ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Italian in Chatham
Master Critic Review
Tony's Pasta (Cottage Grove)
7.5
A takeout-first pasta shop that works for a casual at-home date: baked pasta bowls, ravioli, and hearty portions that travel clean when you keep sauces simple. Treat it like a comfort-food night—one baked pasta, one salad—rather than a big multi-item spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese ravioli pasta, Baked pasta bowl, Spaghetti and meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Big-portion baked pastas that are designed to travel and share.
Who should go: Couples planning an at-home date
When to visit: Weeknights for easiest pickup
What to order: Cheese ravioli, baked pasta bowl, spaghetti and meatballs
Insider tip: Order one pasta plus one salad—keeps the meal hot and balanced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on/near Cottage Grove is usually the move; availability varies by time of day, but weeknights are typically easier than Friday/Saturday evenings. Plan for a short walk and avoid blocking residential driveways.
Dress code: Casual comfort—hoodie-to-jeans is normal. If you’re calling it “date night,” upgrade with a clean jacket and sneakers/boots, but nothing dressy is required.
Noise level: Low - quick counter/takeout energy, easy to talk while you wait.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min for pickup during peak hours; longer if you’re ordering multiple baked pastas or specials.
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typically; fastest when you keep the order simple.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese ravioli and most marinara-based pasta options work well; you can build a satisfying meatless order by pairing a baked pasta with a simple salad.
Vegan options: Limited - possible with marinara pasta and no cheese/meat, but it depends on what’s prepped that day (many baked items are cheese-forward). Call ahead and ask what can be made without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited - pasta-heavy menu means GF is not a core lane. If they have a gluten-free substitute, treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee—ask before you commit.
Best For
Better for: Baked pasta that holds heat and texture on the ride home—ideal for a budget-friendly date-night meal you can split. It wins on portion-to-price value and “no-fuss comfort” consistency.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip if you want a true sit-down date-night vibe, cocktails, or a long lingering meal. Also choose an alternative if you need reliable gluten-free or vegan depth—this menu is built around classic pasta-and-cheese comfort.