Eataly — Restaurant in Santa Clara

We went three days after Eataly opening, so there is room for improvement. Went here expecting a casual sit down meal, with quality ingredients but would have been better served picking up prosciutto etc. from Eataly's market and eating at home. Food is poorly executed. Carpaccio slices were large sheets and tiny slivers, mixed in, some dry and some moist areas. Poorly plated, it looked like whoever plated had never seen carpaccio before, tried to tear it like lettuce leaves. Wish they offered a better caliber of prosciutto, or at least sliced it better, and we thought burrata would be fresher given they just opened. Fried calamari was sitting in pools of oil, with the coating just sliding off as it sat there. Other than some areas on top burnt black, (burnt pizza and pizza char are two different things) pizza didn't look terrible, but one bite and the dough was so bitter tasting we had to spit it out. (Tomato was too acidic, mozzarella wasn't the greatest as well) When we complained about the pizza it was immediately wisked away, and then we sat there at an empty table for so long we wondered if we should just leave. The restaurant was very empty (even during our 2+ hr wait it was so empty we assume wait time is due to lack of staffing) and several staff just stood there looking but not responding to our hand waves. Maybe our sour faces turned them off? After this we received zero service, except for the manager who we flagged down to ask for the check. The staff is untrained (this is an issue we see up and down the peninsula, regardless that average bill for two is $80-160), regardless of whether they look like they are fresh out of high school or in their late 40-50s, they have no idea what menu items are, like carpaccio, made countless mistakes describing menu items (i.e. Pomodoro and marinara are white creamy sauces!) and do not know what any drink (alcohol) items are. Don't order pizza or if you want to, check out staff who are making the pizza when you going to be seated, and make your own judgement. Our mistake for ordering some pizza, even after seeing the two gentleman at the time who looked like they could barely move without difficulty, taking dough chunks and just pounding it flat with their heavy palms, not stretching it. The pasta kitchen seemed so unorganized we decided against trying any. The bubbly was flat, the wines tried were very tannic and astringent, but if you like very oaky bitter sour chardonnays you may like their whites, and given the servers did not know anything about any of the wines or liqueur you should use your own expert judgement or not order any alcohol. The tiramisu was so bad (full of thick stabilized cream, ugh! no flavor) we decided against purchasing from the prepared food section (we assumed it's the same source). This place was a one star but we always add an extra star for being in the peninsula (some days I feel like I'm just writing complaints, not reviews). The manager graciously waived our meal, which was unexpected and appreciated. Also, we used our wait time to shop and our basket had bottles of wine and other non perishables, and we were instructed to just bring it in, so...

crudo del giorno (raw-sliced japanese sea scallops, colatura di alici, lime, ROI extra virgin olive oil - $21)

prosciutto (24 month piacenti prosciutto tascano DOP, market fruit - $19)

pescato del giorno (grilled fish of the day [ours were the king salmon], spade & plow greens, charred lemon - $32)

the marigold spritz (st-germain, mango, lemon juice, prosecco, soda, orchid - $18)

tagliatelle al ragù di terra (housemade 40-egg yolk tagliatelle, coal-fried beef & pork ragù, agriform parmigiano reggiano DOP - $27)

tiramisu (delicate medley of rich espresso, creamy mascarpone, and airy ladyfingers, all dusted to perfection in cocoa powder - $14)

wow this spot is such a fun and vibrant environment! my friend and i were dying to stop by especially after hearing so many good things about eataly. terra in particular is partially outdoors but has an "indoor" patio setting which i really enjoyed because it had such a summery vibe and helped us stay cool while eating. during our visit we ordered 2 appetizers, 1 drink each, 2 main dishes, and 1 dessert to share. with 7 items total (5 to share) it brought our total to about $161. some highlights for me were the crudo del giorno and pescato del giorno what i loveeedd about this appetizer was the refreshing taste on a hot summer day intermixed with the tartness of the lime juice and light hints of scallops! and what i enjoyed the most about the pescato del giorno was how juicy the fish was and its lightly seasoned mixed with the lemony spade & plow greens was literally chefs kiss

the other items were delicious too but i preferred these ones because it was lighter in seasoning but equally as flavorful

the marigold spritz drink tasted like a mango spritzer infused with alc which i really enjoyed -- id say it paired well with all the dishes we ordered as it wasn't too heavy in taste and was refreshing

for the pasta of course we had to try tagliatelle al ragù di terra the pasta sauce was super creamy and cheesy and the pasta itself tasted really fresh and al dente -- appreciated the balance between the meat and sauce within every bite!!

the prosciutto was the other appetizer we ordered and for me, the prosciutto itself was a bit salty on its own but was well balanced being paired with the peach slices -- making it the perfect combo of sweet and savory.

lastly the TIRAMISU OMG wow ($14) -- loved how within each bite with the espresso also had the creamy mascarpone/ the presentation was also super fun to witness prior to eating

overall 10/10 would recommend rsvp-ing ahead of time and trying it once with friends, family, date, etc

tips: two unisex bathroom available for use on the terra restaurant area

they have some complimentary bread w/olive oil + basalmic vinegar

their menu can interchange with the seasons

their menu is set like a full course meal (appetizer, main dish, drinks, desserts, etc)

lunch and dinner...

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of San Jose, Eataly stands as a culinary haven, a place where the essence of Italian cuisine comes alive. Having had the pleasure of experiencing its offerings, I can confidently say that Eataly is a gastronomic gem, delivering a taste of Italy that surpasses even some authentic eateries in the heart of Rome.

From the moment you step into Eataly, the atmosphere is a harmonious blend of modern elegance and rustic charm. The ambiance mirrors the diversity of Italy itself, with different sections dedicated to various aspects of Italian gastronomy – from the bustling market filled with fresh produce to the inviting restaurant space where the magic unfolds.

The menu at Eataly is a symphony of flavors, offering a diverse array of Italian dishes that pay homage to the country's rich culinary heritage. Each bite is a journey through the regions of Italy, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of every dish. Whether you opt for a classic pasta dish, a wood-fired pizza, or a decadent dessert, the quality of ingredients and the skillful execution are evident.

Surprisingly, Eataly manages to outshine some authentic Italian restaurants in Rome. The chefs at Eataly seem to have mastered the art of bringing out the true essence of Italian flavors, making the dining experience both authentic and innovative. The variety of dishes reflects a commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of Italian cuisine, from traditional favorites to inventive creations that elevate familiar ingredients.

However, the dining experience at Eataly is not without its nuances. While the flavors are undeniably exceptional, the portion sizes leave something to be desired. Diners accustomed to hearty Italian servings might find themselves longing for a bit more, especially given the prices. It's worth noting that the emphasis here is on quality rather than quantity, and each dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece.

Speaking of prices, Eataly leans toward the higher end of the spectrum. The quality of the ingredients, the culinary expertise, and the overall experience do justify the cost to some extent. However, it's undeniably a destination for those willing to indulge in a premium dining experience.

In conclusion, Eataly is a culinary triumph, transporting patrons to the heart of Italy with its exceptional flavors and authentic ambiance. While the portion sizes and price point might not align with everyone's expectations, the overall experience is a testament to Eataly's commitment to delivering a taste of Italy that transcends borders. It's a dining destination where the spirit of Italy is captured in every dish, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of true...