Pasta Veneta — Chicago’s New Pasta Powerhouse 🍝

Heard about a new Italian spot in West Loop, and my pasta cravings kicked in. I booked a table for Friday — but wondered, “If it’s this easy to get a reservation, can it really be good?” 🍝 The entrance waiting area looks cute, but the dining room has harsh overhead lighting — not a date night spot. 🍝 Our server (a warm, no-nonsense auntie-type) insisted we try the chickpea fritters — more like flattened patties than balls. Silky-smooth chickpea purée with zucchini strips, served with a zesty tomato sauce, olive oil, and arugula. Surprisingly delicious! 🍝 Mushroom gnocchi — the most melt-in-your-mouth potato dumplings I’ve ever had! Tossed in simple sage butter with mixed mushrooms — less is more, and it’s perfect. 🍝 Spinach-stuffed tortellini also in sage butter, topped with wide shavings of Parmesan — creamy, savory, and satisfying. 🍝 Lobster ravioli with Maine lobster in a saffron cream sauce and a hint of chili heat (maybe from chili flakes or infused oil). Rich, aromatic, and lightly spicy. 🍝 Classic carbonara-style rigatoni with a soft egg yolk, guanciale, and arugula — silky, savory, and deeply comforting. 🍝 Dessert: house-made tiramisu — coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, not too sweet. A classic done right. The menu has so many pasta options — I’ll definitely be back to try more. Our server had a fun, tough-love vibe (think Italian auntie who smokes and knows her food). When I asked her to pick between A or B, she said, “Actually, C and D are better.” And she was right! Prices are reasonable, and the vibe feels like eating at a talented friend’s home. Highly recommended! Pasta Veneta: 1154 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 #ChicagoEats #PastaHeaven #PastaVeneta #WestLoop #ItalianComfort #FreshPasta