Pastini Pastaria

Pastini Pastaria Restaurant Review:

This Irvington neighborhood hotspot is the original location of the Oregon-based chain. The setting is modern with an open kitchen and a sometimes noisy crowd. The menu features house-made pasta in assorted shapes and sizes paired with tasty sauces. Classics include fettuccine with chicken Marsala, baked ziti with sausages, and a spaghetti con gamberetti packed with shrimp. Some salads are quite good, most notably the chicken artichoke and the tuna and white bean. Antipasti --- try the bruschetta --- and sandwiches, such as a meatball sub, round out the menu. Desserts include brightly colored spumoni and tiramisu. You can substitute gluten-free pasta at no extra charge. Parents appreciate the unusually expansive children's menu and the speedy service. Beer and wine are available with many pleasant, inexpensive regional and Italian selections.