Tony & Alba’s lunch special is one of the best buys in the area. I eat lunch there 3 – 5 times a week. There are many options, and there are many regular customers who order many things, but I ALWAYS get a slice of cheese pizza and the garden salad. It comes with focaccia and drink (unlimited soda/iced tea). At least some focaccia should be saved to sop up the last of the salad dressing.

There are six other locations but the Escuela Ave. site in Mt. View is the original. As with the food, I can speak for only this store, but it is super friendly and clearly a family run organization. Anthony, Tony and Alba’s son, is in charge, but parents, kids, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews are apt to show up to help out. And the whole staff knows the regular customers.

One day, Anthony gave me an eggplant sandwich to try. It was really delicious, but he couldn’t break my habit.

Comfort food; comfort atmosphere.

For menus and other locations, see www.tonyalba.com.