retreat where the warmth of the kitchen and the spirit of communal dining transform a simple meal into a spirited social occasion.
• Caffè Lavazza — Italian: This sun-drenched Italian sanctuary invites guests into a world where the comforting aroma of simmering marinara and earthy truffles fills the air. Silken ribbons of linguine and toothsome bucatini are tossed in everything from zesty lemon and cracked pepper to velvety cheese sauces, while dramatic squid ink and aromatic truffle infusions elevate each bowl of pasta into a vibrant culinary art form.
• Terra — Italian: Terra invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rustic charm of the Italian countryside meets a deep passion for the artisanal craft of the noodle. Silken strands of bucatini and linguine are transformed by vibrant infusions of zesty lemon, earthy truffle, and deep squid ink, all swirled in slow-simmered sauces that sing with the brightness of fresh basil and spicy chilies. Each plate is a celebration of texture and tradition, offering a soulful dining experience that honors the simple, grounding beauty of perfectly crafted pasta.
• La Pizza & La Pasta — Italian: Step into a vibrant celebration of Italian craft where the air is thick with the aroma of simmering San Marzano tomatoes and the earthy perfume of shaved truffles. Skilled hands transform simple ingredients into a symphony of textures, from silken ribbons of squid ink linguine to hearty, sauce-clinging paccheri tossed in rich, velvety carbonara. This bustling culinary destination invites guests to rediscover the soulful joy of a perfectly al dente bowl of pasta, served in a space that hums with the warmth and energy of a traditional Roman piazza.
• Kukar's House of Pizza — Italian: Stepping into this local landmark feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of toasted linguica and pizzas emerging golden and bubbling from the oven. Guests gather over generous platters of sauce-laden ravioli and signature pies like the fiery George’s Special, finding a timeless sanctuary where hearty flavors and nostalgic charm take center stage.
• Straw Hat Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt captures the nostalgic charm of a classic pizzeria, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling, golden cheese. Guests dive into baskets of signature Groovy Twists—pillowy spirals of dough topped with savory bacon or zesty jalapeño—complemented by a parade of crispy, shareable delights like seasoned potato wedges and crunchy green bean crispers. It is a warm, communal space where the simple pleasure of a salt-kissed snack and a slice of buttery garlic bread turns a casual meal into a lively celebration.
• The Creek Eatery — Italian: The Creek Eatery invites guests into a vibrant, social atmosphere where the air is thick with the savory perfume of sizzling garlic butter and charred lamb skewers. Platter after platter of coastal treasures like plump steamed mussels and golden calamari arrive alongside creamy burrata and colorful mezze, encouraging a communal feast that lingers long into the evening. It is a place where rustic comfort meets refined flavor, turning every shared bite of crispy garlic fries or tender meatballs into a celebration of fresh, bold ingredients.