Pasta Fresca — Restaurant in Reno

Was wanting some Pasta and found this place, Pasta Fresca online, with really High Reviews, so decided to go try it out. It is located at the Bartley Shops on Lakeside, a rather non descript location and outdoor center. The interior is very simple and commercial feeling and really lacks any feeling of intimacy or excitement. The staff was very nice and my server who seemed clearly apart of ownership and/or was the operator was very attentive. I would have ordered a Fountain soda, but they do not have that or any Sodas really, only Italian Sparklers, so I had an Aranciata, it was good but a little expensive and no re-fill of course. I had a Burrata and Tomato starter, with a slight bit of Pesto and EVO Olive Oil, it was presented nicely but lacked distinctive flavor. I was served some nice Sourdough Bread and a plate for Olive Oil and Balsamic which was provided already at the table, I thought this was nice and it did taste good. The Menu here is very simple, Sauces, Pasta and add on items. I decided to try the Bolognese with Spaghetti because it was described as 70% Organic Beef and 30% Bison, I thought that sounded interesting. When the bowl arrived, it looked very simple and not very refined or homemade, which was also how it tasted, the Spaghetti was a bit chewy and the Bolognese was very bland. I think they are trying and hope they are able to make refinements and improvements. Thank you for the...

My boyfriend and I went to Pasta Fresca for his last night in Reno and I’m so happy we went. During January 2023, they were featuring several dishes for the Vegan Chef Challenge and it was all delicious.

We started with the Vegan Caprese appetizer, and I scraped every last basil sprout off the plate. I had the Ravioli Tartufo for my main (reliably fantastic, a staple of the menu that I order whenever I can) and he scooped up the last Vegan Entree which was stuffed with cashew cheese and spinach filling. I wish I could say how it was but he finished them all off before I could have a taste. I have to assume that he loved it: he has Crohns and can’t eat dairy, but he remembers what it should taste and feel like.

I was fortunate enough to try the vegan cannoli and split it with him for dessert. The chocolate and pistachio filling was to die for: a soy base instead of ricotta that tasted almost exactly the same, with the best flavor ever. Rich and light, crispy and creamy. I want to eat a hundred of them by myself.

If you’re in Reno, you need to go! Call ahead and make a reservation. This is the best Italian restaurant in town: simple, clean, always friendly, and undeniably delicious. And, the best part is if you’re not full by the end of your meal, they have a bunch of fresh pasta that you can take home with you and...

Pasta Fresca is the kind of gem that makes you fall in love with supporting local businesses. My boyfriend and I came in for dinner and ordered the nightly special: gnocchi with creamy pesto sauce. Hands down, the BEST gnocchi we’ve ever had. Perfectly tender, stuffed with cheese in the center, and paired with a sauce that was rich without being heavy. It was absolute perfection.

We casually asked if they ever sold their gnocchi to cook at home, and to our surprise, they said no one had ever asked - but of course, yes! They sent us home with two packages, along with some extra cheese and tips on the best way to prepare it. We cooked it the next night, and it was still the best gnocchi we’ve ever had.

The food is phenomenal, but what makes Pasta Fresca truly special is the generosity and heart of the people who run it. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cared for, and you can tell how much pride they take in their craft.

If you want incredible handmade pasta and a reminder of why it’s worth supporting local, look no further. Highly,...