To be honest the name is a turn off to me. I had always thought that this was part of some chain. I mean think about it you have Title Max, Car Max, Office Max...for some reason when I see the name Max in a title to mean it says in me "chain and mediocrity". Really nothing could be further from the truth with Pasta Max. Hell I am even thinking about getting a new car at Car Max, going to Office Max for some new pens and signing over the title for some cash just to go back to Pasta Max for the MAXimum experience in Max. Seriously though this place is excellent! Located in a quaint historic building right off the square in McDonough. This place could hold it's own with any place that I have frequented for Italian....Seriously it's that good and I be lovin' me some Italian Food! Meal starts off with fresh rolls topped with butter and garlic and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach(added for color and presentation) brought promptly to your table with your drinks. I ordered the Angel Hair Pasta, made fresh on site I might add, with chicken, sun dried tomatoes and mixed veggies in a tomato based sauce. I managed to eat half of it before I threw in the towel, looking forward to that for lunch another day. My lovely wife ordered the freshly prepared raviolis that were stuffed with ricotta and mushrooms. She enjoyed it immensely! My two kids ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo Grilled Chicken and split the meal between themselves (although I did talk them out of a bite - quite tasty too I might add), really the proportions are big enough that adults could share if you wanted....but why would you the food is that good!!! Don't let the name Pasta Max scare you!!!! Go once and I know you will return again and again. read more

Take-out is the way to go. When I walked in I liked the decor. It is an old building that has been renovated but still had that old charm of exposed brick. They had a number of specials which all looked appetizing and we ended up getting two of them. The food was excellent. Crab bisque was one of the specials. It was absolutely delicious. I had two problems with the bisque... I wanted more and it was so rich, creamy, and decadent that I felt guilty while eating it. The bread is something I've noticed a lot of people raving about. When ours arrived it was covered in garlic, and swimming in a pool of butter. This is fine by me and I really enjoyed them. However, my girlfriend strays away from really greasy food so was not a fan. Just keep that in mind depending on the tastes of those in your group. We opted to split an entree, a stuffed trout and vegetable risotto. When the server brought out two plates with food on it I thought it was a mistake. Each plate looked to me like a full portion and then some. She confirmed that it was 1 entree split in half. I was shocked. The trout was good, but the risotto was absolutely incredible. We left with enough leftovers for a full meal for at least one of us. We also got desserts, a regular creme brulee and a chocolate creme brulee. My girlfriend loves creme brulee so I'm always looking for places that offer it. In fact, that was the reason we came to this restaurant. It was okay, but I was not impressed. I'm pretty sure it was the from a packet kind. If it were just the food I was rating it would be at least 4 stars, maybe 5. However, service was another matter. It was a slow night, with maybe only two tables of patrons in the restaurant. Because of that I think the servers saw it as down time. They all hung out at the back of the restaurant talking, playing on their phone, and looking at clothes (yes... she went out to her car and got a bag of clothes to show the other servers.) I spent a lot of my dinner with an empty water glass. Also, several requests were forgotten and I had to ask more than once. Although inattentive, the staff was very friendly, polite, and nice. I just wish they had paid more attention to their guests. For that reason, I would definitely recommend this restaurant for to-go, but maybe not sit-down. read more

Best Italian food in Henry County and beyond. We eat here a couple of times a month. Get the clams, and use the rolls to sop up the sauce and you'll keep coming back for more. Plenty of food to have leftovers for another meal or two, and it tastes great warmed up the next day read more

This is great Italian restaurant. Very few in this area match the quality and variety that can be found in New York. It is authentic Italian. The service is always good and friendly. read more

This was the choice of a co-worker for lunch on their birthday. They had a variety of specials available that weren't part of the regular menu. Each of us in attendance chose something different from the specials menu and shared. Oh my! The look was top notch, the taste was top notch and the service was great as well. It is not discounted dining but the value is on par for the quality of food and service. read more

Pasta Max Cafe is an intimately small, quaint Italian restaurant fittingly situated in the historic downtown McDonough Square. Everything about this place, from the decor to the lighting to the food to the building itself, screams old world sensibilities. Pasta Max Cafe was founded by a classically trained chef who specializes in "Northern Italy" style pasta. Granted, I'm not sophisticated enough to distinguish regional differences among Italian cuisine, but perhaps you are, and if so, you're in for a treat. I was introduced to this hidden gem of a restaurant roughly 1 year ago, and I recently returned on a whim after talking with the guy that initially invited our group here. Both parties during both occasions unanimously agreed that Pasta Max serves some of the best Italian dishes that we've ever tried. Well, I've eaten better fried calamari elsewhere, but the rest is top-notch. Your meal begins with complimentary rolls that are warm and exquisitely coated in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. The rolls at Pasta Max are OUTSTANDING and act as harbingers for what will surely be an excellent meal to follow. Given that this restaurant prides itself on its pasta, most in my dinner party ordered some type of pasta dish, and our expectations were either met or exceeded. A couple of friends also shared a pizza, which appeared to be first-rate as well. The presentation and portion sizes do not disappoint, but that also meant that I had no room left for dessert. However, I'm told that the desserts here match the same high quality as the rest of the menu. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closed on Sundays & Mondays, and it's closed for a couple of hours in the afternoon every operating day between their lunch and dinner services. Moreover, don't be a sucker and pay for metered parking in front of the building because there are plenty of free parking spots nearby, including adjacent streets and a church parking lot. Pasta Max Cafe could be McDonough's best kept secret. But hey, come a little closer. Shhhhh. I want to share a secret: almost everything about Pasta Max is extraordinary! BRAVISSIMO! read more

Pasta Max Cafe - Italian Near Me - McDonough, Georgia

See all

Definitely the best Italian restaurant for miles. Went back to try their Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and everything was perfect. The service was prompt and friendly, as well as the food coming out quickly and hot. Looks like we will be regular customers! read more

See all

You need to visit this McDonough establishment. Right off McDonough Square, this intimate hole-in-the-wall serves some of the best Italian food to be had anywhere in Greater Atlanta. If you're heading this way, give me a call and I will happily join you. Everything is specially prepared and hand-crafted. Service is always attentive and accommodating. Go once, and you'll be back, I promise. read more

My husband and I are new to the area. After six weeks of scoping out the area, this is our favorite restaurant! The homemade pasta is so amazing! My husband loves the spaghetti and I love the ravioli stuffed with roasted chicken. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations. So, we have to get there at 5 PM and stand in line. If you come any later it can be an hour or more. Also, not real excited with their tiramisu. The servers are wonderful and the food is amazing! read more

Pasta Max is a great little place that has the feeling of being tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle. A very intimate and cozy atmosphere, this spot doesn't seem to know how to make a bad meal. They are dangerously close to having an episode of Intervention on location regarding their dinner rolls. Yea, they are that good. People rave about their pasta, and while I can't argue that point because it is superb, their pizzas are off the charts, too. I don't think that they get enough credit for their pizza which is easily some of the best in the County. The overall menu is small compared to a place like Applebees, but they pack double the quality. If you are a local or someone passing through town, this is a great spot to check out. It is certainly a place you won't regret checking out. read more

Checked this place out while in town for business. Service: meh. The waitresses are very laid back and not very descriptive of the food. When asked what the agnolotti was I was told "it comes out looking like the Italian flag" this didn't make it sound good to me... How about describing the sauces and their flavors! A flag just doesn't sound appetizing. No pizaaz Chicken parm- it was good. Just good. Not the most amazing I've ever had but good and good for the money. The rolls: the reason to visit. Fresh garlic and delicious bread. I come to the area from time to time for business and would come back. read more

I saw the reviews for Pasta Max Cafe, while in town. Yelp rarely lets me down, and still hasn't! Everyone mentions how wonderful the garlic rolls taste and they they are right- yes very buttery and chocked full of garlic, but great. My wife got Fettuccine Alfredo, which she declared that it was some of the best she ever had. My daughter had a salad and the cream of broccoli soup, which she liked (she is pretty picky!) My son had he Shrimp Scampi Pizza, which he enjoyed. I had a piece of his pizza, which was good and tasted like shrimp scampi (although a bit messy to eat). I had lasagna, which was very tasty. It had flattened out on the plate, so it wasn't stacked, as you would expect. However, the taste was great. The minestrone soup was a bit different than I've seen, but it was delicious. As for the service, it was very good. I've seen some reviews stating that the service was slow. We must have lucked out, as the young man that waited on us was very prompt and courteous. The staff was very friendly and it was worth driving into the old downtown area. McDonough was having a concert while we were there. So we enjoyed walking around the old southern square while we waited for a table. I was raised in a small southern town, but live in a larger town now. You forget the friendly and welcoming spirit of a small southern town, so this was nice too! I love that Yelp helps keep you off the common path and takes you somewhere that you might never find! read more

I can't get over the portions, the service, and the taste!! The amount of food given- the amount of GREAT food- was incredible. You'll walk away with much to take home. All 3 of us ordered specials and they were wonderful. Our server was so nice, cheerful, and like able- considering the line of people outside waiting to come in. The area inside is small- and there will always be a wait- but trust me- it's worth it!! read more

See all

Went here for dinner about a month ago. I'm still fairly new to the area, but my friend was raving about it and how great the bread is. That was honestly the most disappointing part of the meal for me! It would have been good if it hadn't been served in a pool of butter. After a disappointing start, my friend and I shared an order of the calamari for an appetizer. It was delicious! For dinner, I had the stuffed eggplant w/fettuccini (which I do not see on the menu, so it must have been a special that night). It was also delicious, and I had more than enough leftover for lunch the next day. I love the atmosphere of the restaurant, and the staff was friendly. It was a busy Friday night, but we didn't have to wait for a long time for any of our food. I would recommend it to others and plan to eat here again. read more

Ok, the rolls that they bring to table before your dinner were just perfect, that's all! The service was good, food was excellent, quaint atmosphere. Might be a frequent spot for me and "mama" to dine. read more

We love Pasta Max. Food never disappoints. Ever. Great for solo, date night, or friend dates. I love the Breast of Chicken with veggies.

Let's start with the appearance. Very cool older renovated space. Tasty salad, the finest meat lasagna on the planet. And don't even forget the homemade chocolate chip cheesecake. A little extra chocolate sauce and you'll be set. read more

See all

The food is amazing!! I had a black pepper pappardelle with chicken and my friend had lasagna. I started with the best cream of mushroom soup I've ever had. This place is heaven. read more

I went during lunch and had the grilled chicken sandwich with the pasta salad. The chicken was tender and flavorful and the pesto was delicious. They also have fresh bread with oils to dip which was good. I took my daughter and she liked the tomatoes out of my salad and I asked for more and they brought her a small bowl of cherry tomatoes and cute them up so they would be easy for her to eat at no charge. They definitely take care of their customers. read more

I'd read some great reviews about this place after it was recommended by a coworker, so I was really looking forward to having a nice anniversary dinner here. The atmosphere is great and the rolls made a fantastic first impression - they were obviously fresh-baked and swimming in butter and garlic, so my husband and I were very optimistic. Then the Caesar salads came out. They were... boring. It also looked like we got the dregs of the lettuce bin. However, we decided to reserve judgement until the entrees came out. I ordered the Angel Hair with Chicken and my husband got the Herb-Breaded Chicken (basically chicken parmigiana, but with penne instead of spaghetti). The first impression was that both dishes just had way too much sauce and the portions were HUGE. On both dishes, the sauce was kind of bland and my husband's chicken tasted like it had been reheated - it was overcooked and a little chewy. On mine, the angel hair was overcooked and it was missing the sun-dried tomatoes, which was really disappointing. On the plus side, the veggies tasted fresh. We ended up taking home at least enough for one more meal each. Overall the food wasn't bad, but it really fell short of expectations. The service was friendly and fast - just a little TOO fast, I think. We gladly would have waited a little longer (and even accepted a smaller portion size) if the food were cooked and seasoned properly. I wonder if we could just order the bread because that at least really was amazing. read more

Got the pasta from here but it was surprisingly not bad. Though could of been better, I'll come back try some other stuff. You never know it might be worth it just to try it again... read more

Me and my Italian family Decided we wanted to go out for dinner last night and we decided to give this restaurant to try based on the reviews however we were not happy the best thing we eat was the tiramisu and crabcakes my pasta dish was flavorless except for the burnt taste from the shrimp and chicken and one family member's pizza was extremely salty read more

Awesome food. Service was great. Drinks were strong. Dessert was good too!! Good for a low key date night. read more

came here based off reviews. Food was very good. Garlic rolls were the absolute best. Wait staff very friendly and helpful. Very pleased. Will recommend to others. Great Italian style food. read more

Pasta Max is a wonderful little spot that has been around for as long as I can remember. You would probably miss it if you weren't looking for it. It's located off the McDonough square which is a cute little place to walk around if you have to wait. One of the things that makes Pasta Max special is that the pasta is made in-house. You really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu but the fettuccini alfredo is amazing! Get there early if you want to eat dinner, because it gets busy. This is the best place to get Italian food! read more

Horrible customer service. Went for my birthday and waited 45 minutes. Staff started seating people that arrived after we did. Found out they scratched our reservation and put us at the bottom of list. All we got was a pathetic apology from a "manager". read more

My husband and I go there almost every week. Food is always fantastic and love their staff. Just had a great atmosphere! Yum yum.

If you are in the market for a great Italian meal with lots of charming atmosphere and great service, Pasta Max is the place for you. Two different people at The Hilton Garden Inn told us it was their favorite! It is just off the town square and small, but not pretentious. Our service was excellent. The portions are generous. I will go back every time I work in this area!!! read more

Pasta Max Cafe - Unbelievably awesome Rolls! - Italian Near Me - McDonough, Georgia

We are here for the Atlanta Airshow this weekend. Thanks to a folder in the room that has suggestions for local places to eat, we came across this place. Parking is a little difficult if you are not familiar with the area and where to park as this place is on the square. When you walk in, there is a sign that says to sit yourself so we did. We were greeted and taken our drink order. The rolls was delicious and the food was very good and very large portions and the prices was affordable. If we ever in the area again, we will definitely go back to this place. read more

Not impressed.... my family went here after reading the good reviews and looking at the pictures. We went throughout the week bc they are very busy on weekends. Ordered the chicken Alfredo and pizza for kids. The pasta didn't have any taste, very bland. The pizza was very doughy and my kids would not eat it. And even more the bread was so nasty!!! Very disappointing and very overrated. Save your time and money. read more

AMAZING!!! The bread basket alone was worth the visit! Not a lot of room here so get there early! Has the stuffed eggplant..excellent! I will be taking my parents here when they come to visit! read more

Pasta Max Cafe - Stuffed Eggplant! Amazing! - Italian Near Me - McDonough, Georgia

Awesome little cozy italian restaurant. This place is a treasure hidden from the world in a little town in Ga. If you are ever passing through or you are a local that hasn't tried Pasta Max do yourself a favor try it. Great food good prices and better food than the large italian chain restaurants. read more

Pasta Max Cafe - Chicken parm - Italian Near Me - McDonough, Georgia

Absolutely delicious food! Great service and a friendly warm atmosphere. The Italian food is authentic. No complaints at all. Loved it!

So disappointing. Decided to try out Pasta Max cafe on the Mcdonough square tonight. My husband and I went in and sat for 15 minutes. No one ever greeted us or anything. One waitress was standing behind the counter on her phone on and off and the others were helping the other few tables or talking to each other. Before leaving I went and told them this was our first time here and we had been waiting for 15 minutes and were now leaving. The girl who had been on her phone said, "Oh". Needless to say we won't be back. read more

I do not often agree with online reviews ,this time they are right on Pasta Max is our go to for Italian. Great food the sauces are the best. read more

My absolute "go to favorite" for their pizza. Every time we go I'm impressed with the quality and the unique tastes. Great restaurant. Great service. read more

Lovely Italian restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere inside. Their menu boasts of their homemade pasta and using the freshest ingredients and it shows through in the taste of their dishes! I had their creamy mushroom soup and the vegetable lasagna as my main. So great to find a delicious, local Italian restaurant with multiple vegetarian options to choose from. Will return when traveling in the area for work read more

I am always happy with my experience at Pasta Max. They have fresh ingredients and are always willing to cater to my pickiness without question. They have gluten free options, as well, which is amazing! Everyone is super sweet! I definitely suggest making this a regular spot to anyone! Also, if there's ever a problem, let them know and they will make it right with no questions asked. They're wonderful! read more

WOW, everything was delicious, garlic rolls really are WONDERFUL! Service was great. We had the ravioli and angel hair pasta with sausage, really good. Will definitely return here read more

The caprese salad was THE best I've ever had. Sweet and so incredibly fresh. I ordered the Gluten Free Penne with a vodka cream sauce with chicken and fresh vegetables. The chicken was tender and grilled to perfection. I will definitely be back as this is a new fav of mine. Oh, and Sierra our server? She's a keeper! Incredibly hospitable and attentive, super charming and friendly. Guided us newbies through the menu like a pro! Will be back for sure. read more