"A cozy, affordable neighborhood pasta spot that turns out fresh shapes from an in-house pasta machine — from whole wheat chittara to gluten-free penne — paired with sauces like brisket Bolognese and carbonara. Mafalde stands out for maintaining a chewy, al dente bite; a dish with asparagus, broccolini, olives, lemon, and Parmesan delivers bright, textural contrast and zest. Salads are very fresh, and many items (including salmon and Brussels sprouts) are finished in a wood-burning oven for char; pizza flatbreads are another anticipated draw." - Melissa McCart