If there’s one thing I love in this world, it’s pasta. Sure, there are a lot of other things that bring me joy. Like family, friends, travel, a good Netflix rom-com. But all of these things are made infinitely better by the presence of a delectable plate of pasta. So you can imagine how I feel about World Pasta Day, the highest of holidays ever to be celebrated. In honour of this important occasion on October 25, here are some of the best places to eat pasta around the world. You’re welcome.
ITALY
1. Meridionale, Rome
Spaghetti Carbonara is one of the most famous Italian dishes, but you haven’t really lived until you’ve tasted a traditional, tasty version of this classic. While there are basically endless options for pasta restaurants in Rome, you can’t go past Meridionale. Seriously, I can’t stop staring at their carbonara photos on the ‘gram.
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2. Tandem Ragù, Naples
Let’s be real, you could eat pasta at a different restaurant in Italy every day and never run out of new places to try. A good place to start is with this eatery in Naples. People travel from far and wide to eat the – you guessed it – ragú. Try a signature Neapolitan Ragú with gnocchi, spaghetti or by the bucket-load (just kidding, you can’t do that).
3. Ristorante Donna Rosa, Positano
Luxurious long lunches are the go-to in the seaside towns along the Amalfi Coast, and at Ristorante Donna Rosa the servings are generous and – most importantly – delicious. The chef’s delicately made pasta and ravioli are world-famous, with a nod from pasta-loving Jamie Oliver himself.
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4. Dongiò Ristorante, Milan
A widely celebrated restaurant in the heart of Italy’s trendiest city, Dongiò Ristorante offers up Calabrian cuisine that will satisfy the hungriest of travellers. With a family-run kitchen and humble furnishings, this eatery made it into the 2020 Michelin Guide thanks to dishes like their house speciality Spaghetti Alla Tamarro (a sausage and tomato sauce).
EUROPE
5. Manteca, London
Considered one of the best spots in the UK for fresh pasta, Manteca is popular thanks to its unique pasta dishes like Pumpkin Capellacci with Sage and House-Made Amaretti or Ox Cheek Ragù.
6. Circolo Popolare, London
I won’t lie to you, because I feel like we’re friends on this pasta journey of ours: a big part of the appeal of Circolo Popolare is the stunning, eccentric interiors. Grand arches filled with bottles, fairy lights intertwined with fake grapevines hanging from the ceiling – the place has a vibe. But the interiors aren’t the only thing going for it, with yummy food to devour all night long. In particular, the Mafaldine el Tartufo (truffle pasta) is a must-try.
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7. Mancini, Stockholm
Mancini was named one of the best Italian restaurants in the world this year, and it’s not hard to see why. This Swedish eatery serves up tasty meals like Risotto with Gamberoni and Zucchini cream and Pappardelle with Salsicciaragú.
8. Racines, Paris
Another one from the Micheline Guide 2020, Racines in the 2nd arrondissement is a must-visit when in Paris. The beautiful osteria-style bistro is a favourite among Parisians thanks to simple dishes that flow with the seasons. The menu changes regularly depending on fresh produce and available ingredients, with the chef Simone Tondo simply adding daily dishes to “the blackboard” for diners to peruse. Former favourites include Pasta with Beef Cheek Ragout and the pumpkiny goodness of Tortellino Zucca.
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AUSTRALIA & ASIA
9. Marta, Sydney
Specialising in Roman cuisine, this Rushcutters Bay restaurant is famous for their Cacio e Pepe – the simple, yet unbelievably good, pasta dish of pecorino romano cheese, black pepper and spaghetti.
10. Park Street Pasta & Wine, Melbourne
Pasta and wine? Ah, yes, my two favourite things! At this intimate Melbourne eatery you’ll have your fill with handmade pasta and a menu that changes fortnightly. Former favourites include dishes like Spaghetti All’astice with Lobster, San Marzano Sugo and Basil, Spaghetti with Spanner Crab and Tagliatelle with Beef Short Rib and King Brown Mushrooms.
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11. Chianti, Adelaide
In a city famed for good food and fine wine, Chianti is among several incredible standouts thanks to its tasty modern dishes. Special seafood pasta like Spaghetti Nero with Blue Swimmer Crab and Linguine with Roast Fennel are up there with the local’s favourites.
12. Gianni Ristorante, Bangkok
In the heart of Bangkok, Gianni Ristorante has been a staple of the thriving food scene for 24 years. In particular, the Home-Made Fettuccine tossed in a Creamy Porcini Mushroom Sauce is a must-try.
13. Carbone, Hong Kong
Reminiscent of an old-school Italian-American restaurant, Carbone is a homely place serving up hearty plates of pasta that will leave you with a full stomach and a happy grin. Spicy Rigatone Vodka and Linguini Vongole are popular favourites, and they don’t look too shabby as you can see below!
NORTH AMERICA
14. Vapiano, New York City
An affordable, make-your-own style pasta restaurant in Manhattan, this is the perfect pasta pit-stop when you’ve had a big day of hitting the sights in the Big Apple. Ravioli Con Carne, Pomodoro e Scampi and Chicken Alfredo are some of the hearty choices on the menu.
15. Emilio’s Ballato, New York City
On the other end – the fancier end – is Emilio’s Ballato. Favoured by celebrities from David Bowie to Rihanna, Ballato is a beloved establishment in New York City that retains its original charm and old-school interiors despite fame and acclaim. If you can score a table, the exclusive clubby experience (and amazing dinner) is really a once-in-a-lifetime kind of deal.
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16. Monzu Fresh Pasta, San Diego
The name says it all, right? This modern Italian restaurant serves fresh, inventive pasta with flavoursome sauces like Pistachio Pesto Gnocchi and Winter Squash Ravioli.
17. Giacomo’s Boston North End, Boston
There’s a reason people line up along the street for a taste of Giacamo’s – put simply, the food is delicious as hell. The cash-only restaurant is on the cheaper side, which is pretty unbelievable considering the quality of the dishes. Fettuccini with Prosciutto and Peas in a Garlic Cream Sauce, Ziti with Chicken and Shrimp in a Pesto Cream Sauce and their Seafood Linguine are seriously drool-worthy.
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18. Enoteca Sociale, Toronto
This cosy spot is celebrated for their Roman-style cuisine, considered to be some of the best in Toronto. There’s a lot to love with top dishes including Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle with Mushroom Ragu & Parmigiano and Rigatoni with Pork Fennel Ragu & Breadcrumb.
