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Italian Pasta Company
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Italian Pasta Company
7.6
A low-key Pico Boulevard pasta-and-pizza stop geared for takeout and quick family dinners. Sauces and baked pastas hit classic comfort notes, and the menu is broad enough to satisfy mixed groups. Not a destination room, but a useful consistent neighborhood player.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Baked ziti
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Neighborhood Italian comfort built for easy repeat visits.
Who should go: Families and groups needing dependable takeout Italian.
When to visit: Weeknights for quick pickup.
What to order: Lasagna, chicken parm, baked ziti.
Insider tip: Order extra sauce on the side—it upgrades leftovers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Pico and side streets; usually available within a block before 7pm.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—come as you are.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for group conversation, especially for takeout pickups.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on volume; primarily a quick-serve environment.
Weekday lunch: No wait; immediate ordering and pickup.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Many options—pastas, pizzas, salads, and baked dishes are easy to customize.
Vegan options: Limited—some sauces and salads can be adapted, but offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some pastas and salads work for gluten-free diners, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a functional neighborhood spot focused on takeout and casual meals rather than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in, counter-style operation where seating is first-come and usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—portions are generous, flavors are simple and familiar, and the casual setup works well for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, comforting Italian classics at family-friendly prices—especially takeout pastas and baked dishes.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, elevated pastas, or a destination Italian experience; consider Trattoria Natalie or Sotto instead.
Italian Pasta Company
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A fast-casual pasta counter that hits when you need a quick lasagna fix in the neighborhood. The style is hearty and straightforward, with bold tomato-meat flavor and a satisfying baked edge. Best framed as utility comfort rather than a destination dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Chicken Alfredo
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Grab-and-go Italian counter with reliably baked lasagna.
Who should go: Anyone needing a fast pasta comfort hit.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for freshest trays.
What to order: Meat lasagna, baked ziti, chicken alfredo.
Insider tip: Ask for the corner piece if you like crispy edges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and adjacent residential blocks; generally easy outside peak mealtimes.
Dress code: Ultra casual — come as you are; counter-service setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate — steady kitchen activity but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on foot traffic; mostly immediate.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; trays turn over quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — baked ziti and a few meatless pasta options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — most sauces contain dairy; check for a marinara-only build.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it's a fast-casual counter with minimal ambiance. Better for a quick, unfussy meal than a date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations needed; seating is limited but turnover is fast due to the counter-service format.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setup, soft pastas, and quick service work well for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable lasagna and pasta when you want comfort food without a long sit-down experience.
Skip if: You’re looking for a polished Italian dinner, handmade pasta, or a date-night atmosphere — go to a full-service trattoria instead.