I have been to sushi bar and it was amazing. I feel pasta bar falls short of the "wow" factor sushi bar has. The name is pasta bar and there were barely any pasta dishes. A lot of the dishes are good but missing something. Especially for the price. The dessert was the best part of the whole experience. I give the dessert 5 out of 5!! But I wish the whole dinner gave me the same feeling I got from the dessert. I probably won't come back. The customer service was very good. It's made the experience fun. read more

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The food was delicious! The staff/chef were awesome. I will definitely be back and recommend you try it out.

This not just a restaurant, but an experience. When you arrive, you wait in an area that looks like a dive bar. When is is time for your reservation, which must be made one month in advance, you are escorted to the pasta bar. Your seat is easy to find at the 12 person bar, because each seat has a name. The bar is a front row seat in the kitchen, so you can see the magic happen. From the appetizer to the final course, the food, presentation and service was on point. If you are looking for a dining experience, this is the place to go. read more

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It was unbelievable. The food was incredible and the service was even better. It is so amazing. If you are expecting a synchronized set of 12 dishes, it's not that. It's 12 totally unique and amazing dishes and they were each so good. It was an experience unlike anything I have ever enjoyed. I will recommend to anyone and everyone. read more

I will start with a digression: this April I was in Modena Italy and dined at Osteria Francescana, the "Number 1 Restaurant in the World" (it helps if you say it in the Austin Powers Dr. Evil voice.) The slightly deranged narcissistic borderline-vegetarian (!) celebrity-addled mind of Massimo Bottura had clearly gone off the rails. It was one of the most expensive and frankly barely edible meals I've ever been subjected to. Fast forward to last night in beautiful Encino California... Pasta|Bar is everything you could ask for in fine dining: Cutting edge and inventive without being gimmicky or pretentious. 10 small courses served at a pleasingly brisk pace. I won't bother listing the courses because this youthful and wildly creative team changes them so frequently that I'd only be setting you up for disappointment by listing the outstanding offerings we experienced last night. The Sisyphean effort required to obtain a reservation is well worth the trouble. read more

This was an unforgettable experience. The food was excellent, staff was kind, and the setting was beautiful. We came for our one year wedding anniversary and felt so special. The explaining of every dish, the selection of wine for pairing was incredible. Made us appreciate the experience! read more

Great food, great service. When you come to this place your expectations are very high and my experience did not disappoint and that's how it's supposed to be with the amount that you are paying. People who complain must be ignorant and don't understand the level of effort and dedication of the people behind this restaurant. All I can say is shout out to everyone here and most especially to Chef Gil who was exceptional! read more

Past Bar? Where is the pasta? 9 dishes included all of two pastas, one piece each! While the foodie would love the variety of small portions (very small), it does not explain that this is not a pasta focused restaurant. The price tag is also very steep for what we received. It all tasted good, that's the best I can say. Service was also a disappointment. Our server really did not know wines that came with a separate pairing. The wines typically were poured after the food had been served. And I felt rushed. Overall, not as good as the original Scratch. I would recommend spending $400+ per person elsewhere. read more

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Overall - 2/5. Pasta Bar is kind of what you get when you reverse engineer what you think a Michelin starred restaurant should be and figure out what 45-50 year old professionals can afford to spend to feel successful in their dining habits. Nothing is simple on the menu - everything is overly sauced or naked - as if being extreme is part of the idea. Everything is wagyu fat this or truffle that - all rich - nothing quite joyous. Kitchen is like watching synchronized swimming if the participants were an all men's chorus of former pirates with a fondness for butter. Cool - but kind of scary? Why no women? Can't say. Everyone was pleasant but something is off. The music selection was downright weird and stuck in a 90s/00s hip hop, r&b mix that doesn't seem to match the setting or food. I suppose most of these observations are the result of the economics of fine dining in Los Angeles. For reasons explained below, for what ended up being an Italian Japanese fusion, I'd much prefer the low key dining experience of Orsa & Winston over the somewhat gimmicky allure of Pasta Bar. Cost - 1/5 this place used be somewhat more affordable with a $125 tasting menu - it has jumped to $225 with similarly priced wine pairing $145. This means with the included service charge and tax (applied on top of service) you're looking close to $1,000 for a couple. This hefty price tag earns an honest review. Atmosphere - 2/5. Setting is in valley mid-rise strip mall - if you know Encino you know the feel. The location is at a somewhat unmarked and unremarkable door, we had to ask the neighboring restaurant for directions and we could tell they get this question a lot. Like a few others cropping up in LA there is a waiting room bar. Strangely, though there were plenty of seats, they asked us to sit in particular bar seats next to other people. They then serve "canapes" and a welcome drink. Drink was good. My concern started to grow when the canapes were actually crudo. Is this a nomenclature issue? No -- due to some renovation issues with its sister restaurant downstairs, Sushi Bar, which had somehow relocated to the adjoining location at Pasta Bar - apparently we were destined to have the sushi restaurant bleed into the Pasta Bar menu for the rest of the night. I asked if I could order a cocktail - but we were told it was time to go to the kitchen - we had a schedule to keep. You're invited back to the kitchen for the rest of your night. It's a cool open kitchen concept with may 12 seats, with maybe 8 people also hustling and bustling preparing dishes, baking bread, serving wine etc. The problem began when they sat us at the far end. The AC register was aimed squarely at that seat blowing frigid air at the patrons head. When my wife - originally assigned the seat raised the issue, we were told to just switch seats. After 2 minutes I couldn't be comfortable and asked if they can close that particular vent. A very friendly server came out with a step ladder to do so but was shooed away by the chef. Instead they turned off the AC temporarily - opting to instead have the seat alternate between hot and cold - I had to keep alternating wearing my jacket multiple times. Honestly I was left feeling that this was such a known issue, it was odd that they felt the need to seat someone there to get the extra tasting in their books without correcting it. Service - I'd give it a 3/5. The somm was good - but the wine pairing was so-so. Interesting grape varietals, but for $145 wine pairing it mostly consists of $18-35 bottles of wine at what felt like quarter pours as opposed to the one-third pours we were told. So you're talking about fifty bucks a glass of pretty affordable wine - very heavy on whites. Added a point because they accommodated us the day of to have an earlier time so we could get back to our kids. Food - 2/5 ok this is weird - a Pasta Bar in name only? There were pasta dishes - I don't want to suggest there were not - but probably best not to let the name inform your expectations. We're talking single ravioli, four pieces of garganelli, etc. It's hard to judge food objectively - there were dishes I really liked and others that felt strange - like almost too salty to eat - or entirely covered in sauce to drown out the underlying ingredients. It's difficult to really rate this - but my wife and I had different opinions on each dish. Should food at this price point and acclaim really be polarizing though? We did agree that the bite of "wagyu" did not taste like the A5 available in LA. Bread was killer - they recommended we wait to eat half with the dishes but over a 2 hour meal you can see how this is just terrible advice. My mouth still hurts from the abrasions of dead bread toward the end. In conclusion - maybe we went on an off Saturday night or maybe our expectations were too high. But everything, even our negative experience all seemed so intentional. Who was breaking up with who here? read more

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I was really excited for some pasta... at Pasta Bar... we had maybe 8 pieces of pasta altogether. Staff was friendly and so I feel bad writing this, but seriously? We paid $650 for 2 people for some below average dishes. Seats 12. The outside looks like it's abandoned but you have to press a doorbell to get in and you have to walk all the way up to the bell to see that it's for Pasta Bar because the sign above only says SCRATCH BAR. The music was 90s hip hop and r&b and it was so loud that I couldn't hear the chef that was announcing every dish, 4 feet from my face. Food looked pretty so if you're looking for nice pics and friendly staff then go ahead but I was not a fan of the food. One of the 12 courses is literally sourdough bread. read more

Pasta Bar - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Had a rather mind-blowing tasting menu experience here. Every dish was delicious, substantial, surprising, and a touch weird -- just right to remind you you were having an experience, not just an ordinary meal. Considering the cost, I personally think this is the ideal balance! The staff was exceedingly warm and welcoming while still being absolutely dialed. The 90s hip hop and r&b was the cherry on top and introduced a bit of fun and humor to an otherwise fancy evening. Yes please to this expression of fine dining. read more

Pasta Bar - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Intimate luxury restaurant with great flavors in every dish. I went for my birthday and my date and I were we very impressed with the professional but very friendly service. read more

NOTE THIS hidden: "An additional $170 charge per person will be applied to no-shows and cancellations with less than 12 hours notice."

Just had Dinner here tonight, what an incredible menu, the food was so flavorful. The service was excellent, and the staff were so friendly. Every course had such unique flavors and such detail was given to every dish that was served. 3 favorites were the Squid Ink Paccheri, the Magret duck breast and the wagyu. So delicious, we will definitely be returning, and with greater numbers. read more

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We had the tasting menu and every bit of it was incredible. The service was thoughtful and entertaining h all at the same time! The ambiance was exquisite and definitely didn't disappoint. Overall the experience was memorable and one I look forward to doing again soon! read more

Flavorful and Unique in every way! Best service experience of my life! Private dinner setting with moody and vibey decor to create the perfect atmosphere for fine dinning. read more

Absolutely incredible all around and unlike any dining experience we've ever had. The attention to detail and wonderful service stood out. You get a ton of individual attention. Drew the sommelier was so lovely with a lot of amazing wine recs and hand picked sakes my boyfriend loved. I'd recommend to everyone for a great special occasion dinner. read more

I enjoyed every part of it - the food, the service & the music is perfect!!! They do a great job hosting your night, and the food is incredible. read more

Simply amazing!! The experience is so unique as they explain everything and serve you like royalty! Maximum seating is for 10 people. The food is so pretty and we'll designed. And of course food tastes amazing...from raw fish dishes to pasta influenced dishes to great wine pairing. I can't write anything bad. I was slightly skeptical as the owner doesn't do so well on Food Network competitions but he proved me wrongZ it just shows network shows don't always get it right. Love this place. Thumbs way up! read more

This is the best Italian restaurant in LA in our opinion. We had a superb dinner last night that was excellent. I will say that each dish reminded my of a kaiseki dining experience in Japan except the food was Italian:) I highly recommend Pasta Bar and we will drive in from Montecito in the next month!!! read more

This place deserves a 4.5 stars not sure why the Yelp review is not even a 4. The food was good comparable to other Michelin star places around town. The service was superb and eating at the counter to see the chefs interacting was nice too. Me and my friend had a great girl's night out. We didn't have any expectations and were pleasantly surprised. read more

Very exciting experience for me, loved the attention to detail and service was absolutely amazing. They really make you feel special! The food was all delicious I enjoyed everything except the duck breast unfortunately for me wasn't right but my friend enjoyed hers. Here are some pics of your view while you eat, they work hard on each dish amazing attention to detail! read more

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It's called pasta bar, but there was really only one pasta dish on the menu tonight. There was the option to add another pasta course for an additional $50, which I found obnoxious. We enjoyed the experience, but everything felt a bit stingy considering the exorbitant price. The wine pairing pours were tiny. It was like two sips of wine. So it ends up being $145 pairing for not very much wine. We looked up one of the wines and it's $28 a bottle, so the two sips of that wine we got hardly justify $145 pairing. Half of the staff was great and the other half seemed annoyed to be there which made for an awkward feel. I wish I remembered the names of the few who were awesome because I'd love to give credit where credit is due. The duck and lamb were my favorite courses. Again, not pasta but delicious. The two fish dishes I didn't care for. They were both like a smoked fish and a mushy texture. Not my cup of tea, but maybe others enjoy it. I would have a hard time recommending at this price point. With one wine pairing and one single glass of wine and no add ons our total ended up being $625 for 2 people. read more

Pasta Bar is one of a kind, love the dining experience. All dishes look pretty and are delicious. The scallops and the crab pasta are my favorite. Sourdough was the best I ever had and the Lemon dessert was a great finish of the meal :) The portion is alittle bit too small but I was overall satisfied. read more

Pasta Bar - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Not bad. Not great. Wasn't blown away by any of the courses, really liked about half of the courses. Service and staff are very good. At this price though ($400+ per couple), the money would be better spent at several other options in LA. read more

6 pieces of pasta, REALLY! Expensive and NOT worth you're hourly pay. 6 PIECES of pasta, I can't get over it. Never again

Great ambience and tasting menu, but I developed food poisoning very soon after eating here. As much as I enjoyed the experience, spending a day vomiting on the toilet was not how I wanted to remember this experience. Staff and chef were great and attentive, food was beautifully presented and timely, but I felt extremely bloated and nauseous walking out the door. I had to take a break while walking back to my car so that I wouldn't projectile vomit everywhere. read more

All the meals were prepare beautifully and creatively. Hospitality was great. Wine tasting was a fun experience. As for the taste of the meals, however, while it was enjoyable for my eyes, taste wise I was not impressed. There was not a single dish I felt so heavenly that I closed my eyes and wished the moment would last longer. With a Michelin starred restaurant I've had hits and misses in the past personally. I guess Michelin and I don't always agree and I guess that's okay. Who cares about my opinion when they have stars anyways. The big problem for me was the ingredients themselves I suppose. No matter how thickly the materials are covered with the creative source, at the end I'm tasting that fish, scallops, and that pigeon, and it was not agreable on my tongue. Also, unfortunately, after the mixture of different source in my stomach, I felt sick after the meal. read more

I don't understand why this place is called Pasta Bar where more than 50% of the menu is not pasta. In an era of where Eleven Madison Park is going vegan, there are way too many meat dishes, and this feels like another old school 12 course tasting menu. Please change your name to something more appropriate since you don't serve an all pasta tasting menu as it's misleading to the customers. read more

Terrible service! Jennifer who works there was so rude. Agreeing with the other 1 star reviewers here that it is a horrible experience. Avoid this place as it is just awful. The food was mediocre and the location is atrocious. The inside looks like you're in a rundown kitchen. There are numerous other restaurants that are actually fine dining without being an imposter like this one tries and fails to be anything close to resembling high end dining. Would give zero stars if it was possible. read more

Always gotta be critics and haters at this price point. Bottom line it's a delicious one if a kind dining experience. as was scratch and is sushi. read more

Good Lord!!! I have been there twice now and every morsel is a bit of Heaven! The wine pairing is an equally important component, like the food can not exist without the wine and the wine can not exist without the food. I am addicted to the mushroom duxelles cannolo as part of the amuse bouche and they know! Thank you, Jordan, Ronin and the staff for being attentive and blessing us with your brilliant work! Perfection from the beginning of the story until the end! read more

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Amazing!! Exceeded my expectations. We enjoyed every dish. Such a great dining experience. Can't wait to come back. read more

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Exceptional dinner, service and ambiance! Can't wait to go back and try the other restaurants as well

I do agree with some of the reviews that "Pasta Bar" is a bit of a misnomer, but other than that, I thought this was an excellent meal. Each dish was inventive and scrumptious and we savored each course. The semi-circle seating made it a little harder to talk to people further down the line if there's more than two people in your party, but I suppose that's helpful so that the food takes center stage. All in all, I quite enjoyed the ambience. I had a dietary restriction (not an allergy, just a preference) and their accommodation of this was incredibly well-thought-out and absolutely delicious. Everyone in my party left the restaurant full and happy. read more

My husband and I came to Pasta Bar for our first time last night and we couldn't have been happier. The space is beautiful, the pairings were perfect and the service could not have been better. There were so many dishes that we loved. The entire meal felt like a musical crescendo with the last pairing as the peak in the meal. We loved every minute of it. We will definitely be back. read more

What a wonderful experience and so well priced considering the level of food (looks & taste) and the wonderful and attentive service. One Michelin star well deserved. read more

I am (was as it doesn't exist anymore) a regular (happy) guest at Scratch...the pasta bar concept is just wrong. The food is good (altough not much pasta at all). The service and setting is wrong for from welcome, to food/sommelier and goodbye...this place will not last another 10 years like this...please stop cutting corners and get back to what you were good at... read more

This restaurant is excellent. It now has 1 Michelin Star, but the food is so good I think it is closer to 1.7 stars if they ever did fractional awards. The tasting menu consisted of 12 dishes, all of which were well prepared, substantial in terms of ingredients, pretty on the plate, and absolutely delicious. From start to finish --- fresh steaming sourdough, savory salad, spot prawn squid ink paccheri, sunflower agnolotti, trout, sablefish, pigeon, Wagyu, granita, and sundae dessert --- there was truly nothing I didn't like or love. The wines suggested by the sommelier were also enjoyable. read more

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They have a pre-charge reservation policy of $25 per person, which is non- refundable. What a great gimmick! And a good way to screw people that circumstances make cancelling necessary. And if you fail to show up and don't cancel they bill you an additional $170 per person. While it is difficult to run a restaurant this is an outright affront! Avoid it and find another place to dine read more