Dining Guide | We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Never Ending Pasta Pass

Before you dig into this article, I want you to know that I am not a food snob. Seriously, some of my best friends eat at Olive Garden. Since the announcement of their Never Ending Pasta Pass, and the fact that all 22,000 passes sold out in about a hot second I was thinking about great alternatives. I mean, as a food focused website that exists to promote locally owned and operated restaurants, I wanted to be able to give you some really solid choices. Since I am living the keto life right now (you know, the life where I avoid carbs at all costs, while constantly thinking about and craving them), I reached out to some of my favorite foodies for their recommendations. This way you get some highly recommended joints, I don’t have to eat all the carbs, you’ll get a stellar pasta experience and you can forget all about that never ending pasta pass business. All you need to do is grab your fork and spoon and get ready to twirl!

Hot Local Spots to Get Your Pasta On: Never Ending Pasta Pass Not Required

Zappone’s Italian Bistro | 1652 N. Higley Road | Gilbert | 85234 | 480.218.2338
Recommended by Chef Anthony Serrano of El Palacio
“Chef Sal is a master when it comes to his house made cheesecake and bread, but his fresh ravioli are to die for!”

Photo Credit | Zappones/Facebook

Franco’s Italian Caffe | 4327 N. Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale | 85251 | 480.481.7614
Recommended by Christina Barrueta, Write on Rubee
“One of my favorite pastas is a unique one you can only find at Franco’s Italian Caffe. It’s called pasta erbe aromatiche and Franco was gifted the secret recipe. Twists of strozzapreti are tossed with a slightly creamy sauce made with herbs and minced prosciutto.”

Photo Credit | Franco’s Italian Caffe/facebook

Gelato Dolce Vita | 5251 E. Brown Road | Mesa | 85205 | 480.218.0225
Recommended by Nikki Wills, Tikkido
“Everything I’ve had at Gelato and Grocery Dolce Vita in Mesa has been absolutely spectacular.”

Photo Credit | Gelato Dolce Vita/facebook

Tomaso’s | 3225 E. Camelback Road | Phoenix | 85018
Recommended by Rob Wiltuck, Where Should We Eat?
“Tomaso’s has really good pasta and their light as a cloud gnocchi is fab!”

Photo Credit | Tomaso’s/facebook

Fat Ox
Recommended by Sally Clasen, writer of all the things in all the places
“The casoncelli (butternut squash, sage, amaretto, parmesan and pomegranate) is melt in your mouth goodness!”

Photo Credit | Christina Barrueta

Marcellino Ristorante | 7114 E. Stetson Drive | Scottsdale | 85251 | 480.990.9500
Recommended by Heather Hirsch-Ripberger, Fork It Over AZ
“I’m a sucker for handmade pasta and I love Marcellino Ristorante.”

Photo Credit | Marcellino Ristorante/facebook

Mora Italian | 5651 N. 7th St. | Phoenix | 85014 | 602.795.9943
Recommended by…yours truly!
Let’s get real for a second; anyone that has ever watched an episode of Chopped when Scott Conant was a judge knows that Scott and Italian food go hand in hand and that means ridiculously delicious dishes served up with heart and flavor. The handmade pastas will have you wanting to call up your Nona and tell her how much you miss her. While all the pasta dishes are the stuff that 2000 word reviews are made of, Chef’s pasta al pomodoro is the clear winner. The finickiest of eaters cannot deny the poetic simplicity of this dish. The simple components, of the absolute best quality, allow the true flavors shine through and really sing. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Photo Credit | Awe Collective

See? With so many great local restaurants serving up some seriously crave-worthy pasta dishes, there’s no need for a never ending pasta pass! We’ve got loads of options all made locally and with love and lots of character.

Where is your favorite spot for local pasta?

If you are looking for the best and latest in Arizona restaurant and culinary news, please make sure to sign up for our newsletter, give us a like on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram to make sure that you never miss a bite!

© Taryn Jeffries 2017