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Pasta lovers in Metro Detroit are in for a treat, with an array of restaurants offering everything from classic Italian dishes to innovative creations inspired by the Mediterranean. Here’s a tour of some of the best pasta spots in the area, each bringing a unique touch to the world of Italian cuisine…
GAUDINO’S
27919 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Gaudino’s brings classic Italian flavors with a cozy, family-friendly gourmet market atmosphere. Head over for lunch, with pasta options like veal-stuffed tortellini with housemade tomato sauce, Aglio e Olio (garlic, parsley, chili pepper flakes, and spaghetti), or chicken and eggplant parmesan with rigatoni pomodoro. For dinner, the Campagna features braised short ribs, while the Langostino is made of langoustine clusters, arugula pesto, and toasted breadcrumbs. With generous portions and a warm ambiance, Gaudino’s is a go-to spot for a casual, hearty Italian meal that feels like home. While you’re there, check out the deli counter, or sample some of the best meats and cheeses available with a charcuterie board.
AURORA ITALIANA
6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
For a taste of modern Italian dining with a nod to the coastal flavors of Capri, Aurora Italiana in West Bloomfield brings a blend of tradition and innovation. Known for its fresh, in-house pasta, Aurora Italiana offers a selection of dishes that highlight the essence of Italian flavors. Popular options include the Strozzapreti Norcina, featuring Italian fennel sausage, palomino sauce, and a touch of truffle oil. The Frutti di Mare combines fresh seafood with fresh linguini for a taste of the Mediterranean, while the Lamb Pappardelle takes the house-made pasta to new heights with a slow-cooked lamb ragu. “We also offer standout pasta creations such as our lobster linguini which captures the essence of fresh, high-quality ingredients combined with timeless Italian flavors,” shares Managing Partner and Director of Operations, Stolion Liti.
FOREST GRILL
735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham
At Forest Grill, Mediterranean flavors meet Italian dishes in a delightful way. Start with the Mackerel Crudo or the scallops. The Lemon Ricotta Dumplings are a must, filled with chevre cream, artichokes, and watercress, and the Braised Wagyu Pappardelle features walnut flavors and Port Demi for this mouth-watering pasta. The Creste di Galli is covered in spicy vodka sauce and sausage, which is equally as noteworthy. Other options to try include the Shrimp Spaghetti with shishito peppers and Cappellacci with duck confit and royal trumpet mushrooms. For anyone seeking a cozy ambiance and exceptional Italian cuisine, Forest Grill is a must-visit.
BIGALORA
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
While Bigalora is often celebrated for its Neapolitan-style pizza with Detroit’s first fully fermented, non-GMO dough, the pasta menu is just as noteworthy. Chef Luciano DelSignore, the founder, partner, and chef behind Bigalora, emphasizes pure Italian flavors with dishes crafted from high-quality ingredients and an innovative approach to Italian cooking. On the pasta menu, selections range from Spaghetti and Clams to Campanelle Emiliana (prosciutto, peas, Grana Padano cheese), and Strozzapreti Norchina, with housemade sausage and black truffle ragu. Chef DelSignore shares, “My passion and inspiration is delivering Italian food created from the finest quality ingredients to our customer’s tables with a smile and gracious hospitality.” The housemade pasta is so fresh and a must-have experience, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
FERLITO’S RESTAURANT
20745 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods
Ferlito’s Restaurant is a go-to in Grosse Pointe, offering a welcoming space with delightful Italian cuisine. Specializing in authentic recipes and home cooking, Ferlito’s is a family-friendly favorite. Start with the arachini, ricotta dip, and bruschetta while deciding on your entree. The chicken marsala is excellent, as is the Chicken Joseph with dried Michigan cherries. Try the Shrimp Portofino for a blend of roasted garlic alfredo, spinach, and sauteéd shrimp, or the Sicilian Sampler for a taste of the traditional baked lasagna, ravioli, meatballs, and Italian sausage. If you decide to stray from pasta, the hand-tossed pizzas are also delicious.
LA DOLCE VITA
17546 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
La Dolce Vita is an old-world spot that offers Italian cuisine with traditional influences and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. As for classic Italian flavors, the lasagna features house-made bolognese and freshly made pasta layered with bechamel, and the risotto is hand-crafted daily. The Gnocchi Bava has a four-cheese cream sauce over fresh gnocchi, and the Penne Mezzogiorno has a delightful combination of sausage, peppers, spinach, and olives. If you’re seeking a nostalgic, Italian dining experience with fresh flavors, this is the place to go.
OAK & REEL
2921 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit
Led by Chef Jared Gadbaw, Oak & Reel is an award-winning family-owned and operated restaurant that delivers contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on bold flavors and fresh seafood. The star of the menu is the house-made pasta, which is crafted daily for exceptional taste and texture. The Lumache is a highlight, with squid ink, shrimp, and crab, while the Spaghetti di Mare features calamari, lobster, and mussels. The ravioli is filled with squash, montasio, foie gras brown butter, and sage, and the cannelloni is stuffed with ricotta, spinach, hazelnut, and white truffles. Each dish takes inspiration from the season while offering a refined twist on classic Italian.
ADELINA
1040 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Adelina offers a distinctive Italian-Mediterranean fusion that captures the heart of Italian cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean flair. A collaborative effort from chefs Fabio Viviani, Gabriel Botezan, and Marco Dalla Fontana, the menu at Adelina makes traditional recipes and house-made pasta to delight diners. “This menu is truly special,” shares Chef Fabio Viviani. “It’s the perfect blend of classic Italian dishes rooted in tradition and bold, modern Mediterranean fare. There’s nothing else like it in downtown Detroit.” While you can find ravioli and rigatoni options, the Casarecce made with braised wagyu and the Gnocchetti with homemade ground sausage are both standouts. The chefs here take pride in bringing fresh, vibrant flavors to each dish, making Adelina a standout for those seeking an upscale pasta experience in the heart of Detroit.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 18, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
