Pasta Così is a Northern Italian-inspired eatery that opened in Branford, Connecticut in November 1992. It was founded by chef Billy DiLegge. After learning how to cook from his mother and grandmother, DiLegge immersed himself in all aspects of the restaurant business. From the 8th grade onward, he was cooking, washing dishes, serving, and working his way up to the front line of the kitchen. He attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America where he graduated with high honors. In 1992, DiLegge opened Pasta Così (a play on the Italian expression "Basta Così", meaning "That's enough") at 3 Linden Avenue along the beautiful shoreline in the Indian Neck village section of Branford. He quickly gained a great reputation for his homemade pastas and fresh sauces. In 2007, DiLegge relocated the restaurant to its current location along the historic Branford Green. In addition to being a chef and restaurant owner, DiLegge is also a firefighter for the New Haven Fire Department. He has an excellent kitchen staff who run things at the restaurant when he can't be there. As one can imagine, DiLegge is happy to cook for his fellow firefighters when he's stationed at the firehouse. My wife and I recently had a lunch date at Pasta Così. We had a gift certificate that we had been meaning to use for a while. From the bar, I enjoyed a glass of "Limoncello Spritz" (Tito's, Punzone limoncello, Luminsoa prosecco & club soda served on ice w/ a wedge of lemon) while my wife had a "Cazcabel Blood Orange Marg" (Cazcabel Reposada tequila, fresh-squeezed blood orange juice & ripe margarita). They really hit the spot! For our entrees, we couldn't imagine getting anything but a pasta dish. I had the signature "Pasta Così" (penne, crumbled sausage, broccoli rabe, white beans, sun dried tomatoes & parmesan) and my wife had the "Famous Lobster Ravioli" (served with/ a roasted garlic and plum tomato sauce, fresh lobster meat). Both dishes were phenomenal! They tasted so fresh and homemade; we felt like we were served elevated dishes that were lovingly prepared by someone's Italian mother or grandmother. I would love to recreate the "Pasta Così" dish at home sometime. We had a lovely lunch at Pasta Così and would love to try more of Chef DiLegge's delicious creations again in the future! read more

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It's hit or miss. There apps are good. Sauce is also quite lovely. Stick to the traditional Italian/American dishes.

First tip- make a reservation as it is small and busy. The quality and consistency of the food is always very high. Every dish is wonderful. Can get a little noisy as expected in a small venue. Veal, paleo dishes, sea bass are great. Atmosphere has improved significantly since the local barfly gym rat hipsters stopped hanging out at the bar with without ordering food. All in all a very good restaurant with excellent food. read more

Love this gem of a restaurant! The food is always consistent and the staff super friendly. Can't wait to go back :)

First time Not happy with a meal. I usually order a special but decided on the menu item of Sole Florentine. Egg battered heavy and soggy, no flavor and fish overdone and mushy with a little grit and spinach was almost raw and some cold underneath fish. Ate a few bites since we waited a long time for the meal. Returned it and offered free dessert which I did not want as none are house made. $29 wasted. Disappointed as I have always loved their fish dishes. My husband said his lamb lollipops were a bit overdone. Guessing an off night in the kitchen. read more

A few weekends ago met a friend here for some drinks and appetizers. Not sure why I waited so long to try it as service was friendly and the staff was very knowledgeable about the menu. Great small restaurant in the Brandford green. Will definitely return to try an entree. read more

Have eaten here many time- always with nothing but good things to say- but this week was different. Picked up Tuesday night- the good: Chicken Pistine soup with great flavor, but like other times there were chicken bones in the soup so you really have to inspect it before eating! The bread was good as always. The sole was good and fresh but not amazing. The bad: fettucini alfredo- so overcooked it was mush when chewing. I was told 35 mins to pick up- dining room was quiet- order took 45 minutes with no apology. So tough in restaurants to always hit a home run, so I am sure we will return again in the future. read more

I've been to Pasta Cosi quite a few times growing up in the Branford area and they never cease to amaze me. Every meal I have there has been fantastic and the staff are always so kind and helpful to myself and other customers. The environment is beautiful and I truly feel like I'm in a whole other world outside of Branford when I'm inside, and I mean that in the best way possible. I do recommend making a reservation as it can be busy during dinner time as a walk in. I look forward to my next visit to Pasta Cosi and hope many others go as well! read more

We had the broccoli Rob as an appetizer which was delicious and well balanced. We had the veal chop and the sea bass. The sea bass had a very nice light truffle taste which was not overwhelming. The delicate fish. Portions were generous and perfectly done. Cocktails were delicious as was the wine. Service was attentive and prompt. The ambiance is typical of an Italian restaurant, nothing special. It is a small place with cozy table placement. The only disappointment in the meal was that the creme brulee for dessert was not correctly prepared as there was not a nice hard caramelized shell on top and the custard was a bit grainy. read more

Pasta Cosi - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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Always one of my favorite spots. Never disappointed. Went for happy hour to grab a couple of drinks and an app. Keep in mind the bar itself is pretty small and usually full so you have to expect to wait for an opening or better yet make a reservation and ask for a high top table. They have the best espresso martinis, they have a machine right at the bar so it's always made with fresh espresso. Tonight I went to my old stand by an aperol spritz. It was delicious. I almost always get the burratta appetizer but upon hearing the specials I went with the 3 cheese stuffed squash flowers. So glad I did. They were lightly battered and fried to perfection with marinara sauce underneath. It was a very nice portion 4 squash flowers. Was just enough to fill me up but light enough that I didn't feel stuffed. I wish the season for squash flowers was longer. Will have to try and get back before they are gone. read more

Pasta Cosi - Squash flowers - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

I came here one month ago got the linguine and clams and four hours later I had severe food poisoning was sick for six hours straight will not be coming back read more

A friend recommended this restaurant. I was a block away today and decided to have lunch and check it out. I was in the mood for escarole, white bean soup but they didn't have it today. Bartender Reed suggested I try the Pane Cotto. How is it possible that I have never heard of or tried this dish in my life? It was so good. Just when you think you know what all your favorite foods are you discover something new to add to your list? Thank you, Reed. read more

Pasta Cosi - Pane cotto, red wine - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

The food is phenomenal and ambiance is great. The only reason why I don't give a 5 star review is because no salad is served with dinner.

Catching up with friends at Pasta Cosi was a great decision. Super friendly from the minute I opened the door. Big smiles and big hellos by hostess and wait staff. Wait staff quickly came to our table to share the specials and get our drink orders, me the mule, my friend a glass of Chianti. As we looked over the menu, the bread and oil dip was served. Big fan of this!! Bread was the perfect Italian bread, soft on the inside with the crisp hard crust!! For dinner I had the eggplant rollatini and a masti salad. Friend had the Alfredo. All were simply wonderful. Perfect flavor and hit the spot. Despite being completely full we ordered dessert. I could t pass on trying the crème brûlée. It was orange flavor and a delicious combination. This small quaint setting was perfect for us to chat and catch up. Great place for a romantic evening if you wish. read more

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Very quaint and stylish atmosphere. The staff is wonderful and attentive. The food was very good with generous portions. Unfortunately, the cost of up-charging left a bad taste in our mouths. Chicken Marsala over pasta ended up costing $31.00 and a breaded chicken cutlet over penne pasta cost $32.00, yikes! Enjoyed our visit but not enough for a return visit. Our dining area had a gnat problem which proved to be quite frustrating at times. read more

Pasta Cosi - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Great spot! Cosy Italian joint, great food, great vibes. We shared a couple apps for the special steak tips omg they were so tender and delicious. Got the meatballs as a side for a app and really big, good quality meat. Frank Sinatra music and brick walls makes you feel like you're in a Italian restaurant in NYC . We will definitely come here again. Also! Our waitress was amazing, I'm impressed how she memorized all the specials with no hesitation read more

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I had chili an sea bass and it was wonderful. Service was very good also. I hadn't been there in years and the one reason I stayed away because the tables were soooo close but I was pleasantly surprised that the table set up was much better. read more

This is a great restaurant- very good menu with fantastic food ... friendly, knowledgeable service ... nice setup with great vibe Don't understand how it is only 3.7 right now... deserves much higher read more

Billy always knows how to please. The seafood salad and lollipop lamb chop appetizers actually are enough for dinner for two. Fresh made pasta is always spectacular and taste like Nonna's, and the crusty bread ??? Get the olive oil and "Mangia". read more

I have been told how this local area in Shoreline is the the Italian central place. We decided we were gonna test that out by trying this place. I must say I'd mark this as good not great or delightful. Considering I got the Famous Lobster Ravoli I am not sure what I was expecting but like I said good. My wife got a Italian sausage and she pretty much had same impression good not great. I don't wish to be unduly harsh but it was rather lack luster and we started playing around in figuring out the seasoning that we could add to do it, in the end. It seemed like it was only okay. Reason I took a picture of the menu is because Yelp or online menu do not match prices for dining in. It is a dramatic difference of at least $ 3-10 difference per dish in menu difference not place to find a deal. read more

Pasta Cosi - Menu, prices are much higher on menu opposed to online - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

It's been a while since coming here, but we know it's always a solid pasta choice. It's tiny so you NEED reservations. There was a few larger parties that were kind of infiltrating the walking spaces between tables which stresses me out and it seemed like people were visiting the back tables from the bar and there just ain't room for that. But the service was friendly, my boyfriend always gets the pasta cosi pasta dish with sausage which he really likes ($22), I tried the carbonara which was pretty good (bucatini pasta that I picked), but the peas were def not cooked. I was surprised my carbonara was $30! We always enjoy the calamari here and the desserts being served looked very good next time I want to leave room for that. read more

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Nothing was disappointing! The sauce went beautifully w the Salmon on top of the pasta, and i could tell it was homemade! I was full and wanted to finish it! The dessert, and appetizers were delicious as well, i will be returning soon! Service and ambience was very fine as well. ​​ read more

I love this place! Always great food, and an ever changing special list that keeps me on my toes. Tonight was an app only night for me, and again, disingenuous as always!! read more

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The best meal I have had in a long time!! Homemade delicious meal. Can't wait to go back!

Absolutely delicious. Eggplant Rolatini the best ever. And they nailed the Tiramisu. We ate outside and enjoyed every minute.

Can't believe I've never done a review here! Pasta Cosi is really just SO good. I have been many times and have never had a bad meal or experience. They do such a delicious take on classic Italian. The fried mozz is so so good the cheese is so fresh. Calamari done perfectly along with any and all of their salmon dishes. You can't can't go wrong no matter what you order. Not to mention the awesome cocktail list and they have my favorite table wine Conundrum for only $10 a glass. Can't wait to come again and again. read more

Pasta Cosi - Fried Fresh Mozzarella. WOW - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Service was subpar. Food was ok, pancetta was only thing that I was say was above average and the owner was a complete idiot, visibly drunk & bragging about his position on the fire dept while insulting coworkers. (clearly higher ranking officers) Wonder if his buddies in New Haven know he thinks they are such losers & he's a gift to the dept read more

I passed this place many times since it's on the green. So decided it should be visited. I got myself pasta with sausage and it was just ok. I was expecting more flavors. Service was good. The inside has darker interior which I liked. read more

Really and consistently good in house made pasta. Still taking Groupons makes it affordable.

I'm confused why they are only rated 3.5 stars. We had reservations for Mother's Day. The appetizers, entrees and service were excellent. Great night! read more

Last time I was there the service was excellent and atmosphere was fantastic. However, no amount of atmosphere can fix bad food. The Caesar salad was poorly dressed and missing something. The pasta fagioli was interesting ... I've never seen a white bean version of the dish that came out, I'm used to it having pasta in it too, but this one had presumably potatoes instead and was a weird twist. I doubt the chef knew what he was making. The clam pasta special is amazingly bad in that they found a way to over salt it. The dish got double salted and the accompanied dish of my friend never got any salt. They're up on current health cleaning standards and maintain a fantastic atmosphere. The sad thing is the food just does not match and this is after having eaten with them in the past. If only you could bring someone else's food in there and eat. read more

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Wow! I have eaten here many times but tonight's meal was by far my favorite! It was a special, salmon over vegetable risotto. My boyfriend got the New York strip and loved his as well. I would definitely recommend dining here if you're looking for not only great food but amazing service! 10/10 for sure! read more

Pasta Cosi - Salmon over vegetable risotto - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. I usually get the Paleo eggplant when I go. It never disappoints. Last time I visited I also ordered the mussels and my friend got the salmon. Everything was delicious. The drinks are really good, too. There is usually a Groupon for this restaurant as well. read more

Horrible food! Very overpriced This is really bad wannabe Italian food. On top of it service was crappy. The only thing good was the bottle of wine. The appetizer was a special. Some dandelion flower fried thing filled with cheese..no flavor and marinara to go with it...eh My gf ordered the arrabiatta, was a spicy and didn't care for the heat as well as the gross marinara sauce. She pushed it away and had enough after 2 bites. I ordered the capricciosa along with lobster and the dish literally made me sick to my stomach..sun dried tomatoes and the half mushroom and 2 to 3 dime sized pieces of lobster...f#&%*& really! The place is cheap as hell looking Ambience 2/10 Service 3/10 no water or bread Food 3/10 $130 WASTED NEVER AGAIN I was really hungry and was expecting something good read more

Great pasta ! Great drinks ! Amazing service (Reed) and terrific dessert. Cozy local environment read more

Pasta Cosi - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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I ordered a to go meal and the person on the phone told me to come at 7:15 so it would only take 20 minutes okay no problem. I waited for an hour and a half for my order and I ordered Penne alla Vodka and meatballs on the side. They gave me two little meatballs and over cooked pasta that doesn't even taste like Penny alla vodka. It tastes like marinara sauce disgusting. read more

Pasta Cosi - Italian Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Pasta Cosi has tasty food. I wish the location was a little bigger as it is small on the inside but overall the menu is great and the food is tasty! read more

Always get a great meal and the service is always excellent!! Fried Calamari to start and Sole Florentine

My chicken Gorgonzola sauce dinner was underwhelming. It was supposed to have spinach and tomatoes and Grilled Chicken in it. The grilled chicken was dry and not sufficient in portion, there was literally three leaves of spinach and two or three dried tomatoes in there. The meal did not come with a salad so we opted to buy one for $8 and it was quite weak. The lettuce look like it was older and it was not only leaves it was the hRd stems as well. Also it was a very small salad!. My meal was $26 and did not come with a vegetable or a salad, to me that is not right. On a positive note, the service was great and the atmosphere is nice as well. Overall for a $60 dinner without drinks, was way below my expectations and I will not be returning. read more

GREAT!! We sat at the bar and had the best service (thanks Reed) Excellent food & atmosphere! We will be back! read more