Philadelphia | Two Delicious Pasta Joints

P1 Bistro La Baia The appetizers are a bit underwhelming, lacking innovation and sticking to a very traditional, home-style Italian approach. However, the two pasta dishes we had as the main courses were impeccable. The lobster pasta pictured had deliciously fresh and bouncy lobster meat, with a rich and non-greasy sauce. The overall seasoning was simple but incredibly flavorful. One particularly delightful aspect was that the pasta was cooked to my preferred al dente texture: not mushy, not undercooked, but perfectly toothsome. It might be considered overcooked by Italian standards, but I absolutely loved it! 😍 💃The restaurant offers daily specials; on the day we visited, they had lamb and a curry dish, but we didn't inquire further as they didn't interest us. The downside is quite evident: the restaurant is very small and cramped, with no privacy for conversations—you can even chat with people at the next table. It's not really suitable for gatherings. P2 Trattoria Carina The flavors are not as outstanding as the first place, but still very good. This restaurant excels in its creativity. For example, the burrata appetizer was paired with pear jam and mint, which should be a hit with those who enjoy innovative combinations. For the main course, we ordered rigatoni alla vodka. The pasta here is authentically "al dente," with a seasoning that was just a tiny bit too salty🤏. Additionally, the sausage portion was a bit skimpy; I expected a more generous serving. This place is a bit more spacious than the first one, but still quite crowded. Summary: Both are much better than the overhyped Burrata. In terms of taste, I personally prefer the first one. #GlobalFoodReviewContest #PhiladelphiaFood