If you ever were physically forced to take part in Almaden Soccer (and suffered many losses while on the team), then the memory of going to Amato Pizzeria after a season with your team will be a key memory, along with taking a dollar from your parents to use on the toy vending machines. But the most lasting memory was the pizza shared with teammates itself.
For such a cornerstone of a particular part of Almaden, it makes sense that the pizzeria is named after the Italian word for beloved. Its owners, Mahmood Rafsanjani and Amin Rafsanjani, immigrated from Tehran, Iran, in 1996 with their sons. Rafsanjani worked several jobs in local restaurants before a doctor found a cyst in his brain, and he would undergo surgery. Despite this tragic news, Rafsanjani opened Amato in 2003 to accomplish a longtime dream of his of opening a restaurant. Amato contains authentic Tehran-style pizza as a reminder of his childhood and really sets it apart from other similarly-named pizzerias.
During its time open, Amato has become deeply involved in the Almaden Valley community. If you have attended any events near the restaurant, there is a likelihood that the Amato logo will be present among the event sponsors. These events can range from fundraisers and community events to small sporting events. Not only does Amato support through sponsorships, but the pizzeria also gets its produce from local farms from places like Hollister, Half Moon Bay, and the Central Valley, guaranteeing the freshest ingredients possible.
From the moment we stepped through the gates of Amato’s small outdoor patio, we knew we were in for a treat. The surrounding trees mixed in with the warm colors of the painted walls instantly set up a cozy atmosphere perfect for our lunch together, and stepping inside only enhanced that feeling. The interior is spacious and apparently able to house up to 110 people at a time. We never felt cramped or suffocated, with the building giving off a homey feel. We ordered a half-cheese, half-pepperoni pizza, which was served relatively quickly. The pizza was well-made and created the most impressive cheese pulls.
Mar, being a resident of Almaden herself, reminisced over shared pizza about the wonderful memories she had with her soccer team at this place. She made sure to point out the endearing aspects of the decor, which included various frog antiques, arcade games, and claw machines. The waiter serving us was so warm and welcoming, inviting us behind the counter to read an Almaden Times news article about the immigrants who built this place up from the ground: Amin Rafsanjani and Mahmood Kuchaki. We left the building with filled stomachs and happy hearts, and we most definitely will be coming back.
Amato Pizzeria is more than a restaurant. It’s an experience worth your time. Grabbing lunch with friends or family is the best way to enjoy the service Amato has to offer, especially since the portion sizes are quite large. Better yet, if you are an Almaden resident, delivery to your house is free! The food may be amazing, but seeing an Iranian couple’s dream come true and flourish in the Almaden community serves to remind us that food is what truly binds us together. Amato Pizzeria is absolutely a staple in the Almaden Valley community, and it will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. No matter if you’re a lifelong resident of Almaden or an Amato first-timer, we urge you to give this place a chance.