Calling the massive, three-story wonderland of Italian culture at Westfield Valley Fair “good” would be an outrageous understatement. Eataly is an Italian restaurant known for its flavorful, memorable food, which keeps you coming back for more. Upon entry, I was astonished by the elegance and warmth of the restaurant’s ambience, my expectations high once I saw the bustling atmosphere of customers, waiters, and waitresses. Although the restaurant is located in a mall, it doesn’t feel that way once you step inside. And once I sat down, it quickly became clear to me that this wasn’t just any restaurant; it was a place obsessed with providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable delicacies with intricate, traditional recipes.
Up on the second floor at La Pizza & La Pasta–the sit-down level of the restaurant–families laughed and conversed while eating the classic recipes on their plates. I was fortunate enough to watch the team rolling fresh egg dough beyond glass walls, before incorporating it into various dishes like the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, one of the many that I tried. I was absolutely amazed at how they were able to handle the delicate dough in such a familiar, easy way. Once I tried the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, I was able to understand exactly how much effort is put into each recipe at Eataly. Despite the rather small portions for the dish, the delicate pasta tasted perfect with the beef and pork, everything fresh out of the kitchen and smelling amazing. All the dishes I tried were extremely flavorful, leaving me excited to try the next one. Although I wasn’t able to try nearly as many as I wished, I was able to taste the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe and Neapolitan-style pizza, both of which were quite delicious. The pizza was fantastic and large enough for a few people to share, as I did with my family. I was able to taste various different ingredients: tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The crust was also perfectly baked and quite fluffy, making for a perfect pizza.
Taking the escalator up to the rooftop takes you to the rooftop restaurant, the Terra, where the vibe of the restaurant becomes much more fiery and brightly lit. Most of the dishes on this floor were made using the large grill in the center. The Arristicini, which are skewers cooked over the grill, looked crisp and smoky, but I noticed they maintained their juicy flavor on the inside. Although I was unable to try one myself, everyone else seemed to be enjoying them. There were countless other dishes made on the grill, including steak seasoned with various spices and oils. However, most of these dishes were quite expensive, restricting my ability to try them with my family. Although they probably taste exquisite, some of the items on the restaurant’s menu were reaching $30, which is quite expensive. Yet one can expect no less from a fine dining experience such as the one provided at Eataly, which is why business continues to thrive.
In conclusion, Eataly is an exceptional restaurant. The vibe is warm and comforting, a perfect place for families and friends. The dishes are made with great care and each is unique, allowing customers to be adventurous with the ones they try. Although the portions could be a little larger and the prices could be a little lower, the restaurant itself is a great place to relax and try new delicacies from Italian culture. Whether for a quick afternoon treat or for a long dinner with your loved ones, Eataly brings a vibrant, delicious taste of Italy to people in the Bay Area.