"Pastitalia is a noodle-centric spot in central Harlem, owned by the same people behind Sottocasa, a Neapolitan pizza parlor across the street. Inside, there’s a staircase to nowhere, decorated with cookbooks and cottagecore objects, an espresso machine that sends up steam all day, and little boxes of fresh pasta to take home, or eat right here with their homemade sauces. Pastitalia isn’t open too late, but it’s a good casual option for lunch, or an aperitivo hour that turns into an early dinner of lasagna. There’s a charming brick patio out back that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon." - Willa Moore, Sonal Shah, Neha Talreja, Bryan Kim, Carina Finn Koeppicus