10 Best Restaurants to Visit on National Spaghetti Day

Spaghetti is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. From the classic pairing with tomato sauce to sophisticated variations with seafood or truffles, this dish consistently earns its place at the table, no matter the season or occasion.

National Spaghetti Day, celebrated on January 4, is the perfect opportunity to highlight the richness of Italian cuisine and explore some of the best restaurants where spaghetti is prepared with exceptional skill and passion. This article features a selection of top restaurants sure to impress anyone who appreciates quality and flavor.

Bartolini's is a well-known family-owned establishment that has been serving the community since 1995 and is famous for its Italian-American cuisine.

Spaghetti Specialties:

    Spaghetti and Meatballs: The star of the menu is the spaghetti and meatballs. This dish features perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with large, flavorful meatballs made from a secret family recipe. The meatballs are a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served in a rich, homemade marinara sauce that enhances the overall flavor.

    Customization Options: Bartolini's allows diners to customize their spaghetti dishes. Guests can choose from various sauces, including marinara, Alfredo, or pesto, as well as add toppings like sautéed vegetables or extra cheese.

    Spaghetti Pomodoro: For those who prefer a lighter option, the spaghetti pomodoro is a favorite. It features fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil tossed with al dente spaghetti, providing a simple yet delicious taste of Italy.

Community Focus:

The Bartolini family prides itself on maintaining strong ties with the community. Regular customers appreciate the friendly service and the personal touch from the owners, who often interact with guests.

Cafe Spaghetti – an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn that offers a wide selection of classic and modern pasta dishes, making it a favorite among Italian cuisine enthusiasts.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti Pomodoro: A traditional dish with tomato sauce, basil, and cheese.

    Spaghetti with Clams: Served with red or white sauce, adding a refined flavor to the dish.

    Recommended Pairings: Spaghetti is often best enjoyed with a simple green salad, homemade bread, or a glass of Italian wine to enhance the flavors.

Seasonal Menu: In addition to its regular offerings, the restaurant occasionally features seasonal pasta dishes to expand the selection.

Emmy's Spaghetti Shack is a restaurant with rich and flavorful pasta dishes that stand out among others in San Francisco. It is a popular spot among locals, known for its focus on simplicity and the quality of its pasta.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti with Seafood: A pasta dish featuring shrimp, mussels, and squid, served in a light white sauce with garlic and lemon. This dish perfectly combines the freshness of seafood with a delicate sauce that enhances their flavor.

    Spaghetti with Black Truffle: A pasta dish made with a fragrant olive oil and cheese sauce, topped with chopped black truffle, adding a luxurious taste and aroma to the dish.

Recommendations:
The seafood spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, while the truffle pasta is complemented by a serving of crispy garlic bread.

Visitors consistently rate the restaurant highly, with one review stating, "I went here on my vacation to San Fran, I was so hungry, and the spaghetti and meatballs were the best I've ever had. Would go again."

RELATED: A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in San Francisco

Photo Credit: facebook.com/emmysspaghetti/

The Pasta Bowl is a Chicago restaurant specializing in classic Italian pasta dishes. Its menu is known for variety and affordability.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti Carbonara: Pasta in a creamy sauce made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and crispy pancetta. The flavor is perfectly balanced with a touch of black pepper.

    Spaghetti Pesto: A vibrant dish with a rich basil sauce made from pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, delivering a fresh and aromatic taste.

Recommendations:
Spaghetti Carbonara pairs well with a side of crispy zucchini fries, adding a delightful crunch to the meal. Spaghetti Pesto is best enjoyed with a glass of light red wine or a plate of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.

Seasonal Menu: The Pasta Bowl offers seasonal specials, such as spaghetti with pumpkin sauce in the fall or pasta with lemon and spinach in the summer.

Cesarina is a standout Italian restaurant in San Diego known for its dedication to handmade pasta. The restaurant focuses on providing guests with an authentic pasta experience, offering a range of dishes that highlight traditional Italian cooking techniques.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe: A classic Roman dish featuring a creamy sauce made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, giving it a rich and savory taste.

    Spaghetti with Lobster: An indulgent option with tender lobster meat cooked in a light tomato and white wine sauce, garnished with fresh herbs.

Recommendations:
Pair the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with a side of roasted vegetables to balance the richness. The Spaghetti with Lobster is best enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine, enhancing its luxurious profile.

Seasonal Menu:
Cesarina frequently updates its menu to include seasonal specialties, such as pasta with truffle cream in the fall or spaghetti with fresh cherry tomatoes and burrata in the summer.

Carmelina's is a popular Italian restaurant located in Boston's historic North End neighborhood. Known for its modern take on classic Italian dishes based on Sicilian recipes.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti alla Siciliana: Pasta with eggplant, capers, olives, and tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese.

    Spaghetti Frutti di Mare: A dish featuring shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a light garlic and white wine sauce, finished with a hint of lemon.

Recommendations:
Pair the Spaghetti alla Siciliana with an arugula salad for a fresh contrast. Spaghetti Frutti di Mare is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine.

RELATED: The Best New Restaurants in Boston This Season

Al Volo Osteria is a restaurant in Washington specializing in homemade pasta. Opened over ten years ago, it has gained popularity due to its simplicity and focus on classic Italian recipes. The restaurant is known for its pasta menu, which includes both traditional options and creative twists.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti alla Bottarga: Spaghetti with cured fish roe, olive oil, and lemon juice, offering a salty and citrusy flavor.

    Spaghetti Neri: Pasta made with cuttlefish ink, mussels, squid, and shrimp in a light tomato-garlic sauce.

    Spaghetti alla Puttanesca: Pasta with olives, anchovies, capers, and tomatoes in a spicy sauce.

    Spaghetti alla Cacio e Pepe: Classic pasta with Pecorino cheese and black pepper, prepared with minimal ingredients to highlight the simplicity of the dish.

Recommendations:
Spaghetti alla Bottarga pairs well with a light green salad. Spaghetti Neri is best served with a glass of white wine. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca goes perfectly with crispy bread to complement the dish’s flavor.

Fattoria is an acclaimed Italian restaurant located in the beautiful Vail Valley in Avon, Colorado. Known for its farm-to-table approach, Fattoria prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients to create its dishes. The restaurant’s pasta menu stands out for its diverse offerings.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti Carbonara: A creamy pasta made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, crispy pancetta, and freshly cracked black pepper.

    Spaghetti al Limone: A refreshing dish featuring spaghetti tossed with a light lemon-butter sauce, parsley, and a hint of Parmesan.

    Spaghetti Bolognese: Classic spaghetti served with a rich meat sauce made from slow-cooked beef, tomatoes, and red wine.

    Spaghetti con Gamberi: Spaghetti with sautéed shrimp in a garlic and chili-infused olive oil, finished with fresh herbs.

Recommendations:

Pair the Spaghetti al Limone with a crisp glass of white wine, or enjoy the Spaghetti Bolognese alongside a mixed green salad. The Spaghetti con Gamberi is best complemented by a serving of house-made focaccia bread.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/fattoriavailvalley/, tripadvisor.com, google.com

Located near Union Station, Tavernetta focuses on Italian cuisine with an emphasis on pasta dishes. It is one of Denver’s leading Italian restaurants, offering a menu inspired by traditional and modern recipes from various regions of Italy.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti al Pomodoro: Classic pasta with tomato sauce, fresh basil, and grated Pecorino cheese.

    Spaghetti alle Vongole: Spaghetti with clams, garlic, and white wine.

    Spaghetti Bolognese: A hearty pasta served with a rich ragu made from beef, pork, and tomatoes.

    Spaghetti con Polpette: Spaghetti with meatballs in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Recommendations:
Pair the Spaghetti Bolognese with homemade bread or enjoy the Spaghetti alle Vongole with a glass of dry white wine.

RELATED: Colorado and The Best Restaurants

Gaetano's is another standout Italian restaurant in Denver, offering a different take on classic pasta dishes compared to other local options. With its roots dating back to the mid-20th century, it has established itself as a trusted spot for Italian-American cuisine, particularly for its spaghetti recipes.

Highlights:

    Spaghetti Carbonara: A creamy dish featuring pancetta, egg, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.

    Spaghetti with Sausage: Served with house-made Italian sausage in a rich tomato sauce.

    Spaghetti Puttanesca: A bold and tangy combination of olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes.

Recommendations:
Pair the Spaghetti Carbonara with a side of roasted vegetables or the Spaghetti Puttanesca with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Seasonal Options:
Gaetano's menu features seasonal spaghetti dishes, such as those incorporating wild mushrooms or fresh herbs, showcasing the best local ingredients.