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Hours
Sun
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Mon
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Wed
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Thu
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Fri
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sat
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $13.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Details
About
Our motto is: The Chef takes to the street! Gourmet in A Box! A place to savour delictable servings of seasonal and fresh food with speed & courtesy. Our dishes are BIO from the content to the container! Tasty.... healthy and speedy! Starting from €5
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $13.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards
Contribute
4.5
2,666 reviews
Excellent
2,018
Very good
432
Average
131
Poor
51
Terrible
34
mbtraveller72018
Sydney8 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Me and my fiancée were hoping to find an authentic local Italian restaurant that made fresh pasta dishes but didn’t think it’d be possible on a four day trip where our focus was going to be big tourist areas. We were wrong. This place was the farthest thing from a tourist spot.
After walking down numerous side streets and alleys, you will eventually stumble upon this hole in the wall largely take away pasta restaurant, but don’t let that put you off, you can still eat there if you wish it’s just not a “restaurant “ experience, they don’t have waiters or table seatings or service.
What they do have is pasta made fresh everyday with chefs who know how to make traditional Italian dishes properly and for staggeringly low prices. We got 2 pastas to share (which were good portions) with a 4 euro bottle of red wine which somehow tasted like a 20 euro bottle of wine.
Our two dishes and the wine was only 20 euros, but that wasn’t the best part. The best part was the best pasta either us have ever had (me and my fiancée make pasta fresh at home so we’re not easily amazed). The Cabornara we got was made in the traditional way (I.e no cream) and the ravioli was just beyond words, with a light delicious bed of light creamy sauce and sprinkled with fresh sage leaves.
The flavour in the sauces is difficult to describe, we scraped our plates clean long after the pasta was gone. The first bite of pasta confirms it’s been made fresh. Good portions too. Would recommend getting a few to share with whoever you’re with and eating in rather than taking away so it’s as fresh as it’s made.
What you’ll get here is a truely authentic local Italian experience. We had our red wine in plastic cups and the pasta was served on paper plates - I empathise this is not a restaurant, they make it clear they are not licenced for service. And yet somehow our experience was better than any restaurant we’d been in.
The owners spoke English and were friendly and unobtrusive.
A true local secret and gem. We’re going back tomorrow night for dinner which is not something we’ve done for a restaurant before.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dariyanaa
36 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Googled this place as a nearest place to eat food as my son was hungry and i didnt have time to look around for a restaurant.
It was quite small but cute place with friendly owner and helping staff. My son got custom made pasta alfredo according to some food restriction.
We absolutely enjoyed the food and the service!
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!!
Written November 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mal
Blackburn135 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Pasta Chef is a really good lunch spot to enjoy a classic Italian Pasta. The place itself is small with very limited seating. However, there are a variety of pasta-based options, including Lasagne. If you're a vegetarian, there will be plenty of options for you. It is slightly on the upper end of prices you’d expect to pay at a lunch place, but I guess this is to be expected considering its famous. I went for the Tomato pasta which very simple but effective, with a load of flavour, a lot of which coming from the sauce which was so fresh and unique.
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darek P
15 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Been here two days in row and both days we had excellent experience. We start waiting in queue around 18 50, then we was explained how everything here working by really nice and polite man named Marco. He spoke English very well, same as lady who served us day after so language wasn't a problem. First day we had beef lasagne and pasta with shrimps, tiramisu, beer, water and coke. Next day we went for carbonara, pesto gnocchi with burrata, salad (tomatoes with burrata) and water. Both days cost us bit over 30 euros so by our visit in Rome it was cheapest dinner we had and definitely best taste we had. Staff was really nice for while our visit, asking if everything is all right and how's taste. Highly recommended, sometimes can wait in queue bit longer but is definitely worth it.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!! ♥♥
...but my name is Massimo... 🤣🤣😘😘
Written June 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seashells
Austin19 contributions
Feb 2023 • friends
I've been here pre Covid and the pasta meals were excellent.
Now I feel they trade on their name,there is a Q outside and people wait to enter.
The owner has no pride in his meals where in the past he was in the kitchen supervising his kitchen and preparing the meals,now he is out front like a tour guide"educating" his mostly young clientele how wonderful his carbonara is compared to the real world!!
I don't know who is preparing the meals out the back in the unseen kitchen but he's no pasta chef!!
I found the pasta overcooked abit soggy when it was served.
The sauce was very basic,even watery to taste , nothing special.
My partner's mushroom fettuccini was lacking mushroom and sauce.
Worse still they claim not to be a restaurant and don't have a washroom!!!! Some kind of loophole scam that needs to he examined by the local authorities.
So beware
If you drink their mineral water and wine in their restaurant that's not a restaurant and need to go to the toilet you may need to do it on the floor!!
Also their advertised Free WIFI does not work,no internet.
Very disappointing experience.
I have eaten out in Rome and this pasta meal was by far my worst.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Buongiorno, difficile trovare un'altra recensione con così tante inesattezze. Ma andiamo per ordine.
Lo chef E' in cucina, se poi lei confonde il responsabile di sala con lo chef a causa della somiglianza non saprei cosa dirle.
Avvisare che la Carbonara, essendo quella vera romana è molto salata a causa del Pecorino Romano, non è una vanteria ma un servizio a chi si accinge a mangiare un piatto con un sapore molto deciso credendo che invece possa essere "dolce".
La pasta è all'uovo e non di semola quindi un po' più "morbida" di quella di semola, ma forse non se ne è reso conto.
Le fettuccine ai Funghi Porcini sono SOLO con i funghi porcini e un po' di burro come vuole la tradizione italiana, se ci avesse voluto la panna ha sbagliato indirizzo.
La nostra licenza è di Laboratorio Gastronomico con consumazione sul posto e siamo PERFETTAMENTE in regola con tutte le autorizzazioni possibili e immaginabili. Dire che siamo truffatori è estremamente grave se non si sanno le cose.
Il WiFi funziona perfettamente, forse a differenza di quello che fanno gli altri, lei non è stato in grado di scannerizzare il qrcode presente in tutto il locale e comunque non siamo in internet point, questo è un servizio in più che offriamo gratuitamente.
Mi spiace averle dovuto puntualizzare così tante cose ma forse sarebbe stato meglio che si fosse informato meglio prima di scrivere.
"il bel tacer non fu mai scritto" .cit
Distinti saluti
Written February 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Forever_Foodie
Blackpool17 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
Based on the great reviews, we travelled here for lunch and happened to arrive just at the right time. 19 minutes after we got there a que formed which told us before we even ate that we had made the right decision! The I’m assuming owner was very welcoming and told us how their ‘food lab’ works in that you order from the menu on the wall, then get taken to your table and wait for your order number before grabbing the food yourself. The owner did this to every guest and from what we witnessed, at least three languages!
The selection of food was limited but in my option this wasn’t a bad thing, it means what you get will be of better quality! Being a vegetarian I was worried there wouldn’t be much choice but there were a few options, I chose the pesto which tasted amazing and the pasta was perfect. My husband had the special of the day which was a gnocchi with a veal ragu, he said this was very good too!
I found the pricing to be very reasonable and the whole experience very enjoyable and authentic. I would definitely recommend going here for lunch after visiting the Colosseum!
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!!!♥♥♥
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
war1today
Kauai979 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
One of the best pasta experiences we ever had. Not your traditional restaurant but don’t let that deter you. There is no waiter service so you order, pay and pick up your food when your number is called. There are several tables as well as stools at counters to sit at. After talking to the owner, we ordered Fettuccine Alfredo, Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, caprese salad, a Prosecco and a Heineken for a total of 37 euros… reasonable prices, delicious and fresh food and great customer service. We also ordered a chocolate cake after we finished which was amazing: warm, moist and bursting with flavor, 7 euros. When you enter, the owner greets you and takes his time to discuss the menu. He also walks around and checks on you and your satisfaction. While we were there a gentleman came up to
the owner and said this is the best meal he has had in Rome. I have to agree! Highly recommend!
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peacelovebirds
Boynton Beach19 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
This is a small, charming takeaway place that has some interior thin counter seating with stools and if you can get a table outside there are 3 small metal hightop tables for 2 people set right outside the restaurant on the edge of the unsteady brick road. (Do at your own risk) If you’re tired of the long pomp And circumstance of a typical seated Italian dinner at a nice restaurant, but you want incredible fresh creative pasta dishes made for you by a chef, then come here and take the food with you to eat at your hotel or Airbnb. Prices are fair, they have a small selection of beer and wine and they are super friendly. We had the pasta with meat sauce, the Alfredo (which you don’t find much done properly in Rome), and one of the amazing specials of the night, gnocchi with wild boar. Lovely place, but don’t get dressed up for a date night expecting to be seated. (This happened not only to us, but to another couple that arrived there by car service). I only took away one star for the lack of seating. Food is 5 stars. La pasta è assolutamente squisita!
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!!
Written September 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy B
Scarborough87 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
Having been to this little gem quite a few times before and always had great food and service I was very keen to return after a long time due to covid , well it didn't disappoint I was very pleased to see a big queue outside and the restaurant was full , it's always lovely to see such a super business like this doing so well. The food was even better than both I and my son remembered and the service is outstanding it has a proper welcoming feel , staff are happy and friendly and the food is very reasonably priced.We will be returning to pasta chef for the next few days while we are in Roma and if we are back in Roma again we will be back by far the best food establishment in Rome and the best lasagna we have eaten. ( My husband is also a big fan of your carbonara and after having tasted yours won't eat it anywhere else )
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!! ♥♥♥
Written December 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
4.5 star is over rated.
Pasta wasn’t cooked. Portions were small and staff were not friendly.
Can’t say whether other items on the menu would have been disappointing but the pasta was a few minutes shy of the typical Italian al dente. Not much flavour either. (Amatriciana and Ragu bolognese)
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
icowen
Kalkan5 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Went to eat there for a quick bite in the afternoon and found that I went back each day for the entirety of our stay in Roma.
Despite all the beautiful things to eat in the city, we couldn’t resist the uniqueness of pasta chef. We tried 5 different pastas over the duration of our trip and each was better than the last, I even found myself ordering their original recipe carbonara (which they will warn you is very salty but believe me it’s just right) twice!!
Would 100% go again and would recommend for anyone to try this one of a kind restaurant.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard G
Frankfurt12 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
After visiting the colosseum, which is very nearby, we decided to eat at al42. After a short wait, we were invited in and the menu was explained to us by the nice owner, who gives the restaurant an incredible flair with his charm and openness.
We decided us for Bolognese and the strong Carbonara. We were really on cloud nine, this really was the best pasta we have ever eaten!
The tiramisu was incredibly fluffy and the cream was delicious.
Thank you for this amazing experience!
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!!!♥
Written September 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sugarandspices
Exeter81 contributions
May 2022 • solo
What a great place. Given, I did arrive at 19:10 just 10 minutes after it opened and I had to wait outside in the rain for 45 minutes before being seated but!… it was worth the wait. The most delicious bolognese was cooked up and the waitresses gave you a helpful service with a smile. I would definitely return.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef R
Grazie!!! ♥
Written May 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camilli
Belo Horizonte460 contributions
Dec 2023 • solo
Discovering this restaurant was undoubtedly my most delightful gastronomic surprise in Rome – I might even say it was a stroke of luck!
Despite its small size and simplicity, the restaurant offers an exceptionally rewarding experience with fair prices. On all six occasions I visited (yes, I went six times!), there was always a queue at the door, but fortune favored me with efficient service and a short wait. However, I confess I would gladly wait for hours to taste those culinary delights again.
Coming from a family that values culinary art, even though I'm not a cooking enthusiast myself, I can discern an exceptional meal. And, oh my God, what an extraordinary gastronomic experience the AL42 provides!
Each time, I thought, "They won't be able to surpass the incredible dish I had yesterday." Yet, astonishingly, the staff always exceeded my expectations! If someone asked me what my favorite dish is, I wouldn't know how to answer. However, I am eager to return to Rome simply to explore the other skillfully prepared dishes by the talented Chef at AL42.
My experience was truly memorable! I received impeccable service and want to express my sincere gratitude for the dedicated attention from Massimo, Eugenia, and all the other professionals who make that place so special.
In a city full of tourist traps offering expensive and subpar food, AL42 stands out as a rare and authentic gem.
Thank you, AL42!!!
Written January 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef Roma
Grazie!!!♥♥♥
Thank to you!! What you've wrote fills our heart!! 🤗🤗❤❤
Written January 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John S
Loughborough52 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Excellent service and lovely food! To give you an idea of how popular this place is we stayed just round the corner form it and walked by every night - and there was always a queue outside! We went in on our penultimate night ...and then returned on our last night! Expect a great welcome from Massimo and helpful staff throughout. What was particularly pleasing was the way Massimo talked us through the menu and helped us make an informed choice. Highly recommended!
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pasta Chef Roma
Grazie!!! ♥♥♥
Written July 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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