Pasta Night

We walked in without a reservation and were seated immediately.Pasta Night offers an elevated "pay-at-the-counter" style of dining. While it felt a bit odd at first, once we sat down and the food arrived, my husband and I were practically salivating.We started with the bread and dipping oil and calamari. Both were fantastic. The olive oil, garlic, and parsley dipping oil was addictive, and the bread was fluffy and clearly house-made--it had that wonderful just baked smell. The calamari had a light, crispy batter and was packed with flavor.For our mains, I had the chicken Milanese and my husband went with the pasta with ragu. My Milanese was so good. It was seasoned to perfection, with a beautiful golden-brown crust, topped with a refreshing salad, shavings of parmesan, and cooked mushrooms. My husband enjoyed his pasta, but kept eyeing my dish, so he ended up eating mine as well.Overall, Pasta Night feels like a cozy neighborhood gem with food that bursts with flavor. I'm super excited to have found my new favorite Italian spot.

- spaghetti was very al dente- friendly service- full house eon a Thursday night- tasty caesar salad- loved the Italian soda- cool rnb soundtrack- heated garden in the back- lots of Italian items on the menu

Pasta Night, when you enter, evokes the aperitivo. Rather than a line, you enter to standing tables with menus laid out where you can gather and decide on your meal. It's not quite pre-dinner drinks as in Italy, but it has somehow transformed the experience of waiting in line from dull and annoying to almost a social occasion. It is an unusual welcome, and a welcome change of pace.There is a bar where drinks are prepared directly in front of you in the entry way as you decide on your order. Once you have, you walk up to the cash register. Unlike other restaurants with counter ordering, you are then seated by the host or the cashier, a touch that helps make what can be a somewhat hectic process run a bit more smoothly. There is seating for solo diners at a bar that faces a wall (not my favorite, but I do appreciate that there is a spot for those who are dining alone). The menu is inspired by the traditional Italian approach to meals, and in a larger group you could really order a bit from each category. The menu also is perfectly suitable for a solo diner or couple, and the pasta is usually sufficient for a meal (not particularly large portions, but still plenty). On my first trip, I went with the spaghetti and meatballs (a classic), which was excellent. The tomato sauce tastes fresh, the meatballs are very flavorful, and the pasta excellent. My second trip was even better, starting with the pane cunzato (a bit pricy at $8 for a bit of focaccia, but still very tasty) and an eggplant parmesan special (made wonderfully and presented beautifully). Food comes out in around 10-15 minutes and is brought to you. I've not had much experience with the cocktail program, but the menu looks quite interesting. There are a handful of speciality cocktails, and a well thought out wine and beer list. There is also a rather long list of Italian sodas and mocktails, which should certainly appeal to those not looking to catch a buzz with their dinner. All that said, the pricing felt a bit steep relative to the rest of the menu. I understand that this is New York City, but a cheaper house red would certainly be appreciated. Even a Diet Coke clocked in at $5, which is just a bit much. I've not stayed for dessert yet, but they do offer it to you when you initially order, which is a helpful reminder and shows that they put some thought into the experience. Overall Pasta Night is very good, and could easily be both a date night or a quick evening meal. I will certainly be back to explore more of the menu.

I had an amazing meal at Pasta Night! The Chicken Milanese was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor--definitely one of the best I've had. The pesto pasta was just as impressive, bursting with fresh flavors that made each bite delicious. The only small letdown was that they didn't bring bread to the table, which is usually a given at most Italian restaurants. Still, a great spot for anyone craving mouthwatering Italian!

This is the new sort of quick service/sort of table service Italian spot from the Ciao Gloria team, and right across the street from the great bakery/cafe.Go in and order at the counter, and then grab a seat, where they will bring your food out to you. Definitely sit in the nice little patio in the back while the weather is still good enough. Make sure you start with the Focaccia and the Insalata di Casa, and then get a bunch of pastas. The best one we tried was the Gemelli with Pesto, but "The Big Ragu" was also excellent.For dessert, the gelato from Biddrina is a perfect combo with the chocolate cake. Will definitely be back ASAP to try more pastas and the Chicken Milanese entree.

Cheers to them trying a newish concept (fast casual pasta) in the 'hood. I think it works because the food was amazing. Concept is still working itself out but I am confident this place will be very popular soon. Also, wouldn't think other wise from the chef, Joseph Catalanotti, and owner of Ciao Gloria, Renato Poliafito. Simple well made pasta. I got the classic marinara and my wife got the special cacio e pepe. Don't sleep on the ceaser... Lemony and yummy.

Liking the concept. Order at the counter and get seated when there is a table available. Definitely a casual place with stellar food. Cacio e Pepe was a special tonight and it didn't disappoint! The Caesar salad is light and lemony with amazing croutons. The classic marinara came out piping hot and perfectly Al dente. It got really busy by the time we left around 7:30 so imagine there was quite a wait. Excited to have this new spot in the neighborhood. Lastly, but super important-every staff member was incredibly friendly and helpful. I'd come back just because of the hospitality.

Great food and drinks! Did not disappoint. Had meatballs, the salad with olives and almonds, autumn gnocchi, and Milanese. Would recommend all. Finished with chocolate cardamom affogato - so good. Their order-and-then-be-seated style was convenient. Cocktails were few but delicious.

Understated, but absolutely delicious! One of the best meals I've had in a while. Staff was friendly, and the ambience was cozy too.

i have lived in the neighborhood for 3 years . i am a big foodie and have been to every restaurant on vanderbilt multiple time . this fast food joint is unorganized overprice and under serviced . i tried to disregard the extremely high price for cup noodle soup quality pasta . and give this spot a try . but i warn you if you want a real pasta night go to forma pasta 2 blocks down !!!shout out to mack at the register for giving me the worst experience i have ever had in prospect heights ! he is lost in the sauce !!thank you !!!