COZY RAINY NIGHT
We enjoyed a cozy, rainy night dinner here recently. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun but not too, too noisy or crazy. The tables are close but it all seemed to work.  My husband had the filet mignon special and both of us enjoyed sharing the burrata platter. They were both outstanding! I had a pasta dish which was fine, if a little unremarkable. The service was prompt and friendly.  We will go again!
-HF

HAPPY WITH HAPPY HOUR
Great happy hour. Excellent wine! Awesome assortment of pasta. Pink Pasta, Green Pasta, Red Pasta you name it they got it. Come here with your friends or family and you will leave fat and happy!
-Robert W.

DAMN GOOD LUNCH SPECIAL
This place has a damn good lunch special. For about $10, you get a drink, soup or salad, and a choice of one of their entree sized pasta dishes. Most of the pasta dishes do not come with protein, but you have the option of adding chicken for $2. I've ordered the lunch special twice and tried two of their soups. The lentil soup has TONS of lentils, so much so that I had no room for the pasta dish. The other soup I tried was the potato leek, which is a lovely creamy golden color. It is surprisingly light, and goes well with their complimentary bread. I got pretty full off of that soup as well. Both times, I had the fusili pasta with spicy sauce and crumbled Italian sausage. It is a fairly large portion that I only pick at after filling up on bread and soup. I'm not complaining though, because then I have leftovers for an afternoon snack or another meal. 

Service is quick and efficient. They will bring you more bread or butter (instead of the readily available olive oil and balsamic vinegar) if you ask. When they bring you the pasta, they also come around with this bowl with a huge heap of parmesan ready to sprinkle on your pasta. Be warned, their "sprinkle" is more like a mound. 

AL DENTE
I like Pasta? for when I'm in the mood for a reliably quick and tasty Italian meal. Their pasta is always "al dente" by American standards, but perfectly cooked.
-Leslie H.

ITALIAN HUSBAND
Love this place right on University! Great option of outdoor seating on the sidewalk which I really liked! Went with my husband who is very particular about his Italian food (he is from Italy :)) and we both enjoyed everything we ate! The service was fantastic- very friendly and helpful and we will definitely be coming here often even with our teenage boys who have monster appetites! Just a perfect evening with great food, great service and wonderful atmosphere!
-Carolyn M.

WHAT'S UP WITH "PASTA?"   

And why does this place have a question mark at the end of its name?  

Doesn't the question mark after "Pasta?" make you feel like writing a review comprised solely of questions?  Would you at least agree with me that only a rare breed of talent can do that? 

First, if I write a review of "Pasta?" with only questions, wouldn't it be impossible for me to tell you that my review is only for the desserts?  

How would I then be able to express how I feel about the Chocolate Souffle and the Cannoli Siciliani desserts we ordered?   Should I write my review to highlight the nice creamy texture of the highly enjoyable Souffle or should I point out that the Cannoli was bland and just ok?  

And how can I adequately describe the Souffle's perfect blend of vanilla ice cream with the rich, chocolate molten center?  

What about the mystery of why my friend thought the cannoli was the best he's ever had?  I wouldn't be able to tell you how silly that notion was to me after I tried it myself, would I?  

Finally, I wonder, will a review of only questions fully emphasize the terrific and friendly service here?  

So now do you agree that a review of only questions would not be adequate?  How did you even think it was possible?

Whoa, did I just pull that one off?
- Angel S.

CONFESSIONS
I'm not a 5 star whore, but I don't think that the yelpers that gave this spot less than 5 stars had the Penne Arrabiatta.  This casual spot is a must when I'm in the area. Don't tell....but I used to drive and binge eat this pasta by myself. Sometimes, I'd even order two just so I'd have some to take home since it wasn't close by. I never understood what it meant when people would say the pasta tasted so fresh until I had this spot.  Good solid fresh pasta.
- Fat L.

ITALIAN STAFF
This is a great value Italian restaurant and the waiters and staff ARE actually Italian. I love their Happy Hour from 3-6 and they brilliantly run it after 9pm for those like myself who wish to have a late night snack at a great price. Their eggplant parmesan is wonderful with thin layered slices of eggplant. I also like their small happy hour portions of pasta and salads. The bar is always lively and fun!
- VC M.

NY ITALIAN
This is an incredibly reasonable place!  I'm a NY Italian.  This is very much Italian home-cooking.  Some dishes simple, but just yummy.  Also had a blackened snapper dish tonight that was downright superb--and spinach side is to die for.  Good cannoli also.  Just surprising how reasonable the place is.  Def will keep coming back.
- Ro C.

"NON-DOUCHEY" BAR
I usually come to Pasta? to drink because I love the bartenders... This is a fun, non-douchey bar to come to in Palo Alto on pretty much any night of the week. 

I'm also kind of obsessed with the gnocchi tartufati. It's one of those dishes that I start to crave if it's been awhile since I've had it. I've had a few other things on the menu, but I always come back to the gnocchi. The ravioli is also really good if gnocchi isn't your thing.
- Natalie G.