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Uovo
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Uovo
8.3
This pasta bar flies handmade noodles overnight from Bologna, serving authentic regional Italian dishes at a counter surrounding the open kitchen. The no-reservations policy and quick service make it ideal for families seeking quality without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe on Cheese Wheel, Traditional Bolognese, Carbonara
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Fresh pasta flown daily from Bologna, Italy
Who should go: Pasta purists and casual diners alike
When to visit: Early dinner to snag counter seats
What to order: Tagliatelle with truffle butter, amatriciana, tiramisu
Insider tip: Watch chefs prepare cacio e pepe tableside on pecorino wheel
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public garage 2 blocks away ($3/hour), valet not available
Dress code: Casual - jeans and sneakers totally fine, it's a pasta counter not a formal dining room
Noise level: Lively - open kitchen adds energy, counter seating means close quarters, conversation-friendly but not quiet
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm for minimal wait
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 12:30pm, 10-15 min wait during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options including cacio e pepe, aglio e olio, and seasonal vegetable specials
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify aglio e olio without cheese, better Italian vegan options elsewhere
Gluten-free options: No - this is a traditional pasta bar with no GF noodle options, not recommended for celiac
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they're casual - the counter seating creates intimacy, watching pasta made is a conversation starter, but it's not fancy or private
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's counter seating only and no reservations taken - just show up and wait, turnover is quick (most meals under 45 min)
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for kids - they love watching pasta being made, quick service keeps them engaged, simple butter noodles available, high chairs provided
Best For
Better for: Authentic Bologna-style pasta without the fine dining stuffiness - better quality than Eataly, faster than traditional Italian restaurants
Skip if: You want a lingering romantic dinner with wine - this is counter service focused on pasta perfection, not a full Italian experience
Uovo
8.1
This modern pasta bar flies fresh noodles daily from Bologna, offering Rome and Bologna's greatest hits under $20. The intimate counter seating around the open kitchen lets couples watch chefs toss authentic carbonara and cacio e pepe tableside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carbonara, Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Only restaurant flying pasta daily from Bologna, Italy.
Who should go: Pasta traditionalists seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits
What to order: Carbonara, ragù bolognese, truffle special
Insider tip: Counter seats let you watch pasta preparation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking competitive after 5pm, nearby public garage on 2nd Street ($3/hour evenings)
Dress code: Casual chic - nice jeans and a stylish top perfect, no need for formal wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - intimate enough for conversation at counter seats
Weekend wait: 60-90 min for walk-ins, counter seats sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent cacio e pepe, truffle pasta, and seasonal vegetable options
Vegan options: Very limited - aglio e olio can be made vegan, call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: No - specializes in traditional wheat pasta only
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the counter seating creates natural conversation starters watching the chefs work, and sub-$20 plates keep it low-pressure while still impressive
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seats are first-come first-served and turn over quickly (45-60 min meals), arrive by 5:30pm weeknights for best shot
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate quality pasta - no kids menu, counter seating only, but staff accommodating with simple butter pasta on request
Best For
Better for: Authentic pasta at half the price of Felix or Bestia, with the unique experience of truly fresh Bologna-imported noodles
Skip if: You want a full Italian menu with appetizers and entrees - this is pasta-focused only, or if you need a guaranteed table for large groups
Uovo
8.3
Dedicated pasta specialists importing fresh handmade noodles daily from Bologna, serving iconic dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe with recipes sourced directly from Italy's best restaurants. The intimate candlelit space with open kitchen creates an authentic Roman trattoria vibe where pasta perfection is the singular focus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Pasta flown in fresh from Italy daily
Who should go: Serious pasta lovers seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits
What to order: Carbonara, cacio e pepe, yellowtail crudo
Insider tip: No reservations - add name to list and explore nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public lots 2 blocks away ($8-15), rideshare recommended for dinner
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans with elevated top perfect, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - intimate enough for conversation, livelier after 8pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, arrive by 5:30pm or after 9pm for shorter waits
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including cacio e pepe and seasonal vegetable pastas
Vegan options: Very limited - marinara and aglio e olio can be made vegan on request
Gluten-free options: No - pasta-focused menu with no GF pasta alternative available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - candlelit intimate setting, shareable portions encourage conversation, and the no-reservation policy means you can explore nearby while waiting
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - put your name on the list and grab a drink at The Bungalow nearby. Tuesday-Thursday before 7pm is your best bet for minimal wait
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate quality food - no kids menu, intimate romantic atmosphere, and limited space for strollers
Best For
Better for: Authentic Roman pasta techniques and imported ingredients - beats Eataly and Jon & Vinny's for traditional carbonara and cacio e pepe purists
Skip if: You want pizza, extensive wine list, or big portions - head to Forma or Felix instead for broader Italian menu
Uovo
8.7
Traditional pasta flown in fresh daily from Bologna makes this counter-service spot a purist's dream. Watch chefs finish carbonara in pecorino wheels and craft iconic Italian dishes with imported ingredients at the open kitchen bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle Ragu, Carbonara
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Pasta overnighted from their kitchen in Bologna, Italy.
Who should go: Pasta purists seeking authentic Italian technique
When to visit: Late lunch for shorter waits
What to order: Cacio e pepe, ragu, any daily special
Insider tip: No reservations; bar seating turns over fastest
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th/5th Street, paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15), avoid Ocean Ave meters
Dress code: Casual counter service - anything from workout clothes to business casual fits
Noise level: Lively but manageable - open kitchen adds energy without overwhelming conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min peak hours (no reservations taken)
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during 12-1pm rush, minimal wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta options including cacio e pepe and seasonal vegetable specials
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify aglio e olio, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: No - fresh pasta is the focus, no GF alternatives available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - counter seating is intimate but the no-reservation policy means potential waits and limited control over timing
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - it's first-come, first-served counter service. Solo diners and pairs get seated faster than groups
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids who like pasta - counter seating lets them watch the kitchen action, but no kids menu or high chairs
Best For
Better for: Authentic pasta technique and imported ingredients that rival high-end Italian restaurants at half the price
Skip if: You need dietary accommodations beyond vegetarian or want a formal dining experience with table service