Pasta Louise Restaurant

"Perfect For: The friend who asks for a million modifications From what we’ve observed at this Park Slope restaurant, the best way to appease children is to let them have the illusion of control. At Pasta Louise, you’ve got some say in what goes in your bowl. They only make one shape of pasta every day, but then you choose between house-special sauces like bolognese and cacio e pepe, and add toppings like breadcrumbs, cannellini beans, and prosciutto. Parents love it because Louise is fun for kids, but their handmade pasta skills are serious—and the low-lit bar room isn’t too PG for strictly adult dinners." - neha talreja

"Pasta Louise first opened as a small outdoor spot serving offbeat handmade pastas in 2020. The team has since turned the original space into a cafe that sells pasta to-go and opened this full-service restaurant with a bar a few blocks over. Now on Eighth Avenue, Pasta Louise serves a variety of sides and sauces, which can be paired with a single pasta shape that changes daily. The team also owns Bar Louise in the neighborhood." - Eater Staff

"At this popular Park Slope spot, they make one shape of pasta every day. You choose between house special sauces like Sicilian spicy pesto and cacio e pepe, and add toppings like breadcrumbs, cannellini beans, and prosciutto. The menu is a hit with kids, as is the relatively spacious dining room—but the atmosphere and nice bar aren’t too PG for strictly adult dinners. We don’t know how long it’ll be before Olive Garden loses the copyright for their famous slogan, but Pasta Louise could easily adopt it (as long as you’re willing to overlook their lack of unlimited breadsticks). " - Willa Moore, Sonal Shah, Neha Talreja, Bryan Kim, Carina Finn Koeppicus

"At Pasta Louise, they make one shape of pasta every day. You pick a style—like cacio e pepe or lamb sugo—then choose from a list of toppings that include burrata, shrimp, Calabrian chiles, and breadcrumbs. It's a fun concept, and there are always lots of kids running around, so you won't feel undressed in your shorts and Hokas. The dining room is decked out in flowers, and it's about as casual as a neighborhood cafe, but if you need to air-dry your clothes, we suggest a table on the outdoor patio." - Bryan Kim

"We don’t know how long it’ll be before Olive Garden loses the copyright for their famous slogan, but Pasta Louise could easily adopt it (as long as you’re willing to overlook this Park Slope spot’s lack of unlimited breadsticks). When you’re here, you’re family, or at least surrounded by more families than you’re used to. At this popular Park Slope spot, they make one shape of pasta every day. You choose between house special sauces like Sicilian spicy pesto and cacio e pepe, and add toppings like breadcrumbs, cannellini beans, and prosciutto. The menu is a hit with kids, as is the relatively spacious dining room—but the atmosphere and nice bar aren’t too PG for strictly adult dinners. Stop in for a casual weeknight meal. The whipped ricotta and focaccia appetizer is a standout replacement for those unlimited breadsticks, and they have a pretty nice wine list as well." - Neha Talreja