Experience was great! Service attention to detail was top notch and really sets the place apart. The food was great with the exception of a couple dishes which were ok. Chef Dan is fairly new and still changing menu to his style and the few dishes he's implemented were great. Would recommend as a fun experience and great date night spot.
Sahar Afrakhan
exceptional. people and food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi
Lucas
An excellent pasta inspired experience. The wine pairing took it all to another level. I highly recommend Pasta Bar for a high quality, beautiful meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi
Raquel
We felt very special coming here for our anniversary dinner. The food was exceptional in taste and beauty. They were very accommodating of my allergies to specific foods and had a variety of wines, cocktails, mocktails, and teas that paired well with all the dishes. Highly recommend if you can foot the bill.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi
Megan Swanger
Have no clue how this place has less than 5 stars, we have been to a few of the scratch restaurants and this one soared past all expectations. Cost may look pricey but you are paying for the experience and let me tell you- it’s well worth it.This spot is hard to find, walking down the east side you could easily walk past it as there’s no sign and it’s a dark area you can’t really see into. Feels almost like a speakeasy. Upon walking in you’re greeted by a few folks at a beautiful bar with unique/chic seating and decor. You’re treated with a welcome cocktail and a set of welcome horderves all of which were to die for. After you finish up they walk you into the main dining room - still intimate setting instead with a direct view of the live kitchen! You can choose to do a wine pairing, they have various cocktail options as well including beers if that’s your speed.Directly upon entering the main dining room the chefs start bringing over the first course. I won’t spoil it but every flavor from start to finish was seriously indescribable. After several main courses we were getting full, however, you’re treated with a palate cleanser that I could’ve eaten 10 of, so light, crisp, and refreshing. They timed it perfectly and it almost brings you out of the food coma and back to be ready for more. The dessert again was decadent, unlike anything I’ve tried before.All that to say, you need to try this place! We will be back. A-Z a perfect experience and the service was outstanding to top it all off. Thanks for an incredible experience y’all!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Wagyu Beef
Tarek Fakhouri
Passion, excellence, dedication. We thoroughly enjoyed our
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Madison Gielda
PastaBar is a totally unique and amazing food experience. However, it’s not necessarily for pasta lovers. 5/11 courses had pasta. The food was exquisite and unique and interesting. But I was really expecting this to be a showcase of SAUCE. When they sat us with fresh sourdough from their 58 year old culture and told us to “save some for sauce” I really thought there was going to be sauce. Not that I’m a professional chef but I would have really enjoyed the simple basic sauces done beautifully. A bolognese, a parmigiana cream sauce, a fresh tomato something. I frickin love sauce and I would have paid $200 for the most traditional done right. Rather than a squishy gnocchi that looked and tasted like a chunk of avocado. I was really hoping that gnocchi would have been traditional. SushiBar was so amazing and traditionally Japanese and I was expecting the same authentic expression of Italy. I really wanted a creamy parm sauce. These chefs are clearly very talented and have a lot of creativity, but it missed the mark for me. If they changed their name this would be a totally acceptable high dining restaurant.I would not recommend it for pasta lovers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jeff Moskal
A wonderful shared experience. It is pricey but the food and service lived up to my expectations. While called Pasta|Bar, not everything was pasta-based which I appreciate as not all Italian food is pasta. There were subtle influences from Austin/Tex/Mex, interesting touches.Everything had a story, from the food, the prep, to the pairing. Pay attention or don't but once you start eating you will have questions, tip - pay attention. All of the dishes were great with the crowd favorites being the mushroom, gnocchi, and cavatelli. The opening amuse bouche and sourdough+butter sends the signal -- buckle and enjoy the ride.The wine pairing was aligned nicely, well-balanced to the dishes with appropriate transitions while also adding to the story.As the menu is ever evolving, there are and will be stronger dishes. I enjoyed every dish but loved certain standouts. And this is why we will go back, find something new each time.We had some allergies/sensitivities in our group. These were accommodated nicely and seamlessly. Thank you.We were only able to get the 9:30pm seating. I would recommend the 7pm seating, nothing related to service or food but personal preference.
Favorite special place in Austin. Go in with an adventurous palate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick M.
Simply stated, the best service and food we have had in Austin. Amazing. The staff and chefs were as good as any we have had and we travel the world for food.
Absolutely LOVED the Pasta|Bar. The atmosphere and the friendly chefs. We loved that we got to meet other people we were sitting with and here to stories of the chefs. Food was amazing!! We left Full. The wine was great and paired perfect. The team makes the presentation special with different ways to serve or add tastes. Very Cool. The Staff shared cool, new things they want to try for the customers to keep this evolving and make the best experience!We have tried many tasting menus in Austin (WInk, Barley Swine, Emmer&Rye, Juniper, Lenior) and we thought this one was of the best! The whole flow is fun- from the beginning cocktail, to hanging out by the bar at the end. Very well done.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Rosenthal
On a mission to find the best restaurant in Austin and also to eat superior pasta in my hometown, I decided to give Pasta|Bar Austin a try.Booking ProcessPasta|Bar offers three seatings per evening in timed, two hour sessions: 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm.Reservations are released on the first of the month at 12pm for the following month's availability.When I booked two weeks in advance, the only time slots available were at 5 and 9:30, and I selected the early time slot.You can make your Pasta|Bar reservations via Tock here.A $25 deposit to make the reservation will be charged for each patron, the amount of which is deducted from your final bill.Location/ParkingPasta|Bar Austin is located a few blocks east of I-35 on the busy East 6th Street. Metered street parking is available immediately in front and in the vicinity of the restaurant (if you are lucky to find it).The actual location of the restaurant is challenging to find.There is no signage for Pasta|Bar, only the number of the street address. In fact, their sign is empty. Obviously this is on purpose, although for what purpose I am not exactly clear.AtmosphereGuests are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes before their scheduled reservation time for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic free “tipple” in the sumptuous Pasta|Bar Austin lounge.At precisely 5pm, the six guests are escorted from the lounge into the dining area, a U-shaped counter table adjacent to the kitchen where five chefs and two waitstaff welcome you to your culinary adventure.The room is dark except for lights on the kitchen area so you can see your food being prepared, and the musical playlist leans heavily on Texas country stars such as Robert Earl Keen.Your seating is assigned in advance, and Pasta|Bar welcomes you with a trio of amuse bouche and a special message from the chefs at your selected spot.Head Chef Jeremy greeted us and informed the six diners that we would be enjoying eleven courses for a price of $195. Optional wine pairings are an additional $145 per person or $225 per person for the reserve pairing.The FoodThe eleven dishes over 120 minutes (the three seatings per evening are timed in two hour sessions, 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm) averages to approx. ten minutes per dish; however, I never felt that the meal was rushed until the end of our allotted time, when we were asked nicely to vacate the dining area so that the next diners could enter.Pasta|Bar's seasonal menu changes every ten weeks or so, and the menu card provided informs you of the treats you are about to sample over the next two hours.Overall ImpressionLike the Greek legend Icarus who flew too close to the sun and failed, Pasta|Bar Austin aims high and ultimately misses its lofty target.In its favor, the menu is incredibly inventive and many of the dishes are truly spectacular. Furthermore, I am happy that Austin now offers intimate group dining experiences such as Pasta|Bar.However, the price for two people including tax and tip (without any alcohol) is over $500, which means that Pasta|Bar Austin needs to be held to the highest standards.Finding a hair in my food early on in the meal does not bode well, and the supper club vibe is not enough to save Pasta|Bar when you spend this kind of money on a meal.I think Pasta|Bar Austin needs more than its creative dishes, group dining concept and LA restaurant’s Michelin star to truly provide a transcendent dining experience that justifies its jaw-dropping price.That being said, if you are a foodie and have an important client to entertain or are looking for a special occasion restaurant while in Austin, Texas, Pasta|Bar Austin will certainly provide an unique, luxury experience that keeps you guessing.If you are interested on my reviews of actual Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, check out my article here on the Social Musings by Austin website or Google "Social Musings."
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bone Marrow
Steph J.
Absolutely LOVED the Pasta|Bar. The atmosphere and the friendly chefs. We loved that we got to meet other people we were sitting with and here to stories of the chefs. Food was amazing!! We left Full. The wine was great and paired perfect. The team makes the presentation special with different ways to serve or add tastes. Very Cool. The chefs talked about how they are always improving and trying new things for the customers. They obviously love their jobs. We have tried many tasting menus in Austin (WInk, Barley Swine, Emmer&Rye, Juniper, Lenior) and we thought this one was one of the best! The whole flow is fun- from the beginning cocktail, to hanging out by the bar at the end. Very well done.
W C.
We came here last weekend and left satisfied and happy. One of us has been to Sushi Bar before (taken there for her birthday by a friend), but we were both excited to check out this location since it's been on our radar for a while.They started us off with an effervescent mojito sparkler drink, perfect for whetting the appetite. There were a few amuses on the table to start, all delicious, and we liked the personal touch of the name settings. All the guys working the stations and explaining the dishes were super polite, friendly, and professional. The female somm was knowledgeable and sweet, so we were pleased with the service all around. We also chatted for a bit with the folks catty-corner to us, so that made the experience even nicer.There were eleven courses, so we're not going to break them all done, and will just stick with comments on what was memorable. The sourdough bread was mind-flowingly delicious, and the halloumi salad thing was an ideal cold starter course. The only dish one of us absolutely detested was the crude, which had way too much fruit-centricness and tasted too chewy. Blegh--barely ate it! Tortellini with mushroom and truffles? A+. The lobster ravioli dish was good, but the temperature seemed off as we would have liked it a bit warmer than it was served. The granita basil was unique and refreshing, and honestly, the final gelato course with the fig jam was one of the best desserts that we've ever had in this damn town. So, so special and unique.Yes, you will spend moooonnnnnneeeyyyyy. Lots of it. But we've spent close to it on crappier meals at "fancy" places around town that suck so badly, and those are a dime a dozen. Our honest advice would be to skip those places and save up for a dinner here because it's actually worth it. Four stars. Pasta is good for the soul during these dark times.
James
We should have read the reviews before scheduling. I have no idea why this place is called "pasta" bar as I don't think we ever experienced any pasta during our evening.We had tried Sushi Bar and were very happy with that experience so it was time to try Pasta Bar. And our experience here was quite the opposite. They start you off with some drink that I could definitely have done without. For the price we paid for dinner, I would have preferred to pick my own drink to start with.We were brought into a small dining area, similar to Sushi Bar, and it's a nice intimate setting. There is someone who calls themselves a "sommelier" but I question that person's training. She seemed to just repeat something rehearsed and she was visibly annoyed when people weren't paying attention to her.Like Sushi Bar, we had multiple servings but little past (if any). I've been going to Italy since the 1980's and my daughter studied in Italy and I can make my own pasta. So, I'm pretty comfortable when saying there was no pasta here. I think serving different sauces with a combination of meats is great, but I feel it's a huge stretch to put "pasta" in the name of this restaurant.Furthermore, after reading many of the reviews, I think most people seem to be drawn in to this "Michelin Star" which applies to another location and not this one. Finally, the cost. I have had some expensive meals in my past, but this one tops the charts. Not only that, but they add the gratuity and I have NEVER heard of such a thing. Certainly when you have a large party, but we were only two people. So, if you are thinking about coming here... be prepared for a bill around $700!!!! And I'm sure it goes without saying there are countless Italian restaurants in Austin where you can get an amazing meal for about one-third this price. Honestly, if someone else were paying the tab, I would not come back here. Biggest waste of money for any meal I have ever had and if you are considering dining here... I would seriously reconsider.
Experience was great! Service attention to detail was top notch and really sets the place apart. The food was great with the exception of a couple dishes which were ok. Chef Dan is fairly new and still changing menu to his style and the few dishes he's implemented were great. Would recommend as a fun experience and great date night spot.
exceptional. people and food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi
An excellent pasta inspired experience. The wine pairing took it all to another level. I highly recommend Pasta Bar for a high quality, beautiful meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi
We felt very special coming here for our anniversary dinner. The food was exceptional in taste and beauty. They were very accommodating of my allergies to specific foods and had a variety of wines, cocktails, mocktails, and teas that paired well with all the dishes. Highly recommend if you can foot the bill.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi
Have no clue how this place has less than 5 stars, we have been to a few of the scratch restaurants and this one soared past all expectations. Cost may look pricey but you are paying for the experience and let me tell you- it’s well worth it.This spot is hard to find, walking down the east side you could easily walk past it as there’s no sign and it’s a dark area you can’t really see into. Feels almost like a speakeasy. Upon walking in you’re greeted by a few folks at a beautiful bar with unique/chic seating and decor. You’re treated with a welcome cocktail and a set of welcome horderves all of which were to die for. After you finish up they walk you into the main dining room - still intimate setting instead with a direct view of the live kitchen! You can choose to do a wine pairing, they have various cocktail options as well including beers if that’s your speed.Directly upon entering the main dining room the chefs start bringing over the first course. I won’t spoil it but every flavor from start to finish was seriously indescribable. After several main courses we were getting full, however, you’re treated with a palate cleanser that I could’ve eaten 10 of, so light, crisp, and refreshing. They timed it perfectly and it almost brings you out of the food coma and back to be ready for more. The dessert again was decadent, unlike anything I’ve tried before.All that to say, you need to try this place! We will be back. A-Z a perfect experience and the service was outstanding to top it all off. Thanks for an incredible experience y’all!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Wagyu Beef
Passion, excellence, dedication. We thoroughly enjoyed our
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
PastaBar is a totally unique and amazing food experience. However, it’s not necessarily for pasta lovers. 5/11 courses had pasta. The food was exquisite and unique and interesting. But I was really expecting this to be a showcase of SAUCE. When they sat us with fresh sourdough from their 58 year old culture and told us to “save some for sauce” I really thought there was going to be sauce. Not that I’m a professional chef but I would have really enjoyed the simple basic sauces done beautifully. A bolognese, a parmigiana cream sauce, a fresh tomato something. I frickin love sauce and I would have paid $200 for the most traditional done right. Rather than a squishy gnocchi that looked and tasted like a chunk of avocado. I was really hoping that gnocchi would have been traditional. SushiBar was so amazing and traditionally Japanese and I was expecting the same authentic expression of Italy. I really wanted a creamy parm sauce. These chefs are clearly very talented and have a lot of creativity, but it missed the mark for me. If they changed their name this would be a totally acceptable high dining restaurant.I would not recommend it for pasta lovers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
A wonderful shared experience. It is pricey but the food and service lived up to my expectations. While called Pasta|Bar, not everything was pasta-based which I appreciate as not all Italian food is pasta. There were subtle influences from Austin/Tex/Mex, interesting touches.Everything had a story, from the food, the prep, to the pairing. Pay attention or don't but once you start eating you will have questions, tip - pay attention. All of the dishes were great with the crowd favorites being the mushroom, gnocchi, and cavatelli. The opening amuse bouche and sourdough+butter sends the signal -- buckle and enjoy the ride.The wine pairing was aligned nicely, well-balanced to the dishes with appropriate transitions while also adding to the story.As the menu is ever evolving, there are and will be stronger dishes. I enjoyed every dish but loved certain standouts. And this is why we will go back, find something new each time.We had some allergies/sensitivities in our group. These were accommodated nicely and seamlessly. Thank you.We were only able to get the 9:30pm seating. I would recommend the 7pm seating, nothing related to service or food but personal preference.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Chicken Wild Mushroom Ravioli
Favorite special place in Austin. Go in with an adventurous palate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Simply stated, the best service and food we have had in Austin. Amazing. The staff and chefs were as good as any we have had and we travel the world for food.
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely LOVED the Pasta|Bar. The atmosphere and the friendly chefs. We loved that we got to meet other people we were sitting with and here to stories of the chefs. Food was amazing!! We left Full. The wine was great and paired perfect. The team makes the presentation special with different ways to serve or add tastes. Very Cool. The Staff shared cool, new things they want to try for the customers to keep this evolving and make the best experience!We have tried many tasting menus in Austin (WInk, Barley Swine, Emmer&Rye, Juniper, Lenior) and we thought this one was of the best! The whole flow is fun- from the beginning cocktail, to hanging out by the bar at the end. Very well done.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
On a mission to find the best restaurant in Austin and also to eat superior pasta in my hometown, I decided to give Pasta|Bar Austin a try.Booking ProcessPasta|Bar offers three seatings per evening in timed, two hour sessions: 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm.Reservations are released on the first of the month at 12pm for the following month's availability.When I booked two weeks in advance, the only time slots available were at 5 and 9:30, and I selected the early time slot.You can make your Pasta|Bar reservations via Tock here.A $25 deposit to make the reservation will be charged for each patron, the amount of which is deducted from your final bill.Location/ParkingPasta|Bar Austin is located a few blocks east of I-35 on the busy East 6th Street. Metered street parking is available immediately in front and in the vicinity of the restaurant (if you are lucky to find it).The actual location of the restaurant is challenging to find.There is no signage for Pasta|Bar, only the number of the street address. In fact, their sign is empty. Obviously this is on purpose, although for what purpose I am not exactly clear.AtmosphereGuests are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes before their scheduled reservation time for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic free “tipple” in the sumptuous Pasta|Bar Austin lounge.At precisely 5pm, the six guests are escorted from the lounge into the dining area, a U-shaped counter table adjacent to the kitchen where five chefs and two waitstaff welcome you to your culinary adventure.The room is dark except for lights on the kitchen area so you can see your food being prepared, and the musical playlist leans heavily on Texas country stars such as Robert Earl Keen.Your seating is assigned in advance, and Pasta|Bar welcomes you with a trio of amuse bouche and a special message from the chefs at your selected spot.Head Chef Jeremy greeted us and informed the six diners that we would be enjoying eleven courses for a price of $195. Optional wine pairings are an additional $145 per person or $225 per person for the reserve pairing.The FoodThe eleven dishes over 120 minutes (the three seatings per evening are timed in two hour sessions, 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm) averages to approx. ten minutes per dish; however, I never felt that the meal was rushed until the end of our allotted time, when we were asked nicely to vacate the dining area so that the next diners could enter.Pasta|Bar's seasonal menu changes every ten weeks or so, and the menu card provided informs you of the treats you are about to sample over the next two hours.Overall ImpressionLike the Greek legend Icarus who flew too close to the sun and failed, Pasta|Bar Austin aims high and ultimately misses its lofty target.In its favor, the menu is incredibly inventive and many of the dishes are truly spectacular. Furthermore, I am happy that Austin now offers intimate group dining experiences such as Pasta|Bar.However, the price for two people including tax and tip (without any alcohol) is over $500, which means that Pasta|Bar Austin needs to be held to the highest standards.Finding a hair in my food early on in the meal does not bode well, and the supper club vibe is not enough to save Pasta|Bar when you spend this kind of money on a meal.I think Pasta|Bar Austin needs more than its creative dishes, group dining concept and LA restaurant’s Michelin star to truly provide a transcendent dining experience that justifies its jaw-dropping price.That being said, if you are a foodie and have an important client to entertain or are looking for a special occasion restaurant while in Austin, Texas, Pasta|Bar Austin will certainly provide an unique, luxury experience that keeps you guessing.If you are interested on my reviews of actual Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, check out my article here on the Social Musings by Austin website or Google "Social Musings."
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bone Marrow
Absolutely LOVED the Pasta|Bar. The atmosphere and the friendly chefs. We loved that we got to meet other people we were sitting with and here to stories of the chefs. Food was amazing!! We left Full. The wine was great and paired perfect. The team makes the presentation special with different ways to serve or add tastes. Very Cool. The chefs talked about how they are always improving and trying new things for the customers. They obviously love their jobs. We have tried many tasting menus in Austin (WInk, Barley Swine, Emmer&Rye, Juniper, Lenior) and we thought this one was one of the best! The whole flow is fun- from the beginning cocktail, to hanging out by the bar at the end. Very well done.
We came here last weekend and left satisfied and happy. One of us has been to Sushi Bar before (taken there for her birthday by a friend), but we were both excited to check out this location since it's been on our radar for a while.They started us off with an effervescent mojito sparkler drink, perfect for whetting the appetite. There were a few amuses on the table to start, all delicious, and we liked the personal touch of the name settings. All the guys working the stations and explaining the dishes were super polite, friendly, and professional. The female somm was knowledgeable and sweet, so we were pleased with the service all around. We also chatted for a bit with the folks catty-corner to us, so that made the experience even nicer.There were eleven courses, so we're not going to break them all done, and will just stick with comments on what was memorable. The sourdough bread was mind-flowingly delicious, and the halloumi salad thing was an ideal cold starter course. The only dish one of us absolutely detested was the crude, which had way too much fruit-centricness and tasted too chewy. Blegh--barely ate it! Tortellini with mushroom and truffles? A+. The lobster ravioli dish was good, but the temperature seemed off as we would have liked it a bit warmer than it was served. The granita basil was unique and refreshing, and honestly, the final gelato course with the fig jam was one of the best desserts that we've ever had in this damn town. So, so special and unique.Yes, you will spend moooonnnnnneeeyyyyy. Lots of it. But we've spent close to it on crappier meals at "fancy" places around town that suck so badly, and those are a dime a dozen. Our honest advice would be to skip those places and save up for a dinner here because it's actually worth it. Four stars. Pasta is good for the soul during these dark times.
We should have read the reviews before scheduling. I have no idea why this place is called "pasta" bar as I don't think we ever experienced any pasta during our evening.We had tried Sushi Bar and were very happy with that experience so it was time to try Pasta Bar. And our experience here was quite the opposite. They start you off with some drink that I could definitely have done without. For the price we paid for dinner, I would have preferred to pick my own drink to start with.We were brought into a small dining area, similar to Sushi Bar, and it's a nice intimate setting. There is someone who calls themselves a "sommelier" but I question that person's training. She seemed to just repeat something rehearsed and she was visibly annoyed when people weren't paying attention to her.Like Sushi Bar, we had multiple servings but little past (if any). I've been going to Italy since the 1980's and my daughter studied in Italy and I can make my own pasta. So, I'm pretty comfortable when saying there was no pasta here. I think serving different sauces with a combination of meats is great, but I feel it's a huge stretch to put "pasta" in the name of this restaurant.Furthermore, after reading many of the reviews, I think most people seem to be drawn in to this "Michelin Star" which applies to another location and not this one. Finally, the cost. I have had some expensive meals in my past, but this one tops the charts. Not only that, but they add the gratuity and I have NEVER heard of such a thing. Certainly when you have a large party, but we were only two people. So, if you are thinking about coming here... be prepared for a bill around $700!!!! And I'm sure it goes without saying there are countless Italian restaurants in Austin where you can get an amazing meal for about one-third this price. Honestly, if someone else were paying the tab, I would not come back here. Biggest waste of money for any meal I have ever had and if you are considering dining here... I would seriously reconsider.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1