Amato Pizza

4.0 star rating
47 reviews Rating Details

Category: Pizza  [Edit]

6081 Meridian Ave
Ste 60

San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 997-7727
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Noise Level:
Quiet
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "...keeping an eye on your kids playing a few video games." In 7 reviews
  • user photo
    "Almaden Greek by far so yummy and tasty and so my FAV." In 5 reviews
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    "Food is very good and fresh ingredients." In 4 reviews
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47 reviews in English

  • Review from Brian P.

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/21/2012

    I've been going here for years, since it opened. I love the management and the service is really quick. I love their pizza! It's perfect every time. My favorite hands down is the BBQ Chicken!

    You might want to call ahead sometimes and ask how busy they are. During weekends, and after the kids have their games, they all come in. Baseball teams, Soccer teams etc. It's a popular place!

  • Review from Stacy L.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/22/2012

    Based on a friend's recommendation and the positive yelp reviews, I organized a team pizza party here this evening. Guests included 13 little league t-ball players (ages 4 - 6) as well as their families, a mix of kids and adults. Almost 50 people total. I could not have been happier with the outcome, and all the guests seemed pleased, as well.

    The service was excellent, both on-site and when I placed the call to make the reservation. The person I talked to was patient about answering my questions. I was a little nervous about going with Amato when she told me that in addition to our group of 50 at 6pm, there was another team party of 30 at 5:45. I wondered if the service or food would suffer. She did recommend that I call ahead the day of our reservation to order our pizza, since there would be two large groups. I called in our pizza order about 1pm for our 6pm reservation.

    When we arrived, the staff was friendly and there was a large area with plenty of seating reserved for our group. They offered to put my cake in the fridge until it was time to serve it. I had asked that the pizzas come out about 20-25 minutes after our arrival to allow our large group to filter in --- they came out piping hot and right on time. They even had the sense to bring out the kid-friendly pizzas first since kids tend to be more impatient.

    In addition to cheese and pepperoni, we ordered an Amato Supreme and the Veggie Pesto. I had two slices of the latter, and it was amazing. All the adults commented on how good it was.

    I had brought my own cake knife and plates, but before the staff realized that they brought out a big knife and cake plates and utensils, no charge. This would be a great place for a birthday party.

    People with kids should be aware that there are some arcade games/a pinball machine, etc. so bring some spare change along or prepare to be nagged by your children.

    Now that we've discovered this place we'll definitely be coming back here. I heard the same thing from many of the families who attended our party.

    I wanted to note that their website has a full menu with prices and was very helpful in my planning.

  • Review from Wing Man C.

    • 71 friends
    • 82 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/7/2012

    Their garlic veggie pizza is to die for! I dream of it all the time and wish there was one closer in the peninsula.

  • Review from Becky W.

    • 142 friends
    • 84 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/13/2011

    My boyfriend and I had Amato Pizza three days ago and we were not disappointed! The place has been opened for a while, but we just didn't try it until now. Wish we did earlier!

    We ordered the large Aloha Chicken Pizza and it was great. The pizza had grilled chicken, pineapple, green + red onion, and bbq sauce instead of tomato sauce. It was hot, fresh, and the green onion actually added a great flavor to the pizza.

    We also ordered a glass of blue moon and a soda. The price came out to be around $30 or a little over. Slightly on the pricey side, but I would definitely come back again.

    ps. the server was nice, but don't expect much service since you order at the counter and they bring out your food.

  • Review from Tina V.

    • 15 friends
    • 19 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/3/2011

    Came here on my lunch break because another place I wanted to try near by was close and boy was I happy that it was closed! This place is delish! Came in around 1 and it was completely empty. They seem to have a decent selection of pizza and didn't know what their specialty was so I asked the guy behind and counter and he told me their Aloha Chicken was best seller so I went with that. I can see why it was one of their most ordered one too! It was soo yummy! Smelled fantastic and was just the right size for me (I ordered the personal one). Will definitely come back here again if I'm ever craving for pizza while at work :)

  • Review from Mia B.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/6/2012

    I have been to Amatos multiple times . . . it's the best pizza in our area. Used to go to Bogeys and Legends but Amatos has better service, fresher ingredients and a much friendlier staff. If you pre order you can get your fresh pizza in less than 15 minutes. Salad bar is always filled. The restaurant is always clean. Easy family night out as they do serve yummy pasta and sandwiches plus a variety of appetizers and delicious desserts. Great friendly staff makes us keep coming back.

  • Review from Beth F.

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I came here with a friend for dinner. We started the meal with the cheesy garlic bread, which was pleasantly moist and tasty. For our entrees, we both chose the chicken calzones, which came with chicken, cheese, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, black olives, and pesto. I found the calzone to be light and satisfying. In addition, the cashiers and waitresses were very friendly and made sure that we were well tended to during our time there.

  • Review from Stacie V.

    • 11 friends
    • 131 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/3/2010

    I got some gift cards from my work for this spot and some of us decided to roll over after church one Sunday.  

    It's in the middle of East Jesus nowhere.

    I wasn't sure we were still in San Jose.  Residential neighborhood, lots of big trees, and then out of  nowhere...a stripmall with AMAZING pizza.

    I'm always a little nervous when the menu board has no prices :(  But, it was a pretty good deal for the food.

    Potato Skins and Wings were good!!!!!  Meat lovers and pepperoni pizza as well as a Hawaiian...mmmmm, mmmmm good!

    Probably won't be back soon because it's so dang far away, but tasty!

    Good place to watch the game...not crowded at all!

  • Review from Marlene S.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/29/2012

    Well I have given this place a try 3 times and I am NOT impressed!  They definitely DO NOT know how to make a calzone!! Really upset I wasted my appetite and money.  I am done going here.  Plus I have to add that the person behind the counter has no customer service or personality at ALL!  It is a no wonder the place has been empty EVERY time I have been there.  Too Bad for them.  I REALLY LOVED Legends Pizza-It is the BEST I think I have ever had plus Luigi's Pizza too!

  • Review from Sharon I.

    • 5 friends
    • 45 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/24/2011

    Just came here and ordered the combination and the garlic chicken.

    I was not a fan of the combination...average toppings and the crust tasted like hard bread.

    HOWEVER, the garlic chicken pizza was doughy .. soft .. and DELICIOUS.

    Their salad bar is okay -- not too many options.

    Also, it took them about 20-30 minutes to come out with the pizza... x_x.

    BEWARE: LOTS OF TEENAGERS.

    Overall, I will be coming back for their garlic chicken pizza and I will order it beforehand so it will be ready by the time I get there.

  • Review from Kelly B.

    • 17 friends
    • 143 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/7/2010

    We finally got around to trying this place and we are so glad we did! My rating is based on comparing it to other pizza places in the immediate area.

    We opted for delivery. Our vegetarian pizza arrived faster than expected.

    The pizza was light and the toppings were fresh and flavorful, with an abundance of toppings. You can usually gauge the quality of the cheese by how salty the pizza tastes. The cheese was obviously better quality than most places because the pizza was not overly salty at all, and the amount of cheese was just right (not overloaded and not lacking).

    The crust was nice and not doughy. The pizza was cooked properly all the way through. I didn't feel icky or overfull after eating it.

    The prices are in line with other less-impressive places in the area. But the difference is that Amato's pizza is made with higher quality ingredients.

    Really excited to have tried this place, and wish I had done so sooner! Looking forward to my next pizza from this place!

  • Review from Lisa B.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/1/2011

    This is what pizza used to taste like before Round Table, Dominos, Pizza Hut, etc. ruined it.

    I used to go to Little Caesars because it was cheap and just as good as the other chains but Amato's is worth paying more for.

  • Review from terry h.

    • 1155 friends
    • 639 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/28/2008

    Because of the reviews on yelp, we decided to stop here and get a pizza. The bottom line is that it was delicious. My nephew likes Bogey's better and he is good about finding food places so I want to go there next.

    The large supreme pizza was around $23.00 and when it came my Mom commented on the fresh ingredients (peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms) all done right. As my Mom was waiting, she stood by the place where it was being made and she said the owner rolled out the dough himself from scratch. Good for him and for us.

    Amato's was also very clean and crowded with a lot of video games and things for the little ones to spend some money on. Glad we read about Amato's on yelp and glad we came. We will be back and enjoy a different style pizza next time.

  • Review from Joanna S.

    Mountain View, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/4/2008

    A cool hidden pizza place in the almaden area! They have great ratings and I belive they were named the #1 Pizza place by San jose magazine.

    YUM! I love the all veggie pizza here! Their breadsticks are good too. The owner is really nice and personal. They also give you a 10% discount if you are a new customer. I went only once, they gave me some promotional items like a mug and daily planner too! It's kind of expensive for pizza but I think it's gourmet, and really worth the price! DELICIOUS! We ordered 2 pizzas, the buffalo wings (also excellent) and the breadsticks. MMMM! I would go back right now but I don't think gaining more holiday weight is a smart thing to do.

  • Review from Brad M.

    • 54 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Campbell, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/18/2011

    I don't know what kind of crack they put in this pizza. But it is really addictive. I love it! Whenever I'm at my parents house in Almaden, we like to get pizza from Amato's. This location has gone through pizza places like SF women go through shoes...pizza places have come in and gone out of business over and over. It started as Rico's Pizza, then Klondike Pizza, next City Pizza, and finally Amato's. Amato's has lasted the longest I'm pretty sure and the pizza is why. Fresh ingredients, friendly service, and when they deliver, it arrives hot enough to burn the roof of your mouth. It's funny they still have some of the old school 80s video games in a side room last time I checked.

  • Review from Laura D.

    • 73 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Paris

    France
    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2007

    I love the pizza here, and I've eaten a lot of pizza in my day. Lots of toppings, but not overwhelming. The crust is excellent, not too soft, not too crispy. They have an average selection of beer and wine as well.

    This is a great neighborhood restaurant because they are really involved in their community. They support a lot of local kids sport teams, host events for them like award ceremonies and after-game pizza parties), and I'm pretty sure they donate as well.

    One wierd thing we noticed is that some customers get real plates while others get paper plates. My mum thinks that the regulars get the real plates, while people they don't recognize get paper. I think it was that parties with kids got paper plates and if you're old enough to be responsible for a plate then you get the real deal.

  • Review from Kenny P.

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2010

    This is one of the better independent pizza restaurants in my area, it offers really delicious fresh pizza's that you will never find at Round Table or any other chain around.  The ratio of pizza dough to toppings is in perfect balance here, which makes eating it much more enjoyable.  

    They offer a number of daily specials and other foods besides pizza.  The restaurant itself looks nice from the outside and there is plenty of space but I have yet to eat in.  I believe the prices here are a little more than Round Table but the sheer quality makes up for it.

  • Review from Paul S.

    • 41 friends
    • 322 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/3/2010

    Was really pleased with a recent outing where my mother and I met up to grab a pizza and catch up on things. Yes, my mom rocks.

    The place always seems to have a soccer, football, baseball, softball, underwater basket weaving or whatever team here celebrating with trophy presentations and what not. Nothing wrong there! They always have their own area with long tables in the middle of the place while small parties can still have the booths along the windows. Works well for me!

    Sports aplenty on the flat screens, and a well done pizza to boot! Most of my happy comes from the awesome family atmosphere here and the owners really taking care of their customers. Good food is one thing, but making sure the night is great is a whole other thing. Even if the night is just cold beer, a hot pie, and attentive service with a long forgotten extra... a smile. Thank you Amato!

    P.s. Buffalo Chicken Pizza... on point!

    Listed in: Eats in Almaden

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      1/9/2009

      Great pizza, fantastic service, and a great place to have a large gathering. I have had more 15+… Read more »

  • Review from Vik S.

    • 77 friends
    • 205 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/16/2008

    We had a retirement party for my Dad here tonight.   15 of my family went to have some pizza N Beers and watch sum Sunday night Football.

    Food:  Excellent pizza they have there.  We got some straight up pepperoni,  a vege. one , and Garlic Chicken.   The pizza is not greasy, the toppings fresh and plentiful, & is  a good value too, since the sizes run rather large here.   We drained just a few pitchers of suds from the bar as well.   The drinks here are self-serve with the usual soda choices.

    Service:  they had 2 tables reserved for us which was as per plan
    They were always there to lend a helping hand too, which was very nice.  They were cool enough to store the cake we brought out back, and gaves us lots of containers to pack up the many leftovers ( cardinal rule of cakes at a party - always many leftovers no matter how good the cake).

    Overall, this place rules.   They got a few plasmas for sports watching plus a few video games for the kiddies.  
    EXTRA props for the Mrs. Pacman too  ;)

  • Review from E J.

    • 1 friend
    • 24 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/9/2011

    I think the 4 and 5 star reviews on yelp, are more for the friendly staff then having stand out food...

  • Review from Tiffany P.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/4/2010

    We love this place!!  The pizza is awesome, the service is helpful, quick, and friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. The restaurant is great place for families to come-- you can sit an relax/visit while easily keeping an eye on your kids playing a few video games.  We have been coming here since it opened and just love Amato's!!  The owner is especially kind, generous, and friendly, always going out of his way to say hello and provide extra-special customer service.  

    The pizza is our favorite -- the best around!  They also have a yummy salad bar, appetizers, and a great beer and wine selection.

  • Review from Scott P.

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/28/2009

    Really cool specialty pizzas with different sauces and cool topping combinations - For example the Sweet and Spicy (artichoke hearts, pepperoni and pineapple on pesto).  It is good food that is always a big hit when I have a bunch of people over.

    They have a great group of people working there and everyone is always upbeat and helpful.  Something I definitely appreciate.

  • Review from John C.

    • 8 friends
    • 74 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    Great neighborhood pizza place. We live right down the street so we are lucky to have this so close. I think the pizza here is better than Bogey's. More flavorful. The group working there is great too. Very accommodating. Be aware that the dining room isn't the biggest and it is very popular for after kids sports dinners. So during soccer, baseball season it's packed. You can call ahead to reserve a table for large groups. They have wine and beer on tap. Some video games in the back for the kids. They usually show the Sharks games or have some type of sport on the TV.

  • Review from Christian B.

    • 60 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/1/2010

    This place is Great....
    Just make sure they read your order back to you, when order over the phone. =o)

  • Review from James P.

    • 7 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/2/2011

    Pretty weak experience over all. The food was actually decent, not top shelf, but good--but the atmosphere of the place sucked my soul from my body with the same incomprehensible force of space's vacuum. I imagine if they redecorated, strengthened their brand, got some personnel training, and upped their efforts on the recipes this could be a local gem. Until then, I'll be drifting in dark vastness of the pizza void.

  • Review from Victoria Y.

    • 187 friends
    • 618 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/27/2009

    MMM, we weren't really that hungry but we wanted a variety to our pizza so we got the 4 cheese pizza and the sweet and spicy pizza and one trip to the salad bar.

    The salad bar was pretty average. I really liked the Sweet and Spicy pizza. I've never tasted anything like that and it really hit the spot.

    My only complaint is it's kinda on the pricer side for a pizza place but the ingrediants are super fresh and plentiful.

    Bonus- games and TVs for sports games

  • Review from Lee M.

    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    If you want an authentic pizza, something different than round tables, dominos, pizza my heart, try this place! Just to warn you before you go, hehe, it is pretty pricey, I end up paying almost $30 for a large. But, hey! when I want a good pizza and something that taste like quality, I will pay more. There are TVs if you want to watch Football or any games.

  • Review from Randy T.

    • 110 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/12/2010

    This place takes pizza to another level.  Every pizza is made fresh and the quality doesn't even compare to other pizzerias.  The restaurant is also well maintained and always clean.  I wished I still lived in Almaden Valley so I could come here more often.  

    Also, this pizza may quite possibly be the best pizza reheated that I have ever eaten.  Highly recommended!

  • Review from Tony N.

    • 31 friends
    • 25 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/1/2011

    We've only had delivery from this establishment, It's the last remaining pizza place from which we order. The food arrives hot, ingredients taste fresh, staff is polite over the phone and price is reasonable.

  • Review from Joel M.

    • 2 friends
    • 1 review

    Morgan Hill, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/6/2010

    Pizza was amazing fresh ingredients, good crust, and cooked to perfection.  To bad the service completely destroyed the experience.  It was our first time so we stood at the counter for about 10 mins figuring that it was like a normal pizza shop ( order at the counter and then sit down).  After waiting we finally asked if we should seat ourselves, if there was a menu, or what the deal was.  We were told to sit down and so we waited there for another 10 min before someone finally asked us if we wanted to order something.  Ummm yes!!!!! Its lunch time and we are in your restaurant.  I would love to go back for the pizza but will not because of the below poor service.  

    Maybe take out after I cool down from the experience :)

  • Review from jill s.

    • 5 friends
    • 72 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/16/2009

    I absolutely LOVE this place!  It's about a 15 min walk from our house which is very handy b/c they have the best beer on tap lol....anyway, the pizza is awesome.  We also like that they allow dogs on the outside patio area.

  • Review from No N.

    • 0 friends
    • 28 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/6/2009

    One of the best pizza places in the area.  There have been a lot of pizza places in this location overthe last 30 years, this is the only one to really make it.  It has replaced Roundtable as my favorite.  The place is pricey, but they have a 10% off coupon in the local papers delivered on thursday.  I think it is the almaden times and something else.

    This is the only pizza place I go to in Almaden.

  • Review from Erin O.

    Beaverton, OR

    1.0 star rating
    7/26/2006

    Yuck. Really nice people work here, but that doesn't save them from the pizza! Amazingly, the to-go menu says it was voted #1 for pizza by San Jose Magazine. That doesn't say much for SJ Mag! Totinos frozen pizza tastes better and has more toppings!

  • Review from Kenn L.

    • 11 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/7/2010

    Went here on a Sunday evening.  We ordered half Amato/half BBQ chicken pizza.  The ingredients were very fresh and enjoyed both kinds.  The menu sounded tasty and will probably be back to try other flavors.  Root beer floats were good, service was alright... for a neighborhood joint, this was nice and quiet with the football games on.  A good place to go if you want good food, sports on the tv, and a low key outing with friends.

  • Review from Mary C.

    • 0 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Livermore, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/27/2010

    Amato Pizzeria is participating in the 1st Annual Dine Out for Meals on Wheels on Nov 9, 2010. Thank -you for helping to fight hunger and loneliness among thousands of seniors in Santa Clara County.

  • Review from Marie R.

    • 32 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/21/2009

    Almaden Greek by far so yummy and tasty and so my FAV!!

  • Review from David A.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/4/2009

    This place is the Cheers of pizzerias! Everyone knows your name, and if they don't. They know you been there before. The staff is super friendly, and the pizza  is fantastic! Our favorite is the garden veggie, not a vegetarian but it just taste so good!! It is kind of pricey, but at least you get what you pay for.

  • Review from Harry F.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/31/2009

    I read the reviews and decided to give it a try.  Unfortunately, my first impression of the place, ie a cheap pizza parlor for teenagers was the right one.  Only their prices were at a high level.

      We tried their salad, their pizza and their buffalo wings.  Complete  disappointment on all front.  

    The pizza crust was very average.  The garden veggie had  way too much green onions, salt and pepper, and very greasy.  The C and B did not appeal either to us.

  • Review from Vijay J.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2011

    Great pizza! We frequently order pizza for take out. I am not sure about dining-in experience

  • Review from rob. l.

    • 41 friends
    • 140 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/30/2009

    Ordered a pizza for delivery. First it was damn expensive.  $31 for a large 2 topping pizza and caesar salad.  Second, the pizza was about as good as DiGiorno.  Won't be calling them again for pizza delivery.

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