Pastai Restaurant Introduce
In a city overflowing with Italian eateries, Pastai Restaurant in Chelsea distinguishes itself with a deep-rooted commitment to authentic, homemade cuisine, specifically drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched flavors of Southern Italy and Sicily. The name “Pastai,” which translates to “the pasta makers,” is a testament to the restaurant’s core philosophy: a dedication to crafting fresh, hand-made pasta from scratch in an open kitchen. This not only ensures an unparalleled quality but also provides a captivating glimpse into the culinary artistry behind each dish. Stepping into Pastai, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that is at once cozy, trendy, and elegantly upscale, creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. It's a place that feels both romantic for a special date night and comfortably casual for a solo meal or a group gathering. The menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully sourced to highlight the natural flavors of the produce. Beyond its famed pasta, Pastai also functions as a cocktail bar and a wine bar, offering a carefully curated selection of beverages to complement the food. The restaurant’s versatility is a major part of its appeal, catering to a wide array of palates and dietary needs with a strong focus on gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary journey to a different part of Italy, delivered with New York sophistication. The warmth of the staff and the quality of the food make Pastai a true hidden gem that many locals wish they had discovered sooner, a place where every meal feels like a special occasion.
Pastai Restaurant is perfectly situated at 186 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, in the heart of Chelsea. This location makes it a highly accessible and convenient dining destination for a wide range of customers. It’s nestled in a vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, shops, and diverse culinary scene. The restaurant is easily reachable via New York City’s extensive public transportation system, with multiple subway stations just a short walk away, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, and L lines. This connectivity ensures that whether you are coming from work, exploring the area, or simply in the mood for some authentic Italian food, Pastai is never far. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, providing a practical option, though public transit is often the most recommended way to get around the area. Pastai is also committed to providing an accessible experience for all its patrons. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This thoughtful approach to accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy a comfortable and seamless dining experience. The restaurant's presence on a bustling avenue, combined with the option of outdoor seating, allows diners to soak in the lively atmosphere of the Chelsea streets, especially during pleasant weather. The central location makes it a popular spot for both local residents and tourists alike, a true community hub that feels both part of the neighborhood and a special destination in its own right.
Pastai Restaurant offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide flexibility and convenience to its guests. These services cater to various dining preferences and occasions.
- Multiple Service Options: The restaurant offers a variety of service options, including dine-in service with seating and tables, outdoor seating for an al fresco experience, and convenient takeout and delivery, including no-contact delivery. This versatility ensures that you can enjoy their delicious food wherever you prefer.
- Accepts Reservations: To guarantee a table, especially during peak dining hours, Pastai accepts reservations. This is highly recommended for dinner, particularly on busy nights, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Catering and Gift Certificates: For special events or as a thoughtful gift, Pastai offers catering services and gift certificates, making it easy to share the taste of authentic Italian cuisine with others.
- Full Bar and Wine List: The restaurant operates as a cocktail bar and a wine bar, offering a full range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and a great wine list. They also offer happy hour drinks and food.
Pastai Restaurant is known for several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Italian dining in New York. These elements contribute to its excellent reputation and loyal customer base.
- Handmade Pasta: The most significant highlight is the restaurant’s specialty in "pasta fatta in casa" (homemade pasta). This commitment to making fresh pasta from scratch every day is evident in the quality and texture of their dishes, setting them apart from many competitors.
- Inclusive Menu: Pastai is not just an Italian restaurant; it is also a recognized gluten-free and vegan restaurant. They offer a wide array of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that people with various dietary needs can find delicious and satisfying meals.
- Great Desserts and Wine: Customers rave about the desserts, with the Parmesan crème brûlée being a particular favorite. Paired with a great wine list, it makes for a perfect end to the meal.
- Cozy and Elegant Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major draw. It is described as casual yet trendy and upscale, with a cozy and romantic feel. This creates a comfortable setting for a variety of dining occasions.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviews frequently praise the staff for being friendly, professional, and attentive. The chefs are noted for being engaging and the bartenders are celebrated for their mixologist skills.
- Versatile Dining: The restaurant is popular for a variety of occasions, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and solo dining. It also has a kids' menu and high chairs, making it family-friendly. The availability of a private dining room is an added bonus for special events.
For those interested in visiting or contacting Pastai Restaurant, the following information is provided:
Address: 186 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (646) 688-3463
Mobile Phone: +1 646-688-3463
Choosing Pastai Restaurant for your next Italian meal is an excellent decision, and the reasons why are numerous and compelling. The foremost reason is the extraordinary quality of the food, particularly the fresh, handmade pasta. This dedication to tradition and craftsmanship ensures a culinary experience that is authentic and deeply satisfying. The menu, which focuses on Southern Italian and Sicilian dishes, offers unique flavors that set it apart from other Italian restaurants in the city. Another key factor is its remarkable inclusivity. As a restaurant that caters to those seeking gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options without compromising on flavor, Pastai makes delicious, high-quality Italian food accessible to everyone. The atmosphere is another major draw. It strikes a beautiful balance between casual comfort and upscale elegance, making it suitable for everything from a simple lunch to a romantic dinner. The staff's exceptional service, from friendly bartenders to engaging chefs, enhances the overall experience, making you feel well cared for and welcome. The restaurant's versatility is also worth noting; it's a great spot for groups, solo diners, and families, with amenities like a bar, a great dessert and coffee selection, and even a private dining room. Ultimately, Pastai is a destination for those who appreciate authenticity and a commitment to quality in every detail. Its combination of outstanding food, a welcoming ambiance, and a menu that is both traditional and modern makes it a must-visit spot in the Chelsea neighborhood for a truly memorable Italian meal.
Pastai Restaurant Menu
All Day Menu - Pasta Fatta in Casa
- Bucatini Con Le Sarde $25.00
Thick hollow spaghetti with fresh sardines, fennel, tomatoes, brandy-soaked raisins, pine nuts and breadcrumbs.
- Lasagna Al Forno $24.00
Lasagna with a short rib ragu, Bechamel, Ricotta and broccoli rabe.
- Tagliatelle Con Aragosta $32.00
Lemon tagliatelle with lobster, spinach and crispy artichokes in a white wine sauce.
- Paccheri Alla Genovese $25.00
Paccheri pasta with a slow-cooked, 8-hour braised sweet onion and flank steak ragu.
- Ravioli Di Ricotta $23.00
Ravioli stuffed with mushrooms, ricotta cheese in a marina sauce
- SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA $22.00
Spaghetti with pancetta, garlic, organic eggs and pecorino Romano
- Reginette Al Ragu $26.00
Long curly pasta with a short rib ragu, arugula and grated Sicilian Pecorino cheese.
- BUCATINI CON BROCCOLI $24.00
Thick hollow spaghetti with cauliflower-saffron ragù, pine nuts, pecorino, raisin & topped with toasted breadcrumbs
- GARGANELLI Con Burrata $22.00
GARGANELLI pasta with burrata, broccoli rabe pesto and cherry tomatoes.
All Day Menu - Catering
- Catering $135.00
- Gift Certificate $1,000.00
All Day Menu - Main Courses
- Salmone $36.00
Seared salmon filet, creamed spinach, olive gremolata
- Gaddina Cu Peperonta $34.00
Roasted Half Chicken, Mixed Vegetables In A Mushroom Marsala Sauce
- RISOTTO AL NIVURO DI SICCIA $34.00
Squid ink risotto with, broccoli rabe, shrimp, bay scallops and sundried tomatoes
- NY Steak $42.00
NY steak with arugula salad and balsamic glaze
All Day Menu - Salad
- Rucola Cu Pinnolo $15.00
Arugula, radicchio, endive, pine nuts, Parmigiano & balsamic vinaigrette.
- Insalata Di Bietole $15.00
Roasted beet, goat cheese, Sicilian honey, freeze and walnuts in s balsamic dressing
- Cetriolo Feta E Pomodoro $15.00
Cucumbers, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta, gaeta olives, red onions, Sicilian oregano - white balsamic vinaigrette
- NSALATA DI CALAMARI $19.00
Calamari tossed with pesto, on a bed of braised red cabbage & frisée, with capers & caramelized onions
All Day Menu - Homemade Pasta and Sauces to Cook at Home
- Torchio $4.00
One portion of swirled pastai "TORCHIO" made out of semolina flour. (about 110 grams of pasta)
- Lemon Tagliatelle $6.00
One portion of lemon tagliatelle made out of semolina flour with lemon zest. (about 110 grams of pasta)
- Bucatini $4.00
One portion of thick hollow spaghetti made out of Semolina flour. (about 110 grams)
All Day Menu - Panini
- BRESAOLA $23.00
Thinly sliced air cured beef, artichokes, arugula, tomatoes and mozzarella
- Prosciutto San Daniele Panini $24.00
Prosciutto di parma, arugula, tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil. Served with a small arugula and red onion salad.
- Verdure Grigliate Panini $19.00
Fried eggplants, roasted peppers, pesto, tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano & extra virgin olive oil
All Day Menu - Starters
- Burrata E Prosciutto $19.00
Fresh burrata and prosciutto di Parma, served with beefsteak tomatoes, basil pesto, fresh basil & extra virgin olive oil.
- Arancini Di Riso $15.00
Homemade safron risotto balls stuffed with angus beef and pea ragù served over a San Marzano tomato sauce.
- Crocchette Di Patate $14.00
Homemade fried & breaded potato croquettes stuffed with Fontina cheese & caramelized onions.
- Polipo Scottato $21.00
Charred octopus over fennel citrus salad, red onion, Sicilian oregano, olive in a lemon extra virgin olive oil sauce.
All Day Menu - Beverages
- Matcha Zest $7.00
Ground organic matcha, fresh mint, fresh lemon juice served over ice.
- Apple Juice $5.00
- San Pellegrino Aranciata $5.00
- San Pellegrino Limonata $5.00
- Cranberry Juice $5.00
- Hot Tea $4.00
- Cappuccino $5.00
- Lurisia Sparkling Water $8.00
750ml.
- Espresso Macchiato $5.00
- Double Espresso $5.50
- Lurisia Still Water $8.00
750 ml.
- American Coffee $3.50
All Day Menu - Bites Appetizers
- Affettati Misti $28.00
A board of assorted Italian cured meats, served with marinated olives.
- Olive Fritte $12.00
Fried, breaded Castelvetrano olives stuffed with Pecorino cheese.
- Arancini Di Riso $15.00
Saffron risotto balls stuffed with a beef-pea ragu and soft Pecorino cheese.
- Burrata E Prosciutto $21.00
Fresh burrata and prosciutto di Parma served with beefsteak tomatoes, basil pesto, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.
- Formaggi $25.00
Cheese board with Italian Sheep's Milk, Cow's Milk and Goat's Milk cheeses and Sicilian honey.
- 3 Antipasti $28.00
- Polipo Con Patate $21.00
Charred octopus over chickpea puree, black squid ink sugo & roasted grape tomatoes, finished with toasted crumbled almonds
- 1 Antipasti $10.00
All Day Menu - House-Made Desserts
- Tiramisu $15.00
Lady fingers soaked in espresso, layered with whipped mascarpone cream and cocoa.
- Homemade Cheesecake Balls $15.00
Homemade cheesecake balls rolled with salty cookie crust, candied fennel and strawberry compote.
- Torta Di Cioccolato $15.00
Warm flourless mocha cake, vanilla gelato and warm chocolate sauce.
- Sfinci Di Ricotta $15.00
Three pieces of grandma's Ricotta doughnuts, rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with orange-vanilla pastry cream.
Pastai Restaurant Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Salad bar
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid street parking
Pastai Restaurant Photos










Pastai Restaurant Location
Pastai Restaurant Reviews
gluten freeragubrunchalla genovesechelseabucatinibraisedpacchericutecauliflower
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We booked the chef's table and loved every minute of it. What a great little spot for dinner. The Italian chefs Luigi & Ricardo were very interesting and we had fun talking to them. The food was delicious, as was the wine. Highly recommend this spot in Amsterdam!
May 26 · Marina Larenz-JurchenWe had an amazing time at Pastai, such an elegant spot, Mo at the bar really took care of us, and the food was super delicious. The fried artichoke was almost like a vegetarian calamari. I had the Bucatini Con Cavolfior and really loved it, my boyfriend had the ravioli which I shamelessly stole a bite. I wasn’t going to get dessert but got talked into it, and SO glad I did—the Parmesan crème brûlée was to die for, and I also stole a bite of my boyfriend’s flowerless cake and ice cream, which was also super tasty. I almost ate too much but no regrets 😂 We will have to go back soon and try a few more new things! As a vegetarian, Pastai has a bunch of really good options and a great balance on the menu.
November 01 · Emilie WilliamsThis restaurant is so cute! It’s very neighborhoody and cozy and it’s a great option for a date night! Their pasta is amazing and they have a good wine selection too. We went there around 8pm on a Friday and we had a reservation, which I recommend cuz the place was at capacity (there might have been one or two other open tables). I highly recommend this spot if you live in Chelsea
October 22 · Martina RusevaThis place is a fantastic Italian restaurant! 🇮🇹 Pastai offers a wonderful selection of fresh delicious 🤤 pasta 🍝, salads 🥗, and other authentic Italian dishes 🍽️ - definitely try their Cauliflower Pasta with thick hallow pasta and the Chocolate 🍫 Cake! 🍰 The staff 👨🍳 is super friendly and welcoming, service is professional and quick ⏲️, ambience 🎶 is fantastic, the music 🎵 is great, and the place is nicely decorated. 🛋️ I wish I knew about this place sooner!
September 04 · Alon GrinshpoonService and atmosphere was up to standard for a place like this. The lobster pasta was good as well, but nothing special or deserving of 5 stars. Maybe other dishes are, but that’s all I tried during restaurant week.
August 18 · Walid Daheur
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