ASTI Trattoria

"True to the spirit of an unfussy Italian trattoria, the menu at Asti Trattoria in Hyde Park is short and focused, with pastas that are made in house, seasonally minded, and somehow always al dente. There’s also a nice patio that offers fun people-watching while you’re enjoying a wine you’ll try hard to remember the name of later. The wine list is all-Italian and runs quite deep. There’s a good selection of lambruscos, barolos, and chiantis that would probably work pretty well on the shaded patio paired with either the fungi pizza or the rigatoni amatriciana. There’s also a good amount of affordable by-the-glass options clocking in at $10-$14, and a generous Happy Hour with $6 house wines." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"This longtime Hyde Park restaurant attracts the all-too-rare intergenerational crowd with Italian favorites including pizza and handmade pasta, plus “could’ve fooled me” gluten-free versions. For pasta, try the creamy carbonara and don’t miss the tart Italian toast for brunch, made on focaccia with ricotta and lemon curd. The indoor dining room has a long bar for those looking to get a quick bite (pro tip: they also accept to-go orders online), and there’s also a patio with twinkle lights for couples with time to linger." - Erin Russell

"The casual neighborhood sit-down restaurant in Hyde Park serves up classic Italian dishes for dinner and brunch. There are always stellar pastas and risottos (the rigatoni amatriciana is a good bet), alongside stand-out desserts and sides. The restaurant also also offers plentiful gluten-free pizza and pasta. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury, Erin Russell

"Asti Trattoria in Hyde Park is a cozy neighborhood spot, and one that functions equally well for a simple time with pizza and beer at the bar or a quiet date night out on the covered patio. True to the spirit of an unfussy Italian trattoria, the menu is short and focused, with pastas that are made in house, seasonally-minded, and somehow always al dente. The wine list runs deep, with a surprising amount of affordable wine by the glass" - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"True to the spirit of an Italian trattoria, the menu at Asti in Hyde Park is short and focused. And while you can get the basics like pizza and risotto and an enormous chicken parm, you’re here for the pastas. They’re made in house, seasonal, beautifully cooked al dente, and always sensational—especially the spicy rigatoni amatriciana and the epic lasagna rotolo. The wines are unsurprisingly all Italian, and the list runs deep, from rather affordable options to the more extravagant varieties. Still, bottles and glasses are also regularly on special offer. " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion