The Best Italian Restaurants in San Jose, California

As a long time resident of San Jose and an Italian food lover, I have made the rounds throughout the city exploring both the large, touristy type of Italian restaurants as well as the small local haunts as well. Here's my take on the 8 best Italian restaurants in San Jose and why. I'll start by reviewing 4 that are easy to find and have plenty of seating and move to the smaller, less well-known spots that you'll need a local to help you find these 4 Italians restaurants in San Jose.

Maggiano's Little Italy - A chain located throughout the country, San Jose boasts one at the upscale shopping and dining area known as Santana Row. There is plenty of parking, the food is outstanding, but the atmosphere can be a bit noisy simply because it is a popular spot for large groups due to their "family style" dinners, which include unlimited food for your entire party for a set price. The only drawbacks are that it is a bit pricey ($20-$30 per person) and it is not unique to San Jose. But I would still highly recommend this and consider it one of the best Italian restaurants in San Jose.

Bucca Di Beppo's - There are 2 located in San Jose and both very similar to Maggiano's in many ways. One is located at the Pruneyard Shopping Center and the other at Eastridge Mall so both are easy to find and provide plenty of parking. They specialize in family-style dining, providing huge portions of classic Italian food at very moderate prices ($9-$15). But what sets this place apart is the décor. It is meant to be very outlandish and sometimes distasteful, but it is all part of its charm.

Original Joes - Located right downtown San Jose, this has become a San Jose landmark regarded as the most classic Italian restaurant in San Jose. The food is good, but in my estimation overly priced ($20-$30) for what you get. What you are paying for here is the feeling you have stepped back in time, and also so you can say you ate at Original Joes. But this has long been considered one of the best Italian restaurants in San Jose.