Victoria's Hidden Gem Italian Restaurant π | Uptown's Best-Kept Secre
Tucked away in Victoria's Uptown district is a little-known pasta paradise that deserves way more attention β Lot 1 Pasta Bar. This cozy Italian eatery specializes in handcrafted pasta dishes that are both comforting and full of flavor, all at prices that won't break the bank. π½οΈ Our Tasting Journey πΈ Complimentary Polenta Appetizer We were pleasantly surprised with this new menu tester β a polenta-based dish topped with rich marinara sauce. While the base seemed to be a mix of cornmeal (or potato?) with cheese/breadcrumb texture, it was a nice gesture though not particularly memorable. A decent start to wake up our taste buds! πΈ Prawn Carbonara ($17.25) - The Creamy Dream This classic white sauce pasta was executed beautifully: βοΈ Plump, juicy prawns cooked just right βοΈ Generous bacon bits adding smoky depth βοΈ Perfectly al dente noodles coated in velvety sauce The balance of creaminess without being overly heavy was impressive β a carbonara done right! πΈ Baked Four Cheese & Bacon Rigatoni ($16) - Cheese Lover's Heaven A baked pasta masterpiece featuring: π§ Four different cheeses creating a gooey, stretchy wonder π₯ Smoky bacon pieces for savory contrast π Large rigatoni tubes that trapped all the cheesy goodness This dish was the ultimate comfort food experience β rich, satisfying, and worth every calorie! β¨ Why We Loved It βοΈ Authentic flavors without pretentiousness βοΈ Reasonable prices for the quality (most pastas $15-$20) βοΈ Cozy, unassuming atmosphere β perfect for casual dates or solo pasta cravings βοΈ Generous portions that leave you happily full π· What We'd Try Next Time We were too stuffed for dessert, but their tiramisu and panna cotta looked heavenly. Also eyeing their seasonal specials which change regularly! π Essential Details π Address: Uptown Victoria (exact address not specified in original post) π‘ Pro Tip: Come with an appetite β you'll want to try multiple dishes! Final Rating: 9/10 βοΈ For authentic, wallet-friendly Italian in Victoria, Lot 1 Pasta Bar delivers. It's not fancy, but sometimes that's exactly what you want β just great pasta in a welcoming space. #VictoriaEats #ItalianFood #HiddenGems #PastaLover #CanadianFoodie π΄β¨
