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Pasta Al Gusto
Master Critic Review
Pasta Al Gusto
7.8
Pasta Al Gusto is a cozy Roscoe Village BYOB trattoria where housemade Lasagna della Casa shares the menu with Roman-style pizzas and familiar pastas. Open since 2013, it leans into generous portions and relaxed service rather than polish, making it a go-to for comforting red-sauce dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna della Casa, Spaghetti all Polpette, Rigatoni alla Grassa
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: BYOB neighborhood trattoria centered on house lasagna and Roman-style pizza.
Who should go: Lakeview locals craving cozy BYOB red-sauce comfort dinners.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for unhurried lasagna dinners and BYOB catchups.
What to order: Lasagna della Casa, Spaghetti all Polpette, Rigatoni alla Grassa.
Insider tip: Bring a favorite bottle; portions are shareable, so split pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Roscoe and surrounding residential blocks; typically manageable on weekdays but can be limited during peak weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and relaxed attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at smaller tables, can get lively during weekend dinner rush.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 25–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; seating is usually immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pasta and pizza options can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be adapted; ask about sauce and cheese substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited — availability may depend on pasta substitutions; confirm with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s cozy, intimate, and BYOB, making it a relaxed, low-pressure first-date setting best suited to conversation-forward dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays — walk-ins are common, but on weekends you may wait during prime dinner hours, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids — portions are shareable and the room is informal, though it is more of a sit-down dinner environment than a quick-service spot.
Best For
Better for: Comfort-forward red-sauce pasta dinners, shareable lasagna, and relaxed BYOB gatherings where value and portion size matter more than formality.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine-dining polish, a craft-cocktail program, or highly modern Italian cooking — choose a more upscale trattoria in that case.