Cafe Pasta

NOTE: The menu has gotten smaller, so a 7.5 is probably a more appropriate rating.


Located at 305 State Street in northern Greensboro, Café Pasta offers pasta dishes, appetizers, desserts, and Italian entrees. There is a full-service bar, daily specials, and live music on Thursdays and Saturdays. Catering is available.

Café Pasta is tucked amid a cluster of trendy shops and restaurants, so it’s no surprise that it isn’t your parents’ red sauce joint. The atmosphere is modern and comfortable with low lighting and eclectic background music. Though the establishment appears small from the outside, it is deceptively deep, and there is ample table space.

The menu is similarly unpredictable. Though somewhat limited compared to other Italian eateries – it is a single page front and back – it strikes a good balance of classic dishes and modern flourishes. Lasagna, ravioli, and Bolognese hobnob with Cajun penne and neon noodle shrimp. You can also customize and opt for chicken or veal in one of three sauces over your choice of pasta.

All of the dishes sampled were well-executed. The bouillabaisse (a house specialty) featured fresh, succulent scallops and was perfectly complemented  by a light Vongole sauce. Similarly, the heartiness of wild mushroom ravioli was tempered by the smooth, creamy vodka sauce. Playing flavors off of one another is something Café Pasta does extremely well.

Relative to the competition, Café Pasta offers no bargains, but prices aren’t unreasonable. Entrees do not include salads and run from $11 to $18. The portions are adequate though not as generous as some I’ve seen.

Service joins food and ambience to give the eatery a trifecta of high marks. We were greeted upon entry and offered our pick of tables. Our server was personable, attentive, and gave good recommendations. The folks here seem dedicated to making sure that you have a good meal, and it shows.

Light, fresh, and fun, Café Pasta is good for a change-of-pace. There will be times when more traditional Italian still beckons, but this is one alternative that should not be ignored.

8/10