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Uovo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Uovo
8.4
Fresh pasta flown overnight from Bologna creates an authentic Roman street cafe experience in The Commons courtyard. Their dedication to traditional recipes and proper technique shows in every perfectly al dente strand of handmade pasta.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carbonara, Tagliatelle with Truffle Sauce, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Daily pasta shipments from Bologna Italy
Who should go: Pasta purists and authenticity seekers
When to visit: Early arrival to avoid wait times
What to order: Carbonara, cheese & truffle tasting menu, tiramisu
Insider tip: No reservations taken - arrive at 5:30 for immediate seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Commons parking structure $3/hour, fills up after 6:30pm on weekends
Dress code: California casual, anything from nice jeans to business attire fits
Noise level: Lively outdoor courtyard - conversation-friendly but energetic
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, no-reservation policy means everyone waits
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min during peak noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, cacio e pepe is exceptional
Vegan options: Very limited - aglio e olio can be made without cheese
Gluten-free options: No - fresh pasta is their identity, no alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic courtyard setting, shareable portions encourage conversation, and the no-reservation policy keeps it casual. Just arrive early or the wait becomes part of the date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's the only way - they don't take reservations at all. Strategy: arrive at 5:30pm for immediate seating or after 8:30pm when the first wave leaves.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early dinners - outdoor space gives kids room, simple pasta dishes work well. After 7pm becomes more date-night oriented.
Best For
Better for: Authentic pasta texture and traditional Roman recipes - if you want real carbonara without cream, this beats any local competitor
Skip if: You need guaranteed seating times, want extensive gluten-free options, or prefer American-Italian over traditional Roman
Uovo
8.5
Fresh pasta flown daily from Bologna creates an authentic Italian experience in Pasadena Commons. The intimate 18-seat pasta bar and thoughtful tasting menus showcase traditional recipes learned directly from Italian chefs, making each visit feel like a culinary journey.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle with Truffle Sauce, Traditional Lasagna Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Pasta handmade in Bologna and flown in overnight daily.
Who should go: Serious pasta lovers seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits
What to order: Tasting menu, Cacio e Pepe, truffle tagliatelle
Insider tip: No reservations; arrive early or expect 45+ minute wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pasadena Commons garage free for 90 minutes with validation, valet $8 evenings, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy, jeans acceptable but lean polished for the upscale atmosphere
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - 18-seat space keeps volume moderate
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes typical, up to 2 hours Friday/Saturday peak
Weekday lunch: 15-30 minutes, arrive before noon for immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple fresh pasta options with vegetables and cheese-based sauces
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify some dishes but not a strength
Gluten-free options: No - pasta-focused menu with no gluten-free pasta option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate 18-seat setting creates natural conversation, shared tasting menu is interactive, and the no-reservation policy means you can bond over the wait with drinks nearby
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's the only way - they don't take reservations. Best strategy: weekday lunch or arrive 30 minutes before opening for dinner. Put your name down and grab drinks at nearby bars while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - tiny space, long waits, refined atmosphere, and limited kid-friendly options. Better for teens who appreciate quality food
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian pasta experience with daily imported ingredients - more genuine than Republique, more intimate than Union
Skip if: You want quick service, need dietary accommodations, or prefer variety over pasta specialization - try Maestro instead
Uovo
8.5
Handmade pasta flown overnight from Bologna gives Uovo an authenticity edge that diners immediately taste. Established in 2017, this pasta-focused concept features an 18-seat bar where guests watch chefs plate dishes right before their eyes. Recipes sourced directly from iconic Bologna and Rome trattorias maintain traditional preparation methods for carbonara, cacio e pepe, and ragù.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Ragù, Tonnarelli Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Fresh pasta imported daily from Bologna with recipes from Italian masters
Who should go: Pasta lovers seeking authentic Italian technique and ingredients
When to visit: Sit at the bar weeknights to watch preparation
What to order: Tasting menu for two, ragù, carbonara trio
Insider tip: Located in courtyard behind Lake Avenue storefronts
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Lake Avenue or nearby side streets, typically easier to find after 7pm. Public lot one block north on Del Mar Boulevard ($2/hour, free after 6pm weekdays)
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and a button-down work, but many wear slacks or dresses for the date night atmosphere
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - open kitchen adds ambient energy but tables are spaced well for private conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting at 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 pasta options plus seasonal vegetable appetizers, chef accommodates modifications
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes by omitting cheese/butter, but pasta contains eggs (imported from Bologna), better to call ahead
Gluten-free options: No - entire concept centers on traditional wheat pasta imported from Italy, not recommended for celiac diners
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting, impressive food that sparks conversation, and the open kitchen gives you something to watch if conversation lulls. Bar seating is perfect for first dates since you sit side-by-side. Budget $80-100 per person with wine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends. Your best bet: arrive right at 5pm opening or after 9pm, or sit at the 18-seat bar which is first-come, first-served. Tuesday-Thursday before 6:30pm you have decent walk-in odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, and tasting-menu-style service runs 90+ minutes. Better for teens (14+) who appreciate quality food. Most diners are couples or adult groups.
How does this compare to Osteria Mozza? Uovo focuses exclusively on pasta with Bologna authenticity, while Mozza offers broader Italian menu. Uovo is more intimate (smaller space), slightly less expensive, and the imported pasta gives it an edge on traditional preparations. Mozza has more celebrity buzz and fuller bar program.
What's the best way to experience Uovo? Sit at the bar to watch the pasta plating and chat with chefs - it's like dinner theater. Order the tasting menu for two ($75/person) which lets you sample 4-5 pastas family-style. Pair with a bottle from their Italian-focused wine list ($50-80 range).
Best For
Better for: Authentic Bologna-style pasta technique, intimate date nights where food is the main event, watching chef craftsmanship up close, traditional Italian preparations without fusion influence
Skip if: You need gluten-free options, want a full Italian menu beyond pasta, dining with young kids, looking for a quick meal (service is leisurely European-style), or want a big group atmosphere (space is cozy and small)