Best Upscale Pasta in Civic Center | Top 7 Upscale Spots

20 restaurants in Best Upscale Pasta in Civic Center | Top 7 Upscale Spots

• Piacere — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Piacere captures the soul of Italy in a sun-drenched space where the aroma of toasted garlic and slow-simmered ragù drifts through an atmosphere of effortless elegance. Guests linger over silken ribbons of hand-rolled pasta and vibrant, seasonal antipasti, savoring a dining experience that elevates simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor. It is a sanctuary of warmth and light, where every pour of robust wine and every shared plate feels like a heartfelt toast to the joy of living.
• Barbalu — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Tucked into the cobblestone charm of the Seaport, Barbalu welcomes guests with a rustic embrace of exposed brick and warm candlelight, creating an intimate haven that feels like a well-kept secret. The kitchen breathes life into traditional Italian soul food, where the steam from bowls of perfectly al dente pasta mingles with the bright, herbaceous notes of house-pressed olive oils and sun-ripened tomatoes. Every meal unfolds with a rhythmic ease, pairing robust regional wines with artisanal plates that honor the simplicity and deep, comforting flavors of a classic trattoria.
• Pep's on Grand — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights, Pep's on Grand invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the intoxicating aroma of garlic-infused olive oil. Silken, hand-rolled pastas and slow-simmered sauces celebrate the soulful simplicity of Italian tradition, creating a dining experience that feels both timelessly elegant and vibrantly alive.
• Pasquale Jones — Italian · rated 4.5/5: The rhythmic crackle of twin wood-burning ovens anchors this high-energy Nolita corner, where the intoxicating aroma of charred dough and sea salt beckons from a bustling open kitchen. Guests indulge in the artistry of fire-kissed cooking, savoring legendary blistered clam pizzas and succulent roasted meats that celebrate the bold, rustic simplicity of the Italian coast. Against a backdrop of curated vinyl beats, the space hums with a sophisticated yet soulful energy, transforming a simple dinner into a vibrant urban celebration.
• Pepolino — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this intimate Italian gem envelops guests in the earthy fragrance of wild thyme and the comforting glow of a rustic Tuscan farmhouse. Every bite of tender, hand-rolled pasta and slow-simmered ragu tells a story of tradition, inviting diners to slow down and lose themselves in the timeless charm of a soulful Florentine feast.
• Giardino D'Oro — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in a warm, golden glow, this refined sanctuary transports diners to the heart of Italy with its polished mahogany accents and an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The air carries the enticing perfume of slow-simmered ragus and toasted garlic, while each plate arrives as a celebration of tradition, featuring velvety house-made pastas and succulent coastal flavors that linger long after the final sip of Chianti.
• Paesano's — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Paesano’s captures the heart of a spirited Italian kitchen, where the air is heavy with the comforting aroma of roasted garlic and the vibrant zing of hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Guests settle into a warm, inviting space to savor velvety handmade pastas and crusty, herb-dusted loaves that celebrate the simple beauty of old-world craftsmanship. It is a soulful retreat where every pour of Chianti and every shared plate feels like an invitation into a lively, timeless family tradition.
• The Grotto — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Descend into a subterranean sanctuary of exposed brick and flickering shadows, where the timeless allure of Old World Italy comes alive in every candlelit corner. The kitchen transforms sun-drenched ingredients into velvety handmade pastas and aromatic braises, creating an intimate retreat where the clink of wine glasses and the scent of fresh oregano transport diners to a rustic village kitchen.
• Rosella’s Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Rosella’s Pizza captures the heart of a classic Italian kitchen, where the rhythmic toss of dough and the golden glow of the oven create a backdrop for lively neighborhood gatherings. Each slice offers a symphony of textures, from the airy, blistered crust to the rich swirl of tangy tomato sauce and molten cheese that brings a taste of Old World tradition to every table.
• Vincent's — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Vincent’s invites guests into a sanctuary of old-world charm, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough and the rich aroma of slow-simmered marinara create an atmosphere of effortless warmth. Here, golden candlelight flickers against exposed brick as plates of silken pasta and herb-crusted proteins arrive, turning a simple dinner into a soulful celebration of Italian heritage.
• La Nonna — Italian · rated 4.1/5: La Nonna transports diners to the heart of a rustic Italian home, where the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted garlic wafts through a space glowing with candlelight and old-world charm. Silken, hand-shaped pastas and vibrant seasonal plates celebrate the timeless art of the family table, inviting guests to linger over bottles of ruby-red wine and crusty, hearth-baked bread. The atmosphere hums with a soulful warmth, turning every meal into a heartfelt embrace that honors the rich, culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
• Umberto’s Clam House — Italian · rated 4.1/5: This legendary Little Italy cornerstone pulses with the vibrant energy of old-school New York, where the neon glow of Mulberry Street illuminates a dining room filled with the spirited clatter of shells and conversation. The air is thick with the briny aroma of fresh seafood and simmering garlic, as guests dive into overflowing platters of linguine drenched in a signature spicy marinara that captures the bold, soulful essence of Italian-American tradition.
• Cucina Bene Pizza — Italian · rated 4.1/5: Step into a sun-drenched corner of Italy where the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and blistered, hand-stretched dough fills the air. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the oven with perfectly charred crusts, topped with vibrant San Marzano tomatoes and fragrant basil that celebrate the soulful simplicity of Mediterranean tradition. It’s a lively neighborhood haunt where every slice feels like a warm invitation to linger over a glass of Chianti and the hum of shared conversation.
• Barbalu — Italian · rated 4/5: Barbalu invites diners into a light-filled space where the rustic charm of an Italian market meets contemporary elegance, setting the stage for communal feasts centered around overflowing antipasto platters and artisanal cheeses. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean through plates of velvety whipped burrata, golden-fried calamari, and garden-fresh organic beets that pop with color and texture. Every meal feels like a spirited celebration of high-quality ingredients and authentic hospitality, encouraging guests to linger over shared bites and good conversation.
• Yondu Culinary Studio — Korean · rated 4/5: This light-filled culinary sanctuary invites guests to step behind the apron and explore the vibrant world of umami-rich, plant-forward cooking through immersive, hands-on experiences. The air hums with creativity as participants master everything from the delicate, earthy layers of a mushroom wellington to the bold, zesty snap of spicy fried rice and creamy peanut noodles. Whether crafting savory grass-fed burgers or bright spring pastas, the studio fosters a communal joy where simple, seasonal ingredients are transformed into sophisticated, restaurant-quality feasts.
• Pasquale Jones — Italian · rated 3/5: Pasquale Jones hums with an effortless urban energy, where the glow of the open kitchen illuminates a space dedicated to the vibrant, seasonal flavors of the Mediterranean. Crisp market chicories and delicate fennel salads provide a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich depth of tender ricotta meatballs and the smoky sweetness of wood-charred red prawns. The experience is one of refined simplicity, where every plate—from the silken tuna crudo to the brittle crunch of pane carasau—celebrates the beauty of pristine ingredients handled with expert care.
• Il Brigante — Italian: Il Brigante captures the spirited essence of Southern Italy, where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered tomato sauce and sizzling broccoli rabe fills a space brimming with rustic warmth. Guests feast on velvety eggplant parmigiana and crisp, golden fried seafood, while vibrant salads of pear and gorgonzola provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, heart-warming flavors of traditional beef meatballs and sautéed king prawns.
• Da Nico — Italian: Da Nico invites guests into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the comforting scent of hand-stretched dough and bubbling mozzarella. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the heat with perfectly charred crusts, ranging from the classic simplicity of a bright Margherita to the bold, sweet-and-spicy harmony of honey-drizzled pies and velvety vodka-sauced creations. Whether sharing a crisp, herb-dusted focaccia or savoring the seasonal layers of a Quattro Stagioni, diners find a lively sanctuary where traditional Italian soul meets a spirited, modern flair.
• MAMO — Italian: MAMO captures the effortless elegance of the Mediterranean, inviting guests into a polished space where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of golden fried artichokes and bubbling eggplant parmigiana. The kitchen celebrates vibrant, sun-kissed ingredients through delicate plates of crimson beef carpaccio and creamy burrata paired with earthy beets, creating a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply soulful. This chic destination transforms fresh seafood and seasonal produce into artful masterpieces, offering a refined escape that lingers long after the final bite.
• Eataly - SoHo — Italian: Nestled in the heart of SoHo, this vibrant culinary destination pulses with the energy of an Italian marketplace, where the scent of simmering sauces and freshly extruded pasta fills the air. Diners are invited to savor the artistry of the kitchen through silky ribbons of squid ink linguine and toothsome bucatini swirled in rich carbonara, each dish celebrating the simple elegance of authentic, handcrafted noodles. From the earthy decadence of truffle-laden plates to the bright, sun-ripened notes of classic pomodoro, every meal offers a soulful journey through Italy’s most beloved pasta traditions.