Nothing says delicious like a steaming plate of homemade, tender or al dente pasta! Whether it’s smothered in sauce or lightly coated in cheese, pasta is a favorite for all Americans—especially in Ohio, where the dish reigns supreme. Here are the top 10 places for some of the best pasta you’ve ever tasted.
Luca Italian Cuisine opened just five years ago and is already an award-winning restaurant. Chef Luca and his wife Lola combined their passion for European fine dining, decades of work in hospitality, and their love of Cleveland to create a one of a kind restaurant, which is located on the historic Superior Viaduct near downtown Cleveland. They also offer onsite and offsite catering and have a year-round, enclosed patio, perfect for a post-dinner nightcap. The food is classic and tasteful, and invokes the use of all your senses, primarily sight, taste and smell!
Martini Modern is where timeless and innovative dining come together, a blend of contemporary Italian style with a classic Italian influence. The atmosphere has been described as “cosmopolitan” with metropolitan energy. The pasta is made from scratch, the mozzarella is hand-pulled to order, and the ingredients are only the freshest of the fresh. They also offer an extensive wine list which blends the best of Italy and California together, as well as a Gluten free menu that offers an incredible vanilla brulee for dessert!
Maggiano’s Little Italy opened its first location in Cincinnati in 1991 and has been a family favorite ever since. The food is primarily Italian-American and reminds one of being at Grandma’s house on Sundays. The recipes are simple and authentic, and the goal is to make people feel special while serving incredible dishes. The restaurant features a Bruschetta Bar and has a wicked grilled salmon salad. The homemade garlic mashed potatoes are to die for, as are the sugar snap peas and bacon!
Visitors come to Scali Ristorante for a variety of reasons, namely the homemade ravioli and the shrimp cognac, but they tend to stay for the authentic Italian family dining experience. The food is robust in flavor and the aromas that tickle your nose as you walk past are irresistible! From the garlic to the olive oil, vinegars and more, your taste buds will thank you. Family recipes include the Brascioli, featuring layers of sirloin beef stuffed with mozzarella, Romano cheese, salami and capicola ham baked in a fresh, tomato sauce.
Let Mamma DiSalvo do the cooking tonight! The restaurant opened in July 1979 and has been serving customers the best and most authentic Italian food ever since. True to tradition, everything is made from scratch and features the finest meats, imported cheeses, pasta and olive oil. Be sure to try one of Mamma’s specialties, such as the homemade lasagna al forno or the oh-so-cheesy ravioli. Though the portions may be large and tempting, you might want to save room for one of Mamma’s famous desserts, such as a traditional cannoli or the homemade triple layer chocolate cake!
Just like Mama used to make! Uncle Nino and Uncle Tom have perfected the art of homemade, made from scratch Italian dishes, created from recipes that have been passed down through generations. The portions are also very generous so come hungry and be prepared to take home leftovers! Visitors cannot get enough of the garlic bread and cheese with the delicious homemade marinara sauce, and each pasta dish comes with the option of being made gluten free. They also have some of the best pizza too.
Stella Mia opened in July 2013, and is name after Dadi Nanut and Petra’s youngest daughter, meaning “star” in Italian. Nanut and his family are refugees from the Bosnia/Croatia area, having immigrated to the U.S. in 1997. The restaurant business is considered a “genetic” tradition in Nanut’s family, and it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike love this beautiful Italian restaurant so much. Favorite dishes include the traditional Wiener Schnitzel and one of the house specials, eggplant rollatini.
La Tavola is reminiscent of Sunday dinners, where the tables were covered in home cooked, slow roasted dishes and the company lively and familiar. Owners Rick and Krista features a homey atmosphere and delicious dishes. It’s the perfect place for the whole family or for a quiet night out. The pasta and meatballs in a traditional favorite, as is the gnocchi al forno. Each dish features tender, mouthwatering homemade potato pasta smothered in a scrumptious sauce that goes perfectly with one of their many wine and beer selections.
Located in downtown Chagrin Falls is M Italian, where customers are welcomed like family and the atmosphere is rustic tavern dining at its finest, with wide open spaces and an open kitchen that invites guests to watch their food being prepared from start to finish. Each dish is made from scratch with the freshest of ingredients, and they also serve brunch! The Eggs in Purgatory are a fan favorite for brunch and for dinner, try a delicious grilled chicken paninis! If you’re feeling like dessert afterward, be sure to try the soft and moist, melt in your mouth strawberry shortcake!
Fontana’s Italian Eatery has been serving the city of Clyde and its neighboring areas for 20 years now, and they have some of the best Italian food you’ll ever taste. From their salads to their soups, combo dinners and daily specials, there is something for every palate here! The pizza baked ravioli comes highly recommend, as do their amazing hot baked or cold Italian subs, including the Italian sub and the pepperoni luna sub!