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Pasta Amore
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pasta Amore
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Pasta Amore is a budget-friendly Italian counter spot known for customizable pasta plates and all-you-can-eat options. Its simple setup focuses on speed and value rather than ambiance, drawing students and locals seeking hearty portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with marinara, Penne Alfredo with chicken, Garlic bread
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: All-you-can-eat pasta and customizable combinations at low prices.
Who should go: Budget diners wanting large portions.
When to visit: Early evening for the freshest pans.
What to order: AYCE spaghetti, penne Alfredo, garlic bread.
Insider tip: Mix sauces between rounds to explore more options.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets; spots turn over frequently but can be competitive during early evening hours.
Dress code: Casual; T-shirts, jeans, and everyday attire fit the counter-service environment.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly kitchen noise and steady foot traffic, but conversation is easy at the tables.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on student and group traffic; AYCE nights draw small lines.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; service is fast and geared toward quick daytime meals.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most sauces and pasta combos can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few marinara-based options work, but dairy-focused dishes dominate.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pasta; gluten-free diners must rely on salads or simple sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for a casual, low-budget meet-up; the space is simple and built for fast, hearty meals rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served with quick turnover; the only wait is for busy AYCE periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very; approachable dishes, large portions, and a relaxed environment suit families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large portions on a small budget, fast meals, and casual group dining without fuss.
Skip if: You want atmospheric Italian dining, gluten-free options, or refined regional cooking.
Pasta Amore
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Pasta Amore is an all-you-can-eat pasta spot on Melrose where families can customize bowls of fresh pasta, sauces, and toppings for a set price. The lively, fast-casual room skews young and energetic, but big tables and quick refills make it a fun, budget-conscious Italian night for kids and teens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti & Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: All-you-can-eat, made-to-order pasta at a flat price.
Who should go: Families with hungry kids who love customizing pasta.
When to visit: Early evening before it fills with bigger groups.
What to order: Spicy vodka rigatoni, mushroom Alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs.
Insider tip: Plan extra time for seconds and thirds—kids love building new combos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Melrose and side streets; spots turn over fairly quickly before 6pm but get tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and kid-friendly; jeans, tees, and athleisure are all completely normal.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially with groups and families; expect moderate-to-loud chatter during peak windows.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during prime hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Easy to accommodate—many sauces and toppings are naturally vegetarian, and customization makes it simple.
Vegan options: Limited; a few tomato-based and oil-based sauces work, but confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably supported; gluten-free pasta is not always available and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re going for a playful, super casual vibe. The energy leans loud and lively, which limits intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service and walk-in friendly. Arrive early on weekends to avoid short lines.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely. Kids and teens love the customizable bowls, quick refills, and forgiving noise level. High chairs and large tables make group family outings easy.
Best For
Better for: Casual family nights when you want large portions, simple customization, and a budget-friendly all-you-can-eat setup.
Skip if: You want high-end pasta, a quiet dining room, or strong vegan/gluten-free accommodations—other Italian spots in the area will be better suited.
Pasta Amore
7.8
Pasta Amore is a new all-you-can-eat pasta bar on Melrose where couples customize bowls of fresh pasta, sauces, and toppings for a single, budget-friendly price. Neon-accented interiors, upbeat music, and bottomless carbs skew more playful than formal, making it a fun low-pressure first or early-date spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parm with Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 9.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A high-energy, all-you-can-eat pasta concept where date night stays under budget.
Who should go: Casual couples who don’t mind a louder, fast-casual scene.
When to visit: Weeknights before 8pm for shorter lines and fresher pace.
What to order: Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parm.
Insider tip: Use the AYCE format to share smaller portions of multiple sauce combinations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Melrose is the main option; spots turn over frequently but fill up after 7pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to casual-cute. Most couples lean stylish but relaxed—think jeans, sneakers, and a nicer top.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud. Music and counter-service energy mean you can talk, but intimate whispers won’t land.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on the rush, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right up to the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very good—most sauces and several toppings are veg-friendly, and staff will guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—tomato-based sauces and select veggies are available, though no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Not currently supported; no GF pasta options and no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something fun, casual, and low-pressure. The build-your-bowl format gives you natural conversation starters, but it’s not ideal for a quiet or romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arriving before peak dinner hours helps you avoid the line and snag one of the indoor tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Older kids and teens will like the customizable bowls, but the louder, fast-casual vibe may be overstimulating for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious date nights where you want variety, customization, and a playful atmosphere without committing to a long sit-down meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, candlelit Italian dinner, gluten-free options, or a place where you can linger for two hours with table service.