Terra — Restaurant in Santa Clara

My culinary journey this evening took me to Terra, a gem nestled in the bustling Valley Fair Mall. As a seasoned food enthusiast and wine aficionado, my palate was tingling with anticipation for the Italian feast that awaited.

One of the most enchanting features of Terra, which truly sets it apart, is its terrace. As I stepped onto this outdoor haven, I was greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly blended the vibrancy of Valley Fair Mall with the tranquility of an Italian courtyard.

The layout of the terrace was thoughtfully designed to provide both intimacy and openness. Comfortable seating arrangements, ranging from cozy two-person tables to larger, communal-style seating, offered versatility for different dining experiences. Whether looking for a romantic dinner under the stars or a lively group gathering, the terrace was accommodating.

The evening commenced with the Prosciutto Crudo, Mozzarella e Olive. The prosciutto was a delicate dance of salty and savory, melting effortlessly on the tongue, perfectly complementing the soft, creamy mozzarella. The olives added a touch of Mediterranean flair, their briny tang cutting through the richness of the meats and cheese.

As the main courses were presented, the Pesce Spada was a sight to behold. The swordfish, grilled to perfection, was a testament to the kitchen's expertise – tender, juicy, with a hint of smokiness that elevated its natural flavors. It was a dish that celebrated the simplicity and freshness inherent in Italian seafood cuisine.

The Bracciola di Maiale was equally impressive. The pork chop, robust and flavor-packed, was cooked to a perfect tender consistency, with a golden crust that hinted at the culinary mastery behind its preparation. It was hearty, satisfying, and a delightful nod to the rustic roots of Italian cooking.

The sides were not mere accompaniments but stars in their own right. The Patate Frite were a crispy wonder, each fry seasoned with rosemary and dusted with finely grated 14-month aged Agriform Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, adding layers of flavor and texture. The Melanzane Arrosto, with its smoky, tender flesh, complemented by a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs, was a celebration of the humble eggplant's potential when treated with respect.

Pairing this exquisite meal was the Etna Rosato, a wine that captured the essence of Sicilian winemaking. Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes, it offered a delicate balance of fruity and floral notes, with a hint of the volcanic minerality that is the hallmark of its terroir. It was a wine that was both refreshing and complex, a perfect complement to the diverse flavors of our meal.

As my evening at Terra drew to a close, enveloped in the contentment that only a truly exceptional dining experience can provide, I couldn't help but reflect on one notable aspect – the pricing. While the culinary expertise, the quality of ingredients, and the exquisite wine selection justified the cost for a gourmet enthusiast like myself, it's worth noting that Terra sits at a higher price point, possibly placing it beyond the everyday dining budget for many.

This, however, does not diminish the charm and appeal of Terra. It's a place where each dish is crafted with care, each ingredient is chosen with a discerning eye, and each glass of wine is poured with knowledge and passion. For those special occasions, celebrations, or for those who wish to indulge in an extraordinary culinary journey, Terra is unquestionably a destination worth considering. The experience, while perhaps a bit of a splurge, offers a gastronomic adventure that transcends the ordinary and leaves a lasting impression of Italian culinary finesse.

In summary, while Terra may be considered expensive by some, it offers value that is reflective of its high standards in cooking, service, and atmosphere. It's a testament to the adage that some experiences are worth the extra expense, especially for those who appreciate the artistry and nuances of...

I went there for lunch with my friend, and I have to say that aside from the coffee, nothing was worth our time or money. The service was a complete disaster, starting with the host. We were seated on the terrace, but the umbrellas weren't very effective, and the sliding doors reflected sunlight directly into our faces. As a result, everyone was trying to move from one table to another in search of shade. Additionally, the smell from the grill was overwhelmingly strong; if you’re not a fan of a smoky ambiance, it might be a challenge. Plus, the greasy stains on the cushions didn't look very neat.

I wish I had something positive to say about the food, but it was way overpriced and the quality just wasn't there. The potatoes were dry and excessively salty, topped with a drizzle of cheese—not what you would expect based on the menu description. The pasta was also dry and didn’t match the description on the menu due to the lack of sauce and missing mushrooms.

We ordered chicken to go, but only when it was ready did we find out that the kitchen doesn’t do take-out orders and doesn’t box the food. They only have one size of box, which was too small for the chicken skewers. My friend and I ended up trying to figure out how to make it all fit—a problem we didn’t want or expect. Frustrated, we asked if they could help us fit the food in the box.

Dessert was a surprise. We received a tiramisu served in a way we had never experienced before. It was placed in the middle of the plate, and then they removed the plastic wrap right in front of us. It didn’t look appealing or well-presented at all, and I just don’t understand why they can’t find a better way to serve it. Other places have solved that issue.

Overall, it's a nice-looking place; however, the terrace needs some upgrades for...

I'm not a food snob by any means, but I've had some great Italian food all across the USA and in Italy and I expect about the same quality for what Terra advertised, so this is why I was so disappointed with Terra. The balcony looks so awesome and hints that there is going to really be something special happening there, but as the service dragged on longer than any where I can recall, my hopes started fading. The salad we ordered for $18 and was supposed to be enough for two people to share, came as five lettuce leaves arranged as a flower with a spoonful of citrus and beet pieces in the center and a light dressing. It was almost like pantomime, eating this grouping as though it were a real salad with knife and fork; hey what else can you do with two lettuce leaves? The pastas we ordered came as more of a tasting size, which was a bit surprising for the cost, but the worst part was to come for me. We thought the pasta would have tasted more robust, considering Terra is located in Eataly with direct access to fresh made ingredients, but as I ate my portion, I bit down on something hard. It was a balled up, grey piece of a cardboard box, such as you would have if you bought dried pasta. I could not get the attention of our server... ANY server. I took another couple of bites and just played it off, but then I got an even larger bit of cardboard... yes it was cardboard packaging that got cooked in, because I was able to unfold the bit with my fork and there was actual writing on that bit. We immediately left after paying for a very much overpriced meal that we did not finish. We went downstairs into the mall area and had some ramen, since we were still hungry, of course. The Ramen totally outclassed our previous pasta meal at Terra and the portion fit the...