Ciao fellow yinzers! While Pittsburgh is known for its Polish heritage and delicious pierogis, that doesn’t mean that we don’t know how to get down with some good old-fashioned Italian pasta. Around the city, you will find countless incredible ways to enjoy fresh, homemade pasta. I’ve gathered together some of the top places in our area for you to check out!
DiAnoia’s Eatery
If you couldn’t tell by the name, DiAnoia’s is an Italian eatery. This restaurant is located in the Strip District and serves up classic house-made pasta and well as other Italian selections. Looking at their menu can be intimidating because their dishes are often listed in Italian, but no matter what you choose, they will be beautifully made from scratch. I have had the opportunity to try the Gnocchi & Meatballs and the Eggplant Aglio E Olio. The gnocchi was pillowy and paired perfectly with the meatballs. The eggplant dish was unique in that the eggplant was chopped up in the pasta rather than having one large piece of eggplant accompanied with pasta as you would commonly see. A bonus is that the dish checks the box for a vegan diet!
While DiAnoia’s is only open for takeout during limited hours, they are offering some fun experiences. They have a fresh mozzarella kit for $30 and a make your own Cacio e Pepe kit for $17 both paired with a video guiding you through the process to deliciousness. Head to their website to order for a fun date night!
Osteria 2350
This Strip District restaurant is the perfect stop for an afternoon or evening bite. Their seasonal menus include hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches on house-baked bread, and of course, HOUSE-MADE PASTA! Their lunch menu is a bit more limited than the dinner menu when talking pasta, but lunch is still stacked with classics like house-made gnocchi and mac & cheese with three kinds of cheese, yum! Osteria also offers family dinners for takeout with 4 of their different pasta dishes. All are accompanied by their house salad or wedding soup and their basil oil and bread.
Forma Pasta
This woman-owned food service takes homemade pasta to a new level. Forma Pasta is a retail shop and delivery service for homemade pasta and sauces in the Pittsburgh area. They deliver to anywhere within 40 miles of the city. Join their subscription service for $22.95 a month and receive a large bag of 2 different kinds of pasta each month. You can either pick it up at their storefront in Allentown or have it hand-delivered to your home. Depending on your location, you will receive your delivery on one of the Tuesdays of the month. All of the packages are sealed with dry ice to keep the pasta frozen for freshness!
Maybe you’re looking for a specific pasta or a quick bite to eat. Stop by their new location to pick out your faves from their display case! They have local cured meats, cheeses, and sandwiches to go as well. If you’re not local, worry not! Forma has a handful of items that can be shipped nationwide. You can get the full package with 4lbs. of various dry pasta and 3 different sauce options or opt to order singular sauces or the sauce flight.
Girasole
When Pittsburghers talk about homemade pasta, Girasole is a restaurant that is always in the conversation. Currently open for takeout, dine-in, or delivery, Girasole is your destination for homemade pasta and a wine to pair it with! While dining there you will feel as though you are tucked away in a wine cellar of an Italian villa with the rustic vibes of this restaurant. Located off of Walnut Street in Shadyside, this is the perfect place to end your shopping trip for dinner.
This eatery has a rotating seasonal menu and each pasta dish is accompanied by a soup or salad and fresh bread. If you’re looking to give the gift of Girasole you can purchase one of their Pasta Gift Sets for $35. This includes one quart of their marinara sauce, one pound of pasta, their sunflower vinaigrette, and a set of commemorative wooden spoons.
Alla Famiglia
This long-established Italian restaurant will make all of your dreams come true. Alla Famiglia is a fine-dining eatery with an award-winning wine list, craft cocktails, and made from scratch Italian dishes. Their menu is set up by courses so you can enjoy some starters, a salad, pasta, and an entreè. The Veal Chop is the house specialty and comes in three different styles. If you work close to Allentown or are in the area, be sure to check out their happy hour menu. This weekday menu is available at the bar and high-top tables with specials like the “Queen of the Sea” lobster mac and $5 Peroni drafts.
Piccolo Forno
Located on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, Piccolo Forno offers handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and delicious desserts. Whether you are one for red sauce or a fan of garlic pasta, a fan of beef, or a lover of veggies, they have you covered. The full menu is currently available for takeout with some special family-size additions. You can order pasta for $10 per pound and either a 16oz or 32oz of sauce to go. If you want something a little fancier there are options to order pasta, proteins, veggies, and more! The options are perfect for a family gathering or as catering. Just make sure you call 24 hours in advance so they can ensure your order will be fulfilled.
La Tavola Italiana
This homemade pasta roundup wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the beautiful Mt. Washington restaurant, La Tavola Italiana. With a menu packed with pasta options, La Tavola is a great destination for any occasion. You’ll have over 10 different pasta dishes to choose from including Tortellini Crab & Shrimp, Pollo Parmigiana, and Pasta Carbonara. Their popular Family Meals for 4 are back as well! Satisfy everyone in your family with pasta and meatballs or the Family Style Baked Ziti!
If all of this mouthwatering pasta talk doesn’t make you want to pick up the phone and order or hop in the car and go to these spots right now, I don’t know what will! Always remember in Pittsburgh the pastabilities are endless!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.