Larch Handcrafted Pasta & cocktails — Restaurant in Leavenworth

Update: Our recent visit to Leavenworth over the Mother's Day weekend included a delightful return to Larch. The Papparadelle was truly exceptional. It breaks my heart that I can't have it again without driving for five hours. My husband's selection of the Casarece proved equally satisfying, meeting his culinary expectations in every aspect. The expertly crafted cocktails further enhanced our dining experience, showcasing a liberal measure of alcohol. Due to the generous portions, we opted to take our delectable desserts with us, ensuring their enjoyment at a later time. We had the chocolate torte and the Tiramisu. They were both wonderful. Joe's commendable service extended beyond his culinary and mixology skills, as he took the time to personally ensure our satisfaction and address any needs we might have had. If you're thinking of dining here, don't hesitate. You won't be sorry! We went to Larch for the first time today, August 13, 2022. It was amazing. I had the Campanelle, and it was positively scrumptious. I started with a regular Margarita and ultimately tried the Beet Shrub Margarita which was surprisingly delicious. Meghan (sp?) was phenomenal. She was extremely helpful with information and recommendations. It would be great for the establishment if they could clone her. We learned that a) She is training as a bartender and, b) she loves our home state of Montana. Danny, the bartender, was also extraordinary. He was constantly shaking two cocktails at a time and, even from my vantage point at a nearby table, I could see that he did generous pours I highly recommend Larch for both the delectable food and the awesome, ...

This might be the best pasta restaurant I have ever had the immense pleasure to eat at. We got steamed clams as an appetizer... to say my taste buds were transported to heaven would still not begin to capture the complex bursts of flavors happening in my mouth hole. I will be having hot dreams recreating the experience of eating those clams in that completely beautiful sauce. 11 out of 10. For our pasta entrées, we ordered the Linguine and the Casarecce. Both of these were delightful and perfect. The linguine was bursting with fresh flavors of spinach, which was incorporated into the pasta, and lemon, garlic, and herbs. The tender scallops were seared to perfection. The casarecce was bursting with rich, creamy, slightly spicy, sweet sauce. The brisket was juicy and plentiful. The big, meaty pieces of mushroom were divine. The portions were generous. We absolutely did not leave wanting for anything more. In fact, our expectations were so far exceeded in terms of flavor and quality that it may be impossible for us ever to visit Leavenworth again and not stop in. Our wait staff was knowledgeable and a joy to be served by. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, but the seating was still comfortable. If you're contemplating Larch, just go try it. Seriously. Every dish we tried was immaculate. Each was uniquely and wonderfully made. This food cures depression. I walked out with a new perspective on how beautiful life really is. Thank you for...

Larch offers a thoughtful dining experience, highlighted by hearty homemade pasta that had a pleasant, toothsome bite. (While there may be some debate about the ideal density of pasta, I personally appreciated the satisfying heft it gave the dishes.) The sauces — both on the pasta and the chicken — were rich and deeply developed, showing impressive complexity. The chicken itself was moist, with a beautifully crisped skin that added a perfect textural contrast.

The seasonal vegetable sides were a mixed experience — vibrant in color but, particularly in the case of the carrots, a bit underdone. The Caesar salad was spot on: well dressed without being soggy, and full of crisp, savory flavor. The focaccia deserves special mention, lightly toasted on the outside and infused with buttery olive oil and rosemary — the kind of simple, excellent bread you could easily make a meal of on its own.

The cocktails were another high point, creatively composed and well balanced. Service was attentive without being invasive, striking the right balance between hospitality and giving guests space to relax. The restaurant’s rustic ambiance complemented the food well, though slightly warmer or more focused table lighting could add a bit more emotion and intimacy to the room.

Overall, Larch is a restaurant that shows real care in its execution, with only a few minor adjustments needed to take the experience from very good to truly...