Pastai — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Italian food is my favourite so after I read the reviews for Pastai I was quietly excited to dine there on Thursday. However, there is nothing quietly exciting about this bustling little bistro. IT WAS AMAZING! The square footage is small, but you can book many different configurations of seating: bar stools at the window or at the kitchen counter, romantic table for two, larger family dining tables, or higher level tables and chairs. The kitchen (only one chef, that never looked harried!) is all open so you can already smell wonderful aromas as you walk in and are greeted by friendly wait staff that are solicitous without being saccharine. The menu is small, but I was tempted by everything (that wasn't meat) on it.

I wanted to start with the grouper on fennel and ginger cream, with crispy zucchini chips alas the fish had been marinated with garlic...however I was in no way disappointed by the burrata antipasti. Super fresh!

After, my partner had handmade black ravioli with salmon and leeks, cooked with butter, rosemary and orange zest. There was just the right hint of salmon and the combo of leek, rosemary and zest was sublime. I ordered the gnocchi a first for me, but who couldn't be tempted by handmade potato gnocchi with spicy gorgonzola, figs and honey? It lived up to expectations.

Tiramisù tastes and looks different in every Italian restaurant, and this one, served in a terracotta plant pot and was light, fluffy and delicious.

The wine list, again was small, but very well chosen and not over-priced.

The biggest and best surprise was how well priced it all was. We'll be back - this is currently our #1 Italian pick...

I visited Pastai last Saturday evening before heading to a concert and was immediately impressed by the warm welcome. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles, and our table (facing their signature? group seating area) offered an inviting view of the restaurant’s beautiful interior.

We Ordered La Melanzana Flowers Cacio e Pepe and Crema Di Broccoli e Vongole

Our server took great care in describing each dish, which made ordering a pleasure. However, there was a small mix-up: when I asked whether the pasta contained crab, she confirmed that it did. But we discovered on arrival that it was actually clam. It seems the pronunciation got lost in translation. While it wasn’t what I originally hoped for, the quality was good enough that I happily gave it a try.

What Went Well Service & Ambiance: Every team member we encountered was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The décor and seating layout created a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Presentation: Both pasta were beautifully plated, and the starter was delightful.

Room for Improvement Seasoning: Both pasta dishes were noticeably over-salted. As someone who’s lived in London and frequently travels to Italy, I’ve sampled many authentic Italian restaurants and here, it felt as though excess salt (rather than cheese) drove the flavor. I’d love to see a more balanced seasoning next time.

Overall, Pastai offers a lovely dining environment and top-notch service. With a slight adjustment to their pasta seasoning, this could become one of Amsterdam’s go to Italian spots. I look forward to returning and tasting a perfectly...

I liked it and would come back here again, but I would only just get pasta and nothing else.

— The appetizers — Arancino with Tartar: really good! Tasty, flavorful, would recommend eating with the leaf that comes underneath it for additional herbal notes. The waiter asked if we wanted a 4th one since the appetizer only comes with 3 and there were two of us. We said sure, that’s really sweet. Turns out the arancinos are priced at 8€ a piece so it made the total 32€ for 4 bite size arancinos (not worth it in my book.

Focaccia: decent, but when told 6 pieces I thought 6 full pieces and not little wedge slivers. They were good for soaking up the pasta sauces, but nothing more special than the free bed that comes at many Italian restaurants. Would not order again.

— The pastas — Tagliolini all'astice (Lobster pasta): verrry good! Great flavor profile… the lobster tasted great, the sauce perfect consistency and the noodles themselves were perfect. No complaints, would order again.

Vaccinara: Also incredible. I think decently priced for what you’re getting and very meaty (in a good way). The oxtail had a very stewy consistency, and I can imagine this dish being an exceptional menu item during the colder winter months. Also bonus points to this dish’s house made 40 yolk tagitalle, Pastai did a very good job with this. All in all, would order again.

— The desserts — Did not order any desserts, but I was disappointed with this seasons dessert menu compared to past seasons. The options did not look near as good as the past offerings, and I hope they’ll rectify this before the...