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Pastaio Reviews List
Pastaio
Pastaio is the Italian word for "pasta maker" which reflects our Chef's experience working as Pastaio for restaurants in New York including Eataly, where she would turn out roughly 3,000 pounds weekly. We now bring fresh handmade pasta daily to the Jersey Shore incorporating the freshest seasonal ingredients to our menu that changes each week. At Pastaio we strive to support our local produce, fish and meat, purveyors on an organic and sustainable basis.
Our Menu reflects our kitchen staff experience with classical french training and the bounty of the Garden State. We are proud to utilize Pat LaFrieda Meats of New York for our meat and poultry.
Ask about having your next event in our Private Party Room which can accommodate up to 50.
Gluten Free Meatballs and fresh Gluten Free Pasta Available.
See more Pastaio details
Our Menu reflects our kitchen staff experience with classical french training and the bounty of the Garden State. We are proud to utilize Pat LaFrieda Meats of New York for our meat and poultry.
Ask about having your next event in our Private Party Room which can accommodate up to 50.
Gluten Free Meatballs and fresh Gluten Free Pasta Available.
37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(5)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(22)
- fit for foodies(19)
- special occasion(16)
- romantic(12)
- good for groups(3)
- great for lunch(3)
Pastaio Reviews List
Review 1 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
second time was not a charm
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We visited this restaurant mid winter and had a great meal. This weekend was quite a different experience. We had a reservation at 6:30 P.M. for a table for six. We all arrived at promptly at 6;30 and were ignored. Finally sat down and it took two hours to get served,the total time for dinner was over 3 hours with no dessert. 3 of the six dinners were unpalatable with no or very little side dishes. The waitress had a sour look on her face the whole evening. Was not attentive. Did not come over to the table to apologize or explain the delay. I know 6 people who will not go back, and who will tell many other people about the evening."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 2 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great food poor service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had to ask for everything wine glasses, bread ect. even the bill. Too bad because the pasta was delicious and the location is wonderful."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 3 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food tasty ingredients GREAT meatballs and sauce...and an unnerving lack of attentiveness in the service. Not bad but they need to check in more often..."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 4 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
still finding it's groove
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"family of 4 went here for mother's day. we got 2 pasta entrees (meatball and bolognese), 1 lobster-gnocchi entree, and a fish entree. nothing much stood out. the handmade pasta was the hook why it sounded good to try the restaurant, but it wasn't anything too special. i have made homemade pasta and it has been more delicious. the sauces were so-so, not too rich and nothing too exciting. the appetizer with the NJ heirloom tomato/mozzarella wasn't in-season and the tomato was mealy.
we are pretty easy to impress, and at $25-$30 per this place was definitely overpriced. entrees were at most worth $13-$18.
also, byob."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 5 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently GREAT
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I visited this gem on Friday May 3rd. We were escorted to our requested table and prompty greeted by the owner's husband who welcomed us and thanked us for visiting. Although there were no specials that evening, this weekly changing menu never ceases to satisfy our palate's. My wife had the gnochi as a main dish - served in a light creme sauce - to die for ! Just as good as Italy !
I had the pink ribbon dish - light home made pasta served with a sweet but tangy crumbled sausage. Never tasted anything so good !
We appreciate it being a BYOB - there is a package store 1/2 block up 3rd Avenue.
Prepare to be WOWWED at this hidden gem
If homemade pasta"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorite spots
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Every week the menu changes. The food is always great and the new items on the menu are always outstanding. It is always interesting to trynew and different dishes.
The staple of the menu are the meatballs which are the best you will eat anywhere."
The staple of the menu are the meatballs which are the best you will eat anywhere."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Food/Poor Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dined there on Saturday, May 4, 2013. There were four of us. The food was exceptional, the service, however was poor. There did not seem to be any urgency with the wait staff. The food was slow to come out. At one point, not one table on our side of the restaurant had food on it. The wait staff lacked attention to detail. A member of my party and I had a dish made with New Zealand cockles. The server failed to bring out a dish/bowl for us to put the discarded shells into. We piled the shells onto a bread dish. I noticed another diner across from my table who had taken a glass off of an adjoining table and discarded her shells into it! I will give Pastaio another chance. Maybe it was just an off night."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is truly a unique dinning
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is truly a unique dinning experience.All the food is fresh and made to order including the pasta. I felt like I was back in Italy. A must go to !!!!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A little on the expensive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A little on the expensive side for the portion amount...but very good food."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This could be a great restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This could be a great restaurant if they could knock out the kinks. The wait staff, although very friendly, did not manage the tables well. I had to ask for water three times. There were 2 busboys available just standing waiting to be told what to do. They just need training for the floor to run smoothly. The server shouldn't have to tell them all of the time..take some initiative!
Also, there was so much garlic in every dish on the table that it took away from all of the other flavors that were supposed to be going on in the dish. The house made pasta is delicious but gets lost. I received my dessert after everyone else finished theirs and the check was on the table. Could be a neighborhood gem!!"
Also, there was so much garlic in every dish on the table that it took away from all of the other flavors that were supposed to be going on in the dish. The house made pasta is delicious but gets lost. I received my dessert after everyone else finished theirs and the check was on the table. Could be a neighborhood gem!!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
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Review 11 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pastaio is a hidden gem. The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pastaio is a hidden gem. The food is superb, the service excellent and the ambiance great."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband, mother-in-law,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband, mother-in-law, toddler-aged daughter and I went to Pastaio for dinner Saturday night in honor of Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. Our server, Jennifer, was a delight and incredibly helpful walking us through the menu and giving us history on the restaurant itself and the chef and trained pastaio (which means "pasta-maker" in Italian).
The pasta was light and delicious, the dishes were simple and allowed the outstanding quality of ingredients to show. We intend to return again. Mangia!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pastaio is consistently good.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pastaio is consistently good. We love the slower service. It gives you time to enjoy your dinner and to also relax a little before the next course."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great little place for a great meal. The pasta dishes and seafood dish special were fabulous. The sea bass over rice was great and their meatball and lazana dish was superb. It is BYO so you save money that way. Gelato selction was huge and very unique. Well worth a try and you will not be disappointed!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Second time here. Still slow
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Second time here. Still slow and very unorganized. Wll not be going back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
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Review 16 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food! Great staff!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food! Great staff! Very accommodating...the chef makes a variety of gluten-free foods and pastas...and the food is absolutely amazing."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2008
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Review 17 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great authentic Italian...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Pastaio. It was my birthday and the owner came over as soon as we were sat, greeted me by name and wished me a happy birthday, which was a nice touch. We love that everything is freshly made and that the menu changes weekly. Highlights were the Cotechino & Lentils, Burata w/ proscuitto, Gnocchi w/ black garlic & broccolini, and the Lime Creme Brulee (amazing!). The service is very friendly but they could use some further training. Little things like how stemware was handled, how silverware was brought to the table, etc... I know that the restaurant isn't exactly shooting for fine dining, but with just a few tweaks Pastaio could be one of the top BYO's in the area."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food at this place is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food at this place is amazing. Went with 4 other people, and all thought the same. They change their menu every week. Everything is super fresh and delicious. Our waiter was the Chef's husband. He was very knowledgeable and personable. I've read some complaints about service. There was only one other table when we were there and had no issue."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
pasta with a hint of a shrimp
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very expensive for pasta. I ordered what I thought was a shrimp dish,should have been called (pasta with 1 shrimp) Service was slow .I would not go back!
don"t order the shrimp it should be called pasta with am am looking for the shrimp"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 20 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This is probably my 5th or
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is probably my 5th or 6th time at the restaurant. We go back because the food is outstanding but the service very poor.
I hope they can reorganize themselves and find the right staff. I'll continue to patronize the restaurant because the food is THAT good.
I hope they can reorganize themselves and find the right staff. I'll continue to patronize the restaurant because the food is THAT good.
I hope they get it together."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The owners were very warm and described the way all the dishes were prepared in great detail. Excellent food. Definitely a restuarant to go back to!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 22 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Pasta was very fresh but the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pasta was very fresh but the sauce was just ok. Service was very bad. They had one server for the whole restuarant and he was also the same person who seated you."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 23 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Even though it was a Monday
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Even though it was a Monday night and there were few diners, I did expect some heat in the restaurant. It only became comfortable as we were finishing our meal. The food was good but somehow just seemed to miss the mark. Perhaps it was an "off" night in the kitchen too. With few diners, I expected stellar service. Instead, we were served our pasta and left alone. Finally a few minutes later, our server came with grated cheese (in a dish, not freshly grated) and red pepper. My choice, the pappardelle, was a little chewy and doughy for my taste. The meatballs were a big hit with my husband. Beware, the menu changes on Tuesday and some entrees were not available but were replaced with the new listing."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2009
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Review 24 for Pastaio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The menu varies from week
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The menu varies from week to week and the food is always outstanding."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Pastaio
Based on the average of (13) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate