Aldo Los Altos

Aldo is the latest restaurant to try the downtown Los Altos venue. This one should be around for awhile - certainly we hope so. Our whole family enjoys eating at this modern Italian restaurant. The rigatoni is our favorite, but the Aldo lasagne also ranks high on our list. There is an extensive menu including many small appetizers. The wine list is reasonably priced and includes many excellent Italian and Californian wines. Alan, one of the owners, is always on hand with a wine or dinner recommendation, story from Italy or other various local color. We love this place.

PROS: Friendly atmosphere, good food
CONS: no reservations

Amazing that an affluent community like Los Altos doesn't have more decent restaurants. That said, Aldo is a passable neighborhood stand-by. Good salads. Linguine with arugula and shrimp is usually fine. The kids' menu used to be a good value, it's been recently revised, so now you get less for more money. Food not always consistent, but the management tries hard and is friendly. Wait staff highly variable, some have been totally clueless, others better. The better ones try, but are often not English speakers. If you have any questions or even minor requests on the menu, be prepared to have communication lost in translation somewhere between you, waiter and kitchen. Nothing serious, but just something to accept if you go there.

PROS: pleasant atmosphere, convenient downtown
CONS: Inconsistent food, variable service