Pasta's Trattoria a Taste of Northern Italian Cuisine

has been a special occasion restaurant for my friends and I.

We usually go to celebrate birthdays, engagements or post-grad parties. Recently, I went with a few friends from my college days and we had the best time. Although the restaurant has a dress code of dress casual, it is not a pretentious place — you feel like you are at a fine dining place but without the stuck-up attitude.

This restaurant has an amazing menu with Executive Chef Jose Garcia leading the kitchen. The menu is quite diverse, including everything from steaks and seafood, to traditional pasta dishes like Penne Bolognese with a rich meat sauce full for $17. One of my favorites is the Rigatoni Gorgonzola with grilled chicken, walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, pesto and cream sauce for $18.

The cocktails and the appetizers are also amazing. Before I turned 21, I loved the Virgin Mango Mojito ($5) — it's super flavorful and sweet!

Now that I am over 21, I love the Basil Margarita, which is very unique and tasty ($9). My friends and I also love that included in your meal is an appetizer of bruschetta and warm fresh baked bread accompanied by garlic balsamic oil and vinegar.

What my friends and I enjoy most about is the atmosphere is it is lowly lit and perfect for date nights if we choose to bring our significant others. But it is also great for just a girls’ night out. 

It is rather loud when it gets crowded, as it is popular night spot. The wait staff is excellent and very attentive to your party's every need. In my opinion, the excellent service more an justifies the fact that the food is little pricier that your run-of-the-mill Italian place.

For dessert, I love the Tiramisu ($8) or the berries in Zinfandel sauce which a rich crème ($8). All and all, this is an amazing place for special occasions or a girls’ night out. Northern Italian hospitality and great foods are the reason this place is so memorable.

Check the Patch for information, including hours of operation.