I’ve been wanting to try Ceres Pasta for over a year. Their limited hours make it tricky, but after so many glowing reviews, I was excited to finally go.
The location is truly lovely — a shaded pedestrian street in the historic downtown district with plenty of seating. Atmosphere is easily a 10/10.
For context, I worked in Italy for 12 years and know pasta well. Cacio e pepe is my favorite dish. When I eat it in the U.S., I adjust my expectations — I know it won’t be Rome. Still, with this many five-star reviews, I expected something solid.
We ordered bucatini with cacio e pepe. Unfortunately, it was deeply disappointing. The sauce had broken completely — there was about half an inch of watery liquid pooled at the bottom, and the noodles themselves were nearly bare. Cacio e pepe should be an emulsion of pecorino and pepper that clings to the pasta, not diluted pasta water.
The flavor was bland and flat. I ate a few bites; my husband (who will eat anything) also stopped. We threw it away.
At $45 for two pastas and a side of burrata, it was surprisingly poor value. I truly don’t understand the five-star hype. I wanted to love this place — but based on our experience, the execution just wasn’t there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Ryan Comstock
Loved the food and cool location. Good pasta. Ryan Comstock Realtor / Tucson / Oro Valley / eXp Realty
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Red Sauce Pasta, Gelato
Dani Adams
Out of this world pasta and ice cream!! Super cute!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel
Better pasta and gelato than most Italian places
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
james austin v
Ceres’ little alleyway feels like a slice of Europe, and yet it’s so Tucson at the same time. The new parklet seating is lovely. And the pasta is always wonderful. I always get the special (“spesh”) and a kid size gelato. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megan Dean
I don’t go out for pasta sorts of meals often because it’s such a staple at home, but I randomly think about how much I love the butternut squash sauce from the vegan night market regularly!
Katie Lacy
We really love their evening summer hours for an easy pasta dinner and tasty dessert! Fantastic local business!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megan Davis
The pasta and gelatos are amazing! Great service, freshness and on top of all that they’re so community driven!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aimee
SO GOOD!
Our dishes were made to order and both had so much flavor. Heck of a deal, too!
Omg the food is so delicious. Can't wait to go back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katelyn Davis
Stumbled upon CERES on accident and I’m so glad we did! This literal hole in the wall, tucked into an alley serves up some of the best pasta I’ve ever had. Ingredients are fresh and home made. Serving sizes are perfect. And prices are affordable. Service was so quick and there was some nice seating to enjoy a quiet meal. Absolutely loved it and will come back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
gaia 3465
Absolutely amazing. Friendly customer service and amazing food. So fresh!
Kelly Johnston
There's always a line because IT'S THE BEST PASTA EVER! Bolognese is a solid place to start but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
Best pasta in town!! Always worth the wait.
I’ve been wanting to try Ceres Pasta for over a year. Their limited hours make it tricky, but after so many glowing reviews, I was excited to finally go.
The location is truly lovely — a shaded pedestrian street in the historic downtown district with plenty of seating. Atmosphere is easily a 10/10.
For context, I worked in Italy for 12 years and know pasta well. Cacio e pepe is my favorite dish. When I eat it in the U.S., I adjust my expectations — I know it won’t be Rome. Still, with this many five-star reviews, I expected something solid.
We ordered bucatini with cacio e pepe. Unfortunately, it was deeply disappointing. The sauce had broken completely — there was about half an inch of watery liquid pooled at the bottom, and the noodles themselves were nearly bare. Cacio e pepe should be an emulsion of pecorino and pepper that clings to the pasta, not diluted pasta water.
The flavor was bland and flat. I ate a few bites; my husband (who will eat anything) also stopped. We threw it away.
At $45 for two pastas and a side of burrata, it was surprisingly poor value. I truly don’t understand the five-star hype. I wanted to love this place — but based on our experience, the execution just wasn’t there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Loved the food and cool location. Good pasta. Ryan Comstock Realtor / Tucson / Oro Valley / eXp Realty
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Red Sauce Pasta, Gelato
Out of this world pasta and ice cream!! Super cute!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Better pasta and gelato than most Italian places
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ceres’ little alleyway feels like a slice of Europe, and yet it’s so Tucson at the same time. The new parklet seating is lovely. And the pasta is always wonderful. I always get the special (“spesh”) and a kid size gelato. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don’t go out for pasta sorts of meals often because it’s such a staple at home, but I randomly think about how much I love the butternut squash sauce from the vegan night market regularly!
We really love their evening summer hours for an easy pasta dinner and tasty dessert! Fantastic local business!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The pasta and gelatos are amazing! Great service, freshness and on top of all that they’re so community driven!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SO GOOD!
Our dishes were made to order and both had so much flavor. Heck of a deal, too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing stop and go spot!! Very impressed
Omg the food is so delicious. Can't wait to go back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stumbled upon CERES on accident and I’m so glad we did! This literal hole in the wall, tucked into an alley serves up some of the best pasta I’ve ever had. Ingredients are fresh and home made. Serving sizes are perfect. And prices are affordable. Service was so quick and there was some nice seating to enjoy a quiet meal. Absolutely loved it and will come back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing. Friendly customer service and amazing food. So fresh!
There's always a line because IT'S THE BEST PASTA EVER! Bolognese is a solid place to start but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
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