Pizza Antica - San Jose

Surprisingly, considering its location in Santana Row, the prices here aren't outrageous. If you're a fan of flat pizza (think super pancake-like), you'll definitely want to check this place out. It's refreshing to find a pizza restaurant where I don't feel weighed down after a meal. Many of my dining companions have enjoyed the gnocchi, but I think I've realized that gnocchi just isn't my thing. The service was attentive, although I found it a bit unusual that they ask whether you want tap or bottled water when you request water. I can easily picture myself enjoying a meal on the outdoor patio during a warm spring or summer day, people-watching as we eat. As mentioned by some other reviewers, the portions are on the smaller side. My server recommended sharing a large pizza and an appetizer for two people, but we ended up sharing two large pizzas among three of us, which worked out just fine.

I had a great experience at this restaurant with delicious pizza, attentive service, and a pleasant atmosphere. The pizza options are quite unique and not your usual fare. For example, they feature combinations like bartlett pear with garlic and cream cheese, or three cheeses with shaved broccoli and pancetta. My personal favorite is the pizza topped with fennel sausage, portabella mushrooms, and onions. The small size is similar to a CPK pizza, but it's thin-crust, making it perfectly crispy. They also offer entrees, and the gnocchi is quite tasty. And if you're a dessert fan, definitely try their panna cotta!

You also have the option to create your own pizza for just a bit more than the standard menu offerings, which is a nice touch. I once brought some friends who were initially hesitant about the unique flavors (they were unsure about pancetta and arugula), but we custom-ordered a pizza with marinated chicken, artichokes, and roasted red peppers, and they ended up loving it. The only downsides are that the pizzas are slightly small (a large is just enough for two light eaters) and because they're so thin, they tend to cool off quickly. Overall, Pizza Antica is far superior to other gourmet pizza places; California Pizza Kitchen doesn't even compare. It's by far the best restaurant at Santana Row in terms of both flavor and value.