Pasta E Pasta Review: Japanese Spaghetti Shines at This Little Tokyo Shop | Eater LA

"An offshoot of Tokyo-based Trattoria Pizzeria Allegro, this Little Tokyo destination serves deft Japanese riffs on spaghetti—think cod roe, shimeji mushrooms, seaweed, and sea urchin—organized by tomato, garlic oil, cream, and wafu sauces. Red and white wines and Japanese beers are available for pairing, and there’s parking in the lot out front. Start with the crab meat gratin: it arrives bubbling hot with cream and cheese, packed with buttery crab, and is best shared and spooned over the table bread. Among the pastas, the uni pasta is a best seller and a platonic ideal for uni lovers, with a glossy golden sauce that captures fresh sea urchin’s brininess; for true Japanese flavor, the mentai pasta delivers pops of cod roe and softened shimeji mushrooms crowned with shredded seaweed for peak umami. Tomato-sauce traditionalists can opt for the simple ragu of ground beef simmered with onions and tomatoes. Note that only one pasta shape is offered—a thin spaghetti similar to angel hair with the bouncy texture typical of Japanese pasta—so don’t expect anything very al dente. Insider tip: the table bread is unlimited, so request a refill when the pastas arrive to sop up any excess sauce." - Kat Thompson