Caffe La Pastaia

This is the best restaurant in Northern Cal and one of the best anywhere! The name has changed to Buca. The food is better each time we go, and the service matches it. Word is, they are moving to downtown Campbell sometime in 2002. If yo ... more

This is the best restaurant in Northern Cal and one of the best anywhere! The name has changed to Buca. The food is better each time we go, and the service matches it. Word is, they are moving to downtown Campbell sometime in 2002. If you want a truly wonderful meal, eat here. less

Imagine an Italian family with father and son and their wives all working in the restaurant - and you've got Cafe La Pastaia. It's a cozy, little gem of a restaurant. Nothing much to look at from the outside, but warm and inviting once you are in t ... more

Imagine an Italian family with father and son and their wives all working in the restaurant - and you've got Cafe La Pastaia. It's a cozy, little gem of a restaurant. Nothing much to look at from the outside, but warm and inviting once you are in the door. You'll want to linger, and the hosts encourage you to do so. I've seen the chef come out of the kitchen and walk around to the tables asking, really asking, how people like the food. So, now, on to the food: By all means start with the deep fried hearts of artichokes. Then the pear and gorgonsola salad with roasted hazlenuts. I keep ordering the shrimp and walnut ravioli again and again. And I have heard rave reviews of the osso buco (lamb). When friends order that there is none left on the plate. I must declare an interest - I am acquainted with the owner's, but, still, I keep going back and paying my own money to eat there. A bit hard to find: On Winchester Blvd, from I-280 go 2.1 miles South. Look for Winchester Hardware - Cafe La Pastaia is in same block. less

We recently dined at this small caffe for the second time. The food is very authentic. The owner travels to Italy each year, probably for inspiration. The hosts are very cordial and make you feel at home - like an invited friend. Starting the mea ... more

We recently dined at this small caffe for the second time. The food is very authentic. The owner travels to Italy each year, probably for inspiration. The hosts are very cordial and make you feel at home - like an invited friend. Starting the meal is a wonderful complimentary aperitif - an Italian sweet sparkling wine that's delicious. Next we were offered a complimentary eggplant crostino - also delicious. We next ordered the pear and gorgonzola salad - excellent. My entree was the smoked chicken with linguini and my wife had the linguini with fresh clams. The deserts are house made and the entire meal was wonderful. Each meal we've had has been memorable and we plan to return to see our "new friends". less