Maybe because it was during Fashion Week, but based on my evening at A Pasta Bar in NYC, I can confirm that skinny and easy-on-the-eyes people eat pasta. I had walked by A Pasta Bar dozens of times. I finally joined the ranks of attractive people sitting al fresco, whose large plates of pasta previously gave me FOMO. Like its name implies, A Pasta Bar is a simple yet elevated pasta restaurant. Its open kitchen is helmed by Chef Massimo Sola. Chef Sola has a legit pedigree too; he earned a Michelin star in Italy before bringing his pasta to Soho. What he’s achieved is both your neighborhood cantina and people-watching spot that’s earned its place as a staple. Because there’s a certain kind of night in Soho when you don’t want to fuss, but want solid food and a nice crowd. That’s the gap A Pasta Bar fills in NYC — whether or not Soho is your local hood.

Atmosphere

A Pasta Bar sits on the edge of Soho on a prime corner. So, if you’re in the area, you’ll likely walk by. It’s the kind of place you pop into spontaneously. And regulars have a standing Friday reservation (which is probably 50% of the crowd). When the weather is nice, the floor-to-ceiling windows open up onto the street with outdoor seating, which doubles the space. Otherwise, during the winters, it’s a cozy and intimate vibe inside. The open kitchen at the center dominates the relatively small interior, making it the real decor. My move is the kitchen counter, as I like a show. Chefs toss pasta right in front of you, often with mounds of truffle (more on that later). The counter has become my spot, where I take a girlfriend for an overdue catch-up or go solo after a long day.

There’s a casual elegance to the decor and set-up of the dining room, which is why A Pasta Bar is a regular’s spot. These aren’t just any regulars though; the crowd lends itself to people-watching, especially if you like the downtown-creative-type. A Pasta Bar feels European with the effortlessness of New York. It’s a good spot for date-night couples, friends catching up, and a girls’ night out when you want to dish.

Food + Beverage

It’s rare that a restaurant can be equally balanced between food and scene, and in a nutshell, that’s A Pasta Bar. Here, the food backs up the reason for attractive people to gather over plates of pasta. When we sat down, I asked my friend if it would be too much to order four pastas. Her response was a resounding “never,” as there were at least eight pastas that piqued our interest. My friend is dairy-free and gluten-free (which made me a little sad, as I was going full-on), but she was ecstatic. Apparently, A Pasta Bar can accommodate those who don’t partake in either. The menu sticks to the elevated classics, and that’s the point. Expect penne all’arrabbiata, linguine with clams and the familiar pastas you’ve ordered a hundred times — just executed better than usual.

Getting Down to Business

I didn’t waste time messing around, and ordered the truffle pasta straight away. It’s a big statement, but this dish can go toe-to-toe with any pasta I had in Italy over the summer. Of course, it’s rich with a butter cream sauce, but that’s essential for the lavish amount of truffles shaved on top. The linguine and clams was also memorable. On another visit, I had the classic tonnarelli cacio e pepe. It’s the litmus test of any pasta spot, and it excels. It’s peppery, properly emulsified and not gloppy — which is a harder needle to thread than most restaurants admit. I also enjoyed the lobster pasta, which like the truffle pasta, was generous on the lobster in a red sauce that hit just right.

On the drinks side, the wine list is short and Italian, which I appreciate. You get good options without a novel to read.

Service

A place that makes it onto a regular rotation for most of its clients also comes down to service. This is something that is clearly a priority for A Pasta Bar, as everyone from the hosts and the servers to the chefs hustles to make the experience seamless. The team is friendly and informed on the menu to make good recommendations and they keep the wine flowing. It’s nice when your waitstaff genuinely wants to make your experience a good one.

Overall

A Pasta Bar is the kind of neighborhood Italian every New Yorker should have in their back pocket. It’s chic enough for a date, casual enough for a Tuesday, and the pasta is reliably excellent.

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FAQs

Q: Where is A Pasta Bar NYC located?

A: A Pasta Bar NYC is located at 330 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013, between Grand and Canal Streets in Soho.

Q: Who is the chef at A Pasta Bar NYC?

A: A Pasta Bar NYC, formerly known as Sola Pasta Bar, was opened by Chef Massimo Sola. Chef Sola previously earned a Michelin star in Italy.

Q: Can you sit at the counter at A Pasta Bar NYC?

A: Yes, there’s counter seating at A Pasta Bar NYC overlooking the open kitchen. It’s the best seat in the house if you’re looking for a show.

Q: Does A Pasta Bar NYC take reservations?

A: Yes, reservations at A Pasta Bar NYC are available through OpenTable, or you can call the restaurant at (646) 762-4056.