Pastina Eatery
Bobbi Triptow · 263 Google reviewsPastina Eatery — Portage Park italian that most people haven't found yet. Built for a slow, quiet evening. The kind of cooking that doesn't need to explain itself. Cash only. Bobbi Triptow: "The pesto and the vodka all the sauces were incredible"
What 57 diners keep saying
What 57 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The food was incredible, the staff were extremely kind and accommodating. We will be back”
“We've driven by this little place many times, and decided to give it a shot for date night. It absolutely is open, BYOB and cash only!! It's a delicious, homemade pasta restaurant with super fresh tasty meals and huge portions (perhaps they will workshop this, since they are new!). Our hostess and manager was attentive and made sure we knew all the options, and everything was customizable. The prices were extremely reasonable, as well. They started off as wholesaling to local restaurants and are just starting to open to the public for dining. Give this place a shot and support a new business! <3 We spent about $50, plus tip for the both of us. Two large meals which gave us each an additional meal to take home, as well as bruschetta and a complimentary sweet appetizer.”
“One of the best meals I’ve had in a while! Fresh ingredients and outstanding flavors. Everything was mouthwateringly delicious. Can’t wait to come back here soon”
“*Update Nov 2024: returned since they've expanded the menu and under new management/ownership. Service was phenomenal. It was more of an experience rather than just eating dinner. Dessert was exceptional, we tried a variety! They were also able to substitute and make accommodations for our dietary restrictions (no pork/alcohol). You must visit! My new preferred place in the area for Italian.* We got the fettuccine con pollo and pollo parmesan. The chicken parm was so good and had a generous portion! The fettuccine con pollo was light but filling, and loved the pine nuts on top. I'll be back to try the ravioli and some dessert. *heads up they are cash only or zelle*”
“Fantastic place! Pastina is a hidden gem in the neighborhood. By far, the best Italian restaurant in the area. Food is made fresh daily, the service is phenomenal, and the restaurant is charming and cozy. Try this place if you haven't already! You will not be disappointed.”
“My experience here was quite special. Both our chef and server were incredibly kind. Fernando, the chef, will walk around and ask how you are enjoying everything, and even brought us some gelato to sample. They are very generous with portions here, and the food is delicious. Definitely worth a visit if you're seeking an intimate venue for a tasty dinner.”
“I don't have the words to tell you how much we loved Pastina. First, the owner/chef was amazing. Personable. Warm. Inviting. The food was amazing! Maybe the best total dining experience I've ever had. This place is the whole package. My family doesn't do fancy, stuffy restaurants. We love casual where we feel comfortable and enjoy great food. My son wanted something that wasn't exactly on the menu and the owner created it for him. It was our anniversary, so the owner brought us special treats. My 20 year old son said this morning, he can't wait to go back. It's cash only (we knew that going in) and BYOB.”
“Simply delicious!! Hubs picked me up from airport after a business trip, impromptu spot in the neighborhood that we’ve been wanting to check out and well worth it!! Chef Fernando was so kind and welcoming… we didn’t order direct off the menu and asked him to bring us whatever he liked and it hit 100 every time! We just got back from Italy & Greece and Chef Fernando’s dishes brought us right back! Every dish was elegant, simple, yet delicious and filling. We truly enjoyed our Wed night dinner and hospitality. Very happy that we have such a cool spot in the neighborhood. Prices are extremely reasonable for dishes that would be 3x’s the cost further in the city (note: cash only, which drives reasonable prices). GO support local business, guarantee you will not be disappointed. Our new favorite Italian restaurant ❤️ Thank you Chef, we’ll be back for more!”
“Pastina has become a cozy place to be in and a place break bread with friend and family. Chef Fernando always goes above and beyond for his customers, making sure you are well fed & really generous portions! Simply a Neighborhood gem. Food is simply..🤯”
“My mom found this little spot near her house and we’ve been hooked ever since. It feels like I’m eating a home cooked meal. Cash only, but I never break the bank and even if I did a little bit it would be worth it because the quality of the food is great. I added photos of the Rigatoni dish, but I’ve also gotten the Mezza Luna and that was also very delicious.”
“So far, great. This little place caught my eye immediately and it hasn't lost it. From the fresh, delicious pasta dishes, outstanding appetizers to the yummy gelato, if what you're craving is a cozy, quaint spot for some good food this just might be your place .”
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