Pasta Fresca

- 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

For those seeking a genuine taste of Italy in the heart of the Bay Area, Pasta Fresca in San Jose delivers an authentic and highly satisfying Italian dining experience. This establishment, which proudly identifies as both an Italian restaurant and a dedicated Pasta shop, stands out from the competition by adhering to a simple, traditional principle: everything is made from scratch. The name, "Pasta Fresca," which translates to "fresh pasta," is the core of its mission, ensuring that every ribbon, sheet, and shell of pasta is crafted in-house daily.

Located within the vibrant and bustling San Pedro Square Market, Pasta Fresca provides a perfect blend of high-quality, handcrafted Italian cuisine with the convenience and lively atmosphere of a modern public market. The focus here is on classic Comfort food, with an extensive menu built around fresh, house-made pasta dishes and rich, traditional sauces. This commitment to fresh ingredients is what local California diners appreciate most, offering a quality of flavor that elevates a casual meal into a delightful culinary treat.

Pasta Fresca caters to both the daytime rush and the evening dining crowd, being highly Popular for Lunch and Dinner. For the busy professional or local resident, the Fast service is a significant advantage, allowing for a delicious and efficient meal. The Casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for various occasions, from a quick solo meal to a relaxed dinner with family or friends, and is rated as Good for kids. Patrons can enjoy Italian favorites ranging from hearty Meat Lasagna to delicate Butternut Squash Ravioli, ensuring there's a fresh, flavorful option for every palate. The available Alcohol, Beer, and Wine also mean a perfect pairing is always close at hand.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the value proposition and the quality of the ingredients. One diner noted that the pasta was "homemade and the sauce was excellent," deeming it a "fairly priced meal" in "California terms," which speaks volumes in the high-cost Bay Area market. The generous portion sizes are another recurring positive, often featuring a reasonable amount of protein for the cost. While the market's communal seating area can be busy, the quality of the food—the heart of the Italian dining experience—makes the visit unequivocally worthwhile.

Pasta Fresca is centrally and conveniently located in downtown San Jose, a highly accessible spot for anyone working or visiting the area.

Address: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

The restaurant is situated within the popular San Pedro Square Market, placing it at the epicenter of local activity and dining in downtown San Jose. This location in a vibrant, communal setting provides an added layer of atmosphere and convenience.

The restaurant is highly committed to accessibility, featuring multiple amenities to accommodate all guests:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy entry for all customers.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, reducing stress for drivers requiring specific access.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom, providing necessary facilities.
• Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring comfortable dining arrangements.

The surrounding market area typically provides parking structures, and its location on North San Pedro Street makes it a focal point for public transportation and pedestrian traffic.

Pasta Fresca ensures its fresh Italian offerings are available through a flexible array of dining and takeout options.

• On-Site Dining: Customers can enjoy their meal through traditional Dine-in service or take advantage of the delightful Outdoor seating area available within the San Pedro Square Market.
• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, the restaurant offers Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery, ensuring you can enjoy fresh pasta anywhere in the San Jose area.
• Meal Periods: The restaurant accommodates both Lunch and Dinner service, catering to the full day's dining needs.
• Special Meal Options: A dedicated Lunch Special (11am - 2:30pm) menu provides high-value options like Tortellini, Chipotle Sauce and Meat Lasagna-Lunch at reduced pricing, perfect for a midday treat.
• Payment Flexibility: Payments are easy and convenient, accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Pasta Fresca’s standout features reflect its dedication to fresh, homemade quality and efficient service.

• Homemade Pasta and Sauces: The number one highlight is the commitment to making both the pasta and the sauces from scratch, which guarantees superior flavor and freshness. The restaurant owner's background, including a stint at a Michelin-star restaurant, speaks to the high standard of preparation.
• The Carbonara: Highly recommended by the owner and often praised by customers, the Carbonara is an essential dish to try, known for its traditional preparation using egg yolks for a creamy, authentic texture.
• Signature Dishes: A wide range of classic Italian dishes are featured, including the popular Meat Lasagna, rich Butternut Squash Ravioli, and the spicy Cayenne Cream Fettucini, catering to both traditional and adventurous tastes.
• Speed and Value: The combination of Fast service and reasonable prices—particularly the high-value Lunch Special—provides an excellent value proposition for the California market.
• Adult Beverages: The availability of Alcohol, Beer, and Wine makes it a great spot for an elevated lunch or an evening dinner pairing.

To plan your visit, make an inquiry, or place a takeout order, you can contact Pasta Fresca using the following information:

Address: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

Phone: (650) 804-6260

Mobile Phone: +1 650-804-6260

The best way to ensure you get your order quickly is to call ahead or place an order via the restaurant's delivery/takeout channels, leveraging their fast service model, especially if you plan on a midday meal during a busy workday.

Choosing Pasta Fresca means prioritizing freshness and homemade quality, a rarity even among dedicated Italian eateries in California. The commitment to crafting all pasta and sauces from scratch is the single most compelling reason to choose this restaurant over others. For a genuinely rewarding dining experience, there are several standout items worth highlighting from the menu.

Must-Try Dishes:

• The owner's personal favorite, the Carbonara ($18.00), is a non-negotiable choice for its authentic, rich, and creamy texture achieved through egg yolks. For an even better deal, consider the Carbonara - Lunch ($14.75) special.
• The Butternut Squash Ravioli ($20.00) and Chicken And Spinach Ravioli ($20.00) are perfect for experiencing the texture and quality of the house-made stuffed pasta.
• For a hearty meal, the Meat Lasagna ($17.00)—also available as a Meat Lasagna-Lunch ($14.75) special—is praised for its depth of flavor and generous portion size.
• If you enjoy heat, the Chipotle Cream ($17.00) or Cayenne Cream Fettucini ($17.00) offer a creative and satisfying kick to classic pasta sauces.

Best for Value and Convenience:

The extensive Lunch Special options, with prices around $14.00–$14.75, offer exceptional value for money in the downtown San Jose area and are perfect for a Solo dining experience. Pairing a fresh pasta dish with a side like Garlic Bread ($3.00) or a Side Caesar Salad ($4.00) makes for a complete, affordable, and high-quality midday meal. The friendly, Casual atmosphere and the ability to find Outdoor seating within the market make Pasta Fresca a superb choice for anyone craving authentic Italian comfort food delivered with speed and quality.

Pasta Fresca

87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA