My husband and I went the other night to try this restuarant for the first time. Based on all the reviews, I really expected more. Both of our dishes were just too salty. We had the lobster and short rib tortellini. We tried both dishes and agreed that salt was overpowering and the sauce was really what you tasted. Both dishes came with a marinara sauce too, which to us, was odd to pair with rib and lobster. I really do appreciate the high quality - homemade food offered, but for the price, I didn't see the value. read more

Housemade Bread $8.00 Brassica Caesar Salad $20.00 Caramelized Onion Tortellini $29.00 We devoured the focaccia bread. Bread was super fresh and steaming hot. Salad was enough for 4 - 6 people. Me and my partner had plenty of leftovers. So many ingredients almost too many to list. The ingredients that stood out were the Asparagus, mushrooms, and broccolini. Ingredients were hot and delicious. We split the Carmelized Onion Tortellini. It was magical. Great buttery taste and the Carmelized Onions oozed out of the tortellini when I cut into it with the fork. We were stuffed when we left and had enough leftovers to eat for dinner the next day. Cannot wait to go back.... read more

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What a gem this place is! Albano's doesn't have a sign. The existing sign says panini panini. We've tried to get a reservation a couple times, but didn't do it in advance. We came at lunch time & got right in. Ordered the focaccia bread. It came with olive oil & marina sauce. So amazing. Also shared the kale Ceasar salad. It was huge! Enough for 4-6. It had a lot of ingredients. Roasted asparagus, broccolini, shaved Brussels sprouts, mushrooms. It was delicious, but I would have preferred a lighter summer salad. It was hearty & warm. I'd get it again in the fall. We shared the caramelized onion tortellini. It was huge too. Amazing prices for the amount of food. It was so delicious. The onions were sweet & the pasta was perfect & fresh. Lots of leftovers to take home. Cute ambiance, friendly service. Loved that we could watch the chefs prepare the food too. Can't wait to come back for more pasta & try dessert. read more

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Outstanding food and service! Recently moved into the neighborhood and found Albano's when searching for Italian food. Boy did we get lucky! Focaccia bread to start (big basket) was delicious with their homemade sauce. Order of four BIG meatballs was next and they too were delicious. Tried the Corn Tortellini on a whim with a Brown Butter sauce and it was outstanding! Ended up with the Banana Cheesecake as our server Brittany told us the Mom of the owner (Nick) makes all the desserts. Chatted with Nick on the way out, and he was very gracious and appreciative. Tons of leftovers and very reasonably priced. Definitely back soon to try more of the menu read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Tortellini was outstanding. - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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I'm actually mad at myself I haven't tried this place sooner! This was the best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever had. The bread was also soft and fluffy, and it also comes with some oil & the Mariana sauce. I tried a few pieces of the tortellini from the group I was with, and that was just as amazing too. I would do a tortellini flight if I could (lol)! I thoroughly enjoyed the customer service, especially being able to watch the chefs make your food for you to watch. We saw the owner in the kitchen, and it makes you feel even more comforted that the owner is cooking as well. I would absolutely love to come back here! Thank you so much for an amazing dish! read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Spaghetti and meatballs - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Our friends took us to this hidden gem in downtown Valpo. I must say some of the best most authentic Italian food I've ever had. Started with homemade focaccia bread served with red sauce...wow. They're are several stuffed homemade tortellini dishes that are amazing short rib, lobster, and other flavors. The meatballs are to die for as is the homemade cheesecake dessert. Our server Ashley was also excellent. We will definitely return read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Hanger Steak excellent - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Chef Nick serves up some of the best food in the entire region (yes, including Chicago). Portions are enormous and allow you to enjoy this meal for days on end while you try to finish it all (and not a drop of it gets wasted in this house). Highlights for us include the warm brussel sprout salad, bread with the aged red sauce, meatballs, all of the homemade tortellini dishes (we have had them all...truly hard to pick a favorite but plan to share), and of course his mom's famous cheesecake. As if the great food weren't enough, Nick is one of the most generous restaurant owners around and he truly cares about your dining experience. 10 out of 10 every single time! read more

Albano's: Get a sign for your restaurant! For the love of God. At first, I thought Albano's was closed for good and I missed my chance at visiting this highly accoladed Valparaiso restaurant. I walked to their address (22 Washington Street) and there was no sign of Albano's. Instead of Albano's, I saw a restaurant that said Panini-Panini. I checked online, and for some reason, I came across an Instagram post that said that Albano's had closed. My heart constricted in my chest. I have had Albano's bookmarked for years, in the hopes that I could someday make my way to Valparaiso and visit. And now I'm in Valpo, and it's closed?! And replaced with a restaurant called Panini-Panini?! As a last-ditch effort, I called the Albano's phone number. Someone answered! When I asked where they were located, they said 22 Washington Street. I said, "But it says Panini-Panini on the door?" And the lady on the other end of the phone nonchalantly said, "Oh yeah, we've been meaning to put up a sign. But everyone knows we're here." Everyone. Knows. We're. Here. I love that Albano's is so established in the Valpo community that everyone who is anyone in the area knows to enter a restaurant called Panini-Panini to find Albano's. But as for everyone else who isn't everyone: Albano's! Please get a sign for the outside of your restaurant. All that to say: When you do find Albano's, like I did, and you sit down, you'll be glad you're here. The service is excellent. Honestly, it's the best I've experienced in a long time, anywhere. I visited on a weekday for an early dinner, and there were only a couple of people in the restaurant when I sat down. But as I was finishing my meal, the place was packed, so you might want to make reservations, if you're visiting during a busy time. I got the Mommy Mom's Meatballs to start, because I love a good meatball. The meatballs are huge, and come in a puddle of sauce and ricotta. I told the server to just give me one, because I was dining alone and couldn't take leftovers, but the person in the kitchen kicked in an additional meatball. That was so sweet! I could have made a meal just on the meatballs alone, honestly. The thing I read to get here was the braised short rib tortellini, so of course, that's what I got! Be aware, though: The flavor profile of the meatball dish and the braised short rib dish is almost identical (lots of red sauce, meat, cheese), so I kind of felt like I was eating more of the meatballs, but with a little bit of pasta thrown in. All of it was delicious, though. All of the pasta in the pasta dishes here at Albano's is handmade. You can literally see a person making pasta in a corner. It's really cool. They have a nice wine list, and I got a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which was tasty, but I think I should have ordered a red wine to go with all of that red sauce. The portions are huge, and you will probably have leftovers! Ask for a box. In fact, one of the people who visited while I was there mentioned that the last time they visited, they left with lots of food for the next day. You will get lots of food! You have been warned. read more

Always delicious food and very accommodating if you wait! 10/10 recommend. The owner is very interactive with his guests.

Everything was excellent again! We love coming here. Yes, it's expensive. Anything worth experiencing usually is. And Albano's is worth experiencing over and over. Unique dishes, superb quality, and amazing staff. Thanks! read more

Food, service, ambiance- amazing, amazing, amazing! It's so hard to say what is better than homemade pasta, sauces, and desserts from family recipes!!! All so good! read more

It's a nice pasta shop with good portions. Big Problem for us: The Owner sources his farm-raised salmon from the Faroe Islands, whose population intentionally kill thousands of dolphins and whales every year. We do not patronize any business that does business with the Faroe Islands. Farm-raised salmon is itself an issue since the fish are raised on antibiotics and other chemicals, e.g. chemicals to make the flesh "salmon colored". Wild caught salmon is easily available and not priced significantly higher than farm factory salmon. Restaurants need to deliver quality ingredients that are ethically sourced to earn stars. read more

One more accolade for Albanos. Great service Helping so huge I had 3 more meals after I left the restaurant. Loved the sauce they had on my tomato basil tortellini. We had a reservation for lunch but we wouldn't have needed one. Free cheesecake was given to my friend for her birthday. read more

Best Italian food in the area. Spaghetti and meatballs are so delicious and very generous serving. Their bread & red sauce is a great starter. The wine list - LMAO at the descriptions. Tortellini is excellent too with several choices. Highly recommend for a great dinner or lunch. read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Wine list w descriptions - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Every time we have enjoyed a meal from Albano's has been perfection! Highly recommend!!

Been waiting forever to try Albano's based on so many positive reviews. Had our babysitter cancel and Nick was great about making space for our kids despite being Valentine's Day. Unfortunately for us our kids couldn't handle sitting still that long but the staff was so kind about packing our food up to go and even through in a complimentary cheesecake. Everything we ate was beyond my expectations. Can't wait to go back on a night we can sit down and truly get the entire experience. read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Cheesecake - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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Unreal food and experience. This was one of the best meals I've ever had, period, after living all over the country. read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

I can not say enough about how much my wife and I enjoyed our meal. The owner was amazing went above and way beyond to make sure the experience was top notch. The food was amazing, service was outstanding. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

We have been here twice now. Feels like we are in Italy. The food is amazing. Got lasagna and spagetti and meatballs. Each meatball felt like it was 1/2 pound sausage. The sauce was magnificent and perfect. We all shared the big salad which was so fresh and out of this world. The fresh bread with oil and marinara were perfect like no other. I enjoyed watching the chefs make the food. It is very small in the restaurant but the food is an A plus. My family all said it was the best food they have ever had!! read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Spagetti and meatballs/ yum - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Today, my husband and I tried Albano's for the first time because we've heard such good things from people we know. They were not wrong. Go there hungry, because those bowls are bigger and fuller than they looked in pictures. You will have enough for later. It's pricey, but worth it. That lasagna is out of this world! The braised short rib tortellini is, too. The sauce is amazing and everything is fresh and perfectly cooked. You can taste the soft, short-rib and the sauce. One doesn't over-power the other. No over-salty anything, here. Nothing is bland, either, just the perfect balance. The focaccia was delicious, and I wouldn't pass it by, but you'll not want to fill up on it and miss the main dish. Great place, great staff, amazing food. read more

Food is great. Staff is great. Nick is great. What more can you ask for? Well, a few more tables, maybe, because it's always so packed. Thank you, Nick. read more

Last night was the first time I ever ate at Albano's. I have heard such great things about this restaurant. All I can say is wow. What an exceptional meal. I had the chicken tortellini and it was amazing. The focaccia bread was unbelievable. Mary wept! This is the best Italian food I've ever had. read more

Amazing! Chef Nick and staff are incredibly personable, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food and wine--ranging from Moscato and homemade bread with fresh oil to dip, lobster tortellini, short ribs tortellini, hangar steak, and meatballs, topping it off with lavender cheesecake that is simply outstanding. Last year, 2024, our son introduced us to this place for a holiday dinner, and we've never had a single complaint. It's wonderful to have family working nearby at Silcott's, making this spot even more special & with easy takeout!! read more

Fabulous great food. Very friendly. Everything is made by Nick the owner! Great friendly atmosphere.

I've ordered catering from here before, and the food is absolutely incredible. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. The menu is original and is definitely one of the best pasta shops in the area I would definitely recommend a reservation due to the exclusiveness of the seating read more

One of the best meals you can get in all of NWI. Everything is made to perfection and balanced so well. The service is great. Love how quaint the location is. read more

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This establishment and owner deserves all the recognition for the kindness they've shown! Thank you for being a light and showing support to people who need it. If I'm ever in the area, I will be there, the food looks amazing! read more

Intro: while waiting for our dogs to be groomed, my wife and I decided to have an early dinner. We arrived here at about 4:30pm on a Tuesday. There is no clear signage as they are still waiting on that to be delivered. I would recommend some stenciling on the glass window above the stencil where it says Entrance to the right. So until there a sign, look for the address on the building. Service: we were greeted immediately by the hostess who sat us immediately. We were here before the dinner rush. The menus were at the table when we sat down. The waitress brought us a bottle of water within a minute of sitting down. Overall they were very pleasant and professional. Ambiance: this is a cozy place with about seating for around 40 customers at first glance. The seating is rather close together but enough to eat comfortably. They do take reservations. Food: their pasta is homemade as is their sauces which cook for 8-12 hours. If you order the lasagna, prepare to wait a bit longer. But let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Great food. Maybe the best lasagna my wife has ever tasted. She has had a place in Southern California that had her favorite lasagna, but this one rivals if not surpasses that one. I ordered the braised short rib tortellini. You can tell it was made from scratch. Short rib meat braises for 12 hours. And the portions are more than filling. My wife and I got through about half of our portion. Took the rest home. Overall, the people are friendly and the food is great. We just avoided the dinner crowd so make sure you have reservations. The lasagna took nearly 40 mins but it was fresh. Probably a little longer than normal. I do believe every restaurant should have great signage to let people know where they are at. This can be an easy fix as mentioned earlier until their signage comes in. My wife rates it a 4.8 overall. Pretty close to perfect. read more

Albano's Pasta Shop - Braised Rib tortellini - Pasta Shops Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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This was just ridiculously good. We came all the way from Monticello, IN to eat here and it did not disappoint. The wine list was delicious and hilarious (you'll see). The portions were a kings helping. 100% recommend. I read some of the 1 & 2 stars only because I was shocked to see them. Those people are taking crazy pills - "can't get in without reservations" and "not enough pasta variety" - gimme a break. There's a dude massaging a heap of fresh egg noodle dough literally as you order and every bite was al dente whether they had 12 pasta types or 2. read more

Very quaint atmosphere and very good service! My braised beef tortellini was very flavorful. The bowl it was served in was great to retain the delicious sauce but made it difficult to cut the larger than bite size pieces that were served. The other members of my party weren't as impressed with their dish as I was. Probably one and done! read more

Possibly my favorite restaurant in the entire world. So happy they are back and doing LUNCH again. read more

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Best Italian food in northwest Indiana. The owner Nick is the best. Service is great and I haven't had a bad dish here. Serving r very generous always have food to bring home. read more

Really surpassed my expectations as I don't generally eat a lot of pasta and they were out of some of the non pasta choices like the salmon and steak dish. The two of us ordered way too much food- focaccia bread, meatball appetizer and 2 tortellini's-/short rib and tomato basil as well as went home with 2 desserts on the house. My college son had leftovers for 2 days and was thrilled! The food, wine , server and overall experience was excellent! Highly recommend! read more

I have been here a few times and it is one of my favorite restaurants. Everything is handmade daily and all I've tried has been excellent. Make sure to get a reservation as it is very busy. read more

This restaurant is run by angels. Food is great, but the owners are in another category. They treat strangers like family, and make everyone's day better. A perfect combination of great food and great people. read more

What can I say that hasn't been said. It's the best pasta you'll ever eat! The lasagna is amazing and the owner Nick, is an artist with how he makes everything from scratch with the freshest ingredients. Everything I've eaten has been phenomenal such as the lobster tortellini which is to die for. Wish I had pictures but the family ate it too fast. Try it once and you'll be hooked for life. read more

I cannot say enough about the wonderful food and the attentiveness of the owner Nick ! Both are a gem in the crown of Valpo dining ! Go with an appetite ! Servings are huge and you can taste the handmade quality in everything ! It's a bit more costly but worth every penny I'm putting in the piggy bank to get back there !!! read more

Best pasta in the region. The wait staff is attentive. I was worried the seating area would be tight, but they did a great job of managing the space. read more

My wife had the meat lasagna it was huge, very good. I had lobster tortellini. Large tortellini and plenty of lobster inside. Dessert was peach cobbler cheesecake. I'm not a dessert person. But I will get this if they have it time we go. The music was a little loud and the menu has very small print. I need my glasses plus a cheater lens. It is on our list of to go places. There is no sign to find. But I don't think they need one. People are finding them just fine. read more

Friends and I had dinner here last night (one of the few restaurants open on Mondays). We had 2 of the tortellini dishes and the handmade pasta is to die for! Portions are hefty so we shared... and still brought home leftovers. Nick, owner/chef, is very personable, stopped by our table to chat and told us that he uses his grandmother's and family's recipes. We'll definitely go back! read more