Italian diner an inviting place for family
The first thing that struck me when I walked through the doors of Il Pastaio was the incredibly warm, inviting atmosphere. It was small, the decorations were satisfactory and the music was nice.
There was something about it that made me want to sit down for hours.
Located at 3075 Arapahoe Ave, next to Moe’s and across from Jamba Juice, Il Pastaio (“The Pasta Maker”) is easy to look past – but you shouldn’t.
Through the glass doors was a small dining room with several tall tables interspersed leading to the glass buffet case in front of the kitchen. As I walked up to the case, I was greeted with a smile and immediately told all of the specials.
“Today we have vegetable, meat and turkey lasagna as well as meat raviolis with a creamy tomato sauce,” said the woman behind the bar who I would later find out was the co-owner of the restaurant, Marta Oreamuno.
“Choose one from the middle and one from the bottom,” Oreamuno said as she pointed to the main entrees and the side dishes.
For the lunch buffet, customers are allowed to choose one entrée and one side accompanied by a roll and house salad — all of this with a drink for only nine dollars.
I chose the ravioli and was given both sweet plantains and green beans when I couldn’t reach a decision for my side.
I sat down at one of ten tables in the room and began to feast. Everything was delicious. As I took my first bite, I noticed Oreanumo out of the corner of my eye, watching for my reaction to the food.
I continued to eat, and people continued to come in through the glass doors, each of whom seemed to know Oreanumo. Each person had a smile on their face by the time they made it to their table.
For dinner, customers are able to choose from many entrées ranging from roasted pork loin to spaghetti and meatballs. All meals range from $10 to $15.
Beyond this, each table is set with a wine list of bottles ranging from $18 to $60. After finishing their meal, customers are offered many desserts from an assortment of gelato to tiramisu.
If Italian food is meant for families, than Il Pastaio is the perfect place for Italian food as you will feel part of the family while you eat.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Devon Taylor at devon.taylor.edu
