Hands down one of the best places to eat in Worcester. You need to call for a spot and must get on call to do so. Freshly made pasta, great wine selection. Sparse, rotating menu that varies weekly. I think I couldn't make this at home--a test for a place being worth the bill--so it's worth the price. It certainly felt authentically Italian. Service was great. It's a tight ship but they make it work. Ambiance was energetic being around the public market but the food is good enough that you can dress up. Wonderful date night/foodie spot. A few bar seats so definitely a partner or friend at max. Not a place to bring kids as it's dine in. Teenagers can walk around of course if you're having a couples night. read more

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I usually take reviews of Italian restaurants very lightly in Massachusetts because if you use a large restaurant review site to find suggested Italian restaurants in most cities, Buca de Beppo and Olive Garden usually make their filthy little way into the top 10, eroding all my trust in that site. (... and humanity) Case in point, most of the Italian dishes being reviewed by diners in cities like Worcester as 'very authentic' are fairly foreign to actual restaurants in Italy. There is TRUE Italian food and American Italian food (classic 'red sauce' joints) I will never besmirch a good classic red sauce joint like Dan Tanas, Rao's or even some of the Federal Hill joints. There is a place in the culinary pantheon for amazing spaghetti meatballs and veal parm ... however 'authentic Italian' they are not. What we got at Pasta Mani is TRUE Italian. In fact, we ate here not more than 2 weeks after coming back from Italy and I can honestly say that we enjoyed our meal here (from a taste perspective) more than many of the restaurants in Italy we ate at. (One with a Michelin star!) This chef's philosophy here is one embraced in Italy ... simple, fresh, cooked with care. The reason tourists go to Italy and geek out over the food is because we've grown up eating Italian food here which is good ... but not made with the same level of passion. Eating a dish of spaghetti carbonara in Italy vs. the US is like listening to the Beatles for the first time on vinyl, in mono! It's hard to find a chef with the knowledge and respect for the ingredients that are displayed here. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu. She was not afraid to make recommendations. She knew the dish's ingredients as well as the chef ... and she was as friendly as could be. The accompanying beer and wines matched the menu perfectly and also were mostly Italian. The menu offers not a lot of choices ... but there is something for everyone. It's not heavy on meat ... but nor are menus in Italy. Maybe a reason why folks over there are not often over 6 feet tall or 200 lbs. vs. many Americans whose 4 major food groups are bacon, burgers, chicken nuggets and occasionally lobster rolls. We had the octopus, which was done perfectly ... the flavors were spot on and the chef clearly knew taste profiles as well as technique. Watermelon and octopus! Who knew? He did. We had the peach pesto cavatelli pasta and the pasta Amatricana with pancetta. Both were amazing ... the favors combined so effortlessly but perfectly. Red pepper flakes, pine nuts, grease from the bacon, tomatoes. It was all just so ... great! All the pasta was perfectly homemade ... and available for purchase as takeaway. Before we knew it, we were regrettably too full for dessert. The chef came out of the kitchen, where 80's and punk music was blasting, and you could watch the cooking happen, to greet us. He had worked in some of Seattle's better Italian restaurants and apparently learned a thing or two. If he had said he worked in Napoli, Sorrento or Rome for many years, we'd have believed it! The only thing we weren't in love with was the actual 'food hall' setup which felt a bit industrial for our liking. But, it was oddly cool and comfortable in a Momofuku type of way. This chef and his team deserve a restaurant. 5 seats and a chef's table are too small for the talent level. This was one of the best Italian meals I've had outside Italy or NYC. In Worcester, near a ballpark ... go figure. We also noticed that everything in the 'restaurant' was spotlessly clean ... and I mean spotless! We'll be back for sure. Places like this that don't serve a fried brick of chicken smothered in cream sauce and melted cheese and call it Italian are few and far between in Central Massachusetts. A great vibe, a great staff, a great meal! If ya know ... ya know. read more

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Our dinner at Pasta Mani was among the most exceptional meals we've had in Worcester. They're located in the Worcester Public Market. The seating is very limited - just a small bar and one table that seats six people or so. To the left of the bar is the kitchen where you can watch the chef and crew prepare everyone's food. We sat at the bar and it was super cool. It felt almost like a chef's table experience. Their dishes are truly original. For my entree I went with the strozapretti which was served over braised pork and peaches. I would've never thought to mix peaches and pork in a pasta dish and it was so so delicious. We topped off our evening for dessert with their take on a rice krispy treat which also was too good. Their menu is constantly evolving and changing weekly. Follow their social for the menu of the week. If you're looking for an excellent meal, intimate dining experience and some of the best food in Worcester check these guys out. I'd recommend making a reservation in advance as their spots fill up quickly. You certainly won't regret it! read more

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Best Italian. Period. We've been here many times and have never been disappointed. The dishes are creative, delicious, and very fresh. read more

PASTA MANI - Ready! - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

This gem is tucked into a corner of the Worcester Public Market. It's was by far one of the best meals I've eaten in a long time. The server was attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The chef is talented and loves sharing his culinary gifts with his patrons and changes his menu weekly. We savored every bite of our appetizers and meals. I highly recommend Pasta Mani for a phenomenal meal made with locally sourced ingredients at a Chef-owned restaurant. Be sure to reserve a table in advance or get there early if you want to be seated. read more

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Probably my favorite spot to eat in the city. It's small (not a lot of seating) but charming. I'd recommend making a reservation. The food is great and it never gets old because the menu is constantly changing. If you sit at the bar you can watch chef Jay work his magic in the kitchen. Everyone that works here is cool. It's nestled in the public market which is a great spot to meander around and explore the other shops/grab a drink/catch some live music. read more

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Going to Pasta Mani has been some of the best meals I've ever had. I love that every week is a different menu. All of the pasta is handmade and all of the ingredients are incredibly fresh, high quality, and well prepared. I could not recommend more, especially for your next date night. read more

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I know we're late to the game but we just had the most extraordinary meal at Pasta Mani in the Worcester Public Market. We shared two dishes: carrot spätzle with fava beans, scallions, walnuts and parmesan; and strozzapreti with braised pork, peaches, Napa cabbage and parmesan. The buttery, crispy spätzle melted in our mouths. And the slight bitterness of the Napa cabbage was the perfect complement to the sweetness of the pork and peaches. For dessert we shared a divine cherry rice krispie treat with cherries, almonds, chocolate and tonka bean whipped cream. All handmade. What a treat! If you're in the Worcester area follow them on Instagram where they post a new menu every week. We will definitely be back! read more

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Farewell to a great original pasta experience. Worcester lost out when Pasta Mani closed

My friend and I visited the Worcester Public Market and were trying out a few of the restaurants they had. This place was definitely my favorite place of the places we tried. Their menu changes weekly and they make everything including the pasta fresh in their kitchen. They also had a door with signatures of famous people, which I thought was pretty cool. I shared the squid ink gnocchi with my friend and you can definitely taste that everything was very fresh, from the little neck clams to the gnocchi itself. I took a star off because it was beyond salty for me but otherwise the flavor is very good. If I am back in the area, I'd love to try something else. read more

PASTA MANI - Squid Ink gnocchi - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

The close attention to detail and placement of each morsel shows first their artists side of what they have to offer. Then that first bite, just WOW. You'll have to try it to understand what we experienced. Apparently they've been open since the construction of the Worcester Market which we have been to several times. Their humble abode is nestled in quite an unnoticeable (-1star) location at the Worcester market, you have to look for it, and once you do, take a seat. You'll forget where you are because all the focus is literally on their food. Oh, and their wine selection is top shelf. Thank you guys for an unforgettable experience! read more

PASTA MANI - Seared Octopus on a bed of Celery root purée, crispy shallots, roasted peppers and crispy bacon. - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

My two girlfriends and I stopped here while in the Worcester Public market. We had no idea about what kind of exceptional Italian food we were about to have!!! We just kind of chose this one on a whim. We started off with the anchovies and also the octopus appetizer which were both (especially the octopus!!!) out of this world! I can't remember The name of my meal, but it was homemade pasta with some kind of mint pesto!!! I wish I could remember the name of it because I would definitely get it again when I go back! The waitress did tell us that the menu changes regularly so I'm not sure when it will be offered again. Many of the places in the Worcester Public market do not serve alcohol, but we were able to get wine here. Seating was limited, but we did have a waitress and everything was outstanding and I would highly recommend This restaurant if you are looking for authentic Italian food!!! I'll be back! read more

PASTA MANI - Anchovies - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

$20 for a handful of tortellini swimming in oil. Get the pasta carbonara they do a good job with that. read more

PASTA MANI - Tortellini Pesto. - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

Some of the best Italian in the world is in a food court in Worchester? Yet bet your ass it is. In a far corner of a pretty hip food court sits the best octopus you'll ever have. I'll preface this review by saying that I hate seafood for the most part. I'll grudgingly have whitefish every now and then, but crustaceans and cephalopods can move directly into the garbage as far as I'm concerned. Pasta Mani is a cute little counter with 4-5 seats. Tucked away across the isle is a lone 6 top table which can be reserved for larger parties. The wine and beer selection are both modest, but carefully curated. As a matter of fact, I discovered my new favorite hazy IPA here (thanks Pulp)! The menu rotates every Wednesday, depending on what's in season and how the chef feels, but they always offer a tasting menu. If you choose to partake, everyone in your party has to order the tasting menu. We started with the seared octopus, which I was skeptical about. It's a very difficult dish to nail, easily overcooked. This octopus was a revelation. Better than Babbo, better than any of the Michelin star restaurants we ate at in Italy. The sear imparted legitimate texture, it had a wonderful meaty smokiness and, honestly, I would have thought it was very tender steak if I hadn't known better. The wife and I absolutely demolished it. We then moved to the squash and yellow watermelon dish. It's a salad, of sorts, but there was a wonderful citrus/smokey/anchovy saltiness going on that elevated it distinctly into "meal" territory. We then tried the spaghetti with red onions, guanciale and pecorino. The noodles by themselves were phenomenal, but the rest of the ingredients coalesced into a delicious jelly. Initially the portion seemed large, but we ran through it pretty quickly. I'm glad they served a sensible portion because I could've kept eating that spaghetti until I died. We finished with the tiramisu. With this dessert, I'm always looking for the perfect blend of coffee, chocolate and cream. It was disappointing only relative to how superlative every other dish was. Still, easily a top 3 tiramisu and we ordered three more to go. I was really, really, really impressed with everything about Pasta Mani. How cleanly it was, the friendliness of the staff, how thoughtful the alcohol selection is, and how the chefs did a killer job of playing with texture. We're going back to see what the new menu brings next week....and the week after....and the week after that. read more

Pasta mani makes amazing pasta! Everything is home made and tastes delicious. If you're in the area, definitely check it out.

You'd be excused for overlooking this nondescript location tucked into a corner of the Crompton Collective in Worcester Public Market, and that's fine with the regulars, who know Pasta Mani to be one of Worcester's finest restaurants in terms of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Chef Jay regularly conjures fresh pasta--gnocchi, lasagna, fettucine, stuffed shells, macaroni, farfelle, you name it. He matches the fresh pasta with unique ingredients and spices that happen be within arm's reach, generating delicious, handcrafted, cooked-to-order dishes. If you're really hungry, try the tasting meal: A small, tastefully presented dish of each item on the menu: salads, appetizers, entrees, and dessert. Whatever you order, save room for the Tiramisu--and be sure to read the ingredients label: It's made with love, like everything else Jay cooks. read more

PASTA MANI - Jay pouring truffle honey! (P/C: MassLive) - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

Delicious food! Had the kale caesar salad (baby kale, caesar, croutons, and parmesan) and spaghetti (spaghetti, toasted garlic, ground beef, fresh sauce, and parm). I think my only complaint is that there was too much parmesan cheese on both the salad and pasta. But still, very good and very filling! I didn't even finish the pasta! read more

PASTA MANI - Baby kale, Caesar salad, croutons, Parmesan - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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Would give this place extra credit if I could 6 out of 5 stars. It's in the Worcester public market Very small - one table (maybe an 8 top) and a bar that seats maybe 6. Everything is handmade and fantastic. The menu is small - 3 entrees typically. Always have an octopus appetizer on the menu which is fantastic and kinda of this places calling card. The salads are fresh and nice sized (easily shared by a couple of folks). The pasta mains are always really good and the chef has a knack for blending in nice twists with some in season food. Flavorful and delicious. I hope the Chef scales up to a bigger restaurant - I would be there. read more

Delicious Italian. Love the rotating menu. Making a reservation is easy and recommended.

Fresh pasta in innovative combinations. There's often an ingredient or pasta combination that I've never seen before. Seating is limited, so call ahead. Appetizer and entrée choices are limited to 3-4 selections but every dish is always great. read more

Yummy ! Great tastes , thoughtful ingredients. Amazing pairings, textures.... really nice work done. Wish I had more space to put food in my stomach by the end of the evening. Go !!! Eat and experience !!! read more

One of the best foods . I have ever tasted!! Highly recommend.From the salads to the main course it's all an explosion of flavors!!

Been here a million times and there is a reason for it. It's my go to place for Italian food in the Worcester area. read more

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Had the tasting menu. Just a great focus on fresh pasta and really good ingredients. Will definetly be spending more time at this counter with a glass of wine. Pasta is cooked al dente and one of the dishes had amazing mushrooms read more

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The best fresh pasta I've had outside of Italy. I live in San Francisco and am a snob. I was looking for some fresh pasta to make for my mom. I'm not really that good a cook. But this was the best pasta meals I've had but for a few places worldwide. So it was definitely the pasta and not my cooking skills! Can't wait to go to the restaurant. read more

Every dish was better than the last, truly out if this world flavor!! Thank you, thank you, thank you we absolutely loved the food & top notch service!! It's a 10 out of 10, we can't wait to dine again, true perfection read more

I've eaten here many times and had a different entrée each time (which is generally necessary, he never serves the same dish twice from what I can tell). Every single meal I've had at the place has absolutely blown me out of the water, no matter the pasta or ingredients he uses. It's usually the only place I eat at the Worcester public market. Can't recommend highly enough if you like pasta. read more

Awesome and highly creative Italian food. I brought my parents when they were visiting and we got a burrata and split all 3 entrees on this week's menu. They were all outstanding and unique dishes. We also each got a glass of moltepucciano wine which was excellent and pared well with everything. The prices are also cheaper than you'd pay at your typical high end Italian restaurant and the service was extremely friendly. read more

Wow! Simply delicious. Definitely the finest restaurant of the Worcester Market by far. A handful of seats and a large clear window so you can see the chef at work. We started with local mozzarella covered in fresh pesto, and olives. Super refreshing. For our entree we shared the parsley campanelle with mushroom cream.. it was amazing! Compliments to the chef. He even came out to serve our dish and ask how everything was. They had a simple wine list, but the long pour definitely had me feeling nice by the end. Oh! And the menu changes DAILY. Can't wait to return again, our friends stopped by and had the squash pasta and loved it.. so that's next on our list! read more

PASTA MANI - Pasta Shops Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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You've heard of the new Worcester? Where the smart people are moving from Boston for an authentic city feel and reasonable prices and decent living? Well, the Worcester Market in infamous Kelly Square is the place to feel the vibe. Catch a craft beer in the beer hall ( replete with a worcester diner decor) and eat authentic hand crafted pasta at Pasta Mano. It's a choice of many different off-street dining experiences in the wonderful covered market. I had a marvelous spicy pork pasta, sampled a delicate lemon pasta, and a type of puttanesca which was superb. You'd be hard pressed to find better anywhere. Add a bottle of excellent Valpol, and you're in cuccina heaven,thank you Chef Jason! read more

I stood next to the bar for over 10 minutes waiting to be seated at the empty low table. Tried to make eye contact with the waitress to no avail. Then someone came after me and just sat down at the empty table without being seated. Oh well, I can't comment on the food. Didn't get a chance to try it. Maybe service will improve in time. read more

Amazing pasta! Jay is so creative and has a new menu every week. Our favorite is the octopus - we always come back for it!

I've never had a dish here that I didn't absolutely love. It's that good! The chef really loves creating , you can just taste the passion in every forkful.... I could eat here every day !! read more

Soooo yummy!!!! The food was made with soooo much love and it truly tastes amazing. He has the biggest smile in the back making his meals. The service is great. Such awesome customer service. The bartender/server is soooo sweet read more

Hands down the best in Worcester. Don't be fooled by the venue... this is fine dining that rivals anything in Boston.

Excellent food. Excellent service. We got lucky walking up to this place en route to Cleveland.

My husband and I eat here a few times a month, and the food never disappoints. You can taste the love and thought that goes into each dish. Get in there to try the tasting menu if you can. read more