Solo Pasta — Restaurant in Melbourne

ORDERED: 🧆 Chorizo croquettes ($15.00) 🍝  Classic pasta with a tomato base, classic bolognese, fresh grated parmesan ($23.00) 🍝  Spinach pasta with a cream base, grass fed rump, white button mushrooms, porcini, cracked pepper, fresh grated parmesan ($28.00)

I paid $37.28, which includes a 10% weekend surcharge and 2.7% AMEX card surcharge

REVIEW: ➖ When we ordered the chorizo croquettes as a starter, I expected more chunks of chorizo. Little bits of reddy-pink chunks of pork. However I only saw specks (pictures included). It also came with a green, oil based sauce but I didn't quite know what it was. Nonetheless, it was well fried and a nice starter but... wasn't quite what I had envisioned.

From the two spaghetti mains, I split it with my partner. ✔️ We definitely preferred the spinach pasta with the grass fed rump. There was so much flavour, from the beef to the umami nature of the mushrooms that worked so well. As many other reviews have mentioned, spinach pasta is the way to go! ❌ The beef was a little overcooked (chewy) but the pasta in both dishes and our friends' were a little bit 'hard' on the side of al dente. Could've used a minute or so extra to boil and soften I think. ❌ Although the description for bolognese was 'classic', the flavours felt too light hearted. My other friend compared it to "taco seasoning" with how herby it tasted, as opposed to feeling the full depth of roasted meat. This was also a little left from my expectations when I see the description for a 'classic' bolognese.

❌ Atmosphere wise, it is very communal and perhaps cramped. I saw a couple on the side table leave their wall table to join the communal table. It made me take a closer look - in order to save space Solo Pasta cleverly mounted the utensils on the wall. However, it did make me question how small the tables were / how many dishes the diners ordered. ➖ I don't tend to see diners move from their assigned tables, so you may want to consider inviting more than 2 people or put a preference in the reservation to sit on the communal table, if possible. I'm not sure if there's any other 'private' places to sit for bigger groups.

Solo Pasta has lots of potential with its unique concept of making portions sizes by the metre, but there were too many little distractions stopping me from enjoying my dinner...

From the outside, Solo Pasta doesn't look like much, just another unassuming restaurant front along Smith St.

With the hustle and bustle that is Smith St, you'd easily walk past and not notice this place, however, if you're lucky enough to see it and you're in the mood for pasta.....then this place is for you.

As you walk in, you're welcomed by friendly, smiling staff, a light and vibrant atmosphere, and some amazing smells!

The Chitter chatter of friends, family, and others while enjoying a glass or 2 of wine, (or bottle), adds to the atmosphere.

The food itself was delicious! It arrived in a reasonable time considering how busy it was. We started with some arancini to start, we were pleasantly surprised when it arrived in the shape of sticks instead of balls, however, it tasted delicious. A touch of spice which was nice while a sprinkling of parmesan added to the taste. Served with a small salad and what looked to be some house made tomato pasta sauce.

Our mains also served at the same time which smelled amazing! The server offered some fresh cracked pepper before disappearing off to serve another table. With 3 metres of pasta in the plate and a delicious creamy sauce with chorizo, chicken, bacon, and some cream, I didn't know where to start. Soon enough it was all gone. The pasta was hand made and tasted as such. The sauce was light and didn't even taste like it had cream in it.

I love the concept of being able to choose your pasta flavour (currently, classic, beetroot, or spinach) then simply select your length of pasta (standard is 3 metres but you can add additional metres if you're hungry) then finish it off with your choice of sauce....there's plenty to choose from! Let's just say you'll be back again and again to eventually eat your way through the menu (or maybe that's just me!)

I would definitely recommend checking out this place and giving them a go! In terms of the serving size, personally, I'd have gone for another metre or 2 of pasta as I was rather hungry but I found that the Crème Brûlée dessert did hit the spot and filled me up nicely. A nice crunchy top with some berries and a deliciously decadent filling....it was just what I needed on a Friday winters night.

Definitely...

Cannot recommend Solo Pasta enough! A truly unique restaurant where you choose from a huge host of pasta options in three meter strands. The pasta is thick and cooked perfectly to al dente with a wonderful bite, and the sauce is made perfectly to stick so you can lap up all the flavour and leave nothing to waste.

We ordered the classic pasta (semolina/flour) but there is also the option to choose a beetroot and spinach based pasta. We ordered sauces from all three options; tomato, cream, and olive oil/cream and each was more sensational than the last. We ordered the tomato based sauce (with chorizo, olive, chilli, garlic, and fried shallots) which was punchy with flavour and hearty. The cream sauce (carbonara, chicken, onion, and bacon) which was rich but not too heavy. And the olive oil/cream sauce (chicken, lime, and coconut curry) which was beautifully balanced giving a manageable spice and zest that worked perfectly with the pasta - and topped with peanuts!

But the pasta is not the only trick they have - the chorizo croquets and truffle Mac and cheese cubes were sensational. Perfectly crispy with gooey warm insides that melted in our mouths. The Basil pesto dipping sauce that was served with them was some of the best I have ever had. It was fresh, flavourful, and perfectly paired with the sides. The chefs definitely stick to the Italian principal of ‘few ingredients done perfectly’

The atmosphere of the restaurant perfectly complimented the style of food. With a large, open dining hall and a massive communal table at the centre you feel like you are truly enjoying a family meal cooked especially for you.

While the food was sensational, it was matched by the service! Our waiter was absolutely brilliant in every aspect. He is an absolute credit to the restaurant. Whenever we had a question he was ready with a sensational recommendation for the best wines or sides and pointed us in the right direction whenever we needed it. Truly a fantastic host!

If you are looking for a truly unique meal with some of the best food in Melbourne you have to...