Tami F.

Very unassuming on the outside. Doesn't look like much is happening in there. But the food is great! Have the fried calamari :)
(4)
Amanda K.

I love this place. They make their own fresh pasta, it's some of hte best I have ever had. The fettucini alfredo is delicious. The alfredo is thick and creamy and delicious. The pizza is good, even the salmon. It's nice on the inside too and good service. Definitely highly recommend it!
(4)
Maureen S.

Oh dear God. Amazing. My hubby and I go here for their wine dinners. We have met nice couples this way-end up having four-hour conversations with total strangers. Seven full courses with seven different wines. Two Italian brothers run the place and do a phenomenal job with the small amount of space they have. Pasta from scratch and some of the best white pizza I've ever had. They also do this culinary tour of Italy with their customers that looks like fun. If the space is a concern, they also do takeout and let me say-it's more food than I can eat in one sitting. It's usually enough food for our dinner and then lunch the next day. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for great Italian food.
(5)
Danielle P.

My boyfriend lives in Laurel and told me about this italian restaurant he goes to a lot. I was down in Laurel the other day and he took me there. From the outside Pasta Plus looks like a restaurant in a strip mall. .I didn't think if be that into it. When we walked in, I totally changed my mind! The place is small but offers good seating and even has a shop connected to it. The owner greeted us in a wonderful italian accent and sat us. I was looking over the menu when the bus boy came to fill our water. I told him it was my first time and asked what he liked. He didn't hesitate when he said the chicken parmesan but said everything the was good. I was amazed at what was offered. From basic pastas to pizza to black ink pasta to various other dishes. We ordered a bowl of pasta fagoli and it was just like my grandparents made! No other restaurant I've been to has done this! I almost cried. I ordered fettuccine with pomadoro sauce. .EXCELLENT! !!My boyfriend got the chicken parmesan and that was amazing as well. The chicken was nice and thin, the breading wasn't over powering and the sauce. .oh my gosh! The table next to us ordered scungilli which I was debating on ordering so I asked how it was. They cut me off a piece and gave some of the sauce as well. It was out of this world! The owner came to the table to ask how everything was and i, like a million others I'm sure, told him about my grandparents cooking and how this reminded me of it. He thanked me and said that is why they do it, for stories like mine. After we ate, we went into the store and I found a candy that I hadn't seen in forever and cookies as well. They also sell their sauce and fresh made pasta. I highly recommend Pasta Plus. The food is excellent and the staff are amazing. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Ashlee W.

The food is still wonderful, and I have been many times since my first review and had wonderful experiences. I have to say that our last visit, though, has seriously tainted our view of Pasta Plus. We were seated promptly and kindly by the owner, per usual. Things went downhill from there. Our server saw us, but then proceeded to ignore us for a significant amount of time before even coming to our table. He spent that time chatting animatedly with the other patrons at the tables around us. He was short and cold with us when he took our order. He didn't bring the wine I ordered, even after, again, visiting and chatting pleasantly with the tables around us. When he was nearby, my wife tried to get his attention in multiple ways; there is no way he could have missed it, and yet he ignored us. It took a busboy, who saw/heard my wife trying to get his attention, nudging the waiter to get him to come over. We did not see our waiter at our table again (I think our food was brought by bussers) until we, again, had to get his attention to bring us the check. No checking on how our food was, or how we were doing with beverages, nothing. I generally give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, particularly ones I know and love like this one. I also don't like to call "homophobia" unless I'm fairly certain of it. This behavior cannot be explained by the waiter being busy, or generally bad at his job, or unhappy with his job, or anything of the sort, because we watched him happily chat up and serve the heterosexual older couples near us, the nuclear family near us, and others. The stark contrast in the treatment my wife and I received as a young, lesbian couple, was both frustrating and humiliating. The server's name was Edmundo. He clearly has no respect for human decency, let alone Maryland law. I'm not sure if or when we'll be comfortable returning to Pasta Plus, which had been our favorite date night restaurant here in our own town.
(1)
Michele K.

Delicious! Great service! Do not let the otherwise defunct strip mall or the bland name put you off. It's a wonderful restaurant with delicious food and great servers. The decor is a little dated but it very tidy and clean. Their specials are always a good choice. Pasta is fresh! Servings are large! Wonderful desserts too! I don't consider Laurel to be a place for a one of a kind restaurant with delicious food. Pasta Plus fits the bill.
(4)
Alyssa S.

Solid, nothing special but consistently decent. Loaves of bread are usually excellent, the rolls are the other hand... Sometimes they are good last time they were hard as rocks. Caesar salad and House salad are always perfectly dressed and fresh! Now, I really don't love their entrees and I've tried a brunch. The chicken arribiato tasted fishy and oily. They don't make their own rigatoni and penne pasta... Ok random and definitely not as good. Rigatoni and sausage is ok. I had a seafood special once that was excellent. My recommendation would be the chicken Parmesan and instead of a side of spaghetti get a side of fettuccine with aurora sauce. Hazelnut raspberry dessert cake and the fruit mousse is pretty good as well.
(4)
Rae M.

Pasta Plus is apparently a staple in the Prince George's County area, but up until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of it. Possibly because I don't usually go that far down into Laurel, but with so many stores and restaurants on both sides of Route 1, it's extremely hard to see what is offered. Unless you knew it was here, I'm sure you've probably passed it several times too. This is a very unexpected charming restaurant that serves (wait for it) Italian dishes. The inside layout is a bit congested with tables randomly placed in three separate rooms and the tables are too close for my liking, but it's a quaint restaurant none the less. Directly next door to the restaurant is an Italian Gourmet Market, also owned by Pasta Plus, where different Italian ingredients, wines, breads, etc., can be purchased. Carryout is also offered if you decide that you don't want to dine in. I met up with a few fellow Yelpers and we decided to order a few dishes and eat family style. For appetizers we ordered the bruschetta and the Scungilli Marinara which is conch with marinara sauce. The sauce was absolutely delicious, but the bruschetta was very unmemorable. For entrees we ordered the lasagna, Gamberi al Vino Bianco (sautÃ©ed shrimp served in a wine sauce with a side of pasta) and Fettuccine Verde - Spinach Fettuccine (Served with tomato sauce, eggplant and ricotta cheese). All three dishes were delicious! The lasagna was some of the best I've had in a while. The shrimp in the bianco dish were plump and very tasty. Even though I wouldn't have normally ordered the spinach fettuccine with eggplant, that was surprisingly really good also. Each entrÃ©e was accompanied by a house salad. Dessert was also ordered, but since I didn't partake, I can't comment on it. Our server was very attentive and made sure everything was going well at our table. We never had to worry about refills and he was rather friendly. I can't say that I would rush back here for dinner in the near future, because it's somewhat out of the way for me, but if I'm ever in the area and in the mood for some solid Italian food, I would stop through. Nice spot!
(4)
Victoria B.

Don't judge this place from the outside! My fiancÃ© and our picky Italian friend came here tonight and were blown away by the quality of food and service. We had calamari, caprese salad, lasagna, linguine di mare, a chicken special, cannoli, and tiramisu. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection, desserts were homemade and delectable, house wine and espresso were very smooth and drinkable. Our server was friendly, knowledgable, offered great suggestions, and timed our courses perfectly. We're about to move to the area and WILL DEFINITELY RETURN!
(5)
Erica M.

The food here is always amazing, always fresh!! The lasagna is melt in your mouth amazing and their pizza is like no other. Every time we come we enjoy the food, staff & ambiance. You can tell this is a respected spot. You will find many old couples enjoying what seems to be "grandmas cooking" and that's saying a lot from 70+ year olds!!! The patrons here seem to know a good authentic Italian spot when they see one. I have followed suit and have to say Pasta Plus is now my favorite place next to Maggiano's. Don't be fooled by the outside, this place is hands down a local gem!!!
(5)
Starr C.

I had lunch at Pasta Plus a few weeks ago after hearing that their Italian food was really authentic and, well, really good. Tucked in a kind of lonely strip mall, Pasta Plus wasn't too busy at lunchtime because it is a bit out of the way from the office for lunch. I didn't explore the whole restaurant, but our dining room was pretty intimate. (Rather dimly lit, also, as the curtains were drawn to avoid the sunlight blinding us.) Our server was really kind, but after we asked for some extra time to look over the menus, we were left alone for a really long time. We were talking, so it's not as though we were twiddling our thumbs, but we were talking for a really long time (maybe 20 minutes?) when we realized that our orders hadn't been taken yet. To start, we ordered asparagus with the chunky Italian dressing, knowing that we were going to be indulging in a lot of pasta. This was kind a weird dish? We knew the dressing was chunky, but it was just a very strange sauce to be on chilled steamed (?) asparagus. It didn't taste bad but it was just a bit weird. We didn't dislike it but weren't exactly cleaning the plate. The BREAD was great though, and the olive oil on the table was good quality so we enjoyed that a lot. All entrees came with a choice of salad, and that was fine, standard salad. I ordered one of the specials of the day, the squid ink pasta with seafood. Hey, I was feeling a bit bold, and it sounded really good. It was DELICIOUS. Oh man. As long as you are not weirded out by the black linguine (and you have no reason to really be weirded out by it), it was so good. The pasta itself had just a bit of seafood-y-ness to it, and everything was cooked so nicely. Plus, there was a really generous amount of seafood on it. I really really enjoyed that pasta. It was soooooo good. There was also a lot of it, so I got a box to go. Our server packed up all of our leftovers really nicely, each one in its own box and in a tightly-tied plastic bag. I had to check just to make sure we weren't taking home the wrong pastas, but the server had it totally under control. Definitely worth a visit and do not fear squid ink if they offer it to you! Next time: I'll save room for dessert.
(4)
Joelyne K.

After hearing do much about this place, and going myself to try it out. It really was nothing to brag about. I expected superb Italian food but it was just pasta with sauce. The food lacked flavor. The atmosphere was nice and so was the staff. Not much else to add.
(3)
Jason L.

Referred here by a fellow co-worker and was anticipating a great exprience for take-out. I ordered the Spaghetti Con Salsiccia Served with Italian sausage in tomato sauce for a family of 6. I guess it would have been awesome if I had ordered my individual portion. I seems like the meat and sauce was lacking on quantity once we got home and divided up everything equally. There was a whole lot of pasta!!!! The food was good, but my suggestion would be NOT to order the same dish for more than 1 person. DO NOT do a family meal, just everybody order something different.
(3)
Cherry T.

The food is delis....homemade pasta and breads. The salad is awesome. It is small and a bit noisy but so worth it !!!!!!
(4)
Bethany G.

My boyfriend and I were looking for something to eat, but not from our usual haunts. This place is awesome. The food was great and the service was attentive and quick. We will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Erin G.

I waited about a year and a half and finally found the time to try out this restaurant after multiple people went to great lengths to sing its praises. Needless to say, I was more than underwhelmed. Mind you, my great-grandmother WAS Italian, but the major problem I had with the restaurant wasn't its mediocre food. Instead, it was the rude, defensive behavior our waiter exhibited to my friend and me last night. Both my friend and I were seated pretty quickly which was convenient since we arrived at 7PM and I had a massage appointment down the road at Massage Envy at 9PM. We both ordered separate appetizers since I love calamari (when prepared correctly) and she preferred the bruschetta. Between the two of us, we had already eaten the bread at the beginning of the meal, we both devoured our appetizers, and when the salads arrived (we were unaware the entrÃ©e came with salads), we ate those as well. When the actual entrees arrived, we asked for to-go boxes as we were pressed for time and intended to just eat them for lunch at work the following day. The waiter seemed offended, and he said, "You just eat as much as you can and then I'll bring out the boxes." We picked at the entrees which were mediocre at best. My friend is extremely non-confrontational, and even she said it was "meh". After the waiter circled like a buzzard a few times, he came back with boxes and reiterated that the food was "made fresh". If you have to let your customers know that the tortellini (which had the consistency and taste of a bag of Bertolli's in the freezer section) was "made fresh" then something's amiss. I let him know (the 1st time) that I had a 9PM massage appointment and didn't want to be too full and uncomfortable on the table for an hour during the massage. I asked for a piece of tiramisu which is customary any time I go to an Italian restaurant to compare and contrast my favorite. I told him I actually would share it with my friend and we'd eat it there. He came back a few minutes later and asked us to move to a different table. We were already at a table for two, yet were asked to move to a table for four because a party of seven was on their way in. I didn't have a problem moving, but it was so close to my appointment by that time that I asked him to just give us my tiramisu to go along with the check because I (2nd time I told him) "had an appointment". He kept insisting (and I mean to the point he physically took our stuff, to include my purse, from the table we were at and moved us to the other table. When we finally moved, almost forcibly, he said, "See? There's no need to get bent out of shape." Finally, he brought out the tiramisu with a to-go box. It was dry, no rum, and the mascarpone gave the impression that I had bought the dessert from a roach-infested deli off Grub Hub where it had been tossed out of a freezer onto a plate. When the waiter brought our checks, he said, "And for you, no charge for the tiramisu because you're SO NICE." I paid for my tiramisu. He got a $6, the cost of the tiramisu, and nothing more. I've lived and eaten meals with better service and food in third world countries than at Pasta Plus. Here's a tip: If your customer is paying for their food, you box it up. I don't care HOW "fresh" your pre-packaged Olive Garden sludge is, you box it up with a smile on your face and if you have a problem with the fact that your customer can't fit 5 courses in their 118 lb body, then at least be a man, use your big boy voice, and quit being passive-aggressive. On that note, if you're looking for good Italian (Sicilian, technically) food in the near vicinity, you're better off at Mamma Roma's. The prices are comparable, the portions are bigger, and the service is top-notch compared to the Mussolini we dealt with last night.
(2)
Katie W.

Delicious! The food here is authentic Italian food. Lots to choose from for every course. The waitstaff is attentive and friendly. The food came out ridiculously quick and was fantastic. I had lasagna and my sister had the chicken parm. Both were excellent. We shared a tartofu gelato which is our favorite and often hard to find! I am originally from New York and authentic Italian cuisine is everywhere up there but since moving south it's hard to find good Italian food... Pasta plus has it! Will be back to eat next time I visit my sister who lives in laurel.
(5)
Sweet D.

Had a delicious meal here today. They will make you anything custom you ask for! I didn't see what I wanted on the (huge) menu, so I asked if they could make me fettucine in a rose sauce with peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, shrimp, and scallops, and they did and it was AMAZING! Service has always been friendly.
(5)
Eddie B.

A neighborhood gem. Never dissapointed when I come here. They've made me hate store bought pasta. Olive garden should be ashamed.
(4)
Frank P.

Great service , awesome food. Had the half lobster with mussels,shrimp,clams and scallops. You can tell the owners and their staff are prepared to make your meal Memorable.
(5)
Diane B.

I was quite surprised when I saw this place in a strip mall from the street, but I enjoyed myself here quite a bit. For me, Italian food really boils down to how perfectly cooked the noodles are, and whether or not the sauce has that something extra to make it special. I was pleased with the al dente of the noodles, and the sauce was pretty good. So, pair that with some good company, and you've got yourself (and I had myself), a good dinner.
(4)
Debbie F.

This place is terrific. It is a gem in a strip mall. We went for lunch and everyone enjoyed their meal. All the pasta is homemade, I had the spinach gnocchi with cream sauce and it was superb. others had the lasagna , veal dishes and salads. The atmosphere is plain but the food and service is great.
(4)
Samantha K.

Service: Excellent. We never had that, "Uh, did our server asphyxiate in the back?" moment. Very attentive and professional Food: Pretty delicious. The bread is fresh and served warm. We order the calamari and it was good but not phenomenal. The shrimp with white and linguine was very good and my boyfriend very much enjoyed their variation on a lasagna that uses crepe noodles over traditional lasagna noodles. The bill was under $50 which is always a plus for a good quality meal. Overall: A hidden gem in Laurel.
(4)
Pat H.

Consistently great food and service for both dine-in and take out orders. This is the place to go for "real" Italian food choices. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Michele W.

We arrived at an odd time it was around 4pm. The dining room was not open yet so we sat in the carry out area. The service was slow and spotty. The food was good but, not over the top. However, it is probably the best Italian restaurant in the area.
(3)
Jerry S.

Pasta Plus is a long time locals' favorite, tucked away in an otherwise defunct strip behind an Arby's and a muffler shop. Your first clue that you have found verace Italiano is the wood burning brick oven just inside the middle door. From left to right, the first room is the Market, which offers fresh pasta, sauces, oil, wine, freshly baked authentic bread warm from the oven, sweets, and a few prepared dishes. Its eight marble tables also serve (or pack for carry out) most of the items on the menu when the main dining rooms are closed, such as on Mondays, as well as subs on that fresh bread and real Italian style (dressed rather than smothered) pizza. The middle room is lined with racks of wine bottles, and the smaller room has murals of the Italian countryside. With only 65 seats, waits for a table are not uncommon on weekends. The owners, Sabbatino and Massimo (Max) Mazziotti are from Abbruzzo, on the Adriatic coast, so it's not surprising that the menu includes many seafood items as well as the expected array of pastas and meat dishes as well as some regional preparations such as sausage with cannellini beans and polenta. I almost always order from the specials page, which varies with the season. Service is warm and impeccable. Prices are very moderate, mostly under $20 for dinner, which includes a salad and a side, your choice of a small serving of house made fettuccine with marinara or perfectly grilled vegetables. Serving size is so abbondanza that doggy boxes are always offered. Wide selection of wine, from house by the carafe to if you have to ask. Make sure to get on their email list to receive advance notice of their quarterly wine dinners. Six courses paired with selected wines, which may be ordered by the case at a discounted price if you find one you love. Summing up: the most authentic Italian food I've had that I didn't pay for with lira.
(5)
Christopher W.

Best Italian pasta place in the area. Truly a hidden gem. Known to locals through out. Everything homemade especially the pasta
(4)
Jamaal C.

This was the best Italian food I've ever had . Service was great . The shrimp were very big and tasty . Great experience all around
(5)
Stephanie M.

Approachable Heaven. Food doesn't get this good outside of Italy. The place is completely unassuming and the owner makes you feel like family. I selfishly didn't want to write this review because I didn't want this place too advertised, but since it is listed in the Zagat guide, I caved. Seriously. Legit.
(5)
Scott T.

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but amazing Italian food! Best brick oven pizza I've had in a long time! Highly recommend!
(5)
Melissa M.

Mmm another great Italian place in the area! So glad I found this hidden gem in laurel. Their calzones are to die for!
(5)
Vania C.

My friends and I ordered the bruschetta as a starter. Lightly buttered, warm, and freshly baked w crispy crust...the bread is delicious. I honestly could've just had the bread alone and left home satisfied. But no. I went ahead and ordered myself a nice place of Fettuccine Verde. Homemade spinach fettuccine w/ softly cooked eggplants. The tomato sauce was very fresh, the ricotta mildly sweet and salty. All the flavors fell beautifully together. My friend ordered a calzone and it was humungous ("the size of a football"). My friend could only eat half of it and had to bring the rest home. Service was fantastic. We were seated fairly quickly, with almost no wait at all. Full house at the restaurant during dinner hours - just shows you how popular they are. It's a very lovely place to eat: low lighting, intimate, classy and romantic feel. There's also a small band of musicans that play soft, live Italian music in the background. Definitely enjoyed my dinner here and I plan on coming back soon!
(5)
Leellani C.

Like the eggplant and house salad and dressing, when my kids were little we would go and have lunch sometimes, they liked the pizza. I'm not a big pasta person so can't comment on that, but I do think the food was better a few years back as I went here about a month ago..for nostalgia sake before I stopped over my moms house..... Two girls at the counter were totally fun and attentive and recommended a really good sweet treat from the case and they made sure all my stuff was in the bag, I also got a rotisserie chicken meal with the sides good sides and chicken, but chicken is comically small..... Lol...... But for two people with all the sides it's just right.....
(3)
Tyahnna G.

Sooo for my first time trying this place, I was less than impressed. The fettuccine Alfredo was very bland, the bread was so hard that I was able to scrape it across my teeth, and the salad was inedible. If I left my review at this meal alone I maybe would give the place 3 stars. However upon expecting my pizza a lovely hair managed to worm it's way into the bubbly cheese. Upon further inspection I found that the hair was not only sitting on top of the pizza but baked into the pizza. I will definitely not be returning to this establishment.
(2)
Alexa L.

I cannot believe how inefficient this place is. We ordered a simple carry out meal to pick up. When my fiancÃ© arrived home, they forgot to put his dinner in the bag. We live a half hour away with no traffic. My fiancÃ© had to back to the restaurant and get his food. My dinner meanwhile was far from good. I could have made the spaghetti at home. It was bland and uninteresting. When I called the restaurant once we were aware of the huger error of not including a basic food order (this was a simple order for two people - not a dozen), the child who answered the phone had no idea how to professionally handle things and didn't even have a pen near to take my name and number. Given the options and choices we have in this area I strongly advise you to choose another restaurant before possibly enduring what we have.
(1)
jasmine j.

The food is not bad, average at best, but the cashier girls at the front counter are rude, impersonal, and seem to hate their jobs! A smile is not what your greeted with when entering this establishment. This place wouldnt last two weeks in the tri- state are! Just saying!
(2)
DJ L.

Love this restaurant. Pros: Nice staff, consistent food for the most part, prompt service, delicious salad dressing and homemade pasta! Homemade orange cheesecake is amazing. Typically get chicken parmigiano or timballo alla teramano (Crepes lasagna). Neg: Two older gentleman owners, one is amazingly nice, the other is a real grump and unpleasant! When they have an off night, they really have a off night, one problem after another. Even one time served veal parm and not chicken parm. First time in 30 years of eating veal and they were not even sympathetic. I was very unhappy with this mistake.
(4)
Terp T.

Go. Enjoy. It's the real deal. From the staff and first loaf of bread to the great meal. Not sure why I missed it this long.
(5)
Chris C.

It's about consistency... I've been indulging in Pasta Plus' food for many years, but finally getting around to writing a review. This is a great place for casual italian food... it's not 'high-end', but for what it is, it's as good as it gets. I'm a firm believer that they also make the best pizza I know of (I've tried most all the good ones in the DMV area), it's the consistency/quality of the crust. Caesar salad? one of the more faithful dressings you'll find... it goes on with other dishes as well. Even the rotisserie chicken is superlative (get it early). If you experience it once, and like it, rest assured, you'll probably get the same results for the rest of your future visits - we're in the 'burbs, this is critical. :p
(5)
Mat G.

Well to start, here's a few notable stats and remarks: I've ate here regularly since 1999. I've had, realistically, over 1,000 meals here since then. It is well worth it! I've been to central Italy, Italian restaurants in NYC, and Little Italy in Baltimore and Pasta Plus ranks with the best of them in terms of flavorful and delicious meals! The prices are exceptionally value based, service is superb, & the interior is nice and intimate. I've heard some criticism for Pasta Plus over the years and this is the only one: The old retail store front is not attractive. Well, the line of 20 people waiting outside in the middle of winter to get in, while the inside is full, and luxury cars parked half-way over the curb dont seem to mind. Meal recommendations: Pollo Cremoso, Pollo Parmigiana, Tortellini Aurora, Manicotti, Beef Medallions, any veal dish listed on their specials menu page, Orange Roughy fish, and the Gamberi Marinara. Dont even get me started on how good their pizzas are! If you choose to visit this great restaurant, make sure to arrive at 5pm Monday-Saturday when it first opens. Opens on Sunday at 4pm for the early birds.
(5)
Ruth C.

This is my all time favorite Italian restaurant. If you are looking for authentic Italian, look no further. The menu is endless and their always have specials that are out of this world. There are so many favorites but to name a few: Hay & Straw Pasta, Chicken Parm, Brick Oven Margarita Pizza, butternut Squash Ravioli and Veal Scaloppine w/ prosciutto, mozzarella and rosemary. The restaurant is not much from the street as it's in a strip mall off of route 1 but the food is totally worth it!!
(5)
Alex W.

Another salad on the menu is a favorite appetizer of mine as well as my friends - Seafood Salad. Pieces of whole shrimp, calamari rings, and scallops sit on a mound of red and green oak leaves, surrounded by a ring of mussels in shell. What is truly amazing is the kitchen's skilfulness in cooking the seafood perfectly - the sweet shrimp not rubbery, the calamari fork tender, the scallops moist and flaky, and the mussels still plump and juicy. What brings these elements together is a marinate of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil that adds some fresh fruitiness to the salad along with a good hit of fresh Italian parsley. This dish brings back wonderful memories of all the wonderful seafood dishes during my Italian trip, and it definitely ranks up there with those dishes. For an appetizer, it is packed with fresh seafood and it is worth the order - Buonissimo! To read rest of review and view photos, check out my blog at Wongeats.
(4)
Amy B.

Perhaps this restaurant was built up too much for me because I wasn't impressed. Everything felt wrong from the moment we walked in. I wasn't feeling the vibe. Anyway, my boyfriend ordered the lasagna and I ordered the spaghetti carbonara. I love carbonara and I make a good one, but this one was dry. The lasagna was too perfect looking. You're probably wondering if that's possible. Well, it is! Perfectly even stacks, with perfectly even filling. I want my lasagna to look homemade because that's the best kind. The sauce tasted like canned tomato sauce. I'll make the 20 minute drive to Odenton and get the real homestyle Italian cooking with a better atmosphere!
(2)
Deanna C.

While enjoying our food a tornado warning flashed on every phone in the restaurant. Not one person got up. We had all made a unified decision that Pasta Plus was the perfect place to eat our last meal. As we sat inside sirens from fire trucks went off and a electric cable came down. We still sat and ate our delicious food quietly. This place is just that good!
(5)
Kevin M.

I travel every week and stay away from chains (besides Starbucks). Great authentic Italian restaurant. We were a bit shocked when we pulled up of the outside. It didn't appear to be as good as the reviews but WOW! Don't judge a book by its cover!
(5)
Maria L.

Wow. This place is a-MAZE-ing. Seriously, the dining area is a maze. First time here and didn't really no where to go to wait... So..came on a Thursday night at around 5:30pm. No wait, and was seated right away. The place was already full. Waitress came served us water. Gave us white bread, balsamic vinaigrette, and very good olive oil. Came back after 5 minutes, and asked if were ready to order. Well we weren't. But then she made a quiet, snarky comment, "nothing, no, not getting anything" - well, I didn't want to seem like a free loader bc of the bread, so I was pressured (kinda) into a $10 calamari order. Which I must say, was pretty darn good. Very tender squid and crunchy coating. Entree came with a salad. I ordered chicken in white wine sauce with fontina cheese and a plum tomato. Came with a side of spaghetti-dry. Total $15.50 I enjoyed the protein. The food was good, a tad pricey. Water service was good, but the waitress made me feel a bit uncomfortable. And when we left at 6:30, there was a long wait. It was an Interesting experience.
(4)
Guru U.

Pasta Plus is probably the best restaurant in the Laurel area. The food is excellent and the staff is extremely friendly. However my recommendation is to dine in. For some inexplicable reason, they use probably the worst parking materials for take out that I have ever encountered. Almost every dish is put in an aluminum foil container that doesn't seal. As a result, any dish with sauce in it (like they're fantastic Pollo al Vino Bianco) ends up spilling out when you take a turn driving home and creates an absolute mess. Come to think of it, there is really no reason why a restaurant in this day and age should be using styrofoam containers and plastic wrap when there are more effective and environmental friendly options for packaging take out.
(4)
Sam A.

Love the food, the deserts, the coffee, the service every single time! I have been coming here for a few years and am never disappointed with anything I have tried. Chicken piccata, hay and straw, veal dishes, zabaione, cannoli, list goes on.
(5)
Louis F.

I was on a business trip and pined for Italian food. I was referred to this place by hotel staff. It was wonderful. I had veal Marsala, pasta fagoli, and cannoli. Everything was great. The staff was friendly.
(4)
Tony L.

A long time favorite hidden gem. The strip mall is vacant except for Pasta Plus. Delicious traditional Italian with fresh pasta and a light tasty tomato sauce. All the dishes are excellent lasagna, ravioli etc. also an excellent antipasto. Don't let the mostly vacant mall fool you. Go and enjoy.
(5)
Zara K.

Oh wow ! Since il pizzico has changed chefs and a bunch of other things I was out to find an authentic italian spot that serves great food! I always taste gnocchi at an italian place and they let me split my order in two so I could taste blue cheese and the red sauce ! Def stick to the blue cheese ! The gnocchi itself is 3.8 stars (I don't like those lines on gnocchi I like plain gnocchi no texture ) and the sauce was a 4. Serving sizes are enjoyable and so is the free salad that they give ( we only ordered one entree and they still served both of us a salad! How very generous and italian of them!) We then tried their custard with fruit which for me was too strong of a taste but none the less a good dessert Highlight: the Parmesan cheese they have is absolutely delicious it is by far the yummiest Parmesan I have ever had and I am not a fan of Parmesan cheese! Cannot wait to go buy from their store next door! Can't wait to try their lamb shank and squid ink pasta ! :)
(4)
Katie W.

Been here a couple times. Best little owned Italian restaurant around. Very quaint and can be dressy or casual depending on your party. But very good food and service is decent.
(4)
Mo A.

With the amount of people and restaurants in the Washington, DC area, who knew it would be so hard to find a good Italian restaurant? I started hearing a lot of buzz about Pasta Plus and so after my last Italian disaster my taste buds said "let's fix this now". Off we go! Located in the suburb of Laurel, which is a center point between Washington and Baltimore, Pasta Plus is found in a very plain strip mall at the tip of the shopping district. The parking lot is somewhat small but large enough considering the size of the strip mall itself. First thing I noticed is that there is no host/hostess. You just kinda walk in and hope that someone feels like seating you. The decor is an attempt at upscale but the furniture is not of the highest quality given my wobbly table and thin chair. In terms of food, I ordered the bruschetta, fried calamari and spaghetti con polpette (spaghetti and meatballs). The calamari was nicely prepared as it was fresh and hand breaded served along with some tasty marinara dipping sauce. The bruschetta was light but crispy, moist but not greasy and packed with flavor without being overpowered by garlic. The house salad was colorfully plated and fresh but lightly dressed. That's a misdemeanor in my world. The spaghetti was a felonious major fail. The meatball was huge and actually properly cooked and seasoned. Downhill from there as the spaghetti was just dry. When the dish came out, the waitress noticed the dryness and got me some extra tomato sauce. Try as I may, it couldn't be saved. I'm surprised the picture looks as good as it does because the dish was DOA (dry on arrival). The sauce was pretty good though albeit a little off in terms of consistency. I will say that after taking the spaghetti dish home and drowning it in more sauce the next day, it turned out to be a pretty good meal. Perhaps the restaurant should provide more sauce when they bring the dish out rather than the little super small cups they offer. The prices were decent as two entrees with salads, two appetizers and drinks cost a little over $50. I left my take on the service for last because I found it to be amusing. So, I was dining with a friend of mine who happened to be a female and the server began insisting that she has either served me before or seen me out and about (I had never seen her before or been to the restaurant before). What's the big deal you ask? Well, imagine someone is dining with their spouse or significant other and a server basically says you've been out and about with someone else. In other words, she's acting as an accessory to a potential homicide! Now, fortunately for me this was just a catch up with a friend but the lesson is make sure your groupies and jump offs stand down!
(2)
Tiffany H.

This place has thee best Italian food I've ever had. However the wait can be a bit ridiculous. They also have a market where you can take stuff to go but dining is is definitely better. Take a visit here and don't let the wait in the cold steer you away! It's def worth it
(4)
Andrew S.

Easily one of the top 5 Italian restaurants I've ever been to. When you pull up to the place, it looks like it's closed, but once inside, it's a busy restaurant. The pasta is homemade and everything is delicious. The prices are also very reasonable. If Pasta Plus wasn't over 40 minutes from home, I'd eat here once a week.
(5)
Tiffany P.

Delicious food. gnocci was on point The place seems alright if you're there with more than just yourself. Staff was friendly and attentive.
(5)
Patrice E.

Another place I've been going to for years and can't believe I've not reviewed Pasta Plus. There are simply not enough powerful words to describe how much I LOVE this place. I've had just about everything on the menu and have never ever ever had a bad experience. The food is fresh, quality food and everything is home cooked. The bread is the best I've ever had. Left over bread is great to make french toast with. I always made sure to make my girls fresh home cooked meals when they were growing up, even as a single mom working 60 hours per week. When I did not want to cook I'd always get the chicken dinner from Pasta Plus best meal ever and the price is very reasonable. My daughter and her husband are visiting from out of town and wanted a pizza tonight. I suggested Pasta Plus over those chain pizza places, YUCK. We ordered a Pizza Michelino from Pasta Plus and ATE THE ENTIRE PIZZA ON THE WAY HOME. It was THAT GOOD. That pizza was gone before we got 1/2 mile away. I've never in my life brought food home that I ever thought of eating on the way home, let alone eat it before I got home. I HOPE this place is there for decades to come and that they always keep their standard of quality. Everyone I've ever taken to Pasta Plus has become a life long patron! MMMMMMMMMM
(5)
Gary P.

Growing up in an Italian family it's pretty hard for me to go out for Italian. To me most Italians spots are generic so I've all but given up on Italian restaurants. That was until I found pasta plus. Judging from the name and location alone you would think this is another one of those generic olive gardenish places. Oh but you would be so wrong. Their pasta is homemade, boy terribly difficult but so many restaurants take the easy way out and use boxed pasta. The dishes are not what you would find in a typical restaurant either, most of them are much lighter versions of your "traditionals". The ricotta cheese cake is so light and fluffy, amazing. It's fairly ridiculous that I rave about this place because they do things right. What does that say about the rest of the Italian restaurants out there. Come on my Italian brothers, step it up. Anyway this place is always busy so do what we do and call in your order, they don't have all the specials on their takeout menu but they still have a huge selection.
(4)
John M.

Pasta plus is a gem. Love their bread pasta and pizza. The subs are always good especially the cold cut. The owners Max and Sabbatino are great guys as well. Best Italian in the area.
(5)
Paul S.

Excellent homemade pasta and yummy meatballs.
(4)
Monique M.

Don't judge a book by its cover or it's name. This place is the best pasta I have ever had. House made pasta is amazing! Even just good ol' spaghetti there makes you never want to cook it yourself again. Must go!
(5)
Vince W.

Don't be taken aback by the blasÃ© name, this place is fantastic. They have fantastic pasta, PLUS lots more. If you're lucky enough to go on a night when they have their Veal Sinatra as a special GET IT! Their Scrippelle soup is the best. Or is it their Pasta Fagioli? This must be the one that Dean Martin was singing about!. The Carbonara takes me back to my Navy days in Napoli! I highly recommend it, the line may be long, but it's worth the wait! Yes, this is my second review, but I feel this place is that good!
(5)
Lauren C.

This is some of the best pasta I've had! I got the Gorgonzola gnocchi and it tasted just as good as what I had in Europe. I added goat cheese to my salad and it tasted very fresh. I've also had the spinach gnocchi and found it delicious. Great prices on house wine carafe ($24).
(5)
Jamie E.

Good Food - We ordered the shrimp & angel hair pasta to arrival. When we arrived a table was ready. Drinks were ordered and delivered to the table quickly. The place has a nice neighborhood feel.
(5)
Reezle W.

I love this little hole in a wall! My favorite dish is the Italian sausage and angel hair pasta with the fradiavolo marinara(Not on the menu, but they make it for me every time!) The owner can be a little harsh at times, I have personally gotten into disputes with him over the fact that at dinner time, the only large pizza's they serve must be "to-go" but their to go pizzas aren't nearly as pretty as the personal sized pizzas they will make for the dining in. It doesn't make sense, but I go for the pasta anyway, so I don't mind. The bread they bake fresh for the tables is phenomenal. Service-provided you're sitting in the front section, is good. Nothing above or beyond, though. Their desserts are good-the raspberry hazelnut creme cake is really good too. Their meatballs taste homemade, too. I have seen large Italian families come in for diner and order family style and have watched in envy as platters of pasta, mussels, rockfish, sausage and meatballs.....and cannolis piled high are brought out to them while they chatter loudly in Italian. It's a neat experience and definitely authentic. My Spaghetti Thursday place, when I lived in Laurel, I simply could NOT stay away from it! A must-try. It's not a perfect 5 star place because the service can be scattered, I've been forgotten in the back before, and the owner can be a little unwelcoming.
(4)
Michelle L.

It really bothers me to write this review! In my previous review, I was in love with this place. I couldn't wait to go back! I took my parents there for lunch yesterday. Everything was good until my father checked his bank statement today. I paid my part of the bill in cash. My parents used their debit card. The paper that they signed was for the correct amount. Somehow the waiter added my amount to their card and pocketed my cash. My father called to complain and the person wanted to argue with him. That is very dishonest! I love the food there, but this incident sours me on this restaurant! !
(1)
Roberto N.

It's Laurel's only true five star restaurant. The food is authentic, the dining rooms all divided up so as to feel more cozy, and the staff attentive and friendly. But, you came here for the food, right? The owner prides himself on his Italian heritage, and he even takes customers on tours of the Olde Country. How cool is that? But you came here for the food, right? Well, they pride themselves on authentic food.-The portions, though, are American-sized, with a lot more sauce then you'd get in Italy. The flavor, to me, is spot on. This stuff is REALLY good. Do yourself a favor; come here, but also come here as a special treat for a friend or loved one. You won't be disappointed. PS. Mondays, the dining room is closed, but you can eat in the Market next door It's open for take out, and has about 4 tables. .
(5)
Sylvette M.

Took my best friend here when she came to visit from out of state. Absolutely delicious food, great atmosphere and service. It doesn't look much of anything from the outside, but I was surprised how quaint it was once I stepped inside. I def recommend this place if you're craving some Italian.
(5)
John F.

My wife and I have eaten at Pasta Plus many times and have always enjoyed the food. On our last visit we decided to do something different, rather than having a pasta dish we decided to have pizza. We did this because, although we have had many enjoyable meals there, we had never had their pizza. The pizza was good, but I was surprised and irritated when I was informed that there was a "$5.00 plate charge" for individual plates to eat your pizza off of. I have never encountered such a practice anywhere when ordering pizza. I don't understand why an owner would impose such a practice which creates a disincentive for ordering pizza to eat in house. Perhaps they only want to have pizza as a carry out item? If that is the case why put it on the dine-in menu? Be forewarned if you decide to have pizza dining in that there is the $5.00 plate charge. I only give one star because of the ridiculous plate charge; I otherwise would give Pasta Plus 4 stars based on previous meals.
(1)
Karen S.

Lovely fresh pasta! I've heard about the restaurant for a while, and I finally decided to try it out on a Sunday night. I came without reservations but was seated immediately (party of 4). It's a small space and kind of crowded, but cozy. We had a friendly waitress and the manager (or owner? older guy) kept coming over to check on us and make sure everything was good. Definitely felt well taken care of. The bread comes with butter and cheese, and she also offered olive oil and balsamic vinegar, so we had everything we could want. It was crusty on the outside but soft on the side and best of all, warm! We got three baskets because it was so yummy. We ordered butternut squash pasta, pasta verde with ricotta and eggplant, a crepe with ricotta and spinach, and a giant calzone with ricotta, sausage, pancetta and eggplant. The calzone was huge but not heavy and didn't need a lot of sauce. We also tried the tiramisu, which was good. They wrap your leftovers up for you and seal the containers with clingwrap so they don't spill and also label them for you.
(4)
James C.

It's been a while since i've been at Pasta Plus but i just noticed that i've written but negative reviews on here so i thought it was high time i some praise where praise is due. Yelp is about more than just trashing places so let me begin by singing some praises for Pasta Plus. I've been here several times and have NEVER been disappointed. If you blink you will miss this little place wedged into a little semi-strip mall within a traffic circle, but it really is worth finding. Get there early or you will wait quite a while for a table. They open for dinner at 5pm, so it doesn't hurt to arrive a bit before that and get into line because there will surely be one forming. Doesn't matter what you order here, you will enjoy it. Yes, it IS THAT GOOD!!!
(5)
Chris C.

Large portions with that antiquated "fee for splitting". I didn't find the rose sauce to have much flavor. I've learned my lesson: you really need do to get into the city for Italian food.
(2)
Ty C.

I loooove their pizza! I haven't tried anything else YET, because their pizza is so freaking good! We order pizza here pretty often. My family and I stick to what we like. Half cheese, half pepperoni. The crust is just perfect, the sauce oh my gosh, the cheese, the pepperoni! I love it all! I really want to try more items on the menu, so glad we decided to try this hidden gem in Laurel. Brick oven pizza, yes please!
(5)
Amanda H.

Great find! We heard about Pasta Plus and decided to try it out. We had previously lived in Italy for two years so we were in search of some authentic Italian food and this place did not disappoint! Don't let the name or the outside appearance fool you it is a great dining experience! The staff are all very nice and helpful and you can tell it is a true family restaurant. The food is the closest thing to authentic Italian we have found in this area. I always get the swordfish when it is available and it has not disappointed. The bruschetta is great and the pizza is amazing! If you want true Italian food make sure you come here!
(5)
Angela C.

The Italian food here never fails to disappoint. The veal parmigiana is what I got the last time I came in and it was mouth wateringly delicioso! It almost seems like an old Italian family run restaurabnt and my HUGE italian family loves comoing here. They also have a nice chianti wine list that is definitely worht a glance over. If you are in the area and want sine legit Italian food, give this place a try!
(5)
Jess F.

More authentic Italian food than this one you wont find in the area. Every dish I try its delicious. I love their chicken cardinale, is amazing.
(5)
Katherine B.

I ate here about a year ago. (I'm bored at work and catching up on reviews!). I had a rockfish special they had with crab, white wine lemon sauce served over linguine. The rockfish was bland, the sauce was good, and the homemade noodles were also good. However, I believe it was around 25$, def not worth the price. My son had the alfredo and i thought the sauce was also bland, not enough parm, maybe. The bread and olive oil w/herbs for dipping was amazing. I'd come back maybe just for this. I also had a glass of Siema Pinot Grigio which ends up being my favorite white wine of all time, although I can't find it anywhere to buy, even Corridor. But kudos to the waitress for recommending that. All in all, I would go back and try maybe some more traditional options, it was good and i liked the atmosphere, the price was a little high for the tastes i received.
(3)
Brandy M.

Pasta Plus never disappoints. Yes it's a hole in the wall and the size of a shoe box, but if you are looking for real authentic homemade Italian, this is the place to be. Everything is delicious and the food is reasonably priced. Get there early, if you don't, the line will be out the door. But no matter what time you go, expect a short wait. The food is well worth it and the service is impeccable.
(5)
Joe J.

Seated very quickly. Service was excellent and the food was brought out quickly. Salad was fresh and the house dressing light and tasty. Chicken cutlet Parm was hot and very adequate . I opted for the side of veggies which were hot and fresh. Excellent all around
(4)
Nick C.

I can't say enough about this place! Great sauce. You pick- all their sauces are good. From the spicy arrabbiata to the Alfredo, you cannot pick a bad sauce. Now the location leaves a bit to be desired but just walk in and overlook the sketchy strip mall. The place is one of the best Italian places in the area. This is the only place that I can say has sauce on par with my grandmothers. I have never had a bad meal here. Service is great. Food is even better. Do yourself a favor and try it. You will be an immediate fan. Sugo alla perfecto!
(5)
Brittany S.

The store front of this little hidden gem doesn't do it justice! But then again it's kind of a throw off which is good and it gives it it's charm. You really could come here on a fancy date night and order expensive wines or come here for a (small) family birthday for some good food. I came here with my family (party of 6) for my brothers birthday and probably waited at least 20minutes for a table. There is not waiting area in the dinning area so we sat at the tables in the "to-go" side of the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to see how nice the dinning area was which all white linens, silverware on the table and water and wine glasses on the table. We finally sat down and our waitress was so sweet and attentive. The bus boys were always there to fill our glasses of water and even joked with us which was fun. The fried ravioli appetizer was ah-maz-ing! Crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, the sauce on the side is a must! The bread with olive oil and FRESH parmesan is mouthwatering. The waitress said it was a secret recipe that she didn't even know. As the food came out the brought out the wrong dish, when my boyfriend said thats not what he ordered, our waitress came right back with the dish and very rudely put it right in his face and said "this is what you ordered, this is your dish" like she was mad he sent it back. The other 5 people at the table heard him say "linguine with mussels" but she brought out linguine with broccoli. It would have been fine but she was so rude and made it a big deal. Everybody else's food came out and we waited another 15mins for his food to come out, we felt so bad. Everybody was very pleased with their food. I got the Gamberi Marinara, shrimp in marinara with noodles and veggies. The shrimp were HUGE!!! biggest shrimp I've ever gotten at a restaurant and the veggies were cooke perfectly in a buttery garlic saute and probably not so healthy but they're still veggies right?? Everybody went home with a happy full belly and a doggy bag. I love this cute little place and I'll be back for a romantic date with the boyfriend to try everything else on the menu!
(4)
J.K. Y.

Went to this place after hearing so many glowing comments from friends and the internet. We were seated and served quickly, but while the server was pleasant he didn't bother writing down our order and wound up getting our orders wrong. Our dishes were served with the wrong sauces. I had the Pasta Bolognese, it wasn't bad but it wasn't memorable either. It definitely could have used more sauce. Overall I thought the place was OK but I can't for the life of me understand why it gets so many raves. Maybe I'll try ordering something else next time.
(2)
Jeff C.

I heard years ago, the lines were out the door with this place, so decided to try it. The place looks tiny and run down from the outside, but inside it's a busy place with multiple rooms. I was promptly seated. The menu was large. I chose the seafood pasta which took a bit of time to arrive. But they kept you busy with warm Italian bread. I scrutinized my salad as it was very fresh with not even a dry or wilted edge on the veggies. The pasta was freshly made, and tasted great. The pasta plate was so large that I could not imagine eating the whole thing. But it was so good that I finished the plate. I am excited to have found this place in Laurel and hope to visit it again.
(4)
Becky C.

Awesome food, sketchy location. Pasta Plus is in a run-down strip-mall surrounded by vacant storefronts, but it is truly a gem! Expect to wait on any night to eat here. The food is awesome - great quality, large quantities. Homemade pasta. Enough said!
(4)
Jea L.

Wonderful food inside this hole in a wall joint. Just go in and order, you'll be glad you did. The pizza is the best in Laurel, that is, if you enjoy fresh ingredients and brick oven baked pies.
(4)
Katy C.

The food here is very good. Excellent, actually. And good prices. We used to love this place. However, my wife and I brought my parents in one day to try it for lunch. The sign at the counter said "Open." I asked for a table for four. The guy behind the counter looked at us, looked at the sign, turned in around in front of us, and said they were closed. There were still a lot of people seated in the restaurant, so I said, loudly "Fine, I guess we'll take our money elsewhere." On the way out, I overheard a customer say they couldn't believe they were turning away business. Haven't been back since and will never go again.
(1)
Karen B.

Italian in an abandoned strip mall? It doesn't look like much on the outside but the pasta is handmade and I really love the Paglia e Fieno (it is good if you like mushrooms) and the Eggplant Parm. The chicken dishes are also very good and the best appetizer is the broiled asparagus. Also, you usually get pasta on the side (go with the flat thin fettuccine style noodles and their homemade tomato sauce). The brick oven pizzas are made the traditional way, so if you're looking for pizza hut style then you will be disappointed. I've been for lunch and dinner and it can get a bit crowded (there can be a wait on weekends). They now have a separate carry-out "market" area that is open every day even though the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
(5)
Joel S.

When we went to this restaurant with a group of four. We waited in line for over 20 minutes but that was ok. Then we ordered our food and this is when we had some of the worst service we had ever had. We ordered appetizers and our main entrees. Our appetizers came after our meal and the only reason we got our entrees is because we asked another waiter to check on it. When we finally got them they were cold and had to be reheated. It turned out that they had a large party that came and our waitress was waiting on them. We were so upset we asked for the owner and we told him what had happenned and his reply was " we were busy tonight". we got no apology or anything. I can tell you that we will never go back. This is the worst attitude i ever gotfrom an owner.
(1)
Delilah S.

I took my son on the suggestion of several friends because we were in the area. I am not a huge fan of Italian food. But I am a fan of this restaurant! The calamari was crispy with a tangy marinara. My Caesar salad had a very authentic homemade dressing. The meaty pizza had outstanding cheese and a perfect crust. My son's sausage with mozzarella was perfectly seasoned. It was an outstanding meal, at a good price, with nice size portions. I will go back in a second. It looks like nothing from the outside, but it was packed on the inside with everyone enjoying their meal. Very nice surprise.
(5)
Tracey b.

I had not been here in awhile but last night I ordered carry out and I know what I have been missing. The manicotti is awesome and made he right way with crepes. My daughter who is very picky had the ravioli and she ate almost the whole portion. Said she loved it!! Also very good prices. Compared to other places in Columbia that can't even come close.
(5)
Maleeha M.

The food is simply amazing! Try the fried ravioli for appetizer. The location is a hidden gem- looks like nothing on the outside and when you open the door- you are suddenly transported. Great service too.
(5)
Pamela S.

A favorite with locals . Always a wait.
(4)
DK M.

Coming from Philly, home of many terrific Italian restaurants, we were a little skeptical of a place called "Pasta Plus." However, we were overall pleasantly surprised. The bread was delivered warm and crispy, soft inside. Very good. Salads were fresh, excellent house dressing. I ordered homemade ravioli, which were tender, the sauce was good perhaps a little spicy, almost too reduced, it was after 9 pm - maybe it had been cooking all day? We might just be a little picky because we make our own marinara at home. My partner had eggplant parmesan - thick slices, okay but underwhelming. (The best eggplant we've had is sliced very thin, breaded and fried, layered with sauce on top.) The waitstaff was friendly and informative. We will return, for sure.
(4)
Lora H.

Wonderful atmosphere, food, service! It had been several years since I had been back to Pasta Plus. I moved out of the local area and had not been back. I met with a group of 8 people and everyone had great things to say about their dish. I personally chose 2 entrees so that I could take some home as left overs. The Gnocchi and Tortellini were fantastic. The others had the Frutta di Mare with white sauce and the special. I will most definetly be returning in the near future.
(5)
dave o.

I got to eat here twice. We shared several meals. This place had come highly recommended. Its this good Italian restaurant with authentic style cooking in an area mostly devoid of quality restaurants. HEY!!!! This is well worth it. In the corridor between Baltimore and DC there aren't a ton of great restaurants. This wonderful little gem might be the best!!!! It sits in one of the ugliest little shopping centers anywhere...and yet is easily accessible with plenty of parking at the intersection of Rte 198 and Rte 1. First off the PASTA. Pasta Plus makes their own pasta. It is Sooooooooo good. So much better than you'd find almost everywhere. and btw: We had so much food we brought some home. That home made pasta was terrific two days later. We had a couple of way above average main dishes. We also had the capreze appetizer a reasonably nice asparagus appetizer, and this is a killer the .... The Zabaglione dessert. Eat it and thank the food gods that Italy invented this wonderful dish, served so well at Pasta Plus. On top of everything else...with the price of meals....this place is extremely reasonable and service is excellent. An absolutely wonderful choice.
(5)
Logan G.

The company I work for just moved to Laurel and we are walking distance from this place. My co-worker ordered 7 sandwiches one day and I was able to try all of them. Not one think disappointed me. The paninis are MIND BLOWINGLY DELICIOUS.
(5)
Sara F.

Generally, I love Pasta Plus so I decided to place a carry out order. I called at 5:52 and was told my order would be ready in 25 minutes. It has now been over an hour and I am still waiting for my food. No apologies or updates. If there was going to be a long wait, I wish they'd have told me ahead if time so I could wait at home instead if in a cramped waiting area with dozens of other grumpy patrons. Perhaps the Pasta Plus hey day has passed. You can only get by with mediocre service for so long. ..
(2)
Stacey M.

Ignore the lack of ambiance, the hidden, strip mall appearance, and the lines out the door on weekends. This place is the real deal for Italian food. You can't go wrong with any of the tomato dishes. If it includes handmade pasta, even better. Pasta Plus keeps it simple with the freshest, ingredients and truly authentic Italian dishes. I have been eating at this gem of a restaurant and I can't get enough of the eggplant parmagiana. if you get it to go or eat-in, $12.50 gets you the dish, a fresh salad, and your choice of pasta or vegetables and it could be the best spent $12.50 in the area. Completely worth it. Cons: small space means lines, the dining room can be a tad congested at times, but the prices are incredibly fair and the food is always good. I have had better luck with tomato based dishes than white sauce / alfredo style dishes here.
(5)
Yimei W.

I would say it might've been a 3.5, until I tried the noodles. That is how they got their 4th star. Ambiance/Service: server was a friendly girl throughout, and the ambiance actually surprised me a bit. Hearing the name "Pasta Plus" just didn't inspire me to come. It was only because my friend was tired that day and I wanted to make it easier--so I agreed to meet at this joint. But the inside was quite BUSY, and had a nice, homey, cozy feel. There was a market adjoined to the restaurant; I saw desserts and salad bar options, as well as containers of their fresh, homemade noodles for sale around $8-10. Food: I absolutely loved the taste and texture of the handmade fettucini; I got this special--the name of which I forgot--but it can be described as heavily buttered noodles with fresh sage, mushrooms, and prosciutto. It was only later when I took it home that I discovered I might've eaten a vat of butter. But even the 3rd day, the noodles tasted just as good microwaved. The only minuses were 2 things: 1. My dish came out on a plate that was slightly dirty. I mean, it wasn't obviously dirty, but there were 2 darker smudges on the outer portion of the plate that sort of caught my eye. I made a point to avoid touching that area. 2. Shrimp: what's the deal with an Italian restaurant serving BABY shrimp? I usually expect big, plump shrimp when I go anywhere that's not Chinese. To be fair, I was told ahead of time when there may be baby shrimp instead of normal shrimp. But even the normal shrimp in my friend's frutti di mare (seafood pasta) didn't look too appetizing--it wasn't deveined and was just like the size of a pinky finger. The scallops were small/medium, but tasted alright. 3. Salad: it was a mix of "mixed greens" and iceberg lettuce with a house italian dressing. It was OK, and was a substantial portion size with your entree, but not a fan of iceberg lettuce. I would likely return for the handmade noodles, particularly that dish even, but probably not take my chances with any shrimp dishes.
(4)
Andres Q.

I want to love this place like I used to, but it wasn't loving me back. Last time I went about 9 months ago (pretty late) I had pasta sauce soup over lasagna, was not appetizing, did not enjoy it. My girlfriend's shrimp Alfredo wasn't cooked properly, chewy shrimp? I may go back, hopefully it'll be as good as it was when I used to say it was my favorite Italian spot in the area.
(3)
Lo H.

AH.MAZE.ING! I hear the pasta is made on site. I ordered just a side of plain pasta for my niece, and it was... delicious doesn't even begin to describe. It was so fresh and great. The ambiance may not be 5 star, but the food and service go above and beyond!
(5)
Sharon H.

Had the pleasure of dinning here last night. I must admit that driving into the strip mall is a complete turnoff if you are into judging a book by it's cover. However, DON'T LET IT'S LOCATION DETER YOU!!!! Let me say it again... don't let the outside of the building turn you away!!!!!! Once you enter, the restaurant is lovely - maybe not 5-star ambiance... but it is really nice. The servers are attentive and the owner (I'm guessing?) comes across as very interested in your dinning experience. My friend and I both had the same thing - we weren't very creative but it didn't matter. We both ordered the Timballo alla Teramano which for those who may not know, it's a killer lasagna with crepes instead of noodles. It was delicious. The clearly home made tomato sauce was bright and crisp, just how I like it. The dish was not too heavy and not a bite remained on my plate. I appreciated the portion size - not too much but definitely not too small. Our dinners included bread that was OK... nothing to write about and a nice sized house salad. I agree w/ other reviewers, the salad was passable, the lettuce maybe not as fresh as the pasta. The house dressing is yummo - we really enjoyed it even dipping bread in it. YUM. Overall we had an excellent experience. This place qualifies as a "hidden gem" without a doubt. And, it will not break the bank. All told, we had a nice bottle of wine and 2 meals and it only cost us $30 each.... not bad!
(4)
Aamir N.

As a Laurel resident, I want to experience great dining close to home. Unfortunately, I have given this place multiple chances (lunch and dinner) and I am truly disappointed. THE SERVICE IS HORRENDOUS. One experience, our waiter disappeared. Another experience, the waitress was rude and food incorrect compared to what we ordered. Food is just okay.
(1)
Adam A.

Best Italian restaurant in the area with a wide variety of dishes, great specials and wine. The brick oven pizza is awesome. The service is top notch and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. The market side is also very good with great take out pizza and fresh ravioli, pasta and desserts. A must for everyone who likes Italian food!
(5)
Deepak B.

The only pasta that brings craving for me. Order the mussels with garlic white wine sauce and calamari as appetizers. But keep in mind after everything said and done, the bill averages to 40$+tip per person with a glass of wine.
(4)
Adam T.

So, I am torn when it comes to writing this review. Pasta Plus used to be one of my favorite Italian places of all time. I think it offered the most authentic Italian this side of Italy, but after my friends had a bad experience there I haven't been back. They found a dead cockroach in with their breadbasket, and the worst part was that the owner didn't bend over backwards to apologize. I just can't go back no matter how amazing their food was (especially the aurora sauce).
(2)
Sarah L.

The last time I tried this place was maybe 7 or 8 years ago. I remembered really liking the pasta in high school, and it was always a treat when my best friend's family decided to order it for dinner. So when my boyfriend's co-worker decided to take orders from Pasta Plus, he asked me if I've tried it before. I replied with an enthusiastic yes! and told him to put in an order for the both of us. He ordered the lasagna (his litmus test for all things Italian) and I got the linguine with clams. Maybe it's because our orders were sitting in the company fridge for most of the day, or maybe my taste buds are deceiving me, but it wasn't as great as I remembered it to be. And we did reheat it in the oven, not in the microwave. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good, either. We also got a slice of tiramisu and cheesecake. Dessert fared worse than our entrees, most notably the cheesecake, which had graham cracker crumbs dispersed throughout the cheese filling. We all know that the crust is part of what makes a cheesecake but I don't want to taste its crumbliness against the smooth creaminess of the filling. I hate to say it, but I'd rather put up with the tacky decor and long wait at Filomena's, because at least I'll know their food (and especially their desserts) will be better. This is saying a lot, because Filomena's is not my favorite Italian eatery. The other week my boyfriend said his co-worker was taking orders for Pasta Plus again and I told him not to bother. Some food memories are best left in the past.
(2)
Jim S.

I loaded up and took the whole herd (5 of us) here because my Dad said they were awesome (turns out he had never been here). OK, it is in a strip mall; half of Maryland is in a strip mall. We walk in and the hostess asks me if we have a reservation....uh...no. Then gives me some let me see if we have a table line. I can see at least 5 open tables. They finally seat us and ignore us. After 20 minutes we get up and leave. i can't comment on the food because I didn't get any. The prices did not look terrible. But maybe a little service? We are not going back. There are plenty or restaurants out there that are more then happy to take my money.
(1)
Michele M.

Service wasn't the best for the take out side... Maybe it's better for the eat in... But the gnocchi and the calamari were very good.
(3)
Sallie L.

The food was great. My friend and I had pizzas and cannolis to share. I would give a 5 star just for the food -- however the server, I believe my check said Robert(?), was really short with us and had a terrible attitude. I am not a picky person but it was just an unfriendly experience.
(3)
Bryan R.

This place is ridiculously good. Had the eggplant parmesan (and left the leftovers in my in-laws freezer, much to my extreme disappointment). Wife had the fettuccine alfredo and was very impressed. Pizza bianca as an appetizer was amazing - could have eaten that for my main course - the best white pizza I've ever had, and I've had a bunch.
(5)
Hailie G.

Pretty good Italian food hidden away. It doesn't look like much from the outside but it is very tasty. They always have great special and awesome calzones. Give them a try if you're in the area. A little pricey and not the best service but still pretty good food
(4)
Tom C.

I went there for lunch. Maybe this doesn't apply for dinner, and maybe it doesn't apply for any other day, but it applied to me, at lunch, today. The restaurant is very nice, though the location is a little odd, but there's plenty of parking. The service was excellent. The salad was impressive and tasty. (I had oil and vinegar, so I can't comment on the dressing.) The bread was OK. Some of the specials sounded impressive, but at a place called "Pasta Plus", I wanted to try a pasta dish. I had the Lasagna. The pasta was overcooked, and the sauce was undercooked. I'm always interested in a good Italian Restaurant, and I read good things about this place, so I decided to try it out. I was disappointed. There are three Italian Restaurants nearer to me that are better, and two of them are chains. The food was edible, but I'm not going out of my way again. BTW, my grandfather, Luigi Sacco, used to make Veal Parmigiana and Lasagna for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, every year I was growing up. I know what Lasagna is supposed to taste like. I'm sorry to hear that this passes for good in Laurel. I can only presume that those of you who gave 'Pasta Plus' more than three stars didn't have the pasta.
(2)
Tom C.

One of the area's top Italian restaurants, even better than most of the places in Baltimore's Little Italy. The pasta is home-made, the pizzas are cooked in a woodburning oven, and host is as gracious as they come. The portions are more than generous (eg. the pizza bianca appetizer is a full 10-12" pizza) and the prices are more than reasonable (appetizer, two salads, two entrees, a bottle of wine, two desserts and two coffees was under $100!). Try beating that in Little Italy. The food is fresh and prepared with skill, getting a five-star rating from this foodie. My only complaint about Pasta Plus is the crowded and cramped dining room. Some say this is part of the restaurant's charm, but I don't find it charming. That's just me being me. The wine list could use some Sicilian reds, which the host assured me they will have soon. Otherwise the list is fine. If you plan to visit Pasta Plus and want to be seated immediately, get there 15 minutes or more before it opens, especially on weekends for dinner. We were surprised to see the line already formed when we arrived early. But the food was worth the wait. We'll go back.
(4)
John C.

Good Italian food and pizza. Fresh pasta and revolving weekly specials will keep you coming back. This is a nice little restaurant that I will continue to frequent. There are 2 negatives. It is SMALL and will fill up less than an hour after opening for dinner. Be prepared to bump elbows and chairs if you are seated in the smaller rear section. The other negative is the service speed. While the staff is pleasant, they are often swamped and trying to keep their heads above water. I would recommend this place even considering its downfalls.
(3)
Jean L.

I've been coming to Pasta Plus for a while now. There are some dishes I absolutely love from here, while others just don't agree with my tastes. But for the dishes I love... well, there's a reason why there's always a line for dinner here. Don't worry, I've never had to wait an incredibly long time--but it helps that my parties have always been small. They start you off with one of the most colorful appetizer salads I've gotten at a pasta place. Their house dressing is a creamy Italian, of which I'm a fan. Their other option is the balsamic and olive oil that's already set on the table. Someone I dined with had expected a pre-made vinaigrette and was a little jealous of my dressing when our server pointed out the two bottles. I prefer their linguine to the fettuccine because you really get a feel for the difference in the texture of their fresh pasta as opposed to dried. It's hard to go back. I adore their Linguine with Clams in red sauce. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Once, I got them with the clams in the shells. Another time, they had removed the shells before serving. I don't know what it is about clams served with the shells removed but they tend to leave me thinking they aren't as fresh (even though they're probably the same). I like their sauce, which is bright, tangy, with a hint of spice. Their gnocchi in red sauce is also pretty tasty. Fluffy, with a satisfying elasticity--they're the absolute favorite of one of my dining buddies. But neither of us are very much experienced with gnocchi so we can't compare it. I've also ordered one of their specials--cornish hen with mushroom risotto, which was well-executed. I love all kinds of risotto and their mushroom version has a deep flavor that caught the juices from the cornish hen. I never had cornish hen before, so I enjoyed mine for the novelty. The texture and flavor were distinctly fowl, and yet different from all the other kinds of fowl I've tried. But my heart is for the Linguine with Clams. You really have to love bacon for their Fettuccine Amatriciana. They weren't kidding when they said it's in the dish--the flavor of bacon verges on overpowering. Someone else I dined with had ordered a calzone, and it pretty much seemed to be a pizza folded in half. You have now been forewarned about the size. Order accordingly~ Oh, and service has always been attentive and helpful. Go, and enjoy.
(4)
Kenny M.

I got the Pizza Michelino. Really Good! This place is a bit of a up-scale Italian resturant in a not so great place in Laurel. Was my first trip I will try to make it back. It took a long time to order our meal because no one could decide what to order because everything sounded so good. Also, the place was packed. A good sign that the food is good.
(4)
Ann K.

Lunch time! What should I eat? Let's try Pasta Plusto! I called the carry out and marketplace at Pasta Plus. My lunch is ready to be picked up within 15 minutes. The $10 lunch comes with small salad, a small loaf of bread, and good amount of tasty spaghetti with meat sauce. I couldn't resist the dessert display and gave in on three small cream puffs, white chocolate and dark chocolate. Love them! 3.75
(3)
Steven T.

I dated an Italian girl for over three years, both of her parents (divorced) owned restaurants in Italy (one near Palermo the other in Roseto) and we made numerous trips to Italy and I even worked in the restaurant in Roseto. With that being said let me give an enthusiastic thumbs up to this establishments food. When we arrived at PP there was a line of people waiting in a small corridor that served as both the entry and exit for the establishment. No waiting list you just wait in line and they seat you when it's your turn. However people leaving had to squeeze by those of us waiting so it isn't the most ideal situation. People complain that PP is in a strip mall - get over peeps, lots and lots of very good restaurants are in strip mall, if this bugs you don't go there. Once seated we were greeted quickly and our drinks and bottle of wine showed up quickly. Let me just say that the prices on the menu are CHEAP, very cheap compared to west coast where I live. However the wine was expensive and I probably wouldn't recommend getting a bottle. Now on to my Nitpicks Bread - Bottom part of the crust was slightly over cooked making it a little chewy while the top was not crusty enough. I don't think they have a proper bread oven that injects steam to make a nice crusty bread, but overall the bread was acceptable. Balsamic/Olive Oil - The balsamic vinegar that is in the bottles is NOT Antica Italia, it a cheap mass produced balsamic vinegar. Also I was a little shocked to see it served there because this is purely and American invention, I have never once seen this done in Italy and have had Italians question why we do it here. Dinner Salad - Large portion, great dressing and surprise they didn't overdress the salad. I tried two entrees one was a fettuccine with broccoli with an olive oil sauce - OMG real home made pasta cooked perfectly - it was delish, the broccoli was also al dente and just the right amount of garlic and red pepper was in the olive oil sauce. This is such a simple dish to make but almost every italian restaurant in america &ucks it up. The second entree was a special, Chicken stuffed with spinach, pine nuts, and a whole host of other goodies. Again the chicken was moist, the stuffing delish, the cream sauce was just enough to give it the flavor without drenching the chicken in it. To be honest when I looked at the prices on the menu I thought we might need to order apps, salad, entree and desserts because everything was so cheep. Not only was the food inexpensive the portions where huge and I left with a two large to-go boxes. Food 4.5 Stars Service 4.5 Stars Value 5+ Stars Total 4.66 stars Bottom Line: I wish I could import this little jewel of a restaurant back to my hometown.
(5)
Igor B.

Been coming here for 30 years, and it always only gets better. When we crave Italian fare we come only here. The daily specials are always amazing, so temptingly prepared, and they never disappoint. Always good fresh fish available, so well done! Try to get some of the house favorites, like crespollini or timballo.
(5)
Courtney R.

I've lived in Laurel for the last 20 years and have eaten here twice, maybe 5 years apart. The first time, it was great. Today my co-workers and I got carry out and it was less than great. This seemed to be the general consensus of everyone here. I love the fact that I got a salad with my meal, however, the "salad" was plastic container stuffed to the max with lettuce, 1 slice of tomato, 1 cucumber. Yum. I ordered the Gnocci dumplings- w/ tomato sauce..eh..it was so-so. I just can't help thinking that I've had better. My co-worker had the Fettecuine con Pollo - he was not enthused either. I want to believe that this place lives up to the hype but I just haven't found the right dish yet to sway me either way.
(3)
Harold G.

I have been coming here for over 15 years. There is no other Italian restaurant in the Washington/Baltimore area that even comes close to Pasta Plus for the wonderful food, amazingly low prices, generous portions, fabulous staff ( they have become family for us) and free on-site parking. The strip mall and name are misleading. It is a hidden gem in an otherwise dull location. You will probably have to wait on line. No reservations. And they are usually full. As they should be. That is why I have not written this until now. I don't want too many others to come here. But I also want people to know that this place deserves the reputation it has.
(5)
Lauren H.

Pasta Plus is a landmark in Laurel. The salad and table wine options are only okay, but the pasta is plus in my book. The lasagna is great with a sweet tomato sauce. The pizza is the best in the area, and well worth the extra $$. My husband has had the seabass and chicken parm on multiple occasions and we were both impressed. My daughter raves about the ravioli, and the portions are huge. Clearly the owners are doing something right. They servers have always been prompt and attentive, and they seem to actually know the specials well. If your staff loves the food - it shows. We will be back again to Pasta Plus. Now if only the other stalls in that stip weren't empty. I could use a good deli over there for quick lunches.
(4)
Rey T.

Coming from a New Yorker, this is the second closest I have found in this region to authentic Italian in both taste and presentation, short of Filomena in Georgetown. Their wine selection is expansive but can get a little pricey for the quality offered and I am not quite certain about their storage routine. At one sitting the first bottle of wine I had ordered had kicked pretty badly. They brought a second bottle which had also passed.
(4)
John V.

Excellent. A value. The Straw & Hay pasta dish is my fav. Their white pizza is amazing
(4)
miagi n.

My favorite italian restaurant! Not as fancy looking as olive garden or "high end" looking italian resto, but you will still get the best! Homemade pasta and marinara sauce! Love love it! Always come here for their seafood pasta and calamari :))
(5)
Jen J.

One night, my friends and I were craving pasta, but wanted something other than Olive Garden. So, we came on here for reviews...and decided that Pasta Plus would be our spot. We placed an order for takeout since it was so late. We got the Chicken Alfredo and Spaghetti...and unfortunately, none of us enjoyed either of the dishes. The Chicken Alfredo totally lacked flavor and sauce. It was very dry and just super duper bland. My boyfriend had the spaghetti and actually threw it away...and he never does that. We won't be going back. Ugh, I was really excited about this place because of the great reviews. Talk about a disappointment. Oh, the customer service was great...which is why I gave them 2 stars instead of one.
(2)
Courtney C.

I ordered two large pizzas uncut for appetizers at my baby shower. One pizza margarita and one pizza bianca. When my friend went to pick them up, they had my order down as 4 pizzas and gave her a huge attitude about it! She finally walked out with two pizzas (the correct order) after some argument. The margarita had no basil and was just a cheese pizza. I had more of a buffalo mozzarella, large pieces of basil concept in mind, but the pizza was still incredible. The pizza bianca lacked flavor and was really dry. it tasted like pizza dough sprinkled with Parmesan. Nothing special or worth ordered again. I don't usually ordered pizza from here, but I may just have the get the margarita again.
(3)
Aaron N.

Pasta Plus is fantastic - it is my favorite Italian restaurant and well worth the wait (they do not take reservations. Yes, a hole in the wall next to the Monroe Muffler, but a REAL Italian restaurant with fantastic food and well worth making the distance. For a true Abruzzo experience, you can't get any better than Pasta Plus unless you're in Italy. I've been to the best restaurants in San Francisco, NY, Philly and Boston, but this is still my favorite. Best of all, it doesn't cost me $100/person for dinner! The meats and the seafood are by far the best items on the menu. Ask for the specials before ordering off the menu; often they are even better than the menu. My favorites are the Calamaretti alla Luciana, pretty much any of the fish specials, Agnolotti alla Panna, the lobster+seafood special when they have it, the rack of lamb special when they have it. It used to be the case that the best deserts were reserved for regulars in the know, now you can find Zabaione on the menu. Highly recommended! The pasta, bread, etc are all made in house. The pizzas are good, but there are better pizzas if you're willing to travel (Sally's Apizza, Modern-A, Pepe's, Tony's Pizza Neopolitana)
(5)
Jerome J.

Awesome food, excellent owner and hospitality, tremendous experience. I am a bit of an Italian food snob hailing from NJ and pasta plus gets my stamp of approval!!
(5)
Valerie R.

Not sure I would have ever suspected that great Italian food was hiding in this strip mall, but luckily my hubby knows what's up. The decor is dated but the freshly made pasta is timeless. Coming from Hawaii, fresh pasta is a rarity, so one star just for that! The lunch selection was extensive, and I was happy to see veal saltimbocca on the menu. It was cooked perfectly, and I loved the crispiness of the ham poking out from under the cheese. The sauce had just the right amount of buttery saltiness and depth. I could have licked the plate, but that would get me a death glare from the hubby! You can also count on getting a fresh house salad with your meal, and a side of veggies or pasta. Definitely worth it, and the prices were (in my overpriced Hawaiian experience) very reasonable.
(4)
Mary W.

This certainly isn't the restaurant you're going to drive by and say 'man i have to eat there sometime'. you may not even know its a restaurant from the road. But once inside, indulge yourself baby! Freshness is the name of the game. My husband and I enjoy every part of the meal. Fresh bread, dipped in freshly shredded parmesan and olive oil. flavorful salads. The pizzas are made right up front in a brick oven with always the right crisp. Eaten here at least a dozen times and have yet to have a overcooked or burnt pizza. The pasta is fresh, sauces made in house. Bottomline- its a good italian restaurant. Lines can be long at peak hours, but definitely worth checking out
(5)
Hoyt H.

First let me preface this review with a disclaimer: this is 4 stars for LAUREL, which is sorely lacking in anything resembling good Italian food. Having had some truly awesome Italian food in Europe at restaurants run by actual Italians, I'm getting picky about my food. That being said, this place is pretty good for an Americanized Italian restaurant. We've been there a few times now, which is saying something, since I wouldn't return to any of the other Italian places in the area. We've had good luck ordering their specials, and wait-staff is friendly. I think the food could use a bit more seasoning in general, but they seem to use fresh ingredients, which is why we go back. Just be prepared to wait in line if you don't get there at the right time, since I don't think they take reservations and the place is popular.
(4)
Swatee G.

I feel the restaurant is run by some real Italian family.. it has some great food.. the risotto was PERFECT and so was the Pizza... it has been ages since i had a risotto so perfect and creamy! The wine list is HUGE.. so many choices, the staff is Real friendly and helpful! Great worth for money I feel, even though it is slightly pricey!
(4)
Debra B.

The food is very good. However the restaurant atmosphere is poor. I mean basic things such as dusting and a lightbulb change doesn't happen. The carry out employees are lifeless and rude. I grew up in Laurel. if this restaurant was anywhere else where there were competitors it would never make it unless they kept up with basic cleaning and maintenance.
(3)
Vince V.

Where would one expect to get authentic Italian food south of Little Italy (Baltimore) or east of The Hill (St. Louis) or west of great grandma's house in the Mother Country (Italy). You wouldn't expect it in a strip mall or in Laurel or in a place called "Pasta Plus" ... but for those of you looking, this place comes plenty close, and is well-worth the trip if you can't make it to Baltimore, let alone Umbria, Italy. The menu is varied, with options for everyone. Plenty of pastas, meat dishes of all types, and side vegetables that inspire you to up your own cooking at home (they appear simple to prepare and are so delicious). And there are countless menu specials. Unlike some specials which seem littered with the chef's latest experiments or with items that need to be moved on, the specials here are in fact some of their classics. The prices are very reasonable (typical entree in very hearty serving portions is $12-15) ... the food is excellent, whether it is the fresh bread or the generous salads with plenty of fresh vegetables or the entrees with lots of garlic and just-right seasoning or the massive desserts or the cappuccino ... The only thing NOT what you would expect to find in your favorite, secret Italian place in Little Italy might be the extraordinarily efficient and friendly service from the wait staff ... Our waitress could not have been more professional, accommodating, and solicitous.
(4)
Tiffany N.

Sick and tired of coming to this restaurant when only the market area is open and something obnoxious happens. Whether it's the roaches in the area where they sell the Italian noodles or the fact that the girl over the counter is too busy on her phone to write down the list of people waiting to be seated so please just jump ahead of you. I've been coming to this place since I moved to Maryland in 2009 and now that I live in Annapolis and I drove 25 minutes to Laurel to eat here to have three separate groups take tables and refuse to move even after they saw I was upset is utterly ridiculous. The food is good here but unless the restaurant is open you'll get horrendous service.
(1)
Deborah T.

Absolutely AWESOME! The food is great, nice little gem of a white table cloth restaurant in a very unlikely place! The salad 'house dressing' is the best of it's kind, and the entrees consistently great! The desserts defy belief! Great wine selecton! My personal favorite! P.S. I originally wrote this in 2009. Since then, I've become aware of the huge roaches and very unsanitary kitchen, Won't be headed back there. 12/2012
(2)
Nancy N.

I don't usually go up to Laurel but after some persistent push from my friends, we decided to revisit this place. This restaurant has been around since I was a teenager...at least 10+ years. I'm not sure if they changed management or not but I do remember coming here when I was in HS. I'm not a huge Italian food fan, but I do like risotto and since I had some really good scallop risotto somewhere else, I was hoping the risotto here would be amazing. I ordered the shrimp risotto because they didn't have the scallops. They could have substituted for me but I didn't feel like paying market price for scallops. The risotto was good. It was just cooked enough, but maybe a bit on the al dente side but I could tell they just served it since it was really hot as I was eating toward the middle. Overall, pretty good. No complaints. Service was good.
(3)
Francesca R.

It is with great sadness I write this review. Years ago, Pasta Plus used to be one of my favorite restaurants. I used to rave about their authentic Italian food. I hadn't been back in a few years - so long, in fact, that my now-husband and I had never had a meal there together. So, we went, and I wish we hadn't. First of all, it took nearly ten minutes before we were even greeted by our waiter. EVERYTHING, in fact, took much longer than a reasonable amount of time. In fact, we knew what we wanted before we even got drinks, a rare occurrence for us. My water glass went empty more than once, which is especially inexcusable since they had someone (not our waiter) specifically assigned to do that. The bread was still delicious. So was the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (if the label on the bottle is to be believed, Antica Italia, one of my favorite brands). However, the big bowl of grated cheese just seemed excessive and potentially wasteful. (I hope to god they dump that and don't serve the same bowl of cheese to multiple tables!) We started with the scungilli (conch) appetizer. I found them very rubbery. Some of the smaller ones were tender, but overall, it was like fishy bits of rubber. The sauce was fine, I suppose. Not bad but nothing to write home about. I did enjoy my salad. The house dressing is still fantastic. My husband liked his caesar salad very much. For dinner, I had the sausage calabrese, and my husband had the shrimp fra diavolo, which he said was bland and not at all spicy. Hell, I even tasted it and thought it was not spicy, and I am a "chili wuss" (as my husband oh so lovingly calls me). As for the sausage calabrese - the sausage itself was fine, but nothing any more memorable than what I can get in the grocery store. I'd say they need to add more fennel and spices, though I suspect it is not made in house. There was maybe a single slice of mozzarella on it - only enough to adequately cheese one of the four sausages on my plate. The SAUCE was UNBEARABLY SALTY. One final thing - this place is DATED. The decor hasn't been updated since (at least!) the early 1990's, the tables are so close together I could hear conversations at other tables way too well, in a decade the menu has changed very little, and I have the strong suspicion that there may be a different chef working with old recipes. The menu lacks imagination, and I daresay the ingredients themselves did not even seem very fresh compared to most places I go these days (Riccuti's comes to mind, an Italian restaurant in Olney that has relationships with local farms and incredibly fresh produce as well as a changing menu and unique and creative dishes). Nevertheless, this place was packed, so clearly it is still a neighborhood staple. I doubt my bad review will turn anyone away - maybe it was "just a bad night," but I used to visit this place for a comforting taste of home (my mother was originally from Naples). Sadly, I don't think this is the case any longer, and I won't be going back.
(2)
Jennifer R.

Amazing and authentic Italian food complete with fresh made sauce and pasta. This place never disappoints!
(5)
Kyle M.

Everyone has been telling me I need to come check out Pasta Plus, and I finally did last week for my birthday. There were 6 of us dining, and we were able to get a table fairly quickly, so quick in fact I didn't have much time to browse in the market next door. We started with the bruschetta, as we usually do at Italian places. The tomatoes were sweet (impressive for being out of season), the seasoning well balanced, and the the portions plentiful. They put green bell peppers in their bruschetta, which is a bit different, but something I really liked at the same time. The bread is obviously house made (or at least house baked): springy, crispy, and chewy. As for entrees, everyone was pleased. I had the Vitello Saltimbocca and it really did "jump in my mouth". A nice dose of fresh lemon juice to give it a crisp finish, but plenty of sage and butter to make it feel rich. This is one of the better versions of the dish I've had, but I did miss the smokiness that you normally get from the copious amount of prosciutto this entree usually gets. I also tried the spaghetti bolognese, and it was one of the best bolognese I've ever had. It was very obvious that they make their pasta in house, and understand what 'al dente' really means. We skipped dessert for the birthday cake waiting for us back at my place. A few of us ordered a glass of wine, and everyone else stuck with water. And while the water glasses remained full nearly the entire meal, we were never offered a 2nd glass of wine. The runners and bus staff seemed on top of it, but our waiter was very terse, and not all that helpful. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't exactly friendly. Also, the acoustics in this place are awful for a larger table. It was hard to even hear the person across from me. The people at each end were pretty much limited to conversation with the person directly adjacent. We did pick up some Torrone (orange, lemon, and vanilla), and Olive Tapenade on the way out in the market. I wanted to buy some fresh pasta as well, but I wasn't going to be around the next few days to prepare it. Next visit I suppose.
(4)
Eddie H.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but I thought Pasta Plus was pretty good, nothing to run away from home for. The atmosphere was nice and cozy, which is great for an Italian food joint. But the rest was so-so. The salads were really nice, and some of the appetizers were fantastic, but the entrees were mediocre, the wine was thin, and the dessert was a joke. Also, I know being a young waiter isn't the best job in the world, but it can't hurt to smile every now and then. I'm giving PP the benefit of the doubt because I heard it's a great place, but for the one night I went to Pasta Plus, it was okay. Not great but not terrible.
(3)
Betzy ..

Went there yesterday, Saturday, had the "Frutte de Mare" FANTASTIC CHOICE. Great food & excellent service! The only downside is they don't take reservations and there is always a line, they don't have a bar to sit and wait!
(5)
Briana Leigh A.

it has taken 5 years to find "our Italian joint" in MD. we're from NJ and have struggled to find an authentic Italian meal at a reasonable price. you can find great Italian in Baltimore but it can be overpriced/fancy or you can find little mom and pop shops but they close early.. Sergio's in Silver Spring is our fancy place. this is our everyday kind of place. while working, my pharmacist recommended this place. she said it had great food yadda yadda yadda.. we we're there the same night. great staff. great food. great bread. it reminds us of home. at first glance, you may overlook it or even the name may throw you off but they make their own pasta and trust me, it's a special spot inside of a strip mall. we've been here a handful of times already including New Years Eve.
(5)
Keisha F.

Not too good...for the price, the food is okay. I would rather go to Carabas.
(1)
Kate C.

Recently ate here for the second time and, again, we left perplexed at how this place gets such great reviews. The food was nothing special. I ordered the Paglia e Pieno and was excited to try it. I was very disappointed to discover that it tasted like absolutely nothing - the sauce tasted like it was completely unseasoned. It was so disappointing that I didn't bring my leftovers home. My husband ordered the lasagna and while he said it was okay, he said it also lacked any development of flavor. The bread that they brought to the table was hard and cold. Needless to say we won't be returning - next time we are in the mood for Italian, we'll be heading to Facci.
(2)
Ryan O.

Classic Italian cuisine, hidden in plain sight. I lived here for several years before discovering this gem. Now this has become my "go-to" restaurant to impress out of town guests. It sits in the middle of a small strip of store fronts in what appears to be a dated, run-down building, but once inside you immediately recognize the professionalism and confidence of a fine Italian eatery. The tables are positioned close together which lends itself to the rather intimate ambiance. The wait staff is quite knowledgeable and always eager to make recommendations. I often defer to them for something out of the norm or when wanting to order off-menu. I won't bother to mention my own favorites here, because I have yet to receive a bad meal, so you really can't go wrong. My only complaint is the rather small size of the place and the wait for your entrÃ©e can be long at times. Perhaps this is the price you must pay for perfection. So if you aren't in a hurry and you desire authentic Italian cuisine cooked with care, I would invite you and your family to visit this establishment soon. You won't be disappointed! ~The Guru
(4)
Juli A.

Not sure how this little gem doesn't have 5 stars because it's the best Italian around. Never had a bad meal. So it's a little cramped and the outside is a strip mall front, but the food is on point, authentic and fresh, fresh, fresh! I have Italian friends that won't eat out at any Italian places except this one and I was married to an Italian..Get there early, expect to bring home a yummy doggie bag for another day and don't even think about buying buying olive oil or balsamic vinegar from anywhere but their market next door.
(5)
Cindy A.

Christmas Eve with the Fam - We called ahead to see if they could accommodate a party of 8 for lunch, they said come on in. When we arrived, someone (Gordon) asked if we were here for take out. When I told him we were there for lunch for a party of 8, he said, "I don't know how we're going to do that!" And walked away. They seated us in another room (separate dinner/dining room?). When we asked if they had children menus, we were told no, but they do 1/2 portions. When Gordon gave us the menus, he told us that we could not order off of one page, "no Specials today" Gordon came to take our drink orders. When my g-daughter asked if they had root beer, he said,"No" a that was it - "No". When we placed our food orders, he told us no half orders. We told him they told us we could. Gordon: "who said that?". We told him, and I asked, "would it be better if some one else served us?". He grumbled as he walked away, and said, " No, I just need to figure out what the kitchen is doing". Gordon came back to take our food orders. My daughter ordered soup and a side salad. Again, Gordon said, "we don't have a side salad." -that's it. She asked him what they Do have, and he said, "they're on the menu". She ordered a dinner salad... PLEASE BEAR WITH ME, IT GETS BETTER When Gordon brought the food, he SPILLED my husbands sauce on my husband, between my husband and my grandson. Gordon immediately started shouting, "Sh**, Take It, Take It!" He rushed off to the kitchen swearing profusely. (My 10 year old grandson said, "he owes me $15.00" - we have to pay him $1.00 for every foul word ;o) A minute later, Gordon popped his head out of the kitchen door and yelled out to my husband,"hey check your shirt". - It was Obviously heavily spilt on my hubby. While we were dining, Gordon brought out an industrial ladder, clanging it 3' from me, and grumbled while he got some wine from overhead. A minute later he repeated the incident, grumbling while he put the wine back. We thought we Must be on a hidden camera show! The Food Was VERY GOOD! We chose to take this experience as a Great Memory. We laughed, and laughed when we shared it with our Christmas Day guests. I write this because I own a small service business, and would be HORRIFIED if our clients were treated this way. I am happy to remove this if/when the owner addresses these issues. Great Food - Horrible Service
(1)
Danielle M.

tonight was our second visit and I meant to write them a nice review after the first (and forgot as I usually do when I get home) but after tonight I really had to make sure they got credit for our awesome experience! last time it was just me and my boyfriend for dinner and we were so pleasantly surprised by this place! like everyone says the inside is not what you see on the outside! so just trust all the yelpers and give this place a try! tonight we took my parents with us cause we just HAD to share the awesome food with someone! service is very friendly and they are very nice to offer suggestions if you aren't familiar with some of the dishes. fresh pasta is AMAZING! it really makes such a difference in a meal. I had Tortellini Aurora (cheese tortellini in a tomato cream sauce), boyfriend had eggplant parm, but my favorite dish at our table was the Paglia e Fieno - Hay & Straw (Green & white noodles, mushrooms, red peppers in cream sauce)! everything we had was great, but I am getting that when we go back! dessert was DELISH! we got the Raspberry Hazelnut Meringue Cake to share since we were all stuffed from our meals. (my Dad wants to order a full size cake of this for our next family gathering!) another cool thing is the market where you can buy their homemade pasta & other products from Italy which you wouldn't find in your local super market here.
(5)
Myaa V.

I have eaten at Pasta Plus for years but decided to finally write a review after going last night. My friend ordered the calamari, which was delicious. The breading was not too heavy, and the marina sauce is one of the best. For my meal, I had the pizza Michelino, and added black olives. It was my first time trying this pizza and I was not disappointed. It was light and fresh. In the past I have eaten the spaghetti with meatballs or without them. Both are quite delicious. The Fettuccine Amatriciana is another favorite of mine, due to my love of bacon. I have eaten most of the desserts on the menu, with the white chocolate mousse cake being a favorite. It is rich, but not too heavy and quite smooth. Pasta Plus is and always will be a favorite of mine!
(4)
Courtney F.

One of the truly unique restaurants in Laurel. You can tell that they make all their own pasta fresh unlike the chain Italian restaurants.
(3)
Anita W.

The wait was long for a table, but the pasta was good, just not worth a special trip. I won't go back, but if this were in my neighborhood, I'd be a regular.
(3)
Omid A.

The meal comes with bread and fresh salad. The fried calamari was good & I had the squid-ink pasta with seafood that tasted pretty fresh. I will be back!
(5)
Viv J.

I had the meatball sub and the tomato sauce, provolone cheese and meatballs were pretty good. The seating was tight and they could use some more room. However the bread was hard. It was freshly baked but just the crust was too hard for me. The service was pretty good. It is one of those restaurants that you can't go wrong if you select it but you can find better too.
(2)
Sqldbamd S.

This is one of the perfect place that you can find for a good dinner, the services was perfect, wine selection was perfect, waitress food recommendations was excellent , waiting time was decent.
(5)
Hansoo J.

Pasta Plus is located in an unassuming strip mall on route 1 in Laurel, 40 minutes south of baltimore's little italy. But don't let the location fool you. Pasta Plus has arguably the best italian food on the region. The dining room is small and quaint. Although it was packed with about 15 other tables, the noise remained at very comfortable level. The service very good and prompt. The server came by as soon as we were seated to take our drink orders and stopped by regularly throughout the dinner to refill water and clear plates. The gnocchi that I ordered was superb. Fluffy and light with a light yet flavorful meat sauce. My wife ordered the angel hair which was also excellent. All their pastas are made fresh daily it definitely showed. The noodles were dense and chewy with the right amount of elasticity. The sauces were simple, made with fresh ingredients. Despite the distance from Baltimore, this is definitely a place worthy of a return trip.
(5)
Yaofu Z.

I went a while ago. The outside is very misleading. The inside is so much nicer than outside. The waitress is very nice and plesant. We ordered a pizza and lagnasa, both outstanding. Definitely going back.
(5)
Janelle M.

We finally stopped in here after years of driving by the place. It's in a really dated strip mall, and is surrounded by dark windows with signs advertising leasing opportunities. I was seriously expecting shag carpet and wood-panelling on the walls. The first time we went, the main dining room was closed, and there were only a few tables on the market side. So...really cramped. I can see why people say that it's a tight squeeze. Make sure when you go, that the dining room is open, or that you have a reservation. The food is solid. It's not over-the-top-blow-your-mind, but it's Laurel. And for Laurel, this is about as good as you're going to get. Pasta Plus and CJ Ferarri's are our go-to's for Italian without a schlep to Baltimore or DC. Try one of their home-made pasta dishes. The fresh pasta is great. They have a decent wine selection, and it's not too overpriced.
(4)
Lew O.

The service was excellent but the food was mediocre. The prices are about 10% higher than they should be. I ordered the straw and hay pasta and was disappointed. The noodles were overcooked (I did order carryout) and the sauce was bland: it was milky but it should have been pungent. The pizza I ordered was too salty (Buon-Gustaia) and otherwise bland, whereas a better pizza would have had a tangier sauce or more interesting dough. Granted, the meats on the pizza are inherently salty, but at better pizzerias I've ordered similar pies without such an imbalanced flavor profile. I intend to revisit the place for a calzone to see how it tastes, but otherwise I don't have a reason to come back, though it looks like a nice place to dine in. For what it's worth, the staff was friendly, outgoing, and sincere.
(2)
Edward S.

Thanks to the beauty of Yelp, I had read some good reviews of this place and so the esteemed bride and I decided to go to see what all the fuss is about. First off, the place is smack in the middle of the oldest strip mall this side of Route 1. The place was probably hopping back in 1986 when that computer store was selling Pentium 286s or something. But since it is 2011, it looks like a Scooby Doo ghost town. So I will definitely forgive you if you fail to notice the swanky Pasta Plus. As soon as you enter, you are amazed because of how bad the outside looks, but it is a cozy and comfortable inside. The pizza oven is the first thing you will notice and I'm interested in going back to try some of the pizza. I will say this, the place is cramped, especially in the opening salon. My wife and I were seated at a table for 4, but looking around at the other tables of 4 made me realize, "thank God there are only 2 of us here." Talk about a tiny amount of room. I'm an Italian-American, I like to talk with my hands, but how can I do that when I'm clumped in there with all my other paisanos. The food was good, as I enjoyed my entree. It was flavorful and the marinara sauce was sweet and tangy and had just the right amount of spice. My BFF got the linguine with clam sauce, and I have to say, it was kinda boring. I've always said that the test of an Italian restaurant is their white wine sauce. Marinara is easy, white is hard. Most of the time it falls flat and this was the case. The clams were tasty and the pasta done perfectly, but blah. We will definitely go back, but I think the wife will branch out and try something based around a red sauce, or at least something that will inherently give more flavor to the white sauce. Otherwise, this place has my full support! Grande!
(4)
Raycal B.

Went here to purchase carry out the other day with my family and we got chicken parmesan, chicken fettucine alfredo and spaghetti. With it we each got a salad and bread. The bread looked really good but by the time I went to eat which was later on that evening it was hard so I didn't eat it. The chicken of my chicken parmesan was delicious and so was the sauce but there wasn't enough of it. My noodles were dry because of the lack of sauce on them and it's a shame because the sauce was absolutely delicious. My son's spaghetti was the same way, dry. I don't know why they were so stingy with the sauce but I like my pasta dishes to have a lot of sauce so next time I go back, I will ask for extra cause the sauce was the best tasting part. They also have wine for sale and other products too and on the other side from the carry out is the restaurant section where you can sit down and eat. I enjoyed it and I will eat there again.
(3)
S C.

If your looking for upscale stucky italian, not your place. If your looking for fresh past, fresh sauce and consistently good italian, this is the spot. Dont let the run down shopping center deter you. Service is usually good. Food is always Exactly what you remember from the visit before. Perfect! Try the gnocchi with the aurora sauce. Schungilli appetizer is wonderful. Note: The restaurant is closed on monday, but the cafe side is open( not reccomended, as waiter is always a 16 year old that doesnt care). And NO reservations taken, so there could be a wait.
(5)
Christine C.

We loved this place. This review will be just an addition to everyone elses reviews because it was wonderful and charming. It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you walk in, you are transported to a small village in Italy where the service is wonderful and menu is extensive. I had a Gnocchi Verde - spinach gnocchi (potato pasta) and it was wonderfully done in a white sauce with mushrooms, peas and all the right seasonings. Neil had a panini which looked absolutely marvelous.. they served bread and water with lunch. Service was great, atmosphere cozy and authentic, food delish. We will be back to his place!
(5)
Brad D.

For the price this is an excellent place. I've been going here for a long time. The timballo teramano and calzones really stand out in my memory but everything is quite good. The building is unpretentious and a bit cramped, so people who care about that element might be put off, but for me this is very secondary to good food and good prices.
(5)
Tony P.

I stopped by to pick up 2 pizza's for dinner. The service was prompt and the pizza's were ready when they said it would be. The wood-fired rustica pizza was good. The sun-dried tomato toppings and sausages were pretty good. The margherita was rather bland. It didn't have any noticeable basil at all. Overall an ok pizza. I'll have to come back and sample the restaurant offerings.
(3)
John S.

Their menu is so large that it leaves you feeling overwhelmed and a bit excited. I can be pretty indecisive at times, particularly with my food choices, so a menu this extensive frightens me. Maybe if they had included a table of contents or a glossary it could have eased my nerves a bit. Seriously though, a big menu may leave you concerned about the quality of each individual dish. It seems to reason that as you increase the amount of things you produce that you might overlook the quality of each individual dish. This is not the case at Pasta Plus. I have only been once, but my lunch mates had been quite a few times and assured me they had never had a single bad thing on the menu. Impressive. I ordered the Fettuccine Amatriciana, which has a tomato sauce with bacon an onions. The idea of adding bacon to an Italian dish was new to me and intriguing. It ended up being really good. I shouldn't be surprised though considering bacon makes anything good. Seriously, bacon does everything: breakfast, wrap it around a steak, crumble it up and put it on salad, deep fry it, shower in it's grease, whatever floats your boat. Hell, even other animals are pretending to be bacon. We see what you are trying to do turkey and we aren't falling for it. Moving on, I took one star back because our waitress pretty much sucked. You really have to be awful to earn a tip below 20% with me and she succeeded. Her attitude was pretty poor as she seemed annoyed that we asked her what the specials were. She never checked on us during our meal. Only came to refill my water after I was done my meal. She did not offer us dessert even though my friend wanted to have some. Anyway, this place is really good and the outside facade is really deceiving. It is worth checking out if you are into Italian food.
(4)
Aila S.

This place has quickly become my new restaurant obsession. I love pasta, so Pasta Plus is totally up my alley. The food is amazing, the wait staff are friendly, and the portion sizes are respectable. When I ordered the linguine with shrimp and calamari, I was pleased to see they are generous with the amount of seafood they serve. I also like that Pasta Plus has a casual atmosphere, so you can wear jeans and not worry about it feeling pretentious or stuffy. Also, the prices are reasonable (entrees seem to run between $12-$15 on average) and there are always delicious specials to try out. My only gripe is that sometimes it can take some time to actually get seated (20+ minutes), and it can feel a bit crowded during peak times. However, I am more than willing to overlook this for the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
(5)
Alan M.

Pasta Plus is the only place to get one of my top 10 dishes anywhere, the Timballo alla Teramano. It's been a favorite of mine since the mid '90's - homemade crepes with ground beef, mozarella and tomato sauce, almost like the most delicate lasagna ever. It's all I've ever ordered in maybe a dozen visits (that's a lot when you consider I live in Florida lol). And yes, you will be waaay underwhelmed when you drive up. Do not let that stop you, or you'll be missing an amazing meal.
(5)
Haley B.

My boyfriend and I went to Pasta Plus recently because I just moved here from Georgia and he had been talking about this great Italian place in Laurel. I enjoy how the restaurant is smaller and more quaint than most I have been in. There was a small wait. It took us about 15-20 minutes to be sat and we arrived at 6, right before the dinner rush. They do not accept reservations, so expect to wait for a table if you're going to dinner. Once we were sat, the gentleman(who I assume was the manager/owner on duty), pulled my chair out for me. Duly noted and greatly appreciated. Our server was pleasant and very helpful! Her name was Christin and I highly recommend her. One of my only complaints is that at first glance, the menu is extremely lenghty and overwhelming, especially for a newcomer. I had the linguine with mussels in a white wine sauce and a caesar salad and a dessert with chilled cream and fruit. Mine was wonderful. My boyfriend had a house salad with the house dressing and cheese tortellini and he ate every bite! The portions were huge. They also offer you coffee or cappucino at the end of your meal, which I enjoyed. I will definitely be returning!
(4)
Leon W.

My wife and I went back for dinner last night. Reluctantly, I ordered the seafood platter again. Much to my delight, my previous objection to the scallops had been corrected. The dish was very good. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Barbara T.

way overrated , the pasta yuck when its take out it really is horrible IT is so hard and rubber like ordered the linguinie with vegetables that had no flavor whatsoever, so the day after I added some speg sauce but still nothing good and i have not eaten it in dining room , had one meal in dining think fish and it was okay
(1)
Brian D.

I work in Laurel and recently we did lunch time take out from here. I got the Agnolotti alla Panna. It was very tasty, perfect for a cold damp day. It came with a big but basic iceberg salad with the house dressing on the side and a good crusty roll.
(4)
Jeremy S.

If there is better Italian anywhere within 50 miles I don't know about it. The service has also been top notch. I have been to plenty $40+ a plate restaurants and this place tastes that good while being pretty reasonably priced.
(5)
Beth S.

My Mom and I visited here this past summer, and the server had such a stick up his butt, he could barely bring himself to speak to us. Not sure if you think it's beneath you, but if you don't want to serve people, get another job. The table was so small I thought our drinks would fall off. The food was just okay, but we were both so bugged by the awful service that it was hard to concentrate on the food. Seriously, there are enough places in Laurel that are worth going to, just save your money and go somewhere else.
(1)
L L.

We have ordered takeout about 8 times over the past year. At first this place was great. The past 4 times the quality was lacking. everything was extremely salty. About a month ago my veal was rancid. We won't be back.
(2)
Karen A.

Pasta Plus is a prime example of the idiom, "don't judge a book by its cover." My boyfriend brought me here when we first started dating and I really started questioning his taste in dining when I saw this place. I was worried... the dumpy strip-mall storefront and the name alone made "Olive Garden" look good. How wrong I was! We've been together over 5 years now so you know this place must have made a good impression ;) This cozy little restaurant offers delicious pasta dishes. The calamari, bolognese, pumpkin ravioli, and lobster fra diavolo are all delicious (the latter two are seasonal/specials- get them if they offer them!) The zabaglione (custard with seasonal fruit) is my favorite dessert, if you don't see it on the menu ask for it anyway! They usually do have it and it's divine. The pizza is supposed to be fantastic here, but I have yet to try it. They don't take reservations here, so occasionally there's a wait. It's honestly not that bad... we came on New Years Eve once and they were very efficient in getting everyone a table as quickly as possible. It would be nice to have a bar area to enjoy a glass of wine during the wait, but there really isn't any room for that. The food's so good it's worth the wait!
(5)
Keyshaun S.

Very pleasant surprise. Authentic, good Italian food with a nice array of desserts to match.
(4)
David B.

This place wasn't that nice. Floor was dirty, food was mediocre, and the service was just meh. If this is one of the best Laurel has to offer, people who live in Laurel are screwed.
(2)
Arthur F.

There's a reason this place always wins top DC/MD/VA Italian restaurant. From it's hand made pasta to pizza dough it's delicious and as good as the reviews indicate. Don't be turned off by it's dumpy exterior or neighborhood, this place is worth the trip.
(5)
A T.

Every once in a while a bad thing happens at a good place. There's no reason to post a bad review over a misunderstanding. Many diners pay the bill by credit or debit and tip in cash. I expect that's the reason for the problem the recent diner experienced. If you are not paying for your parents meal, and they are not paying for yours (odd either way) perhaps you should ask for separate checks. Food is great, service is friendly.
(5)
Monica C.

What I ordered: Ravioli Burro What I thought: Hit the spot for a buttery Italian American pasta dish. Rich, warm and comforting. Wasn't anything that was mind blowing, but a familiar texture and taste sensation was all I needed. Why you would go: This is the place in town for a quiet and slow Italian American meal. Why I would return: It's got really decent pasta.
(3)
The G F.

I have given this restaurant a 3 solely because the food is great! However they really should brush up on their customer service.
(3)
pseudo n.

Similar to other reviewers, I see Pasta Plus as a solid, no drama lunch choice. The menu is diverse, the food is well priced, the service is pretty good, and I've always liked the selections I've chosen. We do a number of farewell lunches here for work and they are always able to accommodate 12-15 folks with no issues. Plenty of places simply can't handle that properly.
(4)
Sue H.

I have been going to this wonderful Italian restaurant since the year it opened. It is topnotch in all respects. But beware -- the restaurant is closed on Monday.
(5)
Jenny H.

Food was fantastic! Traveled to Baltimore for vacation and went here for dinner. It looks like a run down strip mall on the outside, but once you are inside it is great! The only problem is that it seems to be overcrowded inside. I was with my boyfriend only and we got a small table for two in the corner, and didn't have enough room on the table for our food. We weren't finished with our appetizers when the dinner came out and had to have them take it away so we had room for our dinner plates. Otherwise it was a great experience! They even had a bowl of parmesan cheese on the table for you to spoon out as much as you want onto your dish, that was a big plus for me.
(4)
Tim Z.

This place may not look like much from the outside, but the pasta is great. The sauces are excellent. The service good.
(5)
Dianna C.

I've been waiting to go to this spot for over a year. I live in DC and rarely visit Laurel. Well, it surely didnt live up to expectations. I ordered veal marsala and margarita pizza - TO GO - and it was very average. The veal lacked marsala and the pizza dough was average. I"ll give it another try to live up to the reviews and eat IN versus ordering out. More to come...
(2)
Pearl P.

if this place was closer to home, i'd carry out from there once a week. Linguine with Mussels (Red) + appetizer Cozze - Mussels (Red) = a fabulous meal for two. when ordering dishes w/ a choice of wine/white or marina/red, go w/ the marinara... it's definitely their strength! their fresh made pasta is the best I've ever had.
(5)
Jorge J.

i hate this place. it stinked when i walked in. i got sat in the worst place of the restaurant. a very small room with lots of chairs crowded. i am claustrophobic amd hate tight spaces. i cudnt breathe it was hot too no ceiling fans no windows i just ledt. i got a pizza to go it was alright nothing speacial. i got calamari too it was good. im never coming back here thoufh. the environment overrall is borinf and depressing.
(1)
Madison M.

I just want to let people know that this is a small family establishment that crafts wonderful fresh made pastas,rustic pizzas, special dishes and desserts. Just reading some reviews I feel I have to defend my favorite Italian restaurant. The sauce IS fresh made, the bread is fresh made, the house dressing, deserts, well really everything! AND it is flavorful and fantastic! As far as too perfect lasagna.. really? When I make lasagna it is perfect and being a restaurant where they make lots of lasagna I would expect it to be perfect if not there would be something amiss! As far as a bug, well there are bugs in everything! We share our planet with bugs and all sorts of animals. I am sure everyone realizes that even the FDA allows a certain amount of insect parts in food, look into peanut butter(more bug parts there then you would expect!) because...it cannot be helped! They offered you more bread which was the thing that you found a bug in why would they pay your whole check because a bug happened to crawl in? This is a place that is a hidden gem and has been going strong for over thirty years. I have gone there many times through the decades and always had a superb experience with friendly servers, attentive service and I have always had a wonderful dish that exceeded my expectations! This is a focus on good, simple, hand crafted authentic Central and Northern Italian food. I would chose this restaurant without even a slight hesitation over Olive Garden any day! The seasonal specials are wonderful, heck even the fresh side of veggies with your entree are amazing! If you have yet to try this take a journey, you will be happy! And when you are a regular it is like visiting family except no doing dishes or clean up involved!
(5)
Niket R.

I dined solo here about a year back and ordered the appetizer foccacia pizza. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. The crust was very crispy and buttery; a side of very flavorful marinara was provided at no additional charge. I haven't tried any of the pastas or other entrees, but judging from the reviews of others, they're likely to be equally fabulous. Don't let the location and exterior of the place fool you; Pasta Plus definitely caters to the more discerning diner.
(5)
Toni F.

This is a favorite lunch destination in our office, and we make a pilgrimage whenever we feel like carbo loading. It's pretty dismal from the outside in a strip mall next to the carcass of a computer store, but once you're inside, it's a different story. The space is homey and cozy, with paper topped tables. It's slightly cramped and it can get crowded, so we usually get there by 11:30am to ensure enough time for a relaxed meal. The complimentary Italian bread comes out warm with a crisp, light crust and soft interior perfect for soaking up olive oil and balsalmic. Pizzas are fantastic with fire blistered dough, and plentiful toppings. The pasta is housemade, silky and toothsome, never overcooked. Stick to the tomato sauce based dishes for the best experience. Last week I ordered fettucine with goat cheese, peas and mushrooms and was sorely disappointed in the greasy and flavorless mess. I definitely learned my lesson and was enviously eyeing up my coworker's lasagna the whole time! For the quality of the food, I can't believe what a great deal this place is. The portion sizes are huge, and I always leave with enough for another meal! Top faves: their house salad dressing, fettuccine amatriciana (bacon and onion/tomato sauce), eggplant parmesan, raspberry hazelnut meringue cake
(4)
Abigail M.

I have been dying to write a review on this place for awhile but didn't know Yelp existed until today. I need to share my experience at this place. I recently went to this restaurant when visiting my friend Beth in Laurel. When I asked of the best food place to go in the area she said this place without hesitation. I went here with my friend Twila that came up from D.C. From the minute we got there we should have known something was up. We were seated and the waiter brought out bread and butter. As we were chatting it up I notice the expression on Twila's face goes from giddy to seeing each other for the first time in two years, to absolutely white with horror. She stopped eating and spit out the bread onto her plate. When I asked her what the problem was she just pointed to our basket with only a piece and a half of bread in it. When I turned the basket around there was a huge fully adult freshly dead cockroach laying in the basket. This is where the story goes from bad to worse. Needless to say we were horrified by this for multiple reasons. 1) It was dead smack in the middle of the basket, which means whoever put the bread in HAD to see it before putting it in because of how large and in the open it was. They put the bread in and served it anyway. 2) It was freshly dead. I only know this because of my entomology background I have. 3) The way that the manager reacted. I immediately flagged down the waiter and pointed to the dead roach. The waiter, not even flinching at it, responds with "so, do you just want new bread?" He also tries to take the basket away, but I grabbed it before it he could. Horrified and shocked at the response I demanded the manager. The manager comes over and I showed him the roach in the basket. Now ... one would think that if you owned an establishment and a customer found a roach in their food they would be horrified, not charge us for our food, offer free desserts, or at least in the VERY least give us our food for free. But alas ... no ... when the Godfather (no really, he looked like the Godfather to me) finally came over to our table and I showed him the roach he also didn't flinch. In fact, he then looks at me and goes "so are you going to eat your dinners or not?" I was shocked. When I further replied with "excuse me?" He responds again, "Well, are you going to eat your meals? If you don't want to you can just pay at the register and leave." My jaw hit the floor. Mostly for one reason. With the way the manager acted, he wasn't shocked or horrified at this roach discovery. This tells me that this has happened before multiple times. Especially for him to insinuate that we should eat our food and pay for it anyway. When I told him we were not only NOT eating the food but he has a lot of nerve asking us to pay for our $15 meals. He then acted annoyed with us and became very rude that we were going to leave without paying ... all the while this dead roach is laying dead in the basket in front of everybody. I then asked him how he expected us eat the food in front of us when we don't know if a roach was in any of the food we were served. The manager responded "if there is another roach in your food just send it back for a new one." Needless to say, we walked out immediately. I want to warn everybody else. When I came home and told my friend Beth of the situation she was embarrassed and horrified because she really thought it was one of the best places around. She also was angry how the manager treated us. She ended up going back to take it up with the manager who expressed the same "who cares it's a bug" attitude towards her as well. I would advise any of you are thinking about going here to STAY AWAY!!!
(1)
Arthur K.

It's no-frills Italian dining. Fresh housemade pasta differentiates Pasta Plus from the myriad of other Italian options you'll find in suburban DC. The place is a bit hard to find. But depending on which direction on Route 1 you're coming from - it's right where the road splits into two (or joins together) and the shopping center is actually between the northbound and southbound lanes. There's an Arby's there. The pasta is made in-house. If you haven't ever had fresh pasta you need to try it! It's a world of difference. The pasta is soft, chewier yet still maintains that al dente texture. This particular occasion I ordered the Linguine Frutti di Mare with white whine sauce. The plate comes with tons of seafood. I was even questioning if there was TOO much seafood on the plate. Which there might be. But then I thought, why would I complain about that? I was stuffed after finishing the plate and very happy. The dining area is just slightly cramped. We arrived right before the dinner rush around 6 on Friday and were seated immediately. By the time we finished our meal around 7 there was a long line of patrons waiting for tables. By the way, no reservations here. Service was good. 3.5 Stars
(3)
Danny S.

While back east a friend and I were looking for some good Itailin food. We read some reviews of Past Plus and decided to give it a try. It is located in a little strip mall and had a short line. It is not a fancy place, but cozy. I found the food to have no flavor. No garlic bread to be found. The pasta seemed to have a very bland tomato sauce. Again...no garlic or spices. The service was very slow which added to my disapointment when the food finally arrived. I see many seem to like Pasta Plus...I am not one of them.
(2)
Bobbi B.

If you can get past the utterly depressing and deserted look of the downright ugly strip mall that houses Pasta Plus (and trust me, this is not an exaggeration - not only is it hard to find but the first time I ever went here I pulled into the parking lot and got confused because it looks as if the entire shopping plaza went defunct years ago), the interior is slightly more bearable. I do understand why this place tends to get decent reviews, though. As compared with most other options in the Laurel area, it shines. That said, Pasta Plus is mostly overrated. Tip: unless you happen to like chomping down on whole cloves of garlic, which is apparently PP's interpretation of a garlic topping on pizza, you may want to avoid that particular option. In fact, for the most part I find their pies greasy and the cheese thick and odd and chewy. Which could actually make their pizza the perfect hangover food....but you'd still have to be drunk to really enjoy it.
(2)
Daimon G.

local favorite. You would never notice this place exist here unless you live In the area. Excellent food and service.the line cam go out the door on weekends so call in advance.
(4)
Carl T.

This is delicious Italian food. It's very authentic. The bread is homemade and tastes great.
(5)
Maile K.

What a surprise! Some of the best pizza I have ever had, delicious lasagna, fresh bread and great hand made pasta. The area isn't GREAT but it also isn't as bad as some people have noted. It is a bit depressing but it's always packed! If you're in the area - it's worth trying but it's definitely out of the away if you live in DC.
(4)
Nick G.

Starting at the front door, you get a bad impression. They don't take reservations - or even names at the door - so you can wait for 5-15 minutes before someone even asks you how many are in your party. The seating is cramped - the small dining room we were in seemed like it would exceed fire code if they filled all the tables. The food was pretty good - no better than Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill, but OK. The wine was overpriced; we paid $7 a glass for sparkling wine I know couldn't have been more than $16 a bottle. Another review mentioned the crepoline, and my girlfriend got that and enjoyed it. She also got the tiramisu, and said it was somewhat bland, and tasted bought in. Overall, I don't know that I'd choose this over Macaroni Grill.
(2)
Benjamin B.

The food was simply ok. Nothing special, but not terrible. The service, however, was bad. The waiter was brusque and acted as though he really had much better places to be. Ridiculous. Avoid.
(2)
V B.

Great homemade Italian. Recommend frutti del mar seafood dish with white wine sauce, pizza, and chocolate eclairs. Service can be slow when they're busy but worth the wait.
(4)
Sam J.

Naturally, the pasta is really good! Try their appetizers My favorite thing of all is the calzone. Unbelievable quality and quantity, for a really reasonable price!
(4)
Jason S.

Awesome place for some eye-talian cuisine. Everything from the bread (esp. the bread) to the homemade pasta was fresh. I had the pollo cacciatore (sp?) and it was a good balance of ingredients, and the sauce was nice and chunky... not like other american/italian franchises where its too soupy. They've got a pretty decent wine list for you wine-o's out there. We had Leonardo as our server and he was very polity and attentive to our needs. An old school PG county resident we had in our party said he's been working there since '82... he know's his stuff. He also had a sense of humor. Warning to those going in a large party... they only accept up to 2 credit cards per check. That area of Laurel is also pretty shady... but make sure to fill up on gas cause it's pretty cheap!
(4)
P S.

Just like most people said - looks like crap from outside. However, inside is a different story. Went with 4 people for lunch. All first timers, everyone loved it. I ordered the terembalo (sp?) and it was really good. The marinara sauce had a really flavorful tanginess/tart taste. Also ordered the pizza to try, wasn't that good. Would stay away. The pasta dishes were authentic, hand made, and blows away most other places I've eaten at.
(5)
Chris J.

Keeping the location, pricing and menu in mind. This place def. deserves 5 stars. From the looks of it, place looks like 2/5 stars but inside its much different. White tablecloths, brick, large Italian men and wine all create the perfect atmosphere. The food isn't spectacular but for the price and location and what you actually get it's perfect. Water was filled many times throughout the meal +1, the waiter made a few clever jokes +1, they have mint toothpicks +1. Parking lot has seen much better days and depending on the time of day the traffic is crap. I will go back as soon as I want Italian.
(5)
Nan G.

Geez how long have I lived in this area? And how many times have I passed by Pasta Plus? Too many to count. I've always heard nothing but great things about PP so I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. What a great Italian Restaurant. The outside is somewhat deceiving as it's set in a small strip. The pizza is so delicious and fresh tasting. The Alfredo sauce for their pasta is creamy and good. PP was able to accommodate 28 of us recently for my father's b-day celebration. They put us in the back room and the service was spot-on and attentive. The food kept coming. Chicken cacciatore tasted just like my Italian Aunt's- so flavorful and yummy. The Manicotti was not to be missed either. Now that I finally got to experience Pasta Plus I look forward to my next trip.
(5)
Deb L.

I'm becoming fast convinced that the best Italian restaurants in the area look like hole in the wall dumps from the outside. From the outside, Pasta Plus doesn't look like much and is located in a pretty sad looking strip mall that has seen better days. Also, the name is less than appealing. But walk inside and it's a whole other world! Pasta Plus is a stories above fake-Italian places like Olive Garden and Mama Lucia's. The food is authentically delicious and has that unique taste that can only be found in freshly made pasta and sauce. I love the gnocchi and could happily eat it every day if my wallet (and waistline) would allow it. But no matter what you order, always save room for dessert. Their custard is simply divine, as is their mousse, and their gelato... Okay, it's all good. They don't take reservations so if you need your Pasta Plus fix, make sure you get their early on the weekends for dinner.
(4)
JK N.

Been twice as we thought the first time after hearing such rave reviews maybe it was an off night for dinner but lunch was not any better. The dinner for 5 people was crowded and uncomfortable and the orders the waiter delivered was wrong. Even after trying to correct we gave up. And we don't do special - meaning we ordered exactly off the menu no changes yet we didn't get what we ordered. Then the check overpriced as the food was not quality don't know what people are raving bout. We have had much better at Squistos, Carrabbas, and Carmine's. I am not even gonna mention that we are used to the real thing after living in Europe for 8 years (thank you military, Go Army!). Oh and the lunch lets see he seated 3 other couples before us who had the same number in their party till finally I spoke up and said um you missed us - which is pretty incredible considering their foyer is the size of a NYC bathroom!!! (Also the people had to trip over us to be seated) then the waiter swipes someone's else's menu before they had ordered and the people asked if they could get the menus back and then he didn't take our drink order even after standing then sitting for 45mins (family member takes meds with meals) and I had to reach over to the cupboard to get them a glass of water!! There was more to this disastrous experience but I will end there. Except to say we eat out with family and extended family 5 nights a week most of the year - they will not be getting any of our business or families/friends!!!!!!
(2)
Angela M.

If you want authentic Italian food with no frills- give Pasta Plus a try. Growing up my family went to Marie Monte in Freestate Mall in Bowie on a regular basis. It was wonderful. They're closed now. The owners of Marie Monte and Pasta Plus are brothers. Now they run pasta Plus together. Pasta Plus has now become one of our all-time fav. local restaurants. Yes, its in a dumpy rundown strip mall in Laurel. But, that's how they can keep their prices down. I never end up spending more than $10-15 on a dish (not to say they don't have pricier ones). I can spend more down the street at crapola Olive Garden. If you think Olive garden is Italian and tastes yummy, then by all means steer clear of Pasta Plus b/c you will probably be disappointed with the wait, lack of fake Italian pillars inside, etc. But, if you appreciate simple Italian food, good service, good prices and family-owned businesses- check this place out. They have this awesome dessert there, it's a cake-ish thing raspberries inside/on top... it's delicious (forget the name, sorry). Try some of their specials- they tend to be very good. They also give you bread, in case you're a carb lover like me. When trying to get there take Route 1 south (if you see Laurel Mall on your right, you've gone too far), turn left into this strip mall (I think Baskin' Robins used to be in there) after the car dealerships & Boston Market, but right before the 198 turn. Their deli is also stacked with Italian grocery-type things if that interests you. Note: they don't take reservations, they don't even have a waiting list. You stand in line behind everyone else. Don't be that jack-a** who tries to squeeze to the front to put your name on the list and then throw a fit about the wait (at least 30 min on a Fri./Sat. is not uncommon). There are no chairs, you just stand in the small entryway. Like I said before, it's worth it and if they were to move elsewhere that's more comfortable they'd have to charge more for sure. Check it out- you might be surprised. I'm sure you will be. People travel far & wide to go to Pasta Plus.
(5)
Cinnamon S.

Give it a 3, because I can't give it a 3.5. But would give it a 4.5 compared to other Laurel restaurants. Have been a regular for about 22 years. And I think the decor hasn't been updated in twice that time. But the owners are nice people, and are very loyal to their customers. It is basic, home-style place with a few great gems. I like the pizza. Although expensive, it makes a great takeout. Much better option than anywhere within a 20 min drive. They have an organic salad which is nice in a pinch with their house dressing. Crespolines, Lasagna Verde, and Tortellini Aurora are often on my Go-To item list. It's worth a try. Take a friend when you have that Italian craving.
(3)
Jay C.

This place is the bomb diggity! Expect a line, and a wait, and its worth it. Alfredo sauce is so good I could eat it with shoelaces. The Margarita pizza is a must have as well.
(5)
Mark O.

I DROOL AT THE THOUGHT OF THIS PLACE!! After several years of driving by this place and thinking, "What a dump!", I was invited by a friend to attend Pasta Plus's Spring Wine dinner. This was a multi-course affair with wine selected by the sommelier to accompany each course. Well, I was blown away after this experience. Each course was incredibly well prepared, including a Fettucini with Duck Ragu which had my eyes rolling back in my head. So, after this mind-expanding first taste, I decided to return on a regular day to see how things were. I went there today for lunch and sat on the "market" side. Ordered a simple Spaghetti with Sausage. Meal began with freshly baked bread, hot out of their very own brick oven. The bread had a crackling, crisp crust which broke to reveal a warm, pillowy interior just perfect for sopping up the lovely olive oil it was served with. Next was a green salad which was launched from mediocrity by a extremely tasty house-made vinaigrette. Then came the spaghetti... O M G First of all, they make their pastas fresh and, I believe, to-order. One taste of this, and I don't know if I can go back to my dried spaghetti out of the box. The sauce: WTF?!?! When did it suddenly become August with fresh tomatoes dropping off the vines?? Seriously, this simple tomato sauce tasted so fresh, just as fresh as the ones I could make in summer time with the wonderful tomatoes from the farmer's market. just the right amount of garlic and the perfume of good olive oil. This was all topped off by a juicy, full flavored, sweet Italian sausage. I'd rate this up there as one of the best Italian meals I've ever had outside of Italy.
(5)
Jennifer D.

Pasta Plus is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in a long time. Granted, I was a bit skeptical before dining there given the name (I mean, come on, "Pasta Plus"?), but everything was so wonderful that we were back there again for dinner 6 days later. The staff is so friendly and the meal makes you feel like you're anywhere but in a restaurant behind a giant light-up Arby's sign. Be prepared for a long wait if you come on a weekend evening (we waited in a line that went out of the restaurant and down the sidewalk of the shopping plaza). My one tip: Make sure you save room for dessert because the desserts at Pasta Plus will truly knock your socks off.
(5)
Kristin S.

I love Pasta Plus. Love love. My husband and I have been there several times since moving to Laurel last summer, and we order out pizza way more than we should from this joint - the food is consistently amazing. The strip mall setting is a turnoff, but you eat inside so whatever. The inside is lackluster, but not awful. There can be a wait (no reservations), but it's worth it for homemade pasta and wood-fired, actual pizza (if you're used to Pizza Hut, Ledos, or any other pizza-ish chain, this will blow your mind - it's how pizza is supposed to be to this former NJ resident). Also, get a cannoli. The host (I presume the owner) always comes by to make sure everything's alright, they have a little market attached to the restaurant, they do cheap carafes of wine. It's awesome. Love. *Edit: 5/20/11: Still love this place. Even with Salute in town, this is my go-to amazing Italian restaurant. The food is worth it.
(5)
Alice K.

I was introduced to this place a while back and love it! Definitely authentic Italian food (they know that you can't just put marinara sauce on EVERYTHING) with a wide selection of entree, deserts, wine, and appetizers. The highlight of the place for me is their wonderful flavoring of the sauces and the wide variety of wines! The waiters and waitresses know what they're talking about and can even help with your wine pairings. The outside looks a bit run down but the inside is a thriving restaurant! It has more of a traditional family restaurant to it so you can bring you family to it with no problems. The owner of the place also hosts yearly trips to Italy as a tour so that's something unique! They are also active in helping out the community as they have held many fundraisers in the restaurant. Their mussels special is always a delight and when it's available, you can see that everyone gets it. Their seafood is also quite fresh. Moderately priced and authentic, love it!
(4)
Cam W.

Great, consistent food. The decor isn't much.
(5)
John M.

Stopped by for the first time this past Saturday and was pretty impressed. The atmosphere is low key and unpretentious, with gentle pricing to match. Food quality is very, very good, and this is one restaurant that knows its limitations. The kitchen doesn't set out to provide a 3 star, gourmet experience, relying on well made Italian comfort food made from fresh, unfussy ingredients. Both my dining partner and I enjoyed our veal dishes (they had 6 different veal dishes on this day), and the antipasta was fresh and delicious. The only real detraction I can think of for this place is the wine list (decent, but not very large - the on-line list is very misleading as most reserve items are long gone), and it's popularity. We arrived at 4:50 and there were already some 20 people waiting in line in front of us (the restaurant opens at 5:00 and they do not take reservations). What can I say? This is a very solid Italian eatery! Edit from 11/2/11. After our experience back in May, I sent the restaurant an email about our dining experience (positive), and our disapppointment over the on-line reserve wine list. This is the reponse I received: "We are very happy to hear you enjoyed your first visit to Pasta Plus. Thank you very much for letting us know about the online wine menu. We are working on resolving this problem as soon as possible." Apparently it must be more difficult than I realized to update one's on-line menu. It's now been nearly 5 months since I received the response above and the website still lists a reserve list that is a complete fabrication. Oh well... Now nearly a year and the website still hasn't been updated. Why bother to even have a website if the information on there is never current?
(4)
J. K.

I tried this place while traveling through town, based on reviews from Yelp. It was truly awesome! Once you get inside, it's a wonderful atmosphere...not too fancy, simple yet classy. Definitely a must try...not at all your typical chain italian restaurant!
(5)
Su K.

Pasta Plus, I give you a big fat minus. You may misconstrue those 2 stars as being of the gold variety, but trust me, they are poopy yellow. I came here last night w/ my family and my brother-in-law and we were all...wait for it...yup, that magical Yelp word that so many reviewers seem to use....yup, you guessed it....underwhelmed. The pizza and calzone were good and I was told the cold cuts are good...but based on their name, I expected more from their pasta. Location - Let's start w/ the location (see pics). The three signboards collectively make up Pasta Plus - which has a SMALL market area (is it ok to emphasize small by using ALL CAPS?), a SMALL area for carry-out and a dining area. If you looked at it from the outside, you'd think that entire strip were closed and waiting to be boarded up - save for the small OPEN sign behind the tinted glass. Many Yelpers note the wait on the weekends - we went on a Monday night at 8p.m. and had no wait for a table for 6. The dining area is cozy...forget it! Let's call it what it is: CRAMPED! We dined in a separate section near the market (maybe b/c we had a stroller) but I checked out the dining area and the tables are pretty close together. They also have this creepy statue of a chef at the entrance. So the exterior is craptacular, unless you like the rundown strip mall look and Arby's, and the interior isn't that much better. Does the food make up for it? Food - Started w/ the french bread (free) and the calamari ($8.95). The calamari portion was rather small, especially compared w/ Red Sky just down the street, but the batter was crisp and the squid delicious. The tomato sauce it was served w/ however, was salty. The salads were of the iceberg variety - at least throw a couple pieces of romaine in there. The creamy Italian was ok and for the oil & vinegar, they bring out a bottle of balsamic vinegar to go along w/ the olive oil already at your table and you mix it yourself. We ordered 6 dishes: Frutti de mare ($21.95) - seafood was very small Pizza Contadina ($9.95) - pesto + sundried tomatoes = YUM! Olives were SALTY! Linguine w/ mussels & red sauce - small mussels, a few were rotten Calzone vesuvio ($9.95) - AMAZING! This sucker is enormous (see pic). The crust was delightfully crisp and the filling was delectable. Ask for the tomato sauce on the side as it makes the calzone soggy as you get through it. Linguine w/ clam & white sauce ($14.95) - sauce was good Fettucine alfredo ($11.95) + 2 meatballs ($3) - the sauce was Olive Garden-esque, which is good for an endless pasta bowl, not so good for $12. Tiramisu ($4.95) - too creamy. Maggiano's is better Dark chocolate ganoche ($4.95) - not too shabby. The ganoche was good but the cake part was dry. Overall, the noodles were perfectly al dente and chewy but as you got through the meal they became bloated. Some people may like this place purely based on the noodles, but the sauce & the meats make the dish for me. The tomato sauce is rather bland and not very good. The white sauce is tasty but you could easily make it at home. The seafood was very small - it made the frutti de mare at Waterside look like a world-class dish - and some of it wasn't very fresh. The pizza was almost really good but the olives were gross - and I love olives. The calzone was oddly enough the best dish. Personally, I'd recommend 3 Bros or Mamma Lucia's - their pasta isn't homemade, but their sauces are MUCH better. Service - Friendly and somewhat attentive. I would've given this place 3 stars after my first visit based on the pasta alone despite the long wait (went on a Sunday) and the mediocre sauces, but after last night, I think it's a 2-star location based on the sauces, location, and long waits - w/ no reservations. Go on a Monday or Tuesday if you want to try their pasta or like Patrick H. suggested, I'd recommend the pizza.
(2)
Sharon W.

We happened to be near Pasta Plus and decided to stop for dinner. We were 15 minutes before opening and by the time they did open there was a long line waiting to be seated. I don't think I would wait for a seat as the food is pretty good but it is cramped. My main complaint though was our 5 year-old granddaughter was with us and she didn't want anything on the very mundane child's menu so we decided to order a rather expensive appetizer, my husband's entree, and she and I would split a shrimp dish. The waitress, rather embarrassedly, told us there was a shared dish charge (7 or 8$) and at her suggestion we went ahead and ordered a child's meal to take home since it was the same price as the charge would have been. I did get a chance to talk to the manager and point out that some children want more sophisticated food than on the kid's menu and he said to talk to him next time we were there. I felt that with the appetizer, 2 entrees, and a couple of glasses of wine the shared dish charge was over-kill in our case. I can understand if people come in eat a ton of bread, drink water and then share an entree but that wasn't our case. I'm just glad I'm not a restaurant manager!
(3)
Patrick H.

The Washington Post put out a fun little article about a week back describing 5 places to get a quality Pizza that rivals the pies of Pizzaria Paradiso and 2 Amys, without the lines or screaming children. We have been a fan of Pasta Plus for years, and if you have never been to this unsuspecting location (See some of the other Yelps about this) for their traditional Italian fare, then you are missing a real treat. For the life of me, I can't explain it, but we have never had their pizza before, always content to mine the endless selection of exquisite housemade pasta. So chalk one up for the Post, because Pasta Plus "made it into their five" and I was "in the mood" last night so we decided to give them a whirl. They certainly did not disappoint. I had the Contadina, a nice 12 inch pie smathered with housemade pesto, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. My dining companion had the Garden pizza which has roasted eggplant, broccoli, zuchini and a simple pomodoro sauce. The pies have a great crust, chewy and bubbly just the way I like them, and the flavors of the pizza are divine. Is it just as good as 2Amy's or Paradiso... well, that may be something of a stretch, but they are pretty darn close! Pizza's been a major hit since the article in the post and with only one small wood-burning oven, you may have to wait a little, but no bother. Salads and apps here are great and don't fill up on the whole loaf of housemade Italian bread because, believe me, you'll be tempted to. p.s. They do have a carry-out market adjacent to the restaurant and yes, pizza is on the menu!
(5)
Jon M.

Best (consistent) Italian food I have had in America. Yes, in Laurel, in a strip mall. This restaurant has never let me down. I have never had anything that has been less than delicious, and while it's no frills you can tell that it's family-run and with attention to the small details that matter. It's not a people-watching scene, and it's not fancy. And, again, it's in a Laurel strip mall. But it's everything a dependable, good, home-made local restaurant should be. Just don't tell too many of your friends.
(5)
Clint S.

Love Pasta Plus. I actually like the take out a little better. The sauce is awesome and actually their pizza is often overlooked.
(4)
Andrew M.

DON'T let the unremarkable name and nondescript strip-mall location fool you, this is easily one of the best Italian restaurants in the DC area. The restaurant was founded by two brothers from Tuscany years ago, and it is all about the food here . This is one of those places everyone is looking for, the kind of place that isn't super expensive, isn't all flash and fancypants. Pasta Plus keeps it _real_, and this is as good as Italian food gets in my opinion. This is no frills, simple yet delicious food with just the right mix of fresh ingredients (the wait staff is excellent, as well). Some tips: When given a choice, always go with tomato dishes. The eggplant parmagiana is one of the best I have ever had. Sometimes the fancy specials are good - I had a stuffed chicken dish there last time that was amazing - but not as consistently great as the tomato sauce staples. Best Dishes: *** Eggplant Parmagiana - Bruschetta Pomodoro - Mozzarella Caprese - Fettucine Alfredo - Manicotti Caprese
(5)
Nicole G.

Macaroni Grill you say?? Family run restaurant compared to a chain that squeezes food out of pseudo zip lock bags and then microwaves it? You may have sensed I am a Pasta Plus fan. I love the fact that we don't have to worry about reservations, can strike up conversation with those waiting in line and get a slight smile and nod as one of the owners acknowledges your party. Most of the dishes are excellent, the whole red snapper in white wine butter sauce anyone? Some miss the mark, but that is not a usual occurrence. Pizza is great, no cloying sauce and cheese overload. The bread is fantastic, as is the zabaione. The service is top notch and usually the specials have something for everyone. It's in our usual rotation and we enjoy the experience every time.
(4)
Eric D.

If you go here once, plan on many return trips. Homemade pasta, sauces, fresh ingredients, friendly waitstaff, owner always says hello and has a smile... great place all the way around. I have never had a bad dish here... it's always amazing! Try it, you won't regret it! My wife and I drive 15 miles to get there! :D
(5)
Patrick C.

Great pasta, great sauce. I had a mussels and pasta dish and the mussels did not really blow me away. They had very little taste, but again, the pasta and sauce were really good. My wife's sausage and broccoli rabe were very good. Price was just right.
(3)
Stephanie G.

Now, first I'm going to say - if you're eating in prime time here, EXPECT A WAIT. It's the best italian food for quite a distance and the locals know it. Having said that, and agreeing with what other yelpers said about the location, I still have to say that it's the best wood-fired pizza around. Most of the time, I do carry-out from the market-side...but every once in a while have stayed for my entire meal. I love the lasagna and did I say the pizza is FABULOUS! Thin, crispy crust (which as a former new yorker i love) - with pancetta and fresh mozz.... YUM! Now, don't go having dessert here. I've never tasted anything i liked on that front - and most of the desserts are not made in house from what I gather.
(4)
Samira G.

the food here is amazing! don't let the location and/or name fool you. i've never been to Italy. i imagine this is pretty authentic. much better than anything you could find at olive garden.
(5)
Kelly J.

I would come here again but there was nothing that screamed this place was amazing. The creamy Italian dressing they put on the salad is delicious and the chicken I ordered was so juicy! The tomato sauce itself reminded me of the canned tomato paste but thankfully since I ordered the item with hot peppers it spiced it up and actually gave the overall dish a wonderful taste. The price is more the reasonable to pay but I do wish they gave a choice of side items. Is it just me or were most of the dishes the exact same with very minimal variations. I understand this is a pasta's plus so what was I expecting but I just thought they might be a little more creative with the pasta dishes.
(3)
Kristin R.

I just arrived in the area and based on reviews decided to check out the local fare for lunch. I went in, got some good bread, they give you the whole parm cheese/vinegar/oil thing with a warm sourdough loaf. It's good stuff. They had a little problem w/ seating and since I was solo they moved me about 10 minutes into my meal to a smaller table, but I'm pretty laid back and don't mind. I ordered the tortellini aurora (9.95) and a glass of pinot grigio. It had been a rough morning :) The food was delicious, some of the best italian I've had including my grandmom's (who is from Italy). The waitstaff looked frazzled at the building line, but after drinking most of the wine, I thought it was amusing. I'd go again, good stuff.
(4)
Casey N.

This has got to be my favorite pasta place of all times! That says alot, bc i've been to a dozen+ italian places that claims they're authentic in all sorts of way, and i always leave disappointed. I came to the conclusion that i wasn't a fan of pasta. Either that or i haven't developed a taste bud for it yet, but i keep my options open. I was recommended by a friend to this place, and my first impression of the place in this tiny strip mall was anything but good. I thought i had made the mistake of going to the wrong one, because the place looked a bit sketchy from first impression. Everything transformed as we entered the place, it has a very warm and inviting vibe going on the inside. I got there an hour before they close, and the place was almost still full. We got seated almost immediately by the manager himself...i think. The atmosphere was very cozy and mostly business casual. The staff was really helpful and receptive the entire time we were there. I ordered a special they had that night, i can't exactly recall what it was called, but it had a half a lobster, a gazillion mussels, clams, shrimps, scallops topped with this delicious red wine tomato based sauce. The plate was absolutely enormous! It was definitely enough to feed 2 people comfortably. This is by far the best pasta dish i've ever had my entire life. The sauce was made to perfection, and although i've never cared for al dente pasta before, i do now. This is what i would call perfection to a tee. I did have to shell out a pretty penny for this dish, but it was definitely worth the money. I will definitely come here again another day soon, and would recommend it to everyone out there who's willing to make the trip. Bon appetit!
(5)
Jim C.

I have been in the Laurel area on business quite a bit over the past several months and am very disapointed that I did not discover Pasta Plus until just recently. Between the name and the location it struck me as a generic, run of the mill, mediocre "italian" restaurant. Boy, was I wrong! The exterior as commented on by other reviewers is "strip mall chic." The abandoned Baskin Robins storefront to the right and the Arby's in the parking lot don't help! The place is cut up oddly between what was probably several, separate storefronts at one point which makes it feel smaller than it is. I have been in the Laurel area on business quite a bit over the past several months and am very disappointed that I did not discover Pasta Plus until just recently. Between the name and the location it struck me as a generic, run of the mill, mediocre "Italian" restaurant. Boy was I wrong! The exterior as commented on by other reviewers is "strip mall chic." The abandoned Baskin Robins storefront to the right and the Arby's in the parking lot don't help! The place is cut up oddly between what were probably several, separate storefronts at one point which makes it feel smaller than it is. Once you step inside, the atmosphere changes from the exterior and it feels welcoming. The service is prompt and the servers are very accommodating, explaining the menu and assisting with selections if requested. The menu is large which makes choices difficult, particularly where everything looks so appealing. On my two (2) visits I had the Pollo Arabiatio which is basically Chicken breasts cooked in a Fra Diavolo sauce. The first time it had some spice but the second time it really had some kick. Both times it was excellent but the second was my favorite. It came with a side of linguine which tasted homemade and had a perfect texture. It was so good; I would contemplate on getting a pasta dish on a future visit. All entrees come with a house salad with a house dressing. The bread is to die for with a crunchy crust yet moist center. On one of my visits I started with Butternut Squash soup which was velvety and delicious. I would highly recommend it for butternut squash fans. The deserts are excellent. I had the house cake which was basically a slice of rum cake and the second time I had the white chocolate mouse cake. On my next visit I may try something else but will have a difficult time not getting either of those. Prices are reasonable, probably comparable with the Olive Garden but that it where any comparison ends. It is nice enough for a special dinner but with enough value that it can be a run of the mill dinner out. Definitely ignore the exterior and try this place, you will be very happy that you did!
(4)
David J.

One of the best restaurants in town, often quoted as THE Best in town. Its location in the median strip of US Route 1precludes it from expanding. Often there are lines out the door...so getting there early is always recommended. I have often heard City Council members calling this the best restaurant in town. And I have eaten there on special occasions such as for Father's day along with my all my brothers.
(4)
B B.

Great little hole in the wall. Neighborhood gem. Great food. Prices are fair. Selection of food is good. Service has its ups and downs. Wish they had lunch pizza selctions without meat.
(4)
Kevin R.

Scary on the outside, wonderful on the inside! We were traveling through (we're from California) and stopped off in Laurel to eat. We yelped the area and this had great reviews. We would have walked away if it weren't for yelp. I can't add anything the other reviews have said. You must eat here.
(5)
Pascal P.

The first time I tried to find this restaurant I got hopelessly lost and ended up wasting an hour and a half driving in and around Laurel. The second time around I was a little more careful with directions, and was quite pleased at the dinner I had. The salad that came with dinner was mediocre, but the pasta dish I got was quite tasty and the bread was fresh, hot & crispy as well. Service was also fast and friendly. There are also lots of vegetarian choices for non-meat eaters.
(4)
Gayle G.

So unassuming and a little odd. I've visited here several times when my work takes me to these parts. The staff never really seems to understand that yes, I am indeed a woman dining along. It's not much for atmosphere, in a strip mall, a little too bright. The service is attentive and helpful. The salad and bread and good, but all of the pasta dishes I've had have been really good. I had the gnocchi last night and they were tasty little bits. Not too gluey and just the right amount of sauce. The meat dishes I've had were equally as nice. The wine list is decent, too. I was a little disappointed by the pasta e fagiole (sp?) soup, not great. It's very reasonably priced. Mangia!
(4)
Melissa G.

Showed up, got in line. No movement, no update for 30 minutes. Gave up and left. Come on Pasta Plus!
(2)
Chris E.

I went here with a friend who's a local and recommended it. This place gets good reviews and I'm right on board with 'em. It's a serious Italian place: the decor has a 1950's feel to it, and it's definitely a hole-in-the-wall, but the food was great! I had a veal & sausage special and was really happy! Good service for such a busy place - I'll be back!
(4)
Alexandra P.

Best Authentic Italian resturant around... Pasta are all freshly made as well as the sauces, Service is great, althouhg i wouldn't recommend you getting a sit down lunch here unless you have more than an hour. I make an effort to get something different everytime i come. Last time i was there i got the Chicken breast topped with Crabmeat and a tomato atop a bed of fettucine in a white wine reduction... Yummy! Always a good choice for a date night!
(4)
Lia R.

I have eaten here several times and have always been satisfied. Some of the reviews on here mention bland sauces... I did find some of their white wine sauces could use a little flavor. On several occasions I have ordered the white wine chicken or shrimp and I usually ask for some lemon to drizzle on top and that does the trick for me. The calamar is excellent and I also really like their marinara sauce. The place is small and really not ideal for large parties (more than 4).
(4)
Grace Y.

i love how it looks like complete shit on the outside but the inside is so nice :) large portions, the pollo cardinale is ... the mushrooms that come w it, they alone taste like pure decadence!! everything else is awesome too. i would give it 5 stars but they no longer serve creme brulee! this is one of the few places that made it the way i like it, really caramelized and crunchy on top.. if u bring it back, ill give u the fifth star, promise!
(4)
Ben I.

We were on our way up I-95 from DC and stopped here. A very good choice. Our meals were every bit as good as what we would have gotten in the city. Everyone's food was superb. While not much to look at, it is somewhat homey. We had a great chat with our server, Leo and the owner, Max. They are great people.
(4)
Robin V.

I like this place - a lot! The pizza is great - consistently great! The pasta dished are good - pretty much all of them - at least all the vegetarian ones I've had. The service is good in the restaurant, although I think we have the carry out on speed dial.
(4)
Emily R.

I had really been looking forward to trying Pasta Plus so I was excited to finally order some carryout. We decided on a few dishes and my brother called in the order. I had noticed on their website that Pasta Plus has a separate carryout menu which is the dinner menu but slightly more limited. My brother wanted to order the pumpkin ravioli, which he had recently ordered while dining at the restaurant but was not on the carryout menu. He figured he'd call up and order it anyway. However, the girl who answered the phone replied that he may only order from the carryout menu. When he asked why they couldn't just make the ravioli and put it in a to-go box, she remarked that they have two separate kitchens which take separate orders and that this was not possible. Personally, I don't really understand what the difference is between putting the dish on a table or in a styrofoam box, but whatever. So we went with the linguini with calamari, ricotta ravioli, and the rustica pizza. The pizza was delicious - covered with sausage, olives, dried tomatoes, and mushrooms. The sauce on the linguini and calamari was also quite yummy. I wasn't as thrilled about the ravioli. The takeout came with side salads for each entree and bread. The sides salads really weren't anything special - lettuce with a tomato or two. We also mistakenly received an extra order of ravioli - the ravioli burro, which was covered in parmesan cheese and butter. After calling to inform them of the extra order which we did not want, they credited the account and let us keep it. I actually ended up liking this ravioli dish better than the first one. Despite a few bumps, my first experience with PP was pretty positive. To get a better perspective on the place, I look forward to returning to dine in there.
(4)
Cherry L.

So, I can't believe I'm the first to post a review for Pasta Plus. Pasta Plus is the tastiest Italian food near College Park! First, we all know that the best casual/semi-casual ethnic restaurants are in seedy strip malls, right? That said, Pasta Plus is located in a strip plaza behind the big neon Hardee's Hat near Rte 1 in Laurel. But don't let the facade fool you...the food and service is wonderful. The owner is a nice Italian man who walks around and greets all the diners at dinner time. Make sure you either get there around 4 or 5pm on the weekends or you will be in line for about 1 hour. The line is regularly out the door Fri-Sun for dinner. Second, the pasta is all fresh. Get the pasta! It tastes sorta like egg noodles, and it is delish. Monsignor M (my yelp current crush) and I love the calamari. I haven't had better calamari, even in Italy and Spain. It's lightly battered and not at all greasy (like Ledo's--so greasy!). I also recommend the bruschetta which is yummy garlickly. The gnochi, italian sausage, chicken in white wine sauce, the daily fish specials, pizza and calzones are all fab. Also, every dessert I've had at Pasta Plus has been delightful and not necessarily heavy and rich. Finally, there's a takeout portion to the restaurant situated right next door where you can purchase the homemade sauces and pastas, as well as the desserts. Pasta Plus is my absolute favorite restaurant in the College Park vicinity. It's a local fave among residents. So, if you don't trust this transplant, trust the townies who wait out of the door for a seat in cold February weather.
(5)
Shona P.

Only 3 stars because of the fact that they seat u n such a small area for lunch all the while this HUGH sinning area sits empty. Also not a great family place especially for small ones that require a high chair. The food is good, but the pizza is GREAT and the muscles in marinara is awesome!
(3)
John S.

This a place that you would normally drive right on by. It is located in a strip mall that looks a little run down. But if you do not stop here, you are missing some wonderful Italian food. The food is great and the prices are very, very reasonable. Portions are big. No reservations, so a line forms on Friday and Saturday nights. But it is worth the wait.
(4)
k r.

Wow. This is one of those rare gems that make exploring so much fun. The setting is very...um...unassuming, particularly from the outside, so I doubt we would have tried the place had it not been for Yelp and some positive local word of mouth. We came early on what must have been one of their less busy evenings, so we were seated immediately. Our server, Donna, was excellent and gave us great advice on our wine and food selections. One of the owners, Max, was taking care of the front of the house the entire time we were there. Now, this restaurant is successful and has been in business a long time. A lot of proprietors would have stopped bothering to show up every night long ago. I suspect I know what the secret to this place's success is: The owners care about their business. It is a labor of love. Max greeted diners at the door and visited every table in the dining room at least once to chat with his customers. So for service and dedication, I'd give this place even more stars if I could. Now, happily, on the food front things are fantastic too. I ogled every plate that happened to pass by our table, and if you eat first with your eyes, this was a very appetizing parade. Very generous portions, simple but pleasing presentation. Of course, that didn't make it any easier to order, since I wanted to taste everything I saw. In the end, after some consultation with our excellent server, I ordered one of the day's pasta specials, butternut squash ravioli. Mind you, the menu has much more than pasta, and the wood-oven pizzas looked delicious, but this place makes fresh pasta every day, so I figured this would be a good test. Now, I've lived in New York City and Long Island for the past 20 years. We have some good pasta places. But these ravioli I had in this little restaurant in Laurel are among the best I have ever eaten--including in some very reputable Italian restaurants in New York. They were cooked perfectly, the dough was delicate and thin, and there was no water anywhere on my plate. My dining companions both ordered veal dishes and were delighted. I don't eat veal, but I could see that it had been properly prepared--well pounded, beautifully thin and tender. If this restaurant is consistently as good as it was on the evening we visited, it really is an extraordinary find. I'm looking forward to my next trip to the area so I can check it out again. Bravo to the team at Pasta Plus!
(5)
Y A.

I will never go to this place ever again!!!!! This restaurant was featured on the food network with Gayle King (Oprah's BFF). So I was dying to eat here and was sooo disappointed when my boyfriend and I went there and we were ignored by not 1 waiter but 4!!!!!! It was only 8:30pm!!!!! We really felt that the reason we were ignored was due to our cultural background. The restaurant looked pretty on the inside and I am really hurt by the way were treated. I thought the only colored that mattered was green, but I guess I was wrong.
(1)
Mark M.

Been awhile since I was there, but the food was very good and and the service was excellent.
(3)
Drkgrl X.

I was getting my brakes checked at Monro, and decided to go ahead and let them do the work, so I ended up with about an hour and a half to kill with no vehicle and some pretty high heels on, so I decided to waste time at Arby's since it was close and grab a bite. But on my way there I see what looks like a pretty deserted little strip mall, with just one OPEN light on. Pasta Plus. Hmmm, I went to check it out, had to be far better than Arby's. I was actually surprised at the interior because the curb appeal is seriously lacking. The inside was a little tight but I liked the decor, reminded me a of quaint italian restaurant back home. The food was good, I was more than happy to see the freshly made pasta, the salad that came with my entree was dressed sufficiently, not over or under. The only mistake they made was bringing that basket of fresh hot bread to my table. I DIE for bread and I try to resist, but this I could not. I would go again, would like to try the pizza, I don't like pizza chain pizza, so this would be a welcome change for this area.
(3)
Elissa O.

The Washington Post used to have a feature called Crappy but Good with the premise being the place looks bad but the food is excellent. Pasta Plus could have been the poster child for that series. It is a very run down strip mall but once you are inside its is nice. The servers are good and the food is outstanding. I especially think the spinach agnolotti is fantastic. My husband has felt that a few of his dishes have been only ok. However, it is important to order the pasta as that is the real strength of the place and avoid the pizza. Really a miss here for some reason.
(4)
Craig L.

Who would have figured that there was a superior Italian resturant in a humdrum, partially empty little strip mall located in Laurel on Route 1, where it's bifurcated? At first, I feared that there'd be little for me, as neither cream sauce nor red sauce in most places are all that friendly for me-but they appear to make their dishes from scratch & can make wine sauce, which doesn't have to have salt. Their decaf is also very good, & Elizabeth & I also purchased some things from their deli section-the olive pates & desserts on offer are within my tolerable zone.
(4)
Nicholette P.

Pasta Plus is great. I have lived near here my entire life, and I have been to Past Plus on numerous occasions- graduations, NYE, friday nights.... Sitting down to eat is nice, the service is good! Sometimes the wait is long, and the space to wait in is scarce especially in the winter. Take out is a great option too. Ask for a pizza with fontina cheese mmmmm. They will pretty much do anything you ask them to do even if its not on the menu, you can create up something! Sketchy strip mall, that used to be thriving. Maybe they should get their own building soon! GO eat, I recommend it highly!
(4)
Maria C.

From the outside, Pasta Plus looks like a big ole' crap hole... just like the rest of Maryland (I'm Kidding! ~ ish). I had very little confidence in this place. But it was surprisingly good!!! Yes, indeed - I think Mario Battali would say Pasta Plus is Molto Bene! We had to wait about 20 minutes at 6:30 on a Saturday night. Word on the street is they don't take reservations. If you get there at the right time, the wait is not too bad. I had the linguine with mussels in marinara, which came with bread (a loaf for the table) and salad for around $14. First they served the bread, which was good, just your standard homemade french bread loaf. You can put butter on it or dip it in olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar if you chose. Then we had a calamari appetizer. Good stuff, served with fresh homemade marinara sauce. Then came the salad. They used iceberg lettuce... usually the kiss of death in my book, but this place had other redeeming qualities. You can get your salad with creamy house italian, or oil and vinegar (aka make your own dressing with the oil and vinegar on the table). Then came the entrees. My linguine was a perfect little bed of pasta surrounded by artfully arranged, plump, perfectly cooked mussels. There was just enough sauce to coat the pasta and flavor everything. It was light and tasty, not too oily, not too garlic-y = perfectimundo! Of course, I was stuffed by the time my main course came out, but I still ate most of it. The pasta was chewy in a way that only homemade pasta is - I think they make the noodles here fresh. The linguine is square - not flat - which adds to the chewy texture. Love it. I would definitely come back. This place is not an in-and out joint... it took a good 2 hours for this entire process to be completed. Service is slow - I think its because everything is made to order. Its a good hearty Italian family style meal that is meant to be eaten slowly and enjoyed. Pasta Plus ain't no Olive Garden. Restaurant decor was homey - and nice. All white tablecloths, napkins. Solid. Took a peek at the patsa plus deli-place next door and although I didn't try them, the desserts looked homemade, reminiscent of Venieros in the NYC. Impressive. Will have to go back.
(4)
Erik G.

Really good Italian food. Surprisingly nice atmosphere. Everyone says the lasagna is heavenly, but I haven't tried it yet.
(5)
Karen B.

I've been going to Pasta Plus since they opened their doors about 28 years ago. Still THE BEST Italian in the DC metro area. The owner, Max, greets all of his customers at the door with a smile, hug and handshake. The food, regardless of what you get, is always delicious and prepared on site. Who cares what it looks like from the outside... once in the door, the environment changes to a fantastic Italian ristorante! House salad and house dressing is not your run of the mill starter dish... the blend of greens and flavor of the dressing is just right! Entrees are beautiful to look at and more gorgeous at first bite! Desserts? To die for! I highly recommend, HIGHLY recommend, recommend HIGHLY that, if you're a connesuire of fine Italian food at a great price, (vs a pedestrian of little taste) you check out PASTA PLUS!
(5)
antoin k.

What a great restaurant! We went for lunch and though seating was cramped the food was superb. A cold seafood salad hit the spot followed by lasagna that was one of the best I've had. The Manicotti was also superb and tomato sauce was outstanding. Would have given 5 stars but seating definitely cramped.
(4)
Kris K.

Love Pasta Plus! This unsuspecting location between the north and south bound lanes of Rt. 1 by the Arby's is quite a treat. Yes sometimes there are lines but they tend to move along without the diners feeling rushed. The pasta is homemade and delicious. The spinach/cheese crepes are light with great flavoring, the Alfredo sauce is nice and rich, the veal tender.... The portions are big - you'll have leftovers. And since you're bringing something home, grab a dessert. The pastries are wonderful.
(4)
jennifer j.

I've gone here twice for lunch with my boyfriend. We live about 20 minutes away, but if were in the mood for great italian food this is where we go. The pizza is amazing. My boyfriend is italian and claims it is the closet thing to come close to pizza in italy. The pasta & calamari is great too. Outside looks a little poor, but when you step inside you are pleasantly surprised. Wait staff is always friendly and great as well. I definitely recommended this place. We plan to dine here for dinner next
(5)
John B.

I was a first time customer last night and the outstanding customer service I received is still on my mind. I came in a group that unexpectedly became larger. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. In fact, they remained friendly and accommodating even after we stayed far too long and the rest of the restaurant was dark. Fantastic food and service!
(5)
Stephen R.

We went with a group of people from work, so I'll refrain on talking about cost/value too much. I'll simply say that I didn't think it was too expensive, though perhaps a bit high for the location. As for the food... well... um.... I'll enumerate dishes that my wife or I had, and what we thought of them. (1) Pasta e Fagioli -- This was unlike any pasta e fagioli I've ever seen... way too brothy. That being said, it was pretty tasty, and quite possibly the best thing we had to eat that night. (2) Chicken arrabiata -- It is rare to see a piece of chicken this overcooked. Leather. The sauce was fine, but the chicken was nearly inedible. (3) Veal Carciofi -- the veal was nicely cooked, fairly tender and still with a nice bit of juice to it. I still think they may have overdone it slightly, but not badly enough to throw me. The sauce, however, had an nearly unidentifiable sweetness to it that I found rather cloying. I ate the whole thing, mind you, but I've certainly had better. (2a) and (3a) -- salads with our main course -- for good or for ill, it's become pretty standard to see some relatively fresh greens thrown on a plate with a couple of slices of cucumber and a wedge of underripe tomato. This was one of those salads. (3b) -- the veal came with a side of pasta. I had the alfredo sauce, and was reminded why I *never* order alfredo sauce until I know and trust a restaurant. It was gluey and congealed. Yech. (4) -- Cannoli -- I LOVE cannoli, and theirs were pretty good. I'm willing to bet good money that they're not made in house (at least, that the shells aren't made in house), but they were still pretty good. If I lived closer, I might try them again for a pizza, but I find it unlikely I'll go that far out again based upon what I experienced on my first visit... Oh, service was very good, btw. Decor, very italian-restaurant-in-the-suburbs. Which, I suppose, is exactly what it is....
(2)
Li E.

Dined at Pasta Plus on a Saturday afternoon. The service was outstanding; the food was not great. We ordered calamari as an appetizer - it was good but the color was a complete turnoff for me - instead of a golden brown color - it was very light (almost white) in color. The bread was outstanding. We both ordered salads - a garden salad and a caesar salad. The greens on both salads were not fresh, but the salad dressing on the caesar was outstanding. Now for the entree - we ordered the spinach lasagna to share with the sauce on the side. I found that it did not look appetizing AT ALL. I guess the sauce and cheese are what makes it look good, but without them - it looked terrible, was not hot and did not taste good. The worst part was that there was no spinach in the lasagna. I asked our server about the spinach - he told us that the pasta was spinach noodles but that there was no spinach in the lasagna itself. We sent it back and ordered the chicken parmesan which was pretty good. I left the restaurant very disappointed especially since my lunch partner told me that he'd had outstanding meals at Pasta Plus in the past.
(2)
Larry D.

Old-school Italian-American food, done better than pretty much anywhere. yum.
(5)
Drew W.

This place is waaaay over-Yelped!! After hearing and reading about how great this place was, my girlfriend and I finally gave it a shot one Friday night. The food is good, but it is really the only good thing about this place. Looking past the terrible location (most everything else in the strip mall is out of business) and name, it's basically good Italian food with the atmosphere and service of a diner. It's clear that they know their food is good and are confident enough that people will deal with a complete lack of atmosphere and service to get this food. I will not again. A little background music would have gone a long way towards improving the atmosphere. And I realize wine is what you are "supposed" to drink with good Italian food, but if you want to be a grown-up restaurant, get the full liquor license so people can enjoy a cocktail as well. If you insist on trying this place do yourself a favor and get carryout.
(2)
Jerry S.

Pasta Plus is a long time locals' favorite, tucked away in an otherwise defunct strip behind an Arby's and a muffler shop. Your first clue that you have found verace Italiano is the wood burning brick oven just inside the middle door. From left to right, the first room is the Market, which offers fresh pasta, sauces, oil, wine, freshly baked authentic bread warm from the oven, sweets, and a few prepared dishes. Its eight marble tables also serve (or pack for carry out) most of the items on the menu when the main dining rooms are closed, such as on Mondays, as well as subs on that fresh bread and real Italian style (dressed rather than smothered) pizza. The middle room is lined with racks of wine bottles, and the smaller room has murals of the Italian countryside. With only 65 seats, waits for a table are not uncommon on weekends. The owners, Sabbatino and Massimo (Max) Mazziotti are from Abbruzzo, on the Adriatic coast, so it's not surprising that the menu includes many seafood items as well as the expected array of pastas and meat dishes as well as some regional preparations such as sausage with cannellini beans and polenta. I almost always order from the specials page, which varies with the season. Service is warm and impeccable. Prices are very moderate, mostly under $20 for dinner, which includes a salad and a side, your choice of a small serving of house made fettuccine with marinara or perfectly grilled vegetables. Serving size is so abbondanza that doggy boxes are always offered. Wide selection of wine, from house by the carafe to if you have to ask. Make sure to get on their email list to receive advance notice of their quarterly wine dinners. Six courses paired with selected wines, which may be ordered by the case at a discounted price if you find one you love. Summing up: the most authentic Italian food I've had that I didn't pay for with lira.
(5)
Christopher W.

Best Italian pasta place in the area. Truly a hidden gem. Known to locals through out. Everything homemade especially the pasta
(4)
Jamaal C.

This was the best Italian food I've ever had . Service was great . The shrimp were very big and tasty . Great experience all around
(5)
Stephanie M.

Approachable Heaven. Food doesn't get this good outside of Italy. The place is completely unassuming and the owner makes you feel like family. I selfishly didn't want to write this review because I didn't want this place too advertised, but since it is listed in the Zagat guide, I caved. Seriously. Legit.
(5)
Scott T.

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but amazing Italian food! Best brick oven pizza I've had in a long time! Highly recommend!
(5)
Melissa M.

Mmm another great Italian place in the area! So glad I found this hidden gem in laurel. Their calzones are to die for!
(5)
Vania C.

My friends and I ordered the bruschetta as a starter. Lightly buttered, warm, and freshly baked w crispy crust...the bread is delicious. I honestly could've just had the bread alone and left home satisfied. But no. I went ahead and ordered myself a nice place of Fettuccine Verde. Homemade spinach fettuccine w/ softly cooked eggplants. The tomato sauce was very fresh, the ricotta mildly sweet and salty. All the flavors fell beautifully together. My friend ordered a calzone and it was humungous ("the size of a football"). My friend could only eat half of it and had to bring the rest home. Service was fantastic. We were seated fairly quickly, with almost no wait at all. Full house at the restaurant during dinner hours - just shows you how popular they are. It's a very lovely place to eat: low lighting, intimate, classy and romantic feel. There's also a small band of musicans that play soft, live Italian music in the background. Definitely enjoyed my dinner here and I plan on coming back soon!
(5)
Leellani C.

Like the eggplant and house salad and dressing, when my kids were little we would go and have lunch sometimes, they liked the pizza. I'm not a big pasta person so can't comment on that, but I do think the food was better a few years back as I went here about a month ago..for nostalgia sake before I stopped over my moms house..... Two girls at the counter were totally fun and attentive and recommended a really good sweet treat from the case and they made sure all my stuff was in the bag, I also got a rotisserie chicken meal with the sides good sides and chicken, but chicken is comically small..... Lol...... But for two people with all the sides it's just right.....
(3)
Tyahnna G.

Sooo for my first time trying this place, I was less than impressed. The fettuccine Alfredo was very bland, the bread was so hard that I was able to scrape it across my teeth, and the salad was inedible. If I left my review at this meal alone I maybe would give the place 3 stars. However upon expecting my pizza a lovely hair managed to worm it's way into the bubbly cheese. Upon further inspection I found that the hair was not only sitting on top of the pizza but baked into the pizza. I will definitely not be returning to this establishment.
(2)
Alexa L.

I cannot believe how inefficient this place is. We ordered a simple carry out meal to pick up. When my fiancÃ© arrived home, they forgot to put his dinner in the bag. We live a half hour away with no traffic. My fiancÃ© had to back to the restaurant and get his food. My dinner meanwhile was far from good. I could have made the spaghetti at home. It was bland and uninteresting. When I called the restaurant once we were aware of the huger error of not including a basic food order (this was a simple order for two people - not a dozen), the child who answered the phone had no idea how to professionally handle things and didn't even have a pen near to take my name and number. Given the options and choices we have in this area I strongly advise you to choose another restaurant before possibly enduring what we have.
(1)
jasmine j.

The food is not bad, average at best, but the cashier girls at the front counter are rude, impersonal, and seem to hate their jobs! A smile is not what your greeted with when entering this establishment. This place wouldnt last two weeks in the tri- state are! Just saying!
(2)
Michele W.

We arrived at an odd time it was around 4pm. The dining room was not open yet so we sat in the carry out area. The service was slow and spotty. The food was good but, not over the top. However, it is probably the best Italian restaurant in the area.
(3)
DJ L.

Love this restaurant. Pros: Nice staff, consistent food for the most part, prompt service, delicious salad dressing and homemade pasta! Homemade orange cheesecake is amazing. Typically get chicken parmigiano or timballo alla teramano (Crepes lasagna). Neg: Two older gentleman owners, one is amazingly nice, the other is a real grump and unpleasant! When they have an off night, they really have a off night, one problem after another. Even one time served veal parm and not chicken parm. First time in 30 years of eating veal and they were not even sympathetic. I was very unhappy with this mistake.
(4)
Terp T.

Go. Enjoy. It's the real deal. From the staff and first loaf of bread to the great meal. Not sure why I missed it this long.
(5)
Chris C.

It's about consistency... I've been indulging in Pasta Plus' food for many years, but finally getting around to writing a review. This is a great place for casual italian food... it's not 'high-end', but for what it is, it's as good as it gets. I'm a firm believer that they also make the best pizza I know of (I've tried most all the good ones in the DMV area), it's the consistency/quality of the crust. Caesar salad? one of the more faithful dressings you'll find... it goes on with other dishes as well. Even the rotisserie chicken is superlative (get it early). If you experience it once, and like it, rest assured, you'll probably get the same results for the rest of your future visits - we're in the 'burbs, this is critical. :p
(5)
Mat G.

Well to start, here's a few notable stats and remarks: I've ate here regularly since 1999. I've had, realistically, over 1,000 meals here since then. It is well worth it! I've been to central Italy, Italian restaurants in NYC, and Little Italy in Baltimore and Pasta Plus ranks with the best of them in terms of flavorful and delicious meals! The prices are exceptionally value based, service is superb, & the interior is nice and intimate. I've heard some criticism for Pasta Plus over the years and this is the only one: The old retail store front is not attractive. Well, the line of 20 people waiting outside in the middle of winter to get in, while the inside is full, and luxury cars parked half-way over the curb dont seem to mind. Meal recommendations: Pollo Cremoso, Pollo Parmigiana, Tortellini Aurora, Manicotti, Beef Medallions, any veal dish listed on their specials menu page, Orange Roughy fish, and the Gamberi Marinara. Dont even get me started on how good their pizzas are! If you choose to visit this great restaurant, make sure to arrive at 5pm Monday-Saturday when it first opens. Opens on Sunday at 4pm for the early birds.
(5)
Alex W.

Another salad on the menu is a favorite appetizer of mine as well as my friends - Seafood Salad. Pieces of whole shrimp, calamari rings, and scallops sit on a mound of red and green oak leaves, surrounded by a ring of mussels in shell. What is truly amazing is the kitchen's skilfulness in cooking the seafood perfectly - the sweet shrimp not rubbery, the calamari fork tender, the scallops moist and flaky, and the mussels still plump and juicy. What brings these elements together is a marinate of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil that adds some fresh fruitiness to the salad along with a good hit of fresh Italian parsley. This dish brings back wonderful memories of all the wonderful seafood dishes during my Italian trip, and it definitely ranks up there with those dishes. For an appetizer, it is packed with fresh seafood and it is worth the order - Buonissimo! To read rest of review and view photos, check out my blog at Wongeats.
(4)
Amy B.

Perhaps this restaurant was built up too much for me because I wasn't impressed. Everything felt wrong from the moment we walked in. I wasn't feeling the vibe. Anyway, my boyfriend ordered the lasagna and I ordered the spaghetti carbonara. I love carbonara and I make a good one, but this one was dry. The lasagna was too perfect looking. You're probably wondering if that's possible. Well, it is! Perfectly even stacks, with perfectly even filling. I want my lasagna to look homemade because that's the best kind. The sauce tasted like canned tomato sauce. I'll make the 20 minute drive to Odenton and get the real homestyle Italian cooking with a better atmosphere!
(2)
Deanna C.

While enjoying our food a tornado warning flashed on every phone in the restaurant. Not one person got up. We had all made a unified decision that Pasta Plus was the perfect place to eat our last meal. As we sat inside sirens from fire trucks went off and a electric cable came down. We still sat and ate our delicious food quietly. This place is just that good!
(5)
Kevin M.

I travel every week and stay away from chains (besides Starbucks). Great authentic Italian restaurant. We were a bit shocked when we pulled up of the outside. It didn't appear to be as good as the reviews but WOW! Don't judge a book by its cover!
(5)
Maria L.

Wow. This place is a-MAZE-ing. Seriously, the dining area is a maze. First time here and didn't really no where to go to wait... So..came on a Thursday night at around 5:30pm. No wait, and was seated right away. The place was already full. Waitress came served us water. Gave us white bread, balsamic vinaigrette, and very good olive oil. Came back after 5 minutes, and asked if were ready to order. Well we weren't. But then she made a quiet, snarky comment, "nothing, no, not getting anything" - well, I didn't want to seem like a free loader bc of the bread, so I was pressured (kinda) into a $10 calamari order. Which I must say, was pretty darn good. Very tender squid and crunchy coating. Entree came with a salad. I ordered chicken in white wine sauce with fontina cheese and a plum tomato. Came with a side of spaghetti-dry. Total $15.50 I enjoyed the protein. The food was good, a tad pricey. Water service was good, but the waitress made me feel a bit uncomfortable. And when we left at 6:30, there was a long wait. It was an Interesting experience.
(4)
Guru U.

Pasta Plus is probably the best restaurant in the Laurel area. The food is excellent and the staff is extremely friendly. However my recommendation is to dine in. For some inexplicable reason, they use probably the worst parking materials for take out that I have ever encountered. Almost every dish is put in an aluminum foil container that doesn't seal. As a result, any dish with sauce in it (like they're fantastic Pollo al Vino Bianco) ends up spilling out when you take a turn driving home and creates an absolute mess. Come to think of it, there is really no reason why a restaurant in this day and age should be using styrofoam containers and plastic wrap when there are more effective and environmental friendly options for packaging take out.
(4)
Sam A.

Love the food, the deserts, the coffee, the service every single time! I have been coming here for a few years and am never disappointed with anything I have tried. Chicken piccata, hay and straw, veal dishes, zabaione, cannoli, list goes on.
(5)
Louis F.

I was on a business trip and pined for Italian food. I was referred to this place by hotel staff. It was wonderful. I had veal Marsala, pasta fagoli, and cannoli. Everything was great. The staff was friendly.
(4)
Tony L.

A long time favorite hidden gem. The strip mall is vacant except for Pasta Plus. Delicious traditional Italian with fresh pasta and a light tasty tomato sauce. All the dishes are excellent lasagna, ravioli etc. also an excellent antipasto. Don't let the mostly vacant mall fool you. Go and enjoy.
(5)
Ruth C.

This is my all time favorite Italian restaurant. If you are looking for authentic Italian, look no further. The menu is endless and their always have specials that are out of this world. There are so many favorites but to name a few: Hay & Straw Pasta, Chicken Parm, Brick Oven Margarita Pizza, butternut Squash Ravioli and Veal Scaloppine w/ prosciutto, mozzarella and rosemary. The restaurant is not much from the street as it's in a strip mall off of route 1 but the food is totally worth it!!
(5)
Zara K.

Oh wow ! Since il pizzico has changed chefs and a bunch of other things I was out to find an authentic italian spot that serves great food! I always taste gnocchi at an italian place and they let me split my order in two so I could taste blue cheese and the red sauce ! Def stick to the blue cheese ! The gnocchi itself is 3.8 stars (I don't like those lines on gnocchi I like plain gnocchi no texture ) and the sauce was a 4. Serving sizes are enjoyable and so is the free salad that they give ( we only ordered one entree and they still served both of us a salad! How very generous and italian of them!) We then tried their custard with fruit which for me was too strong of a taste but none the less a good dessert Highlight: the Parmesan cheese they have is absolutely delicious it is by far the yummiest Parmesan I have ever had and I am not a fan of Parmesan cheese! Cannot wait to go buy from their store next door! Can't wait to try their lamb shank and squid ink pasta ! :)
(4)
Katie W.

Been here a couple times. Best little owned Italian restaurant around. Very quaint and can be dressy or casual depending on your party. But very good food and service is decent.
(4)
Mo A.

With the amount of people and restaurants in the Washington, DC area, who knew it would be so hard to find a good Italian restaurant? I started hearing a lot of buzz about Pasta Plus and so after my last Italian disaster my taste buds said "let's fix this now". Off we go! Located in the suburb of Laurel, which is a center point between Washington and Baltimore, Pasta Plus is found in a very plain strip mall at the tip of the shopping district. The parking lot is somewhat small but large enough considering the size of the strip mall itself. First thing I noticed is that there is no host/hostess. You just kinda walk in and hope that someone feels like seating you. The decor is an attempt at upscale but the furniture is not of the highest quality given my wobbly table and thin chair. In terms of food, I ordered the bruschetta, fried calamari and spaghetti con polpette (spaghetti and meatballs). The calamari was nicely prepared as it was fresh and hand breaded served along with some tasty marinara dipping sauce. The bruschetta was light but crispy, moist but not greasy and packed with flavor without being overpowered by garlic. The house salad was colorfully plated and fresh but lightly dressed. That's a misdemeanor in my world. The spaghetti was a felonious major fail. The meatball was huge and actually properly cooked and seasoned. Downhill from there as the spaghetti was just dry. When the dish came out, the waitress noticed the dryness and got me some extra tomato sauce. Try as I may, it couldn't be saved. I'm surprised the picture looks as good as it does because the dish was DOA (dry on arrival). The sauce was pretty good though albeit a little off in terms of consistency. I will say that after taking the spaghetti dish home and drowning it in more sauce the next day, it turned out to be a pretty good meal. Perhaps the restaurant should provide more sauce when they bring the dish out rather than the little super small cups they offer. The prices were decent as two entrees with salads, two appetizers and drinks cost a little over $50. I left my take on the service for last because I found it to be amusing. So, I was dining with a friend of mine who happened to be a female and the server began insisting that she has either served me before or seen me out and about (I had never seen her before or been to the restaurant before). What's the big deal you ask? Well, imagine someone is dining with their spouse or significant other and a server basically says you've been out and about with someone else. In other words, she's acting as an accessory to a potential homicide! Now, fortunately for me this was just a catch up with a friend but the lesson is make sure your groupies and jump offs stand down!
(2)
Tiffany H.

This place has thee best Italian food I've ever had. However the wait can be a bit ridiculous. They also have a market where you can take stuff to go but dining is is definitely better. Take a visit here and don't let the wait in the cold steer you away! It's def worth it
(4)
Andrew S.

Easily one of the top 5 Italian restaurants I've ever been to. When you pull up to the place, it looks like it's closed, but once inside, it's a busy restaurant. The pasta is homemade and everything is delicious. The prices are also very reasonable. If Pasta Plus wasn't over 40 minutes from home, I'd eat here once a week.
(5)
Tiffany P.

Delicious food. gnocci was on point The place seems alright if you're there with more than just yourself. Staff was friendly and attentive.
(5)
Patrice E.

Another place I've been going to for years and can't believe I've not reviewed Pasta Plus. There are simply not enough powerful words to describe how much I LOVE this place. I've had just about everything on the menu and have never ever ever had a bad experience. The food is fresh, quality food and everything is home cooked. The bread is the best I've ever had. Left over bread is great to make french toast with. I always made sure to make my girls fresh home cooked meals when they were growing up, even as a single mom working 60 hours per week. When I did not want to cook I'd always get the chicken dinner from Pasta Plus best meal ever and the price is very reasonable. My daughter and her husband are visiting from out of town and wanted a pizza tonight. I suggested Pasta Plus over those chain pizza places, YUCK. We ordered a Pizza Michelino from Pasta Plus and ATE THE ENTIRE PIZZA ON THE WAY HOME. It was THAT GOOD. That pizza was gone before we got 1/2 mile away. I've never in my life brought food home that I ever thought of eating on the way home, let alone eat it before I got home. I HOPE this place is there for decades to come and that they always keep their standard of quality. Everyone I've ever taken to Pasta Plus has become a life long patron! MMMMMMMMMM
(5)
Gary P.

Growing up in an Italian family it's pretty hard for me to go out for Italian. To me most Italians spots are generic so I've all but given up on Italian restaurants. That was until I found pasta plus. Judging from the name and location alone you would think this is another one of those generic olive gardenish places. Oh but you would be so wrong. Their pasta is homemade, boy terribly difficult but so many restaurants take the easy way out and use boxed pasta. The dishes are not what you would find in a typical restaurant either, most of them are much lighter versions of your "traditionals". The ricotta cheese cake is so light and fluffy, amazing. It's fairly ridiculous that I rave about this place because they do things right. What does that say about the rest of the Italian restaurants out there. Come on my Italian brothers, step it up. Anyway this place is always busy so do what we do and call in your order, they don't have all the specials on their takeout menu but they still have a huge selection.
(4)
John M.

Pasta plus is a gem. Love their bread pasta and pizza. The subs are always good especially the cold cut. The owners Max and Sabbatino are great guys as well. Best Italian in the area.
(5)
Paul S.

Excellent homemade pasta and yummy meatballs.
(4)
Arthur K.

It's no-frills Italian dining. Fresh housemade pasta differentiates Pasta Plus from the myriad of other Italian options you'll find in suburban DC. The place is a bit hard to find. But depending on which direction on Route 1 you're coming from - it's right where the road splits into two (or joins together) and the shopping center is actually between the northbound and southbound lanes. There's an Arby's there. The pasta is made in-house. If you haven't ever had fresh pasta you need to try it! It's a world of difference. The pasta is soft, chewier yet still maintains that al dente texture. This particular occasion I ordered the Linguine Frutti di Mare with white whine sauce. The plate comes with tons of seafood. I was even questioning if there was TOO much seafood on the plate. Which there might be. But then I thought, why would I complain about that? I was stuffed after finishing the plate and very happy. The dining area is just slightly cramped. We arrived right before the dinner rush around 6 on Friday and were seated immediately. By the time we finished our meal around 7 there was a long line of patrons waiting for tables. By the way, no reservations here. Service was good. 3.5 Stars
(3)
Monique M.

Don't judge a book by its cover or it's name. This place is the best pasta I have ever had. House made pasta is amazing! Even just good ol' spaghetti there makes you never want to cook it yourself again. Must go!
(5)
Vince W.

Don't be taken aback by the blasÃ© name, this place is fantastic. They have fantastic pasta, PLUS lots more. If you're lucky enough to go on a night when they have their Veal Sinatra as a special GET IT! Their Scrippelle soup is the best. Or is it their Pasta Fagioli? This must be the one that Dean Martin was singing about!. The Carbonara takes me back to my Navy days in Napoli! I highly recommend it, the line may be long, but it's worth the wait! Yes, this is my second review, but I feel this place is that good!
(5)
Danny S.

While back east a friend and I were looking for some good Itailin food. We read some reviews of Past Plus and decided to give it a try. It is located in a little strip mall and had a short line. It is not a fancy place, but cozy. I found the food to have no flavor. No garlic bread to be found. The pasta seemed to have a very bland tomato sauce. Again...no garlic or spices. The service was very slow which added to my disapointment when the food finally arrived. I see many seem to like Pasta Plus...I am not one of them.
(2)
Lauren C.

This is some of the best pasta I've had! I got the Gorgonzola gnocchi and it tasted just as good as what I had in Europe. I added goat cheese to my salad and it tasted very fresh. I've also had the spinach gnocchi and found it delicious. Great prices on house wine carafe ($24).
(5)
Bobbi B.

If you can get past the utterly depressing and deserted look of the downright ugly strip mall that houses Pasta Plus (and trust me, this is not an exaggeration - not only is it hard to find but the first time I ever went here I pulled into the parking lot and got confused because it looks as if the entire shopping plaza went defunct years ago), the interior is slightly more bearable. I do understand why this place tends to get decent reviews, though. As compared with most other options in the Laurel area, it shines. That said, Pasta Plus is mostly overrated. Tip: unless you happen to like chomping down on whole cloves of garlic, which is apparently PP's interpretation of a garlic topping on pizza, you may want to avoid that particular option. In fact, for the most part I find their pies greasy and the cheese thick and odd and chewy. Which could actually make their pizza the perfect hangover food....but you'd still have to be drunk to really enjoy it.
(2)
Jamie E.

Good Food - We ordered the shrimp & angel hair pasta to arrival. When we arrived a table was ready. Drinks were ordered and delivered to the table quickly. The place has a nice neighborhood feel.
(5)
Daimon G.

local favorite. You would never notice this place exist here unless you live In the area. Excellent food and service.the line cam go out the door on weekends so call in advance.
(4)
Reezle W.

I love this little hole in a wall! My favorite dish is the Italian sausage and angel hair pasta with the fradiavolo marinara(Not on the menu, but they make it for me every time!) The owner can be a little harsh at times, I have personally gotten into disputes with him over the fact that at dinner time, the only large pizza's they serve must be "to-go" but their to go pizzas aren't nearly as pretty as the personal sized pizzas they will make for the dining in. It doesn't make sense, but I go for the pasta anyway, so I don't mind. The bread they bake fresh for the tables is phenomenal. Service-provided you're sitting in the front section, is good. Nothing above or beyond, though. Their desserts are good-the raspberry hazelnut creme cake is really good too. Their meatballs taste homemade, too. I have seen large Italian families come in for diner and order family style and have watched in envy as platters of pasta, mussels, rockfish, sausage and meatballs.....and cannolis piled high are brought out to them while they chatter loudly in Italian. It's a neat experience and definitely authentic. My Spaghetti Thursday place, when I lived in Laurel, I simply could NOT stay away from it! A must-try. It's not a perfect 5 star place because the service can be scattered, I've been forgotten in the back before, and the owner can be a little unwelcoming.
(4)
Michelle L.

It really bothers me to write this review! In my previous review, I was in love with this place. I couldn't wait to go back! I took my parents there for lunch yesterday. Everything was good until my father checked his bank statement today. I paid my part of the bill in cash. My parents used their debit card. The paper that they signed was for the correct amount. Somehow the waiter added my amount to their card and pocketed my cash. My father called to complain and the person wanted to argue with him. That is very dishonest! I love the food there, but this incident sours me on this restaurant! !
(1)
Carl T.

This is delicious Italian food. It's very authentic. The bread is homemade and tastes great.
(5)
Roberto N.

It's Laurel's only true five star restaurant. The food is authentic, the dining rooms all divided up so as to feel more cozy, and the staff attentive and friendly. But, you came here for the food, right? The owner prides himself on his Italian heritage, and he even takes customers on tours of the Olde Country. How cool is that? But you came here for the food, right? Well, they pride themselves on authentic food.-The portions, though, are American-sized, with a lot more sauce then you'd get in Italy. The flavor, to me, is spot on. This stuff is REALLY good. Do yourself a favor; come here, but also come here as a special treat for a friend or loved one. You won't be disappointed. PS. Mondays, the dining room is closed, but you can eat in the Market next door It's open for take out, and has about 4 tables. .
(5)
Maile K.

What a surprise! Some of the best pizza I have ever had, delicious lasagna, fresh bread and great hand made pasta. The area isn't GREAT but it also isn't as bad as some people have noted. It is a bit depressing but it's always packed! If you're in the area - it's worth trying but it's definitely out of the away if you live in DC.
(4)
Sylvette M.

Took my best friend here when she came to visit from out of state. Absolutely delicious food, great atmosphere and service. It doesn't look much of anything from the outside, but I was surprised how quaint it was once I stepped inside. I def recommend this place if you're craving some Italian.
(5)
Nick G.

Starting at the front door, you get a bad impression. They don't take reservations - or even names at the door - so you can wait for 5-15 minutes before someone even asks you how many are in your party. The seating is cramped - the small dining room we were in seemed like it would exceed fire code if they filled all the tables. The food was pretty good - no better than Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill, but OK. The wine was overpriced; we paid $7 a glass for sparkling wine I know couldn't have been more than $16 a bottle. Another review mentioned the crepoline, and my girlfriend got that and enjoyed it. She also got the tiramisu, and said it was somewhat bland, and tasted bought in. Overall, I don't know that I'd choose this over Macaroni Grill.
(2)
A T.

Every once in a while a bad thing happens at a good place. There's no reason to post a bad review over a misunderstanding. Many diners pay the bill by credit or debit and tip in cash. I expect that's the reason for the problem the recent diner experienced. If you are not paying for your parents meal, and they are not paying for yours (odd either way) perhaps you should ask for separate checks. Food is great, service is friendly.
(5)
Benjamin B.

The food was simply ok. Nothing special, but not terrible. The service, however, was bad. The waiter was brusque and acted as though he really had much better places to be. Ridiculous. Avoid.
(2)
Monica C.

What I ordered: Ravioli Burro What I thought: Hit the spot for a buttery Italian American pasta dish. Rich, warm and comforting. Wasn't anything that was mind blowing, but a familiar texture and taste sensation was all I needed. Why you would go: This is the place in town for a quiet and slow Italian American meal. Why I would return: It's got really decent pasta.
(3)
V B.

Great homemade Italian. Recommend frutti del mar seafood dish with white wine sauce, pizza, and chocolate eclairs. Service can be slow when they're busy but worth the wait.
(4)
The G F.

I have given this restaurant a 3 solely because the food is great! However they really should brush up on their customer service.
(3)
Sam J.

Naturally, the pasta is really good! Try their appetizers My favorite thing of all is the calzone. Unbelievable quality and quantity, for a really reasonable price!
(4)
pseudo n.

Similar to other reviewers, I see Pasta Plus as a solid, no drama lunch choice. The menu is diverse, the food is well priced, the service is pretty good, and I've always liked the selections I've chosen. We do a number of farewell lunches here for work and they are always able to accommodate 12-15 folks with no issues. Plenty of places simply can't handle that properly.
(4)
Jason S.

Awesome place for some eye-talian cuisine. Everything from the bread (esp. the bread) to the homemade pasta was fresh. I had the pollo cacciatore (sp?) and it was a good balance of ingredients, and the sauce was nice and chunky... not like other american/italian franchises where its too soupy. They've got a pretty decent wine list for you wine-o's out there. We had Leonardo as our server and he was very polity and attentive to our needs. An old school PG county resident we had in our party said he's been working there since '82... he know's his stuff. He also had a sense of humor. Warning to those going in a large party... they only accept up to 2 credit cards per check. That area of Laurel is also pretty shady... but make sure to fill up on gas cause it's pretty cheap!
(4)
Sue H.

I have been going to this wonderful Italian restaurant since the year it opened. It is topnotch in all respects. But beware -- the restaurant is closed on Monday.
(5)
P S.

Just like most people said - looks like crap from outside. However, inside is a different story. Went with 4 people for lunch. All first timers, everyone loved it. I ordered the terembalo (sp?) and it was really good. The marinara sauce had a really flavorful tanginess/tart taste. Also ordered the pizza to try, wasn't that good. Would stay away. The pasta dishes were authentic, hand made, and blows away most other places I've eaten at.
(5)
Jenny H.

Food was fantastic! Traveled to Baltimore for vacation and went here for dinner. It looks like a run down strip mall on the outside, but once you are inside it is great! The only problem is that it seems to be overcrowded inside. I was with my boyfriend only and we got a small table for two in the corner, and didn't have enough room on the table for our food. We weren't finished with our appetizers when the dinner came out and had to have them take it away so we had room for our dinner plates. Otherwise it was a great experience! They even had a bowl of parmesan cheese on the table for you to spoon out as much as you want onto your dish, that was a big plus for me.
(4)
John F.

My wife and I have eaten at Pasta Plus many times and have always enjoyed the food. On our last visit we decided to do something different, rather than having a pasta dish we decided to have pizza. We did this because, although we have had many enjoyable meals there, we had never had their pizza. The pizza was good, but I was surprised and irritated when I was informed that there was a "$5.00 plate charge" for individual plates to eat your pizza off of. I have never encountered such a practice anywhere when ordering pizza. I don't understand why an owner would impose such a practice which creates a disincentive for ordering pizza to eat in house. Perhaps they only want to have pizza as a carry out item? If that is the case why put it on the dine-in menu? Be forewarned if you decide to have pizza dining in that there is the $5.00 plate charge. I only give one star because of the ridiculous plate charge; I otherwise would give Pasta Plus 4 stars based on previous meals.
(1)
Nan G.

Geez how long have I lived in this area? And how many times have I passed by Pasta Plus? Too many to count. I've always heard nothing but great things about PP so I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. What a great Italian Restaurant. The outside is somewhat deceiving as it's set in a small strip. The pizza is so delicious and fresh tasting. The Alfredo sauce for their pasta is creamy and good. PP was able to accommodate 28 of us recently for my father's b-day celebration. They put us in the back room and the service was spot-on and attentive. The food kept coming. Chicken cacciatore tasted just like my Italian Aunt's- so flavorful and yummy. The Manicotti was not to be missed either. Now that I finally got to experience Pasta Plus I look forward to my next trip.
(5)
Karen S.

Lovely fresh pasta! I've heard about the restaurant for a while, and I finally decided to try it out on a Sunday night. I came without reservations but was seated immediately (party of 4). It's a small space and kind of crowded, but cozy. We had a friendly waitress and the manager (or owner? older guy) kept coming over to check on us and make sure everything was good. Definitely felt well taken care of. The bread comes with butter and cheese, and she also offered olive oil and balsamic vinegar, so we had everything we could want. It was crusty on the outside but soft on the side and best of all, warm! We got three baskets because it was so yummy. We ordered butternut squash pasta, pasta verde with ricotta and eggplant, a crepe with ricotta and spinach, and a giant calzone with ricotta, sausage, pancetta and eggplant. The calzone was huge but not heavy and didn't need a lot of sauce. We also tried the tiramisu, which was good. They wrap your leftovers up for you and seal the containers with clingwrap so they don't spill and also label them for you.
(4)
Deb L.

I'm becoming fast convinced that the best Italian restaurants in the area look like hole in the wall dumps from the outside. From the outside, Pasta Plus doesn't look like much and is located in a pretty sad looking strip mall that has seen better days. Also, the name is less than appealing. But walk inside and it's a whole other world! Pasta Plus is a stories above fake-Italian places like Olive Garden and Mama Lucia's. The food is authentically delicious and has that unique taste that can only be found in freshly made pasta and sauce. I love the gnocchi and could happily eat it every day if my wallet (and waistline) would allow it. But no matter what you order, always save room for dessert. Their custard is simply divine, as is their mousse, and their gelato... Okay, it's all good. They don't take reservations so if you need your Pasta Plus fix, make sure you get their early on the weekends for dinner.
(4)
James C.

It's been a while since i've been at Pasta Plus but i just noticed that i've written but negative reviews on here so i thought it was high time i some praise where praise is due. Yelp is about more than just trashing places so let me begin by singing some praises for Pasta Plus. I've been here several times and have NEVER been disappointed. If you blink you will miss this little place wedged into a little semi-strip mall within a traffic circle, but it really is worth finding. Get there early or you will wait quite a while for a table. They open for dinner at 5pm, so it doesn't hurt to arrive a bit before that and get into line because there will surely be one forming. Doesn't matter what you order here, you will enjoy it. Yes, it IS THAT GOOD!!!
(5)
JK N.

Been twice as we thought the first time after hearing such rave reviews maybe it was an off night for dinner but lunch was not any better. The dinner for 5 people was crowded and uncomfortable and the orders the waiter delivered was wrong. Even after trying to correct we gave up. And we don't do special - meaning we ordered exactly off the menu no changes yet we didn't get what we ordered. Then the check overpriced as the food was not quality don't know what people are raving bout. We have had much better at Squistos, Carrabbas, and Carmine's. I am not even gonna mention that we are used to the real thing after living in Europe for 8 years (thank you military, Go Army!). Oh and the lunch lets see he seated 3 other couples before us who had the same number in their party till finally I spoke up and said um you missed us - which is pretty incredible considering their foyer is the size of a NYC bathroom!!! (Also the people had to trip over us to be seated) then the waiter swipes someone's else's menu before they had ordered and the people asked if they could get the menus back and then he didn't take our drink order even after standing then sitting for 45mins (family member takes meds with meals) and I had to reach over to the cupboard to get them a glass of water!! There was more to this disastrous experience but I will end there. Except to say we eat out with family and extended family 5 nights a week most of the year - they will not be getting any of our business or families/friends!!!!!!
(2)
Chris C.

Large portions with that antiquated "fee for splitting". I didn't find the rose sauce to have much flavor. I've learned my lesson: you really need do to get into the city for Italian food.
(2)
Angela M.

If you want authentic Italian food with no frills- give Pasta Plus a try. Growing up my family went to Marie Monte in Freestate Mall in Bowie on a regular basis. It was wonderful. They're closed now. The owners of Marie Monte and Pasta Plus are brothers. Now they run pasta Plus together. Pasta Plus has now become one of our all-time fav. local restaurants. Yes, its in a dumpy rundown strip mall in Laurel. But, that's how they can keep their prices down. I never end up spending more than $10-15 on a dish (not to say they don't have pricier ones). I can spend more down the street at crapola Olive Garden. If you think Olive garden is Italian and tastes yummy, then by all means steer clear of Pasta Plus b/c you will probably be disappointed with the wait, lack of fake Italian pillars inside, etc. But, if you appreciate simple Italian food, good service, good prices and family-owned businesses- check this place out. They have this awesome dessert there, it's a cake-ish thing raspberries inside/on top... it's delicious (forget the name, sorry). Try some of their specials- they tend to be very good. They also give you bread, in case you're a carb lover like me. When trying to get there take Route 1 south (if you see Laurel Mall on your right, you've gone too far), turn left into this strip mall (I think Baskin' Robins used to be in there) after the car dealerships & Boston Market, but right before the 198 turn. Their deli is also stacked with Italian grocery-type things if that interests you. Note: they don't take reservations, they don't even have a waiting list. You stand in line behind everyone else. Don't be that jack-a** who tries to squeeze to the front to put your name on the list and then throw a fit about the wait (at least 30 min on a Fri./Sat. is not uncommon). There are no chairs, you just stand in the small entryway. Like I said before, it's worth it and if they were to move elsewhere that's more comfortable they'd have to charge more for sure. Check it out- you might be surprised. I'm sure you will be. People travel far & wide to go to Pasta Plus.
(5)
Ty C.

I loooove their pizza! I haven't tried anything else YET, because their pizza is so freaking good! We order pizza here pretty often. My family and I stick to what we like. Half cheese, half pepperoni. The crust is just perfect, the sauce oh my gosh, the cheese, the pepperoni! I love it all! I really want to try more items on the menu, so glad we decided to try this hidden gem in Laurel. Brick oven pizza, yes please!
(5)
Cinnamon S.

Give it a 3, because I can't give it a 3.5. But would give it a 4.5 compared to other Laurel restaurants. Have been a regular for about 22 years. And I think the decor hasn't been updated in twice that time. But the owners are nice people, and are very loyal to their customers. It is basic, home-style place with a few great gems. I like the pizza. Although expensive, it makes a great takeout. Much better option than anywhere within a 20 min drive. They have an organic salad which is nice in a pinch with their house dressing. Crespolines, Lasagna Verde, and Tortellini Aurora are often on my Go-To item list. It's worth a try. Take a friend when you have that Italian craving.
(3)
Jay C.

This place is the bomb diggity! Expect a line, and a wait, and its worth it. Alfredo sauce is so good I could eat it with shoelaces. The Margarita pizza is a must have as well.
(5)
Amanda H.

Great find! We heard about Pasta Plus and decided to try it out. We had previously lived in Italy for two years so we were in search of some authentic Italian food and this place did not disappoint! Don't let the name or the outside appearance fool you it is a great dining experience! The staff are all very nice and helpful and you can tell it is a true family restaurant. The food is the closest thing to authentic Italian we have found in this area. I always get the swordfish when it is available and it has not disappointed. The bruschetta is great and the pizza is amazing! If you want true Italian food make sure you come here!
(5)
Angela C.

The Italian food here never fails to disappoint. The veal parmigiana is what I got the last time I came in and it was mouth wateringly delicioso! It almost seems like an old Italian family run restaurabnt and my HUGE italian family loves comoing here. They also have a nice chianti wine list that is definitely worht a glance over. If you are in the area and want sine legit Italian food, give this place a try!
(5)
Mark O.

I DROOL AT THE THOUGHT OF THIS PLACE!! After several years of driving by this place and thinking, "What a dump!", I was invited by a friend to attend Pasta Plus's Spring Wine dinner. This was a multi-course affair with wine selected by the sommelier to accompany each course. Well, I was blown away after this experience. Each course was incredibly well prepared, including a Fettucini with Duck Ragu which had my eyes rolling back in my head. So, after this mind-expanding first taste, I decided to return on a regular day to see how things were. I went there today for lunch and sat on the "market" side. Ordered a simple Spaghetti with Sausage. Meal began with freshly baked bread, hot out of their very own brick oven. The bread had a crackling, crisp crust which broke to reveal a warm, pillowy interior just perfect for sopping up the lovely olive oil it was served with. Next was a green salad which was launched from mediocrity by a extremely tasty house-made vinaigrette. Then came the spaghetti... O M G First of all, they make their pastas fresh and, I believe, to-order. One taste of this, and I don't know if I can go back to my dried spaghetti out of the box. The sauce: WTF?!?! When did it suddenly become August with fresh tomatoes dropping off the vines?? Seriously, this simple tomato sauce tasted so fresh, just as fresh as the ones I could make in summer time with the wonderful tomatoes from the farmer's market. just the right amount of garlic and the perfume of good olive oil. This was all topped off by a juicy, full flavored, sweet Italian sausage. I'd rate this up there as one of the best Italian meals I've ever had outside of Italy.
(5)
Jess F.

More authentic Italian food than this one you wont find in the area. Every dish I try its delicious. I love their chicken cardinale, is amazing.
(5)
Jennifer D.

Pasta Plus is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in a long time. Granted, I was a bit skeptical before dining there given the name (I mean, come on, "Pasta Plus"?), but everything was so wonderful that we were back there again for dinner 6 days later. The staff is so friendly and the meal makes you feel like you're anywhere but in a restaurant behind a giant light-up Arby's sign. Be prepared for a long wait if you come on a weekend evening (we waited in a line that went out of the restaurant and down the sidewalk of the shopping plaza). My one tip: Make sure you save room for dessert because the desserts at Pasta Plus will truly knock your socks off.
(5)
Katherine B.

I ate here about a year ago. (I'm bored at work and catching up on reviews!). I had a rockfish special they had with crab, white wine lemon sauce served over linguine. The rockfish was bland, the sauce was good, and the homemade noodles were also good. However, I believe it was around 25$, def not worth the price. My son had the alfredo and i thought the sauce was also bland, not enough parm, maybe. The bread and olive oil w/herbs for dipping was amazing. I'd come back maybe just for this. I also had a glass of Siema Pinot Grigio which ends up being my favorite white wine of all time, although I can't find it anywhere to buy, even Corridor. But kudos to the waitress for recommending that. All in all, I would go back and try maybe some more traditional options, it was good and i liked the atmosphere, the price was a little high for the tastes i received.
(3)
Kristin S.

I love Pasta Plus. Love love. My husband and I have been there several times since moving to Laurel last summer, and we order out pizza way more than we should from this joint - the food is consistently amazing. The strip mall setting is a turnoff, but you eat inside so whatever. The inside is lackluster, but not awful. There can be a wait (no reservations), but it's worth it for homemade pasta and wood-fired, actual pizza (if you're used to Pizza Hut, Ledos, or any other pizza-ish chain, this will blow your mind - it's how pizza is supposed to be to this former NJ resident). Also, get a cannoli. The host (I presume the owner) always comes by to make sure everything's alright, they have a little market attached to the restaurant, they do cheap carafes of wine. It's awesome. Love. *Edit: 5/20/11: Still love this place. Even with Salute in town, this is my go-to amazing Italian restaurant. The food is worth it.
(5)
Brandy M.

Pasta Plus never disappoints. Yes it's a hole in the wall and the size of a shoe box, but if you are looking for real authentic homemade Italian, this is the place to be. Everything is delicious and the food is reasonably priced. Get there early, if you don't, the line will be out the door. But no matter what time you go, expect a short wait. The food is well worth it and the service is impeccable.
(5)
Alice K.

I was introduced to this place a while back and love it! Definitely authentic Italian food (they know that you can't just put marinara sauce on EVERYTHING) with a wide selection of entree, deserts, wine, and appetizers. The highlight of the place for me is their wonderful flavoring of the sauces and the wide variety of wines! The waiters and waitresses know what they're talking about and can even help with your wine pairings. The outside looks a bit run down but the inside is a thriving restaurant! It has more of a traditional family restaurant to it so you can bring you family to it with no problems. The owner of the place also hosts yearly trips to Italy as a tour so that's something unique! They are also active in helping out the community as they have held many fundraisers in the restaurant. Their mussels special is always a delight and when it's available, you can see that everyone gets it. Their seafood is also quite fresh. Moderately priced and authentic, love it!
(4)
Joe J.

Seated very quickly. Service was excellent and the food was brought out quickly. Salad was fresh and the house dressing light and tasty. Chicken cutlet Parm was hot and very adequate . I opted for the side of veggies which were hot and fresh. Excellent all around
(4)
Cam W.

Great, consistent food. The decor isn't much.
(5)
John M.

Stopped by for the first time this past Saturday and was pretty impressed. The atmosphere is low key and unpretentious, with gentle pricing to match. Food quality is very, very good, and this is one restaurant that knows its limitations. The kitchen doesn't set out to provide a 3 star, gourmet experience, relying on well made Italian comfort food made from fresh, unfussy ingredients. Both my dining partner and I enjoyed our veal dishes (they had 6 different veal dishes on this day), and the antipasta was fresh and delicious. The only real detraction I can think of for this place is the wine list (decent, but not very large - the on-line list is very misleading as most reserve items are long gone), and it's popularity. We arrived at 4:50 and there were already some 20 people waiting in line in front of us (the restaurant opens at 5:00 and they do not take reservations). What can I say? This is a very solid Italian eatery! Edit from 11/2/11. After our experience back in May, I sent the restaurant an email about our dining experience (positive), and our disapppointment over the on-line reserve wine list. This is the reponse I received: "We are very happy to hear you enjoyed your first visit to Pasta Plus. Thank you very much for letting us know about the online wine menu. We are working on resolving this problem as soon as possible." Apparently it must be more difficult than I realized to update one's on-line menu. It's now been nearly 5 months since I received the response above and the website still lists a reserve list that is a complete fabrication. Oh well... Now nearly a year and the website still hasn't been updated. Why bother to even have a website if the information on there is never current?
(4)
Nick C.

I can't say enough about this place! Great sauce. You pick- all their sauces are good. From the spicy arrabbiata to the Alfredo, you cannot pick a bad sauce. Now the location leaves a bit to be desired but just walk in and overlook the sketchy strip mall. The place is one of the best Italian places in the area. This is the only place that I can say has sauce on par with my grandmothers. I have never had a bad meal here. Service is great. Food is even better. Do yourself a favor and try it. You will be an immediate fan. Sugo alla perfecto!
(5)
Brittany S.

The store front of this little hidden gem doesn't do it justice! But then again it's kind of a throw off which is good and it gives it it's charm. You really could come here on a fancy date night and order expensive wines or come here for a (small) family birthday for some good food. I came here with my family (party of 6) for my brothers birthday and probably waited at least 20minutes for a table. There is not waiting area in the dinning area so we sat at the tables in the "to-go" side of the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to see how nice the dinning area was which all white linens, silverware on the table and water and wine glasses on the table. We finally sat down and our waitress was so sweet and attentive. The bus boys were always there to fill our glasses of water and even joked with us which was fun. The fried ravioli appetizer was ah-maz-ing! Crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, the sauce on the side is a must! The bread with olive oil and FRESH parmesan is mouthwatering. The waitress said it was a secret recipe that she didn't even know. As the food came out the brought out the wrong dish, when my boyfriend said thats not what he ordered, our waitress came right back with the dish and very rudely put it right in his face and said "this is what you ordered, this is your dish" like she was mad he sent it back. The other 5 people at the table heard him say "linguine with mussels" but she brought out linguine with broccoli. It would have been fine but she was so rude and made it a big deal. Everybody else's food came out and we waited another 15mins for his food to come out, we felt so bad. Everybody was very pleased with their food. I got the Gamberi Marinara, shrimp in marinara with noodles and veggies. The shrimp were HUGE!!! biggest shrimp I've ever gotten at a restaurant and the veggies were cooke perfectly in a buttery garlic saute and probably not so healthy but they're still veggies right?? Everybody went home with a happy full belly and a doggy bag. I love this cute little place and I'll be back for a romantic date with the boyfriend to try everything else on the menu!
(4)
J. K.

I tried this place while traveling through town, based on reviews from Yelp. It was truly awesome! Once you get inside, it's a wonderful atmosphere...not too fancy, simple yet classy. Definitely a must try...not at all your typical chain italian restaurant!
(5)
Karen B.

Italian in an abandoned strip mall? It doesn't look like much on the outside but the pasta is handmade and I really love the Paglia e Fieno (it is good if you like mushrooms) and the Eggplant Parm. The chicken dishes are also very good and the best appetizer is the broiled asparagus. Also, you usually get pasta on the side (go with the flat thin fettuccine style noodles and their homemade tomato sauce). The brick oven pizzas are made the traditional way, so if you're looking for pizza hut style then you will be disappointed. I've been for lunch and dinner and it can get a bit crowded (there can be a wait on weekends). They now have a separate carry-out "market" area that is open every day even though the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
(5)
Su K.

Pasta Plus, I give you a big fat minus. You may misconstrue those 2 stars as being of the gold variety, but trust me, they are poopy yellow. I came here last night w/ my family and my brother-in-law and we were all...wait for it...yup, that magical Yelp word that so many reviewers seem to use....yup, you guessed it....underwhelmed. The pizza and calzone were good and I was told the cold cuts are good...but based on their name, I expected more from their pasta. Location - Let's start w/ the location (see pics). The three signboards collectively make up Pasta Plus - which has a SMALL market area (is it ok to emphasize small by using ALL CAPS?), a SMALL area for carry-out and a dining area. If you looked at it from the outside, you'd think that entire strip were closed and waiting to be boarded up - save for the small OPEN sign behind the tinted glass. Many Yelpers note the wait on the weekends - we went on a Monday night at 8p.m. and had no wait for a table for 6. The dining area is cozy...forget it! Let's call it what it is: CRAMPED! We dined in a separate section near the market (maybe b/c we had a stroller) but I checked out the dining area and the tables are pretty close together. They also have this creepy statue of a chef at the entrance. So the exterior is craptacular, unless you like the rundown strip mall look and Arby's, and the interior isn't that much better. Does the food make up for it? Food - Started w/ the french bread (free) and the calamari ($8.95). The calamari portion was rather small, especially compared w/ Red Sky just down the street, but the batter was crisp and the squid delicious. The tomato sauce it was served w/ however, was salty. The salads were of the iceberg variety - at least throw a couple pieces of romaine in there. The creamy Italian was ok and for the oil & vinegar, they bring out a bottle of balsamic vinegar to go along w/ the olive oil already at your table and you mix it yourself. We ordered 6 dishes: Frutti de mare ($21.95) - seafood was very small Pizza Contadina ($9.95) - pesto + sundried tomatoes = YUM! Olives were SALTY! Linguine w/ mussels & red sauce - small mussels, a few were rotten Calzone vesuvio ($9.95) - AMAZING! This sucker is enormous (see pic). The crust was delightfully crisp and the filling was delectable. Ask for the tomato sauce on the side as it makes the calzone soggy as you get through it. Linguine w/ clam & white sauce ($14.95) - sauce was good Fettucine alfredo ($11.95) + 2 meatballs ($3) - the sauce was Olive Garden-esque, which is good for an endless pasta bowl, not so good for $12. Tiramisu ($4.95) - too creamy. Maggiano's is better Dark chocolate ganoche ($4.95) - not too shabby. The ganoche was good but the cake part was dry. Overall, the noodles were perfectly al dente and chewy but as you got through the meal they became bloated. Some people may like this place purely based on the noodles, but the sauce & the meats make the dish for me. The tomato sauce is rather bland and not very good. The white sauce is tasty but you could easily make it at home. The seafood was very small - it made the frutti de mare at Waterside look like a world-class dish - and some of it wasn't very fresh. The pizza was almost really good but the olives were gross - and I love olives. The calzone was oddly enough the best dish. Personally, I'd recommend 3 Bros or Mamma Lucia's - their pasta isn't homemade, but their sauces are MUCH better. Service - Friendly and somewhat attentive. I would've given this place 3 stars after my first visit based on the pasta alone despite the long wait (went on a Sunday) and the mediocre sauces, but after last night, I think it's a 2-star location based on the sauces, location, and long waits - w/ no reservations. Go on a Monday or Tuesday if you want to try their pasta or like Patrick H. suggested, I'd recommend the pizza.
(2)
Joel S.

When we went to this restaurant with a group of four. We waited in line for over 20 minutes but that was ok. Then we ordered our food and this is when we had some of the worst service we had ever had. We ordered appetizers and our main entrees. Our appetizers came after our meal and the only reason we got our entrees is because we asked another waiter to check on it. When we finally got them they were cold and had to be reheated. It turned out that they had a large party that came and our waitress was waiting on them. We were so upset we asked for the owner and we told him what had happenned and his reply was " we were busy tonight". we got no apology or anything. I can tell you that we will never go back. This is the worst attitude i ever gotfrom an owner.
(1)
Sharon W.

We happened to be near Pasta Plus and decided to stop for dinner. We were 15 minutes before opening and by the time they did open there was a long line waiting to be seated. I don't think I would wait for a seat as the food is pretty good but it is cramped. My main complaint though was our 5 year-old granddaughter was with us and she didn't want anything on the very mundane child's menu so we decided to order a rather expensive appetizer, my husband's entree, and she and I would split a shrimp dish. The waitress, rather embarrassedly, told us there was a shared dish charge (7 or 8$) and at her suggestion we went ahead and ordered a child's meal to take home since it was the same price as the charge would have been. I did get a chance to talk to the manager and point out that some children want more sophisticated food than on the kid's menu and he said to talk to him next time we were there. I felt that with the appetizer, 2 entrees, and a couple of glasses of wine the shared dish charge was over-kill in our case. I can understand if people come in eat a ton of bread, drink water and then share an entree but that wasn't our case. I'm just glad I'm not a restaurant manager!
(3)
Delilah S.

I took my son on the suggestion of several friends because we were in the area. I am not a huge fan of Italian food. But I am a fan of this restaurant! The calamari was crispy with a tangy marinara. My Caesar salad had a very authentic homemade dressing. The meaty pizza had outstanding cheese and a perfect crust. My son's sausage with mozzarella was perfectly seasoned. It was an outstanding meal, at a good price, with nice size portions. I will go back in a second. It looks like nothing from the outside, but it was packed on the inside with everyone enjoying their meal. Very nice surprise.
(5)
Patrick H.

The Washington Post put out a fun little article about a week back describing 5 places to get a quality Pizza that rivals the pies of Pizzaria Paradiso and 2 Amys, without the lines or screaming children. We have been a fan of Pasta Plus for years, and if you have never been to this unsuspecting location (See some of the other Yelps about this) for their traditional Italian fare, then you are missing a real treat. For the life of me, I can't explain it, but we have never had their pizza before, always content to mine the endless selection of exquisite housemade pasta. So chalk one up for the Post, because Pasta Plus "made it into their five" and I was "in the mood" last night so we decided to give them a whirl. They certainly did not disappoint. I had the Contadina, a nice 12 inch pie smathered with housemade pesto, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. My dining companion had the Garden pizza which has roasted eggplant, broccoli, zuchini and a simple pomodoro sauce. The pies have a great crust, chewy and bubbly just the way I like them, and the flavors of the pizza are divine. Is it just as good as 2Amy's or Paradiso... well, that may be something of a stretch, but they are pretty darn close! Pizza's been a major hit since the article in the post and with only one small wood-burning oven, you may have to wait a little, but no bother. Salads and apps here are great and don't fill up on the whole loaf of housemade Italian bread because, believe me, you'll be tempted to. p.s. They do have a carry-out market adjacent to the restaurant and yes, pizza is on the menu!
(5)
Tracey b.

I had not been here in awhile but last night I ordered carry out and I know what I have been missing. The manicotti is awesome and made he right way with crepes. My daughter who is very picky had the ravioli and she ate almost the whole portion. Said she loved it!! Also very good prices. Compared to other places in Columbia that can't even come close.
(5)
Jon M.

Best (consistent) Italian food I have had in America. Yes, in Laurel, in a strip mall. This restaurant has never let me down. I have never had anything that has been less than delicious, and while it's no frills you can tell that it's family-run and with attention to the small details that matter. It's not a people-watching scene, and it's not fancy. And, again, it's in a Laurel strip mall. But it's everything a dependable, good, home-made local restaurant should be. Just don't tell too many of your friends.
(5)
Maleeha M.

The food is simply amazing! Try the fried ravioli for appetizer. The location is a hidden gem- looks like nothing on the outside and when you open the door- you are suddenly transported. Great service too.
(5)
Clint S.

Love Pasta Plus. I actually like the take out a little better. The sauce is awesome and actually their pizza is often overlooked.
(4)
Pamela S.

A favorite with locals . Always a wait.
(4)
Katy C.

The food here is very good. Excellent, actually. And good prices. We used to love this place. However, my wife and I brought my parents in one day to try it for lunch. The sign at the counter said "Open." I asked for a table for four. The guy behind the counter looked at us, looked at the sign, turned in around in front of us, and said they were closed. There were still a lot of people seated in the restaurant, so I said, loudly "Fine, I guess we'll take our money elsewhere." On the way out, I overheard a customer say they couldn't believe they were turning away business. Haven't been back since and will never go again.
(1)
DK M.

Coming from Philly, home of many terrific Italian restaurants, we were a little skeptical of a place called "Pasta Plus." However, we were overall pleasantly surprised. The bread was delivered warm and crispy, soft inside. Very good. Salads were fresh, excellent house dressing. I ordered homemade ravioli, which were tender, the sauce was good perhaps a little spicy, almost too reduced, it was after 9 pm - maybe it had been cooking all day? We might just be a little picky because we make our own marinara at home. My partner had eggplant parmesan - thick slices, okay but underwhelming. (The best eggplant we've had is sliced very thin, breaded and fried, layered with sauce on top.) The waitstaff was friendly and informative. We will return, for sure.
(4)
Lora H.

Wonderful atmosphere, food, service! It had been several years since I had been back to Pasta Plus. I moved out of the local area and had not been back. I met with a group of 8 people and everyone had great things to say about their dish. I personally chose 2 entrees so that I could take some home as left overs. The Gnocchi and Tortellini were fantastic. The others had the Frutta di Mare with white sauce and the special. I will most definetly be returning in the near future.
(5)
dave o.

I got to eat here twice. We shared several meals. This place had come highly recommended. Its this good Italian restaurant with authentic style cooking in an area mostly devoid of quality restaurants. HEY!!!! This is well worth it. In the corridor between Baltimore and DC there aren't a ton of great restaurants. This wonderful little gem might be the best!!!! It sits in one of the ugliest little shopping centers anywhere...and yet is easily accessible with plenty of parking at the intersection of Rte 198 and Rte 1. First off the PASTA. Pasta Plus makes their own pasta. It is Sooooooooo good. So much better than you'd find almost everywhere. and btw: We had so much food we brought some home. That home made pasta was terrific two days later. We had a couple of way above average main dishes. We also had the capreze appetizer a reasonably nice asparagus appetizer, and this is a killer the .... The Zabaglione dessert. Eat it and thank the food gods that Italy invented this wonderful dish, served so well at Pasta Plus. On top of everything else...with the price of meals....this place is extremely reasonable and service is excellent. An absolutely wonderful choice.
(5)
Logan G.

The company I work for just moved to Laurel and we are walking distance from this place. My co-worker ordered 7 sandwiches one day and I was able to try all of them. Not one think disappointed me. The paninis are MIND BLOWINGLY DELICIOUS.
(5)
Courtney F.

One of the truly unique restaurants in Laurel. You can tell that they make all their own pasta fresh unlike the chain Italian restaurants.
(3)
Anita W.

The wait was long for a table, but the pasta was good, just not worth a special trip. I won't go back, but if this were in my neighborhood, I'd be a regular.
(3)
Omid A.

The meal comes with bread and fresh salad. The fried calamari was good & I had the squid-ink pasta with seafood that tasted pretty fresh. I will be back!
(5)
Stacey M.

Ignore the lack of ambiance, the hidden, strip mall appearance, and the lines out the door on weekends. This place is the real deal for Italian food. You can't go wrong with any of the tomato dishes. If it includes handmade pasta, even better. Pasta Plus keeps it simple with the freshest, ingredients and truly authentic Italian dishes. I have been eating at this gem of a restaurant and I can't get enough of the eggplant parmagiana. if you get it to go or eat-in, $12.50 gets you the dish, a fresh salad, and your choice of pasta or vegetables and it could be the best spent $12.50 in the area. Completely worth it. Cons: small space means lines, the dining room can be a tad congested at times, but the prices are incredibly fair and the food is always good. I have had better luck with tomato based dishes than white sauce / alfredo style dishes here.
(5)
Yimei W.

I would say it might've been a 3.5, until I tried the noodles. That is how they got their 4th star. Ambiance/Service: server was a friendly girl throughout, and the ambiance actually surprised me a bit. Hearing the name "Pasta Plus" just didn't inspire me to come. It was only because my friend was tired that day and I wanted to make it easier--so I agreed to meet at this joint. But the inside was quite BUSY, and had a nice, homey, cozy feel. There was a market adjoined to the restaurant; I saw desserts and salad bar options, as well as containers of their fresh, homemade noodles for sale around $8-10. Food: I absolutely loved the taste and texture of the handmade fettucini; I got this special--the name of which I forgot--but it can be described as heavily buttered noodles with fresh sage, mushrooms, and prosciutto. It was only later when I took it home that I discovered I might've eaten a vat of butter. But even the 3rd day, the noodles tasted just as good microwaved. The only minuses were 2 things: 1. My dish came out on a plate that was slightly dirty. I mean, it wasn't obviously dirty, but there were 2 darker smudges on the outer portion of the plate that sort of caught my eye. I made a point to avoid touching that area. 2. Shrimp: what's the deal with an Italian restaurant serving BABY shrimp? I usually expect big, plump shrimp when I go anywhere that's not Chinese. To be fair, I was told ahead of time when there may be baby shrimp instead of normal shrimp. But even the normal shrimp in my friend's frutti di mare (seafood pasta) didn't look too appetizing--it wasn't deveined and was just like the size of a pinky finger. The scallops were small/medium, but tasted alright. 3. Salad: it was a mix of "mixed greens" and iceberg lettuce with a house italian dressing. It was OK, and was a substantial portion size with your entree, but not a fan of iceberg lettuce. I would likely return for the handmade noodles, particularly that dish even, but probably not take my chances with any shrimp dishes.
(4)
Ann K.

Lunch time! What should I eat? Let's try Pasta Plusto! I called the carry out and marketplace at Pasta Plus. My lunch is ready to be picked up within 15 minutes. The $10 lunch comes with small salad, a small loaf of bread, and good amount of tasty spaghetti with meat sauce. I couldn't resist the dessert display and gave in on three small cream puffs, white chocolate and dark chocolate. Love them! 3.75
(3)
Sharon H.

Had the pleasure of dinning here last night. I must admit that driving into the strip mall is a complete turnoff if you are into judging a book by it's cover. However, DON'T LET IT'S LOCATION DETER YOU!!!! Let me say it again... don't let the outside of the building turn you away!!!!!! Once you enter, the restaurant is lovely - maybe not 5-star ambiance... but it is really nice. The servers are attentive and the owner (I'm guessing?) comes across as very interested in your dinning experience. My friend and I both had the same thing - we weren't very creative but it didn't matter. We both ordered the Timballo alla Teramano which for those who may not know, it's a killer lasagna with crepes instead of noodles. It was delicious. The clearly home made tomato sauce was bright and crisp, just how I like it. The dish was not too heavy and not a bite remained on my plate. I appreciated the portion size - not too much but definitely not too small. Our dinners included bread that was OK... nothing to write about and a nice sized house salad. I agree w/ other reviewers, the salad was passable, the lettuce maybe not as fresh as the pasta. The house dressing is yummo - we really enjoyed it even dipping bread in it. YUM. Overall we had an excellent experience. This place qualifies as a "hidden gem" without a doubt. And, it will not break the bank. All told, we had a nice bottle of wine and 2 meals and it only cost us $30 each.... not bad!
(4)
Aamir N.

As a Laurel resident, I want to experience great dining close to home. Unfortunately, I have given this place multiple chances (lunch and dinner) and I am truly disappointed. THE SERVICE IS HORRENDOUS. One experience, our waiter disappeared. Another experience, the waitress was rude and food incorrect compared to what we ordered. Food is just okay.
(1)
Adam A.

Best Italian restaurant in the area with a wide variety of dishes, great specials and wine. The brick oven pizza is awesome. The service is top notch and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. The market side is also very good with great take out pizza and fresh ravioli, pasta and desserts. A must for everyone who likes Italian food!
(5)
Christine C.

We loved this place. This review will be just an addition to everyone elses reviews because it was wonderful and charming. It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you walk in, you are transported to a small village in Italy where the service is wonderful and menu is extensive. I had a Gnocchi Verde - spinach gnocchi (potato pasta) and it was wonderfully done in a white sauce with mushrooms, peas and all the right seasonings. Neil had a panini which looked absolutely marvelous.. they served bread and water with lunch. Service was great, atmosphere cozy and authentic, food delish. We will be back to his place!
(5)
Brad D.

For the price this is an excellent place. I've been going here for a long time. The timballo teramano and calzones really stand out in my memory but everything is quite good. The building is unpretentious and a bit cramped, so people who care about that element might be put off, but for me this is very secondary to good food and good prices.
(5)
Sarah L.

The last time I tried this place was maybe 7 or 8 years ago. I remembered really liking the pasta in high school, and it was always a treat when my best friend's family decided to order it for dinner. So when my boyfriend's co-worker decided to take orders from Pasta Plus, he asked me if I've tried it before. I replied with an enthusiastic yes! and told him to put in an order for the both of us. He ordered the lasagna (his litmus test for all things Italian) and I got the linguine with clams. Maybe it's because our orders were sitting in the company fridge for most of the day, or maybe my taste buds are deceiving me, but it wasn't as great as I remembered it to be. And we did reheat it in the oven, not in the microwave. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good, either. We also got a slice of tiramisu and cheesecake. Dessert fared worse than our entrees, most notably the cheesecake, which had graham cracker crumbs dispersed throughout the cheese filling. We all know that the crust is part of what makes a cheesecake but I don't want to taste its crumbliness against the smooth creaminess of the filling. I hate to say it, but I'd rather put up with the tacky decor and long wait at Filomena's, because at least I'll know their food (and especially their desserts) will be better. This is saying a lot, because Filomena's is not my favorite Italian eatery. The other week my boyfriend said his co-worker was taking orders for Pasta Plus again and I told him not to bother. Some food memories are best left in the past.
(2)
Jim S.

I loaded up and took the whole herd (5 of us) here because my Dad said they were awesome (turns out he had never been here). OK, it is in a strip mall; half of Maryland is in a strip mall. We walk in and the hostess asks me if we have a reservation....uh...no. Then gives me some let me see if we have a table line. I can see at least 5 open tables. They finally seat us and ignore us. After 20 minutes we get up and leave. i can't comment on the food because I didn't get any. The prices did not look terrible. But maybe a little service? We are not going back. There are plenty or restaurants out there that are more then happy to take my money.
(1)
Michele M.

Service wasn't the best for the take out side... Maybe it's better for the eat in... But the gnocchi and the calamari were very good.
(3)
Sallie L.

The food was great. My friend and I had pizzas and cannolis to share. I would give a 5 star just for the food -- however the server, I believe my check said Robert(?), was really short with us and had a terrible attitude. I am not a picky person but it was just an unfriendly experience.
(3)
Bryan R.

This place is ridiculously good. Had the eggplant parmesan (and left the leftovers in my in-laws freezer, much to my extreme disappointment). Wife had the fettuccine alfredo and was very impressed. Pizza bianca as an appetizer was amazing - could have eaten that for my main course - the best white pizza I've ever had, and I've had a bunch.
(5)
Hailie G.

Pretty good Italian food hidden away. It doesn't look like much from the outside but it is very tasty. They always have great special and awesome calzones. Give them a try if you're in the area. A little pricey and not the best service but still pretty good food
(4)
Tom C.

I went there for lunch. Maybe this doesn't apply for dinner, and maybe it doesn't apply for any other day, but it applied to me, at lunch, today. The restaurant is very nice, though the location is a little odd, but there's plenty of parking. The service was excellent. The salad was impressive and tasty. (I had oil and vinegar, so I can't comment on the dressing.) The bread was OK. Some of the specials sounded impressive, but at a place called "Pasta Plus", I wanted to try a pasta dish. I had the Lasagna. The pasta was overcooked, and the sauce was undercooked. I'm always interested in a good Italian Restaurant, and I read good things about this place, so I decided to try it out. I was disappointed. There are three Italian Restaurants nearer to me that are better, and two of them are chains. The food was edible, but I'm not going out of my way again. BTW, my grandfather, Luigi Sacco, used to make Veal Parmigiana and Lasagna for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, every year I was growing up. I know what Lasagna is supposed to taste like. I'm sorry to hear that this passes for good in Laurel. I can only presume that those of you who gave 'Pasta Plus' more than three stars didn't have the pasta.
(2)
Tom C.

One of the area's top Italian restaurants, even better than most of the places in Baltimore's Little Italy. The pasta is home-made, the pizzas are cooked in a woodburning oven, and host is as gracious as they come. The portions are more than generous (eg. the pizza bianca appetizer is a full 10-12" pizza) and the prices are more than reasonable (appetizer, two salads, two entrees, a bottle of wine, two desserts and two coffees was under $100!). Try beating that in Little Italy. The food is fresh and prepared with skill, getting a five-star rating from this foodie. My only complaint about Pasta Plus is the crowded and cramped dining room. Some say this is part of the restaurant's charm, but I don't find it charming. That's just me being me. The wine list could use some Sicilian reds, which the host assured me they will have soon. Otherwise the list is fine. If you plan to visit Pasta Plus and want to be seated immediately, get there 15 minutes or more before it opens, especially on weekends for dinner. We were surprised to see the line already formed when we arrived early. But the food was worth the wait. We'll go back.
(4)
John C.

Good Italian food and pizza. Fresh pasta and revolving weekly specials will keep you coming back. This is a nice little restaurant that I will continue to frequent. There are 2 negatives. It is SMALL and will fill up less than an hour after opening for dinner. Be prepared to bump elbows and chairs if you are seated in the smaller rear section. The other negative is the service speed. While the staff is pleasant, they are often swamped and trying to keep their heads above water. I would recommend this place even considering its downfalls.
(3)
Jean L.

I've been coming to Pasta Plus for a while now. There are some dishes I absolutely love from here, while others just don't agree with my tastes. But for the dishes I love... well, there's a reason why there's always a line for dinner here. Don't worry, I've never had to wait an incredibly long time--but it helps that my parties have always been small. They start you off with one of the most colorful appetizer salads I've gotten at a pasta place. Their house dressing is a creamy Italian, of which I'm a fan. Their other option is the balsamic and olive oil that's already set on the table. Someone I dined with had expected a pre-made vinaigrette and was a little jealous of my dressing when our server pointed out the two bottles. I prefer their linguine to the fettuccine because you really get a feel for the difference in the texture of their fresh pasta as opposed to dried. It's hard to go back. I adore their Linguine with Clams in red sauce. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Once, I got them with the clams in the shells. Another time, they had removed the shells before serving. I don't know what it is about clams served with the shells removed but they tend to leave me thinking they aren't as fresh (even though they're probably the same). I like their sauce, which is bright, tangy, with a hint of spice. Their gnocchi in red sauce is also pretty tasty. Fluffy, with a satisfying elasticity--they're the absolute favorite of one of my dining buddies. But neither of us are very much experienced with gnocchi so we can't compare it. I've also ordered one of their specials--cornish hen with mushroom risotto, which was well-executed. I love all kinds of risotto and their mushroom version has a deep flavor that caught the juices from the cornish hen. I never had cornish hen before, so I enjoyed mine for the novelty. The texture and flavor were distinctly fowl, and yet different from all the other kinds of fowl I've tried. But my heart is for the Linguine with Clams. You really have to love bacon for their Fettuccine Amatriciana. They weren't kidding when they said it's in the dish--the flavor of bacon verges on overpowering. Someone else I dined with had ordered a calzone, and it pretty much seemed to be a pizza folded in half. You have now been forewarned about the size. Order accordingly~ Oh, and service has always been attentive and helpful. Go, and enjoy.
(4)
Kenny M.

I got the Pizza Michelino. Really Good! This place is a bit of a up-scale Italian resturant in a not so great place in Laurel. Was my first trip I will try to make it back. It took a long time to order our meal because no one could decide what to order because everything sounded so good. Also, the place was packed. A good sign that the food is good.
(4)
Swatee G.

I feel the restaurant is run by some real Italian family.. it has some great food.. the risotto was PERFECT and so was the Pizza... it has been ages since i had a risotto so perfect and creamy! The wine list is HUGE.. so many choices, the staff is Real friendly and helpful! Great worth for money I feel, even though it is slightly pricey!
(4)
Debra B.

The food is very good. However the restaurant atmosphere is poor. I mean basic things such as dusting and a lightbulb change doesn't happen. The carry out employees are lifeless and rude. I grew up in Laurel. if this restaurant was anywhere else where there were competitors it would never make it unless they kept up with basic cleaning and maintenance.
(3)
Steven T.

I dated an Italian girl for over three years, both of her parents (divorced) owned restaurants in Italy (one near Palermo the other in Roseto) and we made numerous trips to Italy and I even worked in the restaurant in Roseto. With that being said let me give an enthusiastic thumbs up to this establishments food. When we arrived at PP there was a line of people waiting in a small corridor that served as both the entry and exit for the establishment. No waiting list you just wait in line and they seat you when it's your turn. However people leaving had to squeeze by those of us waiting so it isn't the most ideal situation. People complain that PP is in a strip mall - get over peeps, lots and lots of very good restaurants are in strip mall, if this bugs you don't go there. Once seated we were greeted quickly and our drinks and bottle of wine showed up quickly. Let me just say that the prices on the menu are CHEAP, very cheap compared to west coast where I live. However the wine was expensive and I probably wouldn't recommend getting a bottle. Now on to my Nitpicks Bread - Bottom part of the crust was slightly over cooked making it a little chewy while the top was not crusty enough. I don't think they have a proper bread oven that injects steam to make a nice crusty bread, but overall the bread was acceptable. Balsamic/Olive Oil - The balsamic vinegar that is in the bottles is NOT Antica Italia, it a cheap mass produced balsamic vinegar. Also I was a little shocked to see it served there because this is purely and American invention, I have never once seen this done in Italy and have had Italians question why we do it here. Dinner Salad - Large portion, great dressing and surprise they didn't overdress the salad. I tried two entrees one was a fettuccine with broccoli with an olive oil sauce - OMG real home made pasta cooked perfectly - it was delish, the broccoli was also al dente and just the right amount of garlic and red pepper was in the olive oil sauce. This is such a simple dish to make but almost every italian restaurant in america &ucks it up. The second entree was a special, Chicken stuffed with spinach, pine nuts, and a whole host of other goodies. Again the chicken was moist, the stuffing delish, the cream sauce was just enough to give it the flavor without drenching the chicken in it. To be honest when I looked at the prices on the menu I thought we might need to order apps, salad, entree and desserts because everything was so cheep. Not only was the food inexpensive the portions where huge and I left with a two large to-go boxes. Food 4.5 Stars Service 4.5 Stars Value 5+ Stars Total 4.66 stars Bottom Line: I wish I could import this little jewel of a restaurant back to my hometown.
(5)
Igor B.

Been coming here for 30 years, and it always only gets better. When we crave Italian fare we come only here. The daily specials are always amazing, so temptingly prepared, and they never disappoint. Always good fresh fish available, so well done! Try to get some of the house favorites, like crespollini or timballo.
(5)
Courtney R.

I've lived in Laurel for the last 20 years and have eaten here twice, maybe 5 years apart. The first time, it was great. Today my co-workers and I got carry out and it was less than great. This seemed to be the general consensus of everyone here. I love the fact that I got a salad with my meal, however, the "salad" was plastic container stuffed to the max with lettuce, 1 slice of tomato, 1 cucumber. Yum. I ordered the Gnocci dumplings- w/ tomato sauce..eh..it was so-so. I just can't help thinking that I've had better. My co-worker had the Fettecuine con Pollo - he was not enthused either. I want to believe that this place lives up to the hype but I just haven't found the right dish yet to sway me either way.
(3)
Harold G.

I have been coming here for over 15 years. There is no other Italian restaurant in the Washington/Baltimore area that even comes close to Pasta Plus for the wonderful food, amazingly low prices, generous portions, fabulous staff ( they have become family for us) and free on-site parking. The strip mall and name are misleading. It is a hidden gem in an otherwise dull location. You will probably have to wait on line. No reservations. And they are usually full. As they should be. That is why I have not written this until now. I don't want too many others to come here. But I also want people to know that this place deserves the reputation it has.
(5)
Lauren H.

Pasta Plus is a landmark in Laurel. The salad and table wine options are only okay, but the pasta is plus in my book. The lasagna is great with a sweet tomato sauce. The pizza is the best in the area, and well worth the extra $$. My husband has had the seabass and chicken parm on multiple occasions and we were both impressed. My daughter raves about the ravioli, and the portions are huge. Clearly the owners are doing something right. They servers have always been prompt and attentive, and they seem to actually know the specials well. If your staff loves the food - it shows. We will be back again to Pasta Plus. Now if only the other stalls in that stip weren't empty. I could use a good deli over there for quick lunches.
(4)
Rey T.

Coming from a New Yorker, this is the second closest I have found in this region to authentic Italian in both taste and presentation, short of Filomena in Georgetown. Their wine selection is expansive but can get a little pricey for the quality offered and I am not quite certain about their storage routine. At one sitting the first bottle of wine I had ordered had kicked pretty badly. They brought a second bottle which had also passed.
(4)
John V.

Excellent. A value. The Straw & Hay pasta dish is my fav. Their white pizza is amazing
(4)
miagi n.

My favorite italian restaurant! Not as fancy looking as olive garden or "high end" looking italian resto, but you will still get the best! Homemade pasta and marinara sauce! Love love it! Always come here for their seafood pasta and calamari :))
(5)
Jen J.

One night, my friends and I were craving pasta, but wanted something other than Olive Garden. So, we came on here for reviews...and decided that Pasta Plus would be our spot. We placed an order for takeout since it was so late. We got the Chicken Alfredo and Spaghetti...and unfortunately, none of us enjoyed either of the dishes. The Chicken Alfredo totally lacked flavor and sauce. It was very dry and just super duper bland. My boyfriend had the spaghetti and actually threw it away...and he never does that. We won't be going back. Ugh, I was really excited about this place because of the great reviews. Talk about a disappointment. Oh, the customer service was great...which is why I gave them 2 stars instead of one.
(2)
Courtney C.

I ordered two large pizzas uncut for appetizers at my baby shower. One pizza margarita and one pizza bianca. When my friend went to pick them up, they had my order down as 4 pizzas and gave her a huge attitude about it! She finally walked out with two pizzas (the correct order) after some argument. The margarita had no basil and was just a cheese pizza. I had more of a buffalo mozzarella, large pieces of basil concept in mind, but the pizza was still incredible. The pizza bianca lacked flavor and was really dry. it tasted like pizza dough sprinkled with Parmesan. Nothing special or worth ordered again. I don't usually ordered pizza from here, but I may just have the get the margarita again.
(3)
Aaron N.

Pasta Plus is fantastic - it is my favorite Italian restaurant and well worth the wait (they do not take reservations. Yes, a hole in the wall next to the Monroe Muffler, but a REAL Italian restaurant with fantastic food and well worth making the distance. For a true Abruzzo experience, you can't get any better than Pasta Plus unless you're in Italy. I've been to the best restaurants in San Francisco, NY, Philly and Boston, but this is still my favorite. Best of all, it doesn't cost me $100/person for dinner! The meats and the seafood are by far the best items on the menu. Ask for the specials before ordering off the menu; often they are even better than the menu. My favorites are the Calamaretti alla Luciana, pretty much any of the fish specials, Agnolotti alla Panna, the lobster+seafood special when they have it, the rack of lamb special when they have it. It used to be the case that the best deserts were reserved for regulars in the know, now you can find Zabaione on the menu. Highly recommended! The pasta, bread, etc are all made in house. The pizzas are good, but there are better pizzas if you're willing to travel (Sally's Apizza, Modern-A, Pepe's, Tony's Pizza Neopolitana)
(5)
Jerome J.

Awesome food, excellent owner and hospitality, tremendous experience. I am a bit of an Italian food snob hailing from NJ and pasta plus gets my stamp of approval!!
(5)
Valerie R.

Not sure I would have ever suspected that great Italian food was hiding in this strip mall, but luckily my hubby knows what's up. The decor is dated but the freshly made pasta is timeless. Coming from Hawaii, fresh pasta is a rarity, so one star just for that! The lunch selection was extensive, and I was happy to see veal saltimbocca on the menu. It was cooked perfectly, and I loved the crispiness of the ham poking out from under the cheese. The sauce had just the right amount of buttery saltiness and depth. I could have licked the plate, but that would get me a death glare from the hubby! You can also count on getting a fresh house salad with your meal, and a side of veggies or pasta. Definitely worth it, and the prices were (in my overpriced Hawaiian experience) very reasonable.
(4)
Mary W.

This certainly isn't the restaurant you're going to drive by and say 'man i have to eat there sometime'. you may not even know its a restaurant from the road. But once inside, indulge yourself baby! Freshness is the name of the game. My husband and I enjoy every part of the meal. Fresh bread, dipped in freshly shredded parmesan and olive oil. flavorful salads. The pizzas are made right up front in a brick oven with always the right crisp. Eaten here at least a dozen times and have yet to have a overcooked or burnt pizza. The pasta is fresh, sauces made in house. Bottomline- its a good italian restaurant. Lines can be long at peak hours, but definitely worth checking out
(5)
Hoyt H.

First let me preface this review with a disclaimer: this is 4 stars for LAUREL, which is sorely lacking in anything resembling good Italian food. Having had some truly awesome Italian food in Europe at restaurants run by actual Italians, I'm getting picky about my food. That being said, this place is pretty good for an Americanized Italian restaurant. We've been there a few times now, which is saying something, since I wouldn't return to any of the other Italian places in the area. We've had good luck ordering their specials, and wait-staff is friendly. I think the food could use a bit more seasoning in general, but they seem to use fresh ingredients, which is why we go back. Just be prepared to wait in line if you don't get there at the right time, since I don't think they take reservations and the place is popular.
(4)
Viv J.

I had the meatball sub and the tomato sauce, provolone cheese and meatballs were pretty good. The seating was tight and they could use some more room. However the bread was hard. It was freshly baked but just the crust was too hard for me. The service was pretty good. It is one of those restaurants that you can't go wrong if you select it but you can find better too.
(2)
Sqldbamd S.

This is one of the perfect place that you can find for a good dinner, the services was perfect, wine selection was perfect, waitress food recommendations was excellent , waiting time was decent.
(5)
Vince V.

Where would one expect to get authentic Italian food south of Little Italy (Baltimore) or east of The Hill (St. Louis) or west of great grandma's house in the Mother Country (Italy). You wouldn't expect it in a strip mall or in Laurel or in a place called "Pasta Plus" ... but for those of you looking, this place comes plenty close, and is well-worth the trip if you can't make it to Baltimore, let alone Umbria, Italy. The menu is varied, with options for everyone. Plenty of pastas, meat dishes of all types, and side vegetables that inspire you to up your own cooking at home (they appear simple to prepare and are so delicious). And there are countless menu specials. Unlike some specials which seem littered with the chef's latest experiments or with items that need to be moved on, the specials here are in fact some of their classics. The prices are very reasonable (typical entree in very hearty serving portions is $12-15) ... the food is excellent, whether it is the fresh bread or the generous salads with plenty of fresh vegetables or the entrees with lots of garlic and just-right seasoning or the massive desserts or the cappuccino ... The only thing NOT what you would expect to find in your favorite, secret Italian place in Little Italy might be the extraordinarily efficient and friendly service from the wait staff ... Our waitress could not have been more professional, accommodating, and solicitous.
(4)
Tiffany N.

Sick and tired of coming to this restaurant when only the market area is open and something obnoxious happens. Whether it's the roaches in the area where they sell the Italian noodles or the fact that the girl over the counter is too busy on her phone to write down the list of people waiting to be seated so please just jump ahead of you. I've been coming to this place since I moved to Maryland in 2009 and now that I live in Annapolis and I drove 25 minutes to Laurel to eat here to have three separate groups take tables and refuse to move even after they saw I was upset is utterly ridiculous. The food is good here but unless the restaurant is open you'll get horrendous service.
(1)
Brian D.

I work in Laurel and recently we did lunch time take out from here. I got the Agnolotti alla Panna. It was very tasty, perfect for a cold damp day. It came with a big but basic iceberg salad with the house dressing on the side and a good crusty roll.
(4)
Jeremy S.

If there is better Italian anywhere within 50 miles I don't know about it. The service has also been top notch. I have been to plenty $40+ a plate restaurants and this place tastes that good while being pretty reasonably priced.
(5)
Beth S.

My Mom and I visited here this past summer, and the server had such a stick up his butt, he could barely bring himself to speak to us. Not sure if you think it's beneath you, but if you don't want to serve people, get another job. The table was so small I thought our drinks would fall off. The food was just okay, but we were both so bugged by the awful service that it was hard to concentrate on the food. Seriously, there are enough places in Laurel that are worth going to, just save your money and go somewhere else.
(1)
Francesca R.

It is with great sadness I write this review. Years ago, Pasta Plus used to be one of my favorite restaurants. I used to rave about their authentic Italian food. I hadn't been back in a few years - so long, in fact, that my now-husband and I had never had a meal there together. So, we went, and I wish we hadn't. First of all, it took nearly ten minutes before we were even greeted by our waiter. EVERYTHING, in fact, took much longer than a reasonable amount of time. In fact, we knew what we wanted before we even got drinks, a rare occurrence for us. My water glass went empty more than once, which is especially inexcusable since they had someone (not our waiter) specifically assigned to do that. The bread was still delicious. So was the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (if the label on the bottle is to be believed, Antica Italia, one of my favorite brands). However, the big bowl of grated cheese just seemed excessive and potentially wasteful. (I hope to god they dump that and don't serve the same bowl of cheese to multiple tables!) We started with the scungilli (conch) appetizer. I found them very rubbery. Some of the smaller ones were tender, but overall, it was like fishy bits of rubber. The sauce was fine, I suppose. Not bad but nothing to write home about. I did enjoy my salad. The house dressing is still fantastic. My husband liked his caesar salad very much. For dinner, I had the sausage calabrese, and my husband had the shrimp fra diavolo, which he said was bland and not at all spicy. Hell, I even tasted it and thought it was not spicy, and I am a "chili wuss" (as my husband oh so lovingly calls me). As for the sausage calabrese - the sausage itself was fine, but nothing any more memorable than what I can get in the grocery store. I'd say they need to add more fennel and spices, though I suspect it is not made in house. There was maybe a single slice of mozzarella on it - only enough to adequately cheese one of the four sausages on my plate. The SAUCE was UNBEARABLY SALTY. One final thing - this place is DATED. The decor hasn't been updated since (at least!) the early 1990's, the tables are so close together I could hear conversations at other tables way too well, in a decade the menu has changed very little, and I have the strong suspicion that there may be a different chef working with old recipes. The menu lacks imagination, and I daresay the ingredients themselves did not even seem very fresh compared to most places I go these days (Riccuti's comes to mind, an Italian restaurant in Olney that has relationships with local farms and incredibly fresh produce as well as a changing menu and unique and creative dishes). Nevertheless, this place was packed, so clearly it is still a neighborhood staple. I doubt my bad review will turn anyone away - maybe it was "just a bad night," but I used to visit this place for a comforting taste of home (my mother was originally from Naples). Sadly, I don't think this is the case any longer, and I won't be going back.
(2)
Jennifer R.

Amazing and authentic Italian food complete with fresh made sauce and pasta. This place never disappoints!
(5)
Kyle M.

Everyone has been telling me I need to come check out Pasta Plus, and I finally did last week for my birthday. There were 6 of us dining, and we were able to get a table fairly quickly, so quick in fact I didn't have much time to browse in the market next door. We started with the bruschetta, as we usually do at Italian places. The tomatoes were sweet (impressive for being out of season), the seasoning well balanced, and the the portions plentiful. They put green bell peppers in their bruschetta, which is a bit different, but something I really liked at the same time. The bread is obviously house made (or at least house baked): springy, crispy, and chewy. As for entrees, everyone was pleased. I had the Vitello Saltimbocca and it really did "jump in my mouth". A nice dose of fresh lemon juice to give it a crisp finish, but plenty of sage and butter to make it feel rich. This is one of the better versions of the dish I've had, but I did miss the smokiness that you normally get from the copious amount of prosciutto this entree usually gets. I also tried the spaghetti bolognese, and it was one of the best bolognese I've ever had. It was very obvious that they make their pasta in house, and understand what 'al dente' really means. We skipped dessert for the birthday cake waiting for us back at my place. A few of us ordered a glass of wine, and everyone else stuck with water. And while the water glasses remained full nearly the entire meal, we were never offered a 2nd glass of wine. The runners and bus staff seemed on top of it, but our waiter was very terse, and not all that helpful. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't exactly friendly. Also, the acoustics in this place are awful for a larger table. It was hard to even hear the person across from me. The people at each end were pretty much limited to conversation with the person directly adjacent. We did pick up some Torrone (orange, lemon, and vanilla), and Olive Tapenade on the way out in the market. I wanted to buy some fresh pasta as well, but I wasn't going to be around the next few days to prepare it. Next visit I suppose.
(4)
Eddie H.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but I thought Pasta Plus was pretty good, nothing to run away from home for. The atmosphere was nice and cozy, which is great for an Italian food joint. But the rest was so-so. The salads were really nice, and some of the appetizers were fantastic, but the entrees were mediocre, the wine was thin, and the dessert was a joke. Also, I know being a young waiter isn't the best job in the world, but it can't hurt to smile every now and then. I'm giving PP the benefit of the doubt because I heard it's a great place, but for the one night I went to Pasta Plus, it was okay. Not great but not terrible.
(3)
Betzy ..

Went there yesterday, Saturday, had the "Frutte de Mare" FANTASTIC CHOICE. Great food & excellent service! The only downside is they don't take reservations and there is always a line, they don't have a bar to sit and wait!
(5)
Briana Leigh A.

it has taken 5 years to find "our Italian joint" in MD. we're from NJ and have struggled to find an authentic Italian meal at a reasonable price. you can find great Italian in Baltimore but it can be overpriced/fancy or you can find little mom and pop shops but they close early.. Sergio's in Silver Spring is our fancy place. this is our everyday kind of place. while working, my pharmacist recommended this place. she said it had great food yadda yadda yadda.. we we're there the same night. great staff. great food. great bread. it reminds us of home. at first glance, you may overlook it or even the name may throw you off but they make their own pasta and trust me, it's a special spot inside of a strip mall. we've been here a handful of times already including New Years Eve.
(5)
Keisha F.

Not too good...for the price, the food is okay. I would rather go to Carabas.
(1)
Kate C.

Recently ate here for the second time and, again, we left perplexed at how this place gets such great reviews. The food was nothing special. I ordered the Paglia e Pieno and was excited to try it. I was very disappointed to discover that it tasted like absolutely nothing - the sauce tasted like it was completely unseasoned. It was so disappointing that I didn't bring my leftovers home. My husband ordered the lasagna and while he said it was okay, he said it also lacked any development of flavor. The bread that they brought to the table was hard and cold. Needless to say we won't be returning - next time we are in the mood for Italian, we'll be heading to Facci.
(2)
Andres Q.

I want to love this place like I used to, but it wasn't loving me back. Last time I went about 9 months ago (pretty late) I had pasta sauce soup over lasagna, was not appetizing, did not enjoy it. My girlfriend's shrimp Alfredo wasn't cooked properly, chewy shrimp? I may go back, hopefully it'll be as good as it was when I used to say it was my favorite Italian spot in the area.
(3)
Lo H.

AH.MAZE.ING! I hear the pasta is made on site. I ordered just a side of plain pasta for my niece, and it was... delicious doesn't even begin to describe. It was so fresh and great. The ambiance may not be 5 star, but the food and service go above and beyond!
(5)
Deborah T.

Absolutely AWESOME! The food is great, nice little gem of a white table cloth restaurant in a very unlikely place! The salad 'house dressing' is the best of it's kind, and the entrees consistently great! The desserts defy belief! Great wine selecton! My personal favorite! P.S. I originally wrote this in 2009. Since then, I've become aware of the huge roaches and very unsanitary kitchen, Won't be headed back there. 12/2012
(2)
Cindy A.

Christmas Eve with the Fam - We called ahead to see if they could accommodate a party of 8 for lunch, they said come on in. When we arrived, someone (Gordon) asked if we were here for take out. When I told him we were there for lunch for a party of 8, he said, "I don't know how we're going to do that!" And walked away. They seated us in another room (separate dinner/dining room?). When we asked if they had children menus, we were told no, but they do 1/2 portions. When Gordon gave us the menus, he told us that we could not order off of one page, "no Specials today" Gordon came to take our drink orders. When my g-daughter asked if they had root beer, he said,"No" a that was it - "No". When we placed our food orders, he told us no half orders. We told him they told us we could. Gordon: "who said that?". We told him, and I asked, "would it be better if some one else served us?". He grumbled as he walked away, and said, " No, I just need to figure out what the kitchen is doing". Gordon came back to take our food orders. My daughter ordered soup and a side salad. Again, Gordon said, "we don't have a side salad." -that's it. She asked him what they Do have, and he said, "they're on the menu". She ordered a dinner salad... PLEASE BEAR WITH ME, IT GETS BETTER When Gordon brought the food, he SPILLED my husbands sauce on my husband, between my husband and my grandson. Gordon immediately started shouting, "Sh**, Take It, Take It!" He rushed off to the kitchen swearing profusely. (My 10 year old grandson said, "he owes me $15.00" - we have to pay him $1.00 for every foul word ;o) A minute later, Gordon popped his head out of the kitchen door and yelled out to my husband,"hey check your shirt". - It was Obviously heavily spilt on my hubby. While we were dining, Gordon brought out an industrial ladder, clanging it 3' from me, and grumbled while he got some wine from overhead. A minute later he repeated the incident, grumbling while he put the wine back. We thought we Must be on a hidden camera show! The Food Was VERY GOOD! We chose to take this experience as a Great Memory. We laughed, and laughed when we shared it with our Christmas Day guests. I write this because I own a small service business, and would be HORRIFIED if our clients were treated this way. I am happy to remove this if/when the owner addresses these issues. Great Food - Horrible Service
(1)
Danielle M.

tonight was our second visit and I meant to write them a nice review after the first (and forgot as I usually do when I get home) but after tonight I really had to make sure they got credit for our awesome experience! last time it was just me and my boyfriend for dinner and we were so pleasantly surprised by this place! like everyone says the inside is not what you see on the outside! so just trust all the yelpers and give this place a try! tonight we took my parents with us cause we just HAD to share the awesome food with someone! service is very friendly and they are very nice to offer suggestions if you aren't familiar with some of the dishes. fresh pasta is AMAZING! it really makes such a difference in a meal. I had Tortellini Aurora (cheese tortellini in a tomato cream sauce), boyfriend had eggplant parm, but my favorite dish at our table was the Paglia e Fieno - Hay & Straw (Green & white noodles, mushrooms, red peppers in cream sauce)! everything we had was great, but I am getting that when we go back! dessert was DELISH! we got the Raspberry Hazelnut Meringue Cake to share since we were all stuffed from our meals. (my Dad wants to order a full size cake of this for our next family gathering!) another cool thing is the market where you can buy their homemade pasta & other products from Italy which you wouldn't find in your local super market here.
(5)
Nancy N.

I don't usually go up to Laurel but after some persistent push from my friends, we decided to revisit this place. This restaurant has been around since I was a teenager...at least 10+ years. I'm not sure if they changed management or not but I do remember coming here when I was in HS. I'm not a huge Italian food fan, but I do like risotto and since I had some really good scallop risotto somewhere else, I was hoping the risotto here would be amazing. I ordered the shrimp risotto because they didn't have the scallops. They could have substituted for me but I didn't feel like paying market price for scallops. The risotto was good. It was just cooked enough, but maybe a bit on the al dente side but I could tell they just served it since it was really hot as I was eating toward the middle. Overall, pretty good. No complaints. Service was good.
(3)
Tami F.

Very unassuming on the outside. Doesn't look like much is happening in there. But the food is great! Have the fried calamari :)
(4)
J.K. Y.

Went to this place after hearing so many glowing comments from friends and the internet. We were seated and served quickly, but while the server was pleasant he didn't bother writing down our order and wound up getting our orders wrong. Our dishes were served with the wrong sauces. I had the Pasta Bolognese, it wasn't bad but it wasn't memorable either. It definitely could have used more sauce. Overall I thought the place was OK but I can't for the life of me understand why it gets so many raves. Maybe I'll try ordering something else next time.
(2)
Amanda K.

I love this place. They make their own fresh pasta, it's some of hte best I have ever had. The fettucini alfredo is delicious. The alfredo is thick and creamy and delicious. The pizza is good, even the salmon. It's nice on the inside too and good service. Definitely highly recommend it!
(4)
Maureen S.

Oh dear God. Amazing. My hubby and I go here for their wine dinners. We have met nice couples this way-end up having four-hour conversations with total strangers. Seven full courses with seven different wines. Two Italian brothers run the place and do a phenomenal job with the small amount of space they have. Pasta from scratch and some of the best white pizza I've ever had. They also do this culinary tour of Italy with their customers that looks like fun. If the space is a concern, they also do takeout and let me say-it's more food than I can eat in one sitting. It's usually enough food for our dinner and then lunch the next day. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for great Italian food.
(5)
Myaa V.

I have eaten at Pasta Plus for years but decided to finally write a review after going last night. My friend ordered the calamari, which was delicious. The breading was not too heavy, and the marina sauce is one of the best. For my meal, I had the pizza Michelino, and added black olives. It was my first time trying this pizza and I was not disappointed. It was light and fresh. In the past I have eaten the spaghetti with meatballs or without them. Both are quite delicious. The Fettuccine Amatriciana is another favorite of mine, due to my love of bacon. I have eaten most of the desserts on the menu, with the white chocolate mousse cake being a favorite. It is rich, but not too heavy and quite smooth. Pasta Plus is and always will be a favorite of mine!
(4)
Hansoo J.

Pasta Plus is located in an unassuming strip mall on route 1 in Laurel, 40 minutes south of baltimore's little italy. But don't let the location fool you. Pasta Plus has arguably the best italian food on the region. The dining room is small and quaint. Although it was packed with about 15 other tables, the noise remained at very comfortable level. The service very good and prompt. The server came by as soon as we were seated to take our drink orders and stopped by regularly throughout the dinner to refill water and clear plates. The gnocchi that I ordered was superb. Fluffy and light with a light yet flavorful meat sauce. My wife ordered the angel hair which was also excellent. All their pastas are made fresh daily it definitely showed. The noodles were dense and chewy with the right amount of elasticity. The sauces were simple, made with fresh ingredients. Despite the distance from Baltimore, this is definitely a place worthy of a return trip.
(5)
Yaofu Z.

I went a while ago. The outside is very misleading. The inside is so much nicer than outside. The waitress is very nice and plesant. We ordered a pizza and lagnasa, both outstanding. Definitely going back.
(5)
Janelle M.

We finally stopped in here after years of driving by the place. It's in a really dated strip mall, and is surrounded by dark windows with signs advertising leasing opportunities. I was seriously expecting shag carpet and wood-panelling on the walls. The first time we went, the main dining room was closed, and there were only a few tables on the market side. So...really cramped. I can see why people say that it's a tight squeeze. Make sure when you go, that the dining room is open, or that you have a reservation. The food is solid. It's not over-the-top-blow-your-mind, but it's Laurel. And for Laurel, this is about as good as you're going to get. Pasta Plus and CJ Ferarri's are our go-to's for Italian without a schlep to Baltimore or DC. Try one of their home-made pasta dishes. The fresh pasta is great. They have a decent wine selection, and it's not too overpriced.
(4)
Lew O.

The service was excellent but the food was mediocre. The prices are about 10% higher than they should be. I ordered the straw and hay pasta and was disappointed. The noodles were overcooked (I did order carryout) and the sauce was bland: it was milky but it should have been pungent. The pizza I ordered was too salty (Buon-Gustaia) and otherwise bland, whereas a better pizza would have had a tangier sauce or more interesting dough. Granted, the meats on the pizza are inherently salty, but at better pizzerias I've ordered similar pies without such an imbalanced flavor profile. I intend to revisit the place for a calzone to see how it tastes, but otherwise I don't have a reason to come back, though it looks like a nice place to dine in. For what it's worth, the staff was friendly, outgoing, and sincere.
(2)
Edward S.

Thanks to the beauty of Yelp, I had read some good reviews of this place and so the esteemed bride and I decided to go to see what all the fuss is about. First off, the place is smack in the middle of the oldest strip mall this side of Route 1. The place was probably hopping back in 1986 when that computer store was selling Pentium 286s or something. But since it is 2011, it looks like a Scooby Doo ghost town. So I will definitely forgive you if you fail to notice the swanky Pasta Plus. As soon as you enter, you are amazed because of how bad the outside looks, but it is a cozy and comfortable inside. The pizza oven is the first thing you will notice and I'm interested in going back to try some of the pizza. I will say this, the place is cramped, especially in the opening salon. My wife and I were seated at a table for 4, but looking around at the other tables of 4 made me realize, "thank God there are only 2 of us here." Talk about a tiny amount of room. I'm an Italian-American, I like to talk with my hands, but how can I do that when I'm clumped in there with all my other paisanos. The food was good, as I enjoyed my entree. It was flavorful and the marinara sauce was sweet and tangy and had just the right amount of spice. My BFF got the linguine with clam sauce, and I have to say, it was kinda boring. I've always said that the test of an Italian restaurant is their white wine sauce. Marinara is easy, white is hard. Most of the time it falls flat and this was the case. The clams were tasty and the pasta done perfectly, but blah. We will definitely go back, but I think the wife will branch out and try something based around a red sauce, or at least something that will inherently give more flavor to the white sauce. Otherwise, this place has my full support! Grande!
(4)
Raycal B.

Went here to purchase carry out the other day with my family and we got chicken parmesan, chicken fettucine alfredo and spaghetti. With it we each got a salad and bread. The bread looked really good but by the time I went to eat which was later on that evening it was hard so I didn't eat it. The chicken of my chicken parmesan was delicious and so was the sauce but there wasn't enough of it. My noodles were dry because of the lack of sauce on them and it's a shame because the sauce was absolutely delicious. My son's spaghetti was the same way, dry. I don't know why they were so stingy with the sauce but I like my pasta dishes to have a lot of sauce so next time I go back, I will ask for extra cause the sauce was the best tasting part. They also have wine for sale and other products too and on the other side from the carry out is the restaurant section where you can sit down and eat. I enjoyed it and I will eat there again.
(3)
S C.

If your looking for upscale stucky italian, not your place. If your looking for fresh past, fresh sauce and consistently good italian, this is the spot. Dont let the run down shopping center deter you. Service is usually good. Food is always Exactly what you remember from the visit before. Perfect! Try the gnocchi with the aurora sauce. Schungilli appetizer is wonderful. Note: The restaurant is closed on monday, but the cafe side is open( not reccomended, as waiter is always a 16 year old that doesnt care). And NO reservations taken, so there could be a wait.
(5)
John S.

Their menu is so large that it leaves you feeling overwhelmed and a bit excited. I can be pretty indecisive at times, particularly with my food choices, so a menu this extensive frightens me. Maybe if they had included a table of contents or a glossary it could have eased my nerves a bit. Seriously though, a big menu may leave you concerned about the quality of each individual dish. It seems to reason that as you increase the amount of things you produce that you might overlook the quality of each individual dish. This is not the case at Pasta Plus. I have only been once, but my lunch mates had been quite a few times and assured me they had never had a single bad thing on the menu. Impressive. I ordered the Fettuccine Amatriciana, which has a tomato sauce with bacon an onions. The idea of adding bacon to an Italian dish was new to me and intriguing. It ended up being really good. I shouldn't be surprised though considering bacon makes anything good. Seriously, bacon does everything: breakfast, wrap it around a steak, crumble it up and put it on salad, deep fry it, shower in it's grease, whatever floats your boat. Hell, even other animals are pretending to be bacon. We see what you are trying to do turkey and we aren't falling for it. Moving on, I took one star back because our waitress pretty much sucked. You really have to be awful to earn a tip below 20% with me and she succeeded. Her attitude was pretty poor as she seemed annoyed that we asked her what the specials were. She never checked on us during our meal. Only came to refill my water after I was done my meal. She did not offer us dessert even though my friend wanted to have some. Anyway, this place is really good and the outside facade is really deceiving. It is worth checking out if you are into Italian food.
(4)
Aila S.

This place has quickly become my new restaurant obsession. I love pasta, so Pasta Plus is totally up my alley. The food is amazing, the wait staff are friendly, and the portion sizes are respectable. When I ordered the linguine with shrimp and calamari, I was pleased to see they are generous with the amount of seafood they serve. I also like that Pasta Plus has a casual atmosphere, so you can wear jeans and not worry about it feeling pretentious or stuffy. Also, the prices are reasonable (entrees seem to run between $12-$15 on average) and there are always delicious specials to try out. My only gripe is that sometimes it can take some time to actually get seated (20+ minutes), and it can feel a bit crowded during peak times. However, I am more than willing to overlook this for the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
(5)
Leon W.

My wife and I went back for dinner last night. Reluctantly, I ordered the seafood platter again. Much to my delight, my previous objection to the scallops had been corrected. The dish was very good. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Barbara T.

way overrated , the pasta yuck when its take out it really is horrible IT is so hard and rubber like ordered the linguinie with vegetables that had no flavor whatsoever, so the day after I added some speg sauce but still nothing good and i have not eaten it in dining room , had one meal in dining think fish and it was okay
(1)
Ryan O.

Classic Italian cuisine, hidden in plain sight. I lived here for several years before discovering this gem. Now this has become my "go-to" restaurant to impress out of town guests. It sits in the middle of a small strip of store fronts in what appears to be a dated, run-down building, but once inside you immediately recognize the professionalism and confidence of a fine Italian eatery. The tables are positioned close together which lends itself to the rather intimate ambiance. The wait staff is quite knowledgeable and always eager to make recommendations. I often defer to them for something out of the norm or when wanting to order off-menu. I won't bother to mention my own favorites here, because I have yet to receive a bad meal, so you really can't go wrong. My only complaint is the rather small size of the place and the wait for your entrÃ©e can be long at times. Perhaps this is the price you must pay for perfection. So if you aren't in a hurry and you desire authentic Italian cuisine cooked with care, I would invite you and your family to visit this establishment soon. You won't be disappointed! ~The Guru
(4)
Juli A.

Not sure how this little gem doesn't have 5 stars because it's the best Italian around. Never had a bad meal. So it's a little cramped and the outside is a strip mall front, but the food is on point, authentic and fresh, fresh, fresh! I have Italian friends that won't eat out at any Italian places except this one and I was married to an Italian..Get there early, expect to bring home a yummy doggie bag for another day and don't even think about buying buying olive oil or balsamic vinegar from anywhere but their market next door.
(5)
Tony P.

I stopped by to pick up 2 pizza's for dinner. The service was prompt and the pizza's were ready when they said it would be. The wood-fired rustica pizza was good. The sun-dried tomato toppings and sausages were pretty good. The margherita was rather bland. It didn't have any noticeable basil at all. Overall an ok pizza. I'll have to come back and sample the restaurant offerings.
(3)
Haley B.

My boyfriend and I went to Pasta Plus recently because I just moved here from Georgia and he had been talking about this great Italian place in Laurel. I enjoy how the restaurant is smaller and more quaint than most I have been in. There was a small wait. It took us about 15-20 minutes to be sat and we arrived at 6, right before the dinner rush. They do not accept reservations, so expect to wait for a table if you're going to dinner. Once we were sat, the gentleman(who I assume was the manager/owner on duty), pulled my chair out for me. Duly noted and greatly appreciated. Our server was pleasant and very helpful! Her name was Christin and I highly recommend her. One of my only complaints is that at first glance, the menu is extremely lenghty and overwhelming, especially for a newcomer. I had the linguine with mussels in a white wine sauce and a caesar salad and a dessert with chilled cream and fruit. Mine was wonderful. My boyfriend had a house salad with the house dressing and cheese tortellini and he ate every bite! The portions were huge. They also offer you coffee or cappucino at the end of your meal, which I enjoyed. I will definitely be returning!
(4)
L L.

We have ordered takeout about 8 times over the past year. At first this place was great. The past 4 times the quality was lacking. everything was extremely salty. About a month ago my veal was rancid. We won't be back.
(2)
Karen A.

Pasta Plus is a prime example of the idiom, "don't judge a book by its cover." My boyfriend brought me here when we first started dating and I really started questioning his taste in dining when I saw this place. I was worried... the dumpy strip-mall storefront and the name alone made "Olive Garden" look good. How wrong I was! We've been together over 5 years now so you know this place must have made a good impression ;) This cozy little restaurant offers delicious pasta dishes. The calamari, bolognese, pumpkin ravioli, and lobster fra diavolo are all delicious (the latter two are seasonal/specials- get them if they offer them!) The zabaglione (custard with seasonal fruit) is my favorite dessert, if you don't see it on the menu ask for it anyway! They usually do have it and it's divine. The pizza is supposed to be fantastic here, but I have yet to try it. They don't take reservations here, so occasionally there's a wait. It's honestly not that bad... we came on New Years Eve once and they were very efficient in getting everyone a table as quickly as possible. It would be nice to have a bar area to enjoy a glass of wine during the wait, but there really isn't any room for that. The food's so good it's worth the wait!
(5)
Keyshaun S.

Very pleasant surprise. Authentic, good Italian food with a nice array of desserts to match.
(4)
David B.

This place wasn't that nice. Floor was dirty, food was mediocre, and the service was just meh. If this is one of the best Laurel has to offer, people who live in Laurel are screwed.
(2)
Arthur F.

There's a reason this place always wins top DC/MD/VA Italian restaurant. From it's hand made pasta to pizza dough it's delicious and as good as the reviews indicate. Don't be turned off by it's dumpy exterior or neighborhood, this place is worth the trip.
(5)
Tim Z.

This place may not look like much from the outside, but the pasta is great. The sauces are excellent. The service good.
(5)
Dianna C.

I've been waiting to go to this spot for over a year. I live in DC and rarely visit Laurel. Well, it surely didnt live up to expectations. I ordered veal marsala and margarita pizza - TO GO - and it was very average. The veal lacked marsala and the pizza dough was average. I"ll give it another try to live up to the reviews and eat IN versus ordering out. More to come...
(2)
Pearl P.

if this place was closer to home, i'd carry out from there once a week. Linguine with Mussels (Red) + appetizer Cozze - Mussels (Red) = a fabulous meal for two. when ordering dishes w/ a choice of wine/white or marina/red, go w/ the marinara... it's definitely their strength! their fresh made pasta is the best I've ever had.
(5)
Jorge J.

i hate this place. it stinked when i walked in. i got sat in the worst place of the restaurant. a very small room with lots of chairs crowded. i am claustrophobic amd hate tight spaces. i cudnt breathe it was hot too no ceiling fans no windows i just ledt. i got a pizza to go it was alright nothing speacial. i got calamari too it was good. im never coming back here thoufh. the environment overrall is borinf and depressing.
(1)
Madison M.

I just want to let people know that this is a small family establishment that crafts wonderful fresh made pastas,rustic pizzas, special dishes and desserts. Just reading some reviews I feel I have to defend my favorite Italian restaurant. The sauce IS fresh made, the bread is fresh made, the house dressing, deserts, well really everything! AND it is flavorful and fantastic! As far as too perfect lasagna.. really? When I make lasagna it is perfect and being a restaurant where they make lots of lasagna I would expect it to be perfect if not there would be something amiss! As far as a bug, well there are bugs in everything! We share our planet with bugs and all sorts of animals. I am sure everyone realizes that even the FDA allows a certain amount of insect parts in food, look into peanut butter(more bug parts there then you would expect!) because...it cannot be helped! They offered you more bread which was the thing that you found a bug in why would they pay your whole check because a bug happened to crawl in? This is a place that is a hidden gem and has been going strong for over thirty years. I have gone there many times through the decades and always had a superb experience with friendly servers, attentive service and I have always had a wonderful dish that exceeded my expectations! This is a focus on good, simple, hand crafted authentic Central and Northern Italian food. I would chose this restaurant without even a slight hesitation over Olive Garden any day! The seasonal specials are wonderful, heck even the fresh side of veggies with your entree are amazing! If you have yet to try this take a journey, you will be happy! And when you are a regular it is like visiting family except no doing dishes or clean up involved!
(5)
Niket R.

I dined solo here about a year back and ordered the appetizer foccacia pizza. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. The crust was very crispy and buttery; a side of very flavorful marinara was provided at no additional charge. I haven't tried any of the pastas or other entrees, but judging from the reviews of others, they're likely to be equally fabulous. Don't let the location and exterior of the place fool you; Pasta Plus definitely caters to the more discerning diner.
(5)
Becky C.

Awesome food, sketchy location. Pasta Plus is in a run-down strip-mall surrounded by vacant storefronts, but it is truly a gem! Expect to wait on any night to eat here. The food is awesome - great quality, large quantities. Homemade pasta. Enough said!
(4)
Jea L.

Wonderful food inside this hole in a wall joint. Just go in and order, you'll be glad you did. The pizza is the best in Laurel, that is, if you enjoy fresh ingredients and brick oven baked pies.
(4)
Abigail M.

I have been dying to write a review on this place for awhile but didn't know Yelp existed until today. I need to share my experience at this place. I recently went to this restaurant when visiting my friend Beth in Laurel. When I asked of the best food place to go in the area she said this place without hesitation. I went here with my friend Twila that came up from D.C. From the minute we got there we should have known something was up. We were seated and the waiter brought out bread and butter. As we were chatting it up I notice the expression on Twila's face goes from giddy to seeing each other for the first time in two years, to absolutely white with horror. She stopped eating and spit out the bread onto her plate. When I asked her what the problem was she just pointed to our basket with only a piece and a half of bread in it. When I turned the basket around there was a huge fully adult freshly dead cockroach laying in the basket. This is where the story goes from bad to worse. Needless to say we were horrified by this for multiple reasons. 1) It was dead smack in the middle of the basket, which means whoever put the bread in HAD to see it before putting it in because of how large and in the open it was. They put the bread in and served it anyway. 2) It was freshly dead. I only know this because of my entomology background I have. 3) The way that the manager reacted. I immediately flagged down the waiter and pointed to the dead roach. The waiter, not even flinching at it, responds with "so, do you just want new bread?" He also tries to take the basket away, but I grabbed it before it he could. Horrified and shocked at the response I demanded the manager. The manager comes over and I showed him the roach in the basket. Now ... one would think that if you owned an establishment and a customer found a roach in their food they would be horrified, not charge us for our food, offer free desserts, or at least in the VERY least give us our food for free. But alas ... no ... when the Godfather (no really, he looked like the Godfather to me) finally came over to our table and I showed him the roach he also didn't flinch. In fact, he then looks at me and goes "so are you going to eat your dinners or not?" I was shocked. When I further replied with "excuse me?" He responds again, "Well, are you going to eat your meals? If you don't want to you can just pay at the register and leave." My jaw hit the floor. Mostly for one reason. With the way the manager acted, he wasn't shocked or horrified at this roach discovery. This tells me that this has happened before multiple times. Especially for him to insinuate that we should eat our food and pay for it anyway. When I told him we were not only NOT eating the food but he has a lot of nerve asking us to pay for our $15 meals. He then acted annoyed with us and became very rude that we were going to leave without paying ... all the while this dead roach is laying dead in the basket in front of everybody. I then asked him how he expected us eat the food in front of us when we don't know if a roach was in any of the food we were served. The manager responded "if there is another roach in your food just send it back for a new one." Needless to say, we walked out immediately. I want to warn everybody else. When I came home and told my friend Beth of the situation she was embarrassed and horrified because she really thought it was one of the best places around. She also was angry how the manager treated us. She ended up going back to take it up with the manager who expressed the same "who cares it's a bug" attitude towards her as well. I would advise any of you are thinking about going here to STAY AWAY!!!
(1)
Toni F.

This is a favorite lunch destination in our office, and we make a pilgrimage whenever we feel like carbo loading. It's pretty dismal from the outside in a strip mall next to the carcass of a computer store, but once you're inside, it's a different story. The space is homey and cozy, with paper topped tables. It's slightly cramped and it can get crowded, so we usually get there by 11:30am to ensure enough time for a relaxed meal. The complimentary Italian bread comes out warm with a crisp, light crust and soft interior perfect for soaking up olive oil and balsalmic. Pizzas are fantastic with fire blistered dough, and plentiful toppings. The pasta is housemade, silky and toothsome, never overcooked. Stick to the tomato sauce based dishes for the best experience. Last week I ordered fettucine with goat cheese, peas and mushrooms and was sorely disappointed in the greasy and flavorless mess. I definitely learned my lesson and was enviously eyeing up my coworker's lasagna the whole time! For the quality of the food, I can't believe what a great deal this place is. The portion sizes are huge, and I always leave with enough for another meal! Top faves: their house salad dressing, fettuccine amatriciana (bacon and onion/tomato sauce), eggplant parmesan, raspberry hazelnut meringue cake
(4)
Sara F.

Generally, I love Pasta Plus so I decided to place a carry out order. I called at 5:52 and was told my order would be ready in 25 minutes. It has now been over an hour and I am still waiting for my food. No apologies or updates. If there was going to be a long wait, I wish they'd have told me ahead if time so I could wait at home instead if in a cramped waiting area with dozens of other grumpy patrons. Perhaps the Pasta Plus hey day has passed. You can only get by with mediocre service for so long. ..
(2)
Deepak B.

The only pasta that brings craving for me. Order the mussels with garlic white wine sauce and calamari as appetizers. But keep in mind after everything said and done, the bill averages to 40$+tip per person with a glass of wine.
(4)
Adam T.

So, I am torn when it comes to writing this review. Pasta Plus used to be one of my favorite Italian places of all time. I think it offered the most authentic Italian this side of Italy, but after my friends had a bad experience there I haven't been back. They found a dead cockroach in with their breadbasket, and the worst part was that the owner didn't bend over backwards to apologize. I just can't go back no matter how amazing their food was (especially the aurora sauce).
(2)
Chris J.

Keeping the location, pricing and menu in mind. This place def. deserves 5 stars. From the looks of it, place looks like 2/5 stars but inside its much different. White tablecloths, brick, large Italian men and wine all create the perfect atmosphere. The food isn't spectacular but for the price and location and what you actually get it's perfect. Water was filled many times throughout the meal +1, the waiter made a few clever jokes +1, they have mint toothpicks +1. Parking lot has seen much better days and depending on the time of day the traffic is crap. I will go back as soon as I want Italian.
(5)
Andrew M.

DON'T let the unremarkable name and nondescript strip-mall location fool you, this is easily one of the best Italian restaurants in the DC area. The restaurant was founded by two brothers from Tuscany years ago, and it is all about the food here . This is one of those places everyone is looking for, the kind of place that isn't super expensive, isn't all flash and fancypants. Pasta Plus keeps it _real_, and this is as good as Italian food gets in my opinion. This is no frills, simple yet delicious food with just the right mix of fresh ingredients (the wait staff is excellent, as well). Some tips: When given a choice, always go with tomato dishes. The eggplant parmagiana is one of the best I have ever had. Sometimes the fancy specials are good - I had a stuffed chicken dish there last time that was amazing - but not as consistently great as the tomato sauce staples. Best Dishes: *** Eggplant Parmagiana - Bruschetta Pomodoro - Mozzarella Caprese - Fettucine Alfredo - Manicotti Caprese
(5)
Nicole G.

Macaroni Grill you say?? Family run restaurant compared to a chain that squeezes food out of pseudo zip lock bags and then microwaves it? You may have sensed I am a Pasta Plus fan. I love the fact that we don't have to worry about reservations, can strike up conversation with those waiting in line and get a slight smile and nod as one of the owners acknowledges your party. Most of the dishes are excellent, the whole red snapper in white wine butter sauce anyone? Some miss the mark, but that is not a usual occurrence. Pizza is great, no cloying sauce and cheese overload. The bread is fantastic, as is the zabaione. The service is top notch and usually the specials have something for everyone. It's in our usual rotation and we enjoy the experience every time.
(4)
Eric D.

If you go here once, plan on many return trips. Homemade pasta, sauces, fresh ingredients, friendly waitstaff, owner always says hello and has a smile... great place all the way around. I have never had a bad dish here... it's always amazing! Try it, you won't regret it! My wife and I drive 15 miles to get there! :D
(5)
Patrick C.

Great pasta, great sauce. I had a mussels and pasta dish and the mussels did not really blow me away. They had very little taste, but again, the pasta and sauce were really good. My wife's sausage and broccoli rabe were very good. Price was just right.
(3)
Stephanie G.

Now, first I'm going to say - if you're eating in prime time here, EXPECT A WAIT. It's the best italian food for quite a distance and the locals know it. Having said that, and agreeing with what other yelpers said about the location, I still have to say that it's the best wood-fired pizza around. Most of the time, I do carry-out from the market-side...but every once in a while have stayed for my entire meal. I love the lasagna and did I say the pizza is FABULOUS! Thin, crispy crust (which as a former new yorker i love) - with pancetta and fresh mozz.... YUM! Now, don't go having dessert here. I've never tasted anything i liked on that front - and most of the desserts are not made in house from what I gather.
(4)
Samira G.

the food here is amazing! don't let the location and/or name fool you. i've never been to Italy. i imagine this is pretty authentic. much better than anything you could find at olive garden.
(5)
Kelly J.

I would come here again but there was nothing that screamed this place was amazing. The creamy Italian dressing they put on the salad is delicious and the chicken I ordered was so juicy! The tomato sauce itself reminded me of the canned tomato paste but thankfully since I ordered the item with hot peppers it spiced it up and actually gave the overall dish a wonderful taste. The price is more the reasonable to pay but I do wish they gave a choice of side items. Is it just me or were most of the dishes the exact same with very minimal variations. I understand this is a pasta's plus so what was I expecting but I just thought they might be a little more creative with the pasta dishes.
(3)
Kristin R.

I just arrived in the area and based on reviews decided to check out the local fare for lunch. I went in, got some good bread, they give you the whole parm cheese/vinegar/oil thing with a warm sourdough loaf. It's good stuff. They had a little problem w/ seating and since I was solo they moved me about 10 minutes into my meal to a smaller table, but I'm pretty laid back and don't mind. I ordered the tortellini aurora (9.95) and a glass of pinot grigio. It had been a rough morning :) The food was delicious, some of the best italian I've had including my grandmom's (who is from Italy). The waitstaff looked frazzled at the building line, but after drinking most of the wine, I thought it was amusing. I'd go again, good stuff.
(4)
Casey N.

This has got to be my favorite pasta place of all times! That says alot, bc i've been to a dozen+ italian places that claims they're authentic in all sorts of way, and i always leave disappointed. I came to the conclusion that i wasn't a fan of pasta. Either that or i haven't developed a taste bud for it yet, but i keep my options open. I was recommended by a friend to this place, and my first impression of the place in this tiny strip mall was anything but good. I thought i had made the mistake of going to the wrong one, because the place looked a bit sketchy from first impression. Everything transformed as we entered the place, it has a very warm and inviting vibe going on the inside. I got there an hour before they close, and the place was almost still full. We got seated almost immediately by the manager himself...i think. The atmosphere was very cozy and mostly business casual. The staff was really helpful and receptive the entire time we were there. I ordered a special they had that night, i can't exactly recall what it was called, but it had a half a lobster, a gazillion mussels, clams, shrimps, scallops topped with this delicious red wine tomato based sauce. The plate was absolutely enormous! It was definitely enough to feed 2 people comfortably. This is by far the best pasta dish i've ever had my entire life. The sauce was made to perfection, and although i've never cared for al dente pasta before, i do now. This is what i would call perfection to a tee. I did have to shell out a pretty penny for this dish, but it was definitely worth the money. I will definitely come here again another day soon, and would recommend it to everyone out there who's willing to make the trip. Bon appetit!
(5)
Jeff C.

I heard years ago, the lines were out the door with this place, so decided to try it. The place looks tiny and run down from the outside, but inside it's a busy place with multiple rooms. I was promptly seated. The menu was large. I chose the seafood pasta which took a bit of time to arrive. But they kept you busy with warm Italian bread. I scrutinized my salad as it was very fresh with not even a dry or wilted edge on the veggies. The pasta was freshly made, and tasted great. The pasta plate was so large that I could not imagine eating the whole thing. But it was so good that I finished the plate. I am excited to have found this place in Laurel and hope to visit it again.
(4)
Alan M.

Pasta Plus is the only place to get one of my top 10 dishes anywhere, the Timballo alla Teramano. It's been a favorite of mine since the mid '90's - homemade crepes with ground beef, mozarella and tomato sauce, almost like the most delicate lasagna ever. It's all I've ever ordered in maybe a dozen visits (that's a lot when you consider I live in Florida lol). And yes, you will be waaay underwhelmed when you drive up. Do not let that stop you, or you'll be missing an amazing meal.
(5)
Jim C.

I have been in the Laurel area on business quite a bit over the past several months and am very disapointed that I did not discover Pasta Plus until just recently. Between the name and the location it struck me as a generic, run of the mill, mediocre "italian" restaurant. Boy, was I wrong! The exterior as commented on by other reviewers is "strip mall chic." The abandoned Baskin Robins storefront to the right and the Arby's in the parking lot don't help! The place is cut up oddly between what was probably several, separate storefronts at one point which makes it feel smaller than it is. I have been in the Laurel area on business quite a bit over the past several months and am very disappointed that I did not discover Pasta Plus until just recently. Between the name and the location it struck me as a generic, run of the mill, mediocre "Italian" restaurant. Boy was I wrong! The exterior as commented on by other reviewers is "strip mall chic." The abandoned Baskin Robins storefront to the right and the Arby's in the parking lot don't help! The place is cut up oddly between what were probably several, separate storefronts at one point which makes it feel smaller than it is. Once you step inside, the atmosphere changes from the exterior and it feels welcoming. The service is prompt and the servers are very accommodating, explaining the menu and assisting with selections if requested. The menu is large which makes choices difficult, particularly where everything looks so appealing. On my two (2) visits I had the Pollo Arabiatio which is basically Chicken breasts cooked in a Fra Diavolo sauce. The first time it had some spice but the second time it really had some kick. Both times it was excellent but the second was my favorite. It came with a side of linguine which tasted homemade and had a perfect texture. It was so good; I would contemplate on getting a pasta dish on a future visit. All entrees come with a house salad with a house dressing. The bread is to die for with a crunchy crust yet moist center. On one of my visits I started with Butternut Squash soup which was velvety and delicious. I would highly recommend it for butternut squash fans. The deserts are excellent. I had the house cake which was basically a slice of rum cake and the second time I had the white chocolate mouse cake. On my next visit I may try something else but will have a difficult time not getting either of those. Prices are reasonable, probably comparable with the Olive Garden but that it where any comparison ends. It is nice enough for a special dinner but with enough value that it can be a run of the mill dinner out. Definitely ignore the exterior and try this place, you will be very happy that you did!
(4)
David J.

One of the best restaurants in town, often quoted as THE Best in town. Its location in the median strip of US Route 1precludes it from expanding. Often there are lines out the door...so getting there early is always recommended. I have often heard City Council members calling this the best restaurant in town. And I have eaten there on special occasions such as for Father's day along with my all my brothers.
(4)
B B.

Great little hole in the wall. Neighborhood gem. Great food. Prices are fair. Selection of food is good. Service has its ups and downs. Wish they had lunch pizza selctions without meat.
(4)
Kevin R.

Scary on the outside, wonderful on the inside! We were traveling through (we're from California) and stopped off in Laurel to eat. We yelped the area and this had great reviews. We would have walked away if it weren't for yelp. I can't add anything the other reviews have said. You must eat here.
(5)
Pascal P.

The first time I tried to find this restaurant I got hopelessly lost and ended up wasting an hour and a half driving in and around Laurel. The second time around I was a little more careful with directions, and was quite pleased at the dinner I had. The salad that came with dinner was mediocre, but the pasta dish I got was quite tasty and the bread was fresh, hot & crispy as well. Service was also fast and friendly. There are also lots of vegetarian choices for non-meat eaters.
(4)
Gayle G.

So unassuming and a little odd. I've visited here several times when my work takes me to these parts. The staff never really seems to understand that yes, I am indeed a woman dining along. It's not much for atmosphere, in a strip mall, a little too bright. The service is attentive and helpful. The salad and bread and good, but all of the pasta dishes I've had have been really good. I had the gnocchi last night and they were tasty little bits. Not too gluey and just the right amount of sauce. The meat dishes I've had were equally as nice. The wine list is decent, too. I was a little disappointed by the pasta e fagiole (sp?) soup, not great. It's very reasonably priced. Mangia!
(4)
Melissa G.

Showed up, got in line. No movement, no update for 30 minutes. Gave up and left. Come on Pasta Plus!
(2)
Chris E.

I went here with a friend who's a local and recommended it. This place gets good reviews and I'm right on board with 'em. It's a serious Italian place: the decor has a 1950's feel to it, and it's definitely a hole-in-the-wall, but the food was great! I had a veal & sausage special and was really happy! Good service for such a busy place - I'll be back!
(4)
Alexandra P.

Best Authentic Italian resturant around... Pasta are all freshly made as well as the sauces, Service is great, althouhg i wouldn't recommend you getting a sit down lunch here unless you have more than an hour. I make an effort to get something different everytime i come. Last time i was there i got the Chicken breast topped with Crabmeat and a tomato atop a bed of fettucine in a white wine reduction... Yummy! Always a good choice for a date night!
(4)
Lia R.

I have eaten here several times and have always been satisfied. Some of the reviews on here mention bland sauces... I did find some of their white wine sauces could use a little flavor. On several occasions I have ordered the white wine chicken or shrimp and I usually ask for some lemon to drizzle on top and that does the trick for me. The calamar is excellent and I also really like their marinara sauce. The place is small and really not ideal for large parties (more than 4).
(4)
Grace Y.

i love how it looks like complete shit on the outside but the inside is so nice :) large portions, the pollo cardinale is ... the mushrooms that come w it, they alone taste like pure decadence!! everything else is awesome too. i would give it 5 stars but they no longer serve creme brulee! this is one of the few places that made it the way i like it, really caramelized and crunchy on top.. if u bring it back, ill give u the fifth star, promise!
(4)
Ben I.

We were on our way up I-95 from DC and stopped here. A very good choice. Our meals were every bit as good as what we would have gotten in the city. Everyone's food was superb. While not much to look at, it is somewhat homey. We had a great chat with our server, Leo and the owner, Max. They are great people.
(4)
Robin V.

I like this place - a lot! The pizza is great - consistently great! The pasta dished are good - pretty much all of them - at least all the vegetarian ones I've had. The service is good in the restaurant, although I think we have the carry out on speed dial.
(4)
Emily R.

I had really been looking forward to trying Pasta Plus so I was excited to finally order some carryout. We decided on a few dishes and my brother called in the order. I had noticed on their website that Pasta Plus has a separate carryout menu which is the dinner menu but slightly more limited. My brother wanted to order the pumpkin ravioli, which he had recently ordered while dining at the restaurant but was not on the carryout menu. He figured he'd call up and order it anyway. However, the girl who answered the phone replied that he may only order from the carryout menu. When he asked why they couldn't just make the ravioli and put it in a to-go box, she remarked that they have two separate kitchens which take separate orders and that this was not possible. Personally, I don't really understand what the difference is between putting the dish on a table or in a styrofoam box, but whatever. So we went with the linguini with calamari, ricotta ravioli, and the rustica pizza. The pizza was delicious - covered with sausage, olives, dried tomatoes, and mushrooms. The sauce on the linguini and calamari was also quite yummy. I wasn't as thrilled about the ravioli. The takeout came with side salads for each entree and bread. The sides salads really weren't anything special - lettuce with a tomato or two. We also mistakenly received an extra order of ravioli - the ravioli burro, which was covered in parmesan cheese and butter. After calling to inform them of the extra order which we did not want, they credited the account and let us keep it. I actually ended up liking this ravioli dish better than the first one. Despite a few bumps, my first experience with PP was pretty positive. To get a better perspective on the place, I look forward to returning to dine in there.
(4)
Cherry L.

So, I can't believe I'm the first to post a review for Pasta Plus. Pasta Plus is the tastiest Italian food near College Park! First, we all know that the best casual/semi-casual ethnic restaurants are in seedy strip malls, right? That said, Pasta Plus is located in a strip plaza behind the big neon Hardee's Hat near Rte 1 in Laurel. But don't let the facade fool you...the food and service is wonderful. The owner is a nice Italian man who walks around and greets all the diners at dinner time. Make sure you either get there around 4 or 5pm on the weekends or you will be in line for about 1 hour. The line is regularly out the door Fri-Sun for dinner. Second, the pasta is all fresh. Get the pasta! It tastes sorta like egg noodles, and it is delish. Monsignor M (my yelp current crush) and I love the calamari. I haven't had better calamari, even in Italy and Spain. It's lightly battered and not at all greasy (like Ledo's--so greasy!). I also recommend the bruschetta which is yummy garlickly. The gnochi, italian sausage, chicken in white wine sauce, the daily fish specials, pizza and calzones are all fab. Also, every dessert I've had at Pasta Plus has been delightful and not necessarily heavy and rich. Finally, there's a takeout portion to the restaurant situated right next door where you can purchase the homemade sauces and pastas, as well as the desserts. Pasta Plus is my absolute favorite restaurant in the College Park vicinity. It's a local fave among residents. So, if you don't trust this transplant, trust the townies who wait out of the door for a seat in cold February weather.
(5)
Shona P.

Only 3 stars because of the fact that they seat u n such a small area for lunch all the while this HUGH sinning area sits empty. Also not a great family place especially for small ones that require a high chair. The food is good, but the pizza is GREAT and the muscles in marinara is awesome!
(3)
John S.

This a place that you would normally drive right on by. It is located in a strip mall that looks a little run down. But if you do not stop here, you are missing some wonderful Italian food. The food is great and the prices are very, very reasonable. Portions are big. No reservations, so a line forms on Friday and Saturday nights. But it is worth the wait.
(4)
Mark M.

Been awhile since I was there, but the food was very good and and the service was excellent.
(3)
Kris K.

Love Pasta Plus! This unsuspecting location between the north and south bound lanes of Rt. 1 by the Arby's is quite a treat. Yes sometimes there are lines but they tend to move along without the diners feeling rushed. The pasta is homemade and delicious. The spinach/cheese crepes are light with great flavoring, the Alfredo sauce is nice and rich, the veal tender.... The portions are big - you'll have leftovers. And since you're bringing something home, grab a dessert. The pastries are wonderful.
(4)
k r.

Wow. This is one of those rare gems that make exploring so much fun. The setting is very...um...unassuming, particularly from the outside, so I doubt we would have tried the place had it not been for Yelp and some positive local word of mouth. We came early on what must have been one of their less busy evenings, so we were seated immediately. Our server, Donna, was excellent and gave us great advice on our wine and food selections. One of the owners, Max, was taking care of the front of the house the entire time we were there. Now, this restaurant is successful and has been in business a long time. A lot of proprietors would have stopped bothering to show up every night long ago. I suspect I know what the secret to this place's success is: The owners care about their business. It is a labor of love. Max greeted diners at the door and visited every table in the dining room at least once to chat with his customers. So for service and dedication, I'd give this place even more stars if I could. Now, happily, on the food front things are fantastic too. I ogled every plate that happened to pass by our table, and if you eat first with your eyes, this was a very appetizing parade. Very generous portions, simple but pleasing presentation. Of course, that didn't make it any easier to order, since I wanted to taste everything I saw. In the end, after some consultation with our excellent server, I ordered one of the day's pasta specials, butternut squash ravioli. Mind you, the menu has much more than pasta, and the wood-oven pizzas looked delicious, but this place makes fresh pasta every day, so I figured this would be a good test. Now, I've lived in New York City and Long Island for the past 20 years. We have some good pasta places. But these ravioli I had in this little restaurant in Laurel are among the best I have ever eaten--including in some very reputable Italian restaurants in New York. They were cooked perfectly, the dough was delicate and thin, and there was no water anywhere on my plate. My dining companions both ordered veal dishes and were delighted. I don't eat veal, but I could see that it had been properly prepared--well pounded, beautifully thin and tender. If this restaurant is consistently as good as it was on the evening we visited, it really is an extraordinary find. I'm looking forward to my next trip to the area so I can check it out again. Bravo to the team at Pasta Plus!
(5)
Y A.

I will never go to this place ever again!!!!! This restaurant was featured on the food network with Gayle King (Oprah's BFF). So I was dying to eat here and was sooo disappointed when my boyfriend and I went there and we were ignored by not 1 waiter but 4!!!!!! It was only 8:30pm!!!!! We really felt that the reason we were ignored was due to our cultural background. The restaurant looked pretty on the inside and I am really hurt by the way were treated. I thought the only colored that mattered was green, but I guess I was wrong.
(1)
jennifer j.

I've gone here twice for lunch with my boyfriend. We live about 20 minutes away, but if were in the mood for great italian food this is where we go. The pizza is amazing. My boyfriend is italian and claims it is the closet thing to come close to pizza in italy. The pasta & calamari is great too. Outside looks a little poor, but when you step inside you are pleasantly surprised. Wait staff is always friendly and great as well. I definitely recommended this place. We plan to dine here for dinner next
(5)
Drkgrl X.

I was getting my brakes checked at Monro, and decided to go ahead and let them do the work, so I ended up with about an hour and a half to kill with no vehicle and some pretty high heels on, so I decided to waste time at Arby's since it was close and grab a bite. But on my way there I see what looks like a pretty deserted little strip mall, with just one OPEN light on. Pasta Plus. Hmmm, I went to check it out, had to be far better than Arby's. I was actually surprised at the interior because the curb appeal is seriously lacking. The inside was a little tight but I liked the decor, reminded me a of quaint italian restaurant back home. The food was good, I was more than happy to see the freshly made pasta, the salad that came with my entree was dressed sufficiently, not over or under. The only mistake they made was bringing that basket of fresh hot bread to my table. I DIE for bread and I try to resist, but this I could not. I would go again, would like to try the pizza, I don't like pizza chain pizza, so this would be a welcome change for this area.
(3)
Elissa O.

The Washington Post used to have a feature called Crappy but Good with the premise being the place looks bad but the food is excellent. Pasta Plus could have been the poster child for that series. It is a very run down strip mall but once you are inside its is nice. The servers are good and the food is outstanding. I especially think the spinach agnolotti is fantastic. My husband has felt that a few of his dishes have been only ok. However, it is important to order the pasta as that is the real strength of the place and avoid the pizza. Really a miss here for some reason.
(4)
Craig L.

Who would have figured that there was a superior Italian resturant in a humdrum, partially empty little strip mall located in Laurel on Route 1, where it's bifurcated? At first, I feared that there'd be little for me, as neither cream sauce nor red sauce in most places are all that friendly for me-but they appear to make their dishes from scratch & can make wine sauce, which doesn't have to have salt. Their decaf is also very good, & Elizabeth & I also purchased some things from their deli section-the olive pates & desserts on offer are within my tolerable zone.
(4)
Nicholette P.

Pasta Plus is great. I have lived near here my entire life, and I have been to Past Plus on numerous occasions- graduations, NYE, friday nights.... Sitting down to eat is nice, the service is good! Sometimes the wait is long, and the space to wait in is scarce especially in the winter. Take out is a great option too. Ask for a pizza with fontina cheese mmmmm. They will pretty much do anything you ask them to do even if its not on the menu, you can create up something! Sketchy strip mall, that used to be thriving. Maybe they should get their own building soon! GO eat, I recommend it highly!
(4)
Maria C.

From the outside, Pasta Plus looks like a big ole' crap hole... just like the rest of Maryland (I'm Kidding! ~ ish). I had very little confidence in this place. But it was surprisingly good!!! Yes, indeed - I think Mario Battali would say Pasta Plus is Molto Bene! We had to wait about 20 minutes at 6:30 on a Saturday night. Word on the street is they don't take reservations. If you get there at the right time, the wait is not too bad. I had the linguine with mussels in marinara, which came with bread (a loaf for the table) and salad for around $14. First they served the bread, which was good, just your standard homemade french bread loaf. You can put butter on it or dip it in olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar if you chose. Then we had a calamari appetizer. Good stuff, served with fresh homemade marinara sauce. Then came the salad. They used iceberg lettuce... usually the kiss of death in my book, but this place had other redeeming qualities. You can get your salad with creamy house italian, or oil and vinegar (aka make your own dressing with the oil and vinegar on the table). Then came the entrees. My linguine was a perfect little bed of pasta surrounded by artfully arranged, plump, perfectly cooked mussels. There was just enough sauce to coat the pasta and flavor everything. It was light and tasty, not too oily, not too garlic-y = perfectimundo! Of course, I was stuffed by the time my main course came out, but I still ate most of it. The pasta was chewy in a way that only homemade pasta is - I think they make the noodles here fresh. The linguine is square - not flat - which adds to the chewy texture. Love it. I would definitely come back. This place is not an in-and out joint... it took a good 2 hours for this entire process to be completed. Service is slow - I think its because everything is made to order. Its a good hearty Italian family style meal that is meant to be eaten slowly and enjoyed. Pasta Plus ain't no Olive Garden. Restaurant decor was homey - and nice. All white tablecloths, napkins. Solid. Took a peek at the patsa plus deli-place next door and although I didn't try them, the desserts looked homemade, reminiscent of Venieros in the NYC. Impressive. Will have to go back.
(4)
Erik G.

Really good Italian food. Surprisingly nice atmosphere. Everyone says the lasagna is heavenly, but I haven't tried it yet.
(5)
Karen B.

I've been going to Pasta Plus since they opened their doors about 28 years ago. Still THE BEST Italian in the DC metro area. The owner, Max, greets all of his customers at the door with a smile, hug and handshake. The food, regardless of what you get, is always delicious and prepared on site. Who cares what it looks like from the outside... once in the door, the environment changes to a fantastic Italian ristorante! House salad and house dressing is not your run of the mill starter dish... the blend of greens and flavor of the dressing is just right! Entrees are beautiful to look at and more gorgeous at first bite! Desserts? To die for! I highly recommend, HIGHLY recommend, recommend HIGHLY that, if you're a connesuire of fine Italian food at a great price, (vs a pedestrian of little taste) you check out PASTA PLUS!
(5)
antoin k.

What a great restaurant! We went for lunch and though seating was cramped the food was superb. A cold seafood salad hit the spot followed by lasagna that was one of the best I've had. The Manicotti was also superb and tomato sauce was outstanding. Would have given 5 stars but seating definitely cramped.
(4)
John B.

I was a first time customer last night and the outstanding customer service I received is still on my mind. I came in a group that unexpectedly became larger. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. In fact, they remained friendly and accommodating even after we stayed far too long and the rest of the restaurant was dark. Fantastic food and service!
(5)
Stephen R.

We went with a group of people from work, so I'll refrain on talking about cost/value too much. I'll simply say that I didn't think it was too expensive, though perhaps a bit high for the location. As for the food... well... um.... I'll enumerate dishes that my wife or I had, and what we thought of them. (1) Pasta e Fagioli -- This was unlike any pasta e fagioli I've ever seen... way too brothy. That being said, it was pretty tasty, and quite possibly the best thing we had to eat that night. (2) Chicken arrabiata -- It is rare to see a piece of chicken this overcooked. Leather. The sauce was fine, but the chicken was nearly inedible. (3) Veal Carciofi -- the veal was nicely cooked, fairly tender and still with a nice bit of juice to it. I still think they may have overdone it slightly, but not badly enough to throw me. The sauce, however, had an nearly unidentifiable sweetness to it that I found rather cloying. I ate the whole thing, mind you, but I've certainly had better. (2a) and (3a) -- salads with our main course -- for good or for ill, it's become pretty standard to see some relatively fresh greens thrown on a plate with a couple of slices of cucumber and a wedge of underripe tomato. This was one of those salads. (3b) -- the veal came with a side of pasta. I had the alfredo sauce, and was reminded why I *never* order alfredo sauce until I know and trust a restaurant. It was gluey and congealed. Yech. (4) -- Cannoli -- I LOVE cannoli, and theirs were pretty good. I'm willing to bet good money that they're not made in house (at least, that the shells aren't made in house), but they were still pretty good. If I lived closer, I might try them again for a pizza, but I find it unlikely I'll go that far out again based upon what I experienced on my first visit... Oh, service was very good, btw. Decor, very italian-restaurant-in-the-suburbs. Which, I suppose, is exactly what it is....
(2)
Li E.

Dined at Pasta Plus on a Saturday afternoon. The service was outstanding; the food was not great. We ordered calamari as an appetizer - it was good but the color was a complete turnoff for me - instead of a golden brown color - it was very light (almost white) in color. The bread was outstanding. We both ordered salads - a garden salad and a caesar salad. The greens on both salads were not fresh, but the salad dressing on the caesar was outstanding. Now for the entree - we ordered the spinach lasagna to share with the sauce on the side. I found that it did not look appetizing AT ALL. I guess the sauce and cheese are what makes it look good, but without them - it looked terrible, was not hot and did not taste good. The worst part was that there was no spinach in the lasagna. I asked our server about the spinach - he told us that the pasta was spinach noodles but that there was no spinach in the lasagna itself. We sent it back and ordered the chicken parmesan which was pretty good. I left the restaurant very disappointed especially since my lunch partner told me that he'd had outstanding meals at Pasta Plus in the past.
(2)
Larry D.

Old-school Italian-American food, done better than pretty much anywhere. yum.
(5)
Drew W.

This place is waaaay over-Yelped!! After hearing and reading about how great this place was, my girlfriend and I finally gave it a shot one Friday night. The food is good, but it is really the only good thing about this place. Looking past the terrible location (most everything else in the strip mall is out of business) and name, it's basically good Italian food with the atmosphere and service of a diner. It's clear that they know their food is good and are confident enough that people will deal with a complete lack of atmosphere and service to get this food. I will not again. A little background music would have gone a long way towards improving the atmosphere. And I realize wine is what you are "supposed" to drink with good Italian food, but if you want to be a grown-up restaurant, get the full liquor license so people can enjoy a cocktail as well. If you insist on trying this place do yourself a favor and get carryout.
(2)
Danielle P.

My boyfriend lives in Laurel and told me about this italian restaurant he goes to a lot. I was down in Laurel the other day and he took me there. From the outside Pasta Plus looks like a restaurant in a strip mall. .I didn't think if be that into it. When we walked in, I totally changed my mind! The place is small but offers good seating and even has a shop connected to it. The owner greeted us in a wonderful italian accent and sat us. I was looking over the menu when the bus boy came to fill our water. I told him it was my first time and asked what he liked. He didn't hesitate when he said the chicken parmesan but said everything the was good. I was amazed at what was offered. From basic pastas to pizza to black ink pasta to various other dishes. We ordered a bowl of pasta fagoli and it was just like my grandparents made! No other restaurant I've been to has done this! I almost cried. I ordered fettuccine with pomadoro sauce. .EXCELLENT! !!My boyfriend got the chicken parmesan and that was amazing as well. The chicken was nice and thin, the breading wasn't over powering and the sauce. .oh my gosh! The table next to us ordered scungilli which I was debating on ordering so I asked how it was. They cut me off a piece and gave some of the sauce as well. It was out of this world! The owner came to the table to ask how everything was and i, like a million others I'm sure, told him about my grandparents cooking and how this reminded me of it. He thanked me and said that is why they do it, for stories like mine. After we ate, we went into the store and I found a candy that I hadn't seen in forever and cookies as well. They also sell their sauce and fresh made pasta. I highly recommend Pasta Plus. The food is excellent and the staff are amazing. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Ashlee W.

The food is still wonderful, and I have been many times since my first review and had wonderful experiences. I have to say that our last visit, though, has seriously tainted our view of Pasta Plus. We were seated promptly and kindly by the owner, per usual. Things went downhill from there. Our server saw us, but then proceeded to ignore us for a significant amount of time before even coming to our table. He spent that time chatting animatedly with the other patrons at the tables around us. He was short and cold with us when he took our order. He didn't bring the wine I ordered, even after, again, visiting and chatting pleasantly with the tables around us. When he was nearby, my wife tried to get his attention in multiple ways; there is no way he could have missed it, and yet he ignored us. It took a busboy, who saw/heard my wife trying to get his attention, nudging the waiter to get him to come over. We did not see our waiter at our table again (I think our food was brought by bussers) until we, again, had to get his attention to bring us the check. No checking on how our food was, or how we were doing with beverages, nothing. I generally give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, particularly ones I know and love like this one. I also don't like to call "homophobia" unless I'm fairly certain of it. This behavior cannot be explained by the waiter being busy, or generally bad at his job, or unhappy with his job, or anything of the sort, because we watched him happily chat up and serve the heterosexual older couples near us, the nuclear family near us, and others. The stark contrast in the treatment my wife and I received as a young, lesbian couple, was both frustrating and humiliating. The server's name was Edmundo. He clearly has no respect for human decency, let alone Maryland law. I'm not sure if or when we'll be comfortable returning to Pasta Plus, which had been our favorite date night restaurant here in our own town.
(1)
Erica M.

The food here is always amazing, always fresh!! The lasagna is melt in your mouth amazing and their pizza is like no other. Every time we come we enjoy the food, staff & ambiance. You can tell this is a respected spot. You will find many old couples enjoying what seems to be "grandmas cooking" and that's saying a lot from 70+ year olds!!! The patrons here seem to know a good authentic Italian spot when they see one. I have followed suit and have to say Pasta Plus is now my favorite place next to Maggiano's. Don't be fooled by the outside, this place is hands down a local gem!!!
(5)
Michele K.

Delicious! Great service! Do not let the otherwise defunct strip mall or the bland name put you off. It's a wonderful restaurant with delicious food and great servers. The decor is a little dated but it very tidy and clean. Their specials are always a good choice. Pasta is fresh! Servings are large! Wonderful desserts too! I don't consider Laurel to be a place for a one of a kind restaurant with delicious food. Pasta Plus fits the bill.
(4)
Rae M.

Pasta Plus is apparently a staple in the Prince George's County area, but up until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of it. Possibly because I don't usually go that far down into Laurel, but with so many stores and restaurants on both sides of Route 1, it's extremely hard to see what is offered. Unless you knew it was here, I'm sure you've probably passed it several times too. This is a very unexpected charming restaurant that serves (wait for it) Italian dishes. The inside layout is a bit congested with tables randomly placed in three separate rooms and the tables are too close for my liking, but it's a quaint restaurant none the less. Directly next door to the restaurant is an Italian Gourmet Market, also owned by Pasta Plus, where different Italian ingredients, wines, breads, etc., can be purchased. Carryout is also offered if you decide that you don't want to dine in. I met up with a few fellow Yelpers and we decided to order a few dishes and eat family style. For appetizers we ordered the bruschetta and the Scungilli Marinara which is conch with marinara sauce. The sauce was absolutely delicious, but the bruschetta was very unmemorable. For entrees we ordered the lasagna, Gamberi al Vino Bianco (sautÃ©ed shrimp served in a wine sauce with a side of pasta) and Fettuccine Verde - Spinach Fettuccine (Served with tomato sauce, eggplant and ricotta cheese). All three dishes were delicious! The lasagna was some of the best I've had in a while. The shrimp in the bianco dish were plump and very tasty. Even though I wouldn't have normally ordered the spinach fettuccine with eggplant, that was surprisingly really good also. Each entrÃ©e was accompanied by a house salad. Dessert was also ordered, but since I didn't partake, I can't comment on it. Our server was very attentive and made sure everything was going well at our table. We never had to worry about refills and he was rather friendly. I can't say that I would rush back here for dinner in the near future, because it's somewhat out of the way for me, but if I'm ever in the area and in the mood for some solid Italian food, I would stop through. Nice spot!
(4)
Victoria B.

Don't judge this place from the outside! My fiancÃ© and our picky Italian friend came here tonight and were blown away by the quality of food and service. We had calamari, caprese salad, lasagna, linguine di mare, a chicken special, cannoli, and tiramisu. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection, desserts were homemade and delectable, house wine and espresso were very smooth and drinkable. Our server was friendly, knowledgable, offered great suggestions, and timed our courses perfectly. We're about to move to the area and WILL DEFINITELY RETURN!
(5)
Samantha K.

Service: Excellent. We never had that, "Uh, did our server asphyxiate in the back?" moment. Very attentive and professional Food: Pretty delicious. The bread is fresh and served warm. We order the calamari and it was good but not phenomenal. The shrimp with white and linguine was very good and my boyfriend very much enjoyed their variation on a lasagna that uses crepe noodles over traditional lasagna noodles. The bill was under $50 which is always a plus for a good quality meal. Overall: A hidden gem in Laurel.
(4)
Pat H.

Consistently great food and service for both dine-in and take out orders. This is the place to go for "real" Italian food choices. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Starr C.

I had lunch at Pasta Plus a few weeks ago after hearing that their Italian food was really authentic and, well, really good. Tucked in a kind of lonely strip mall, Pasta Plus wasn't too busy at lunchtime because it is a bit out of the way from the office for lunch. I didn't explore the whole restaurant, but our dining room was pretty intimate. (Rather dimly lit, also, as the curtains were drawn to avoid the sunlight blinding us.) Our server was really kind, but after we asked for some extra time to look over the menus, we were left alone for a really long time. We were talking, so it's not as though we were twiddling our thumbs, but we were talking for a really long time (maybe 20 minutes?) when we realized that our orders hadn't been taken yet. To start, we ordered asparagus with the chunky Italian dressing, knowing that we were going to be indulging in a lot of pasta. This was kind a weird dish? We knew the dressing was chunky, but it was just a very strange sauce to be on chilled steamed (?) asparagus. It didn't taste bad but it was just a bit weird. We didn't dislike it but weren't exactly cleaning the plate. The BREAD was great though, and the olive oil on the table was good quality so we enjoyed that a lot. All entrees came with a choice of salad, and that was fine, standard salad. I ordered one of the specials of the day, the squid ink pasta with seafood. Hey, I was feeling a bit bold, and it sounded really good. It was DELICIOUS. Oh man. As long as you are not weirded out by the black linguine (and you have no reason to really be weirded out by it), it was so good. The pasta itself had just a bit of seafood-y-ness to it, and everything was cooked so nicely. Plus, there was a really generous amount of seafood on it. I really really enjoyed that pasta. It was soooooo good. There was also a lot of it, so I got a box to go. Our server packed up all of our leftovers really nicely, each one in its own box and in a tightly-tied plastic bag. I had to check just to make sure we weren't taking home the wrong pastas, but the server had it totally under control. Definitely worth a visit and do not fear squid ink if they offer it to you! Next time: I'll save room for dessert.
(4)
Joelyne K.

After hearing do much about this place, and going myself to try it out. It really was nothing to brag about. I expected superb Italian food but it was just pasta with sauce. The food lacked flavor. The atmosphere was nice and so was the staff. Not much else to add.
(3)
Jason L.

Referred here by a fellow co-worker and was anticipating a great exprience for take-out. I ordered the Spaghetti Con Salsiccia Served with Italian sausage in tomato sauce for a family of 6. I guess it would have been awesome if I had ordered my individual portion. I seems like the meat and sauce was lacking on quantity once we got home and divided up everything equally. There was a whole lot of pasta!!!! The food was good, but my suggestion would be NOT to order the same dish for more than 1 person. DO NOT do a family meal, just everybody order something different.
(3)
Cherry T.

The food is delis....homemade pasta and breads. The salad is awesome. It is small and a bit noisy but so worth it !!!!!!
(4)
Bethany G.

My boyfriend and I were looking for something to eat, but not from our usual haunts. This place is awesome. The food was great and the service was attentive and quick. We will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Erin G.

I waited about a year and a half and finally found the time to try out this restaurant after multiple people went to great lengths to sing its praises. Needless to say, I was more than underwhelmed. Mind you, my great-grandmother WAS Italian, but the major problem I had with the restaurant wasn't its mediocre food. Instead, it was the rude, defensive behavior our waiter exhibited to my friend and me last night. Both my friend and I were seated pretty quickly which was convenient since we arrived at 7PM and I had a massage appointment down the road at Massage Envy at 9PM. We both ordered separate appetizers since I love calamari (when prepared correctly) and she preferred the bruschetta. Between the two of us, we had already eaten the bread at the beginning of the meal, we both devoured our appetizers, and when the salads arrived (we were unaware the entrÃ©e came with salads), we ate those as well. When the actual entrees arrived, we asked for to-go boxes as we were pressed for time and intended to just eat them for lunch at work the following day. The waiter seemed offended, and he said, "You just eat as much as you can and then I'll bring out the boxes." We picked at the entrees which were mediocre at best. My friend is extremely non-confrontational, and even she said it was "meh". After the waiter circled like a buzzard a few times, he came back with boxes and reiterated that the food was "made fresh". If you have to let your customers know that the tortellini (which had the consistency and taste of a bag of Bertolli's in the freezer section) was "made fresh" then something's amiss. I let him know (the 1st time) that I had a 9PM massage appointment and didn't want to be too full and uncomfortable on the table for an hour during the massage. I asked for a piece of tiramisu which is customary any time I go to an Italian restaurant to compare and contrast my favorite. I told him I actually would share it with my friend and we'd eat it there. He came back a few minutes later and asked us to move to a different table. We were already at a table for two, yet were asked to move to a table for four because a party of seven was on their way in. I didn't have a problem moving, but it was so close to my appointment by that time that I asked him to just give us my tiramisu to go along with the check because I (2nd time I told him) "had an appointment". He kept insisting (and I mean to the point he physically took our stuff, to include my purse, from the table we were at and moved us to the other table. When we finally moved, almost forcibly, he said, "See? There's no need to get bent out of shape." Finally, he brought out the tiramisu with a to-go box. It was dry, no rum, and the mascarpone gave the impression that I had bought the dessert from a roach-infested deli off Grub Hub where it had been tossed out of a freezer onto a plate. When the waiter brought our checks, he said, "And for you, no charge for the tiramisu because you're SO NICE." I paid for my tiramisu. He got a $6, the cost of the tiramisu, and nothing more. I've lived and eaten meals with better service and food in third world countries than at Pasta Plus. Here's a tip: If your customer is paying for their food, you box it up. I don't care HOW "fresh" your pre-packaged Olive Garden sludge is, you box it up with a smile on your face and if you have a problem with the fact that your customer can't fit 5 courses in their 118 lb body, then at least be a man, use your big boy voice, and quit being passive-aggressive. On that note, if you're looking for good Italian (Sicilian, technically) food in the near vicinity, you're better off at Mamma Roma's. The prices are comparable, the portions are bigger, and the service is top-notch compared to the Mussolini we dealt with last night.
(2)
Alyssa S.

Solid, nothing special but consistently decent. Loaves of bread are usually excellent, the rolls are the other hand... Sometimes they are good last time they were hard as rocks. Caesar salad and House salad are always perfectly dressed and fresh! Now, I really don't love their entrees and I've tried a brunch. The chicken arribiato tasted fishy and oily. They don't make their own rigatoni and penne pasta... Ok random and definitely not as good. Rigatoni and sausage is ok. I had a seafood special once that was excellent. My recommendation would be the chicken Parmesan and instead of a side of spaghetti get a side of fettuccine with aurora sauce. Hazelnut raspberry dessert cake and the fruit mousse is pretty good as well.
(4)
Katie W.

Delicious! The food here is authentic Italian food. Lots to choose from for every course. The waitstaff is attentive and friendly. The food came out ridiculously quick and was fantastic. I had lasagna and my sister had the chicken parm. Both were excellent. We shared a tartofu gelato which is our favorite and often hard to find! I am originally from New York and authentic Italian cuisine is everywhere up there but since moving south it's hard to find good Italian food... Pasta plus has it! Will be back to eat next time I visit my sister who lives in laurel.
(5)
Sweet D.

Had a delicious meal here today. They will make you anything custom you ask for! I didn't see what I wanted on the (huge) menu, so I asked if they could make me fettucine in a rose sauce with peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, shrimp, and scallops, and they did and it was AMAZING! Service has always been friendly.
(5)
Eddie B.

A neighborhood gem. Never dissapointed when I come here. They've made me hate store bought pasta. Olive garden should be ashamed.
(4)
Frank P.

Great service , awesome food. Had the half lobster with mussels,shrimp,clams and scallops. You can tell the owners and their staff are prepared to make your meal Memorable.
(5)
Diane B.

I was quite surprised when I saw this place in a strip mall from the street, but I enjoyed myself here quite a bit. For me, Italian food really boils down to how perfectly cooked the noodles are, and whether or not the sauce has that something extra to make it special. I was pleased with the al dente of the noodles, and the sauce was pretty good. So, pair that with some good company, and you've got yourself (and I had myself), a good dinner.
(4)
Debbie F.

This place is terrific. It is a gem in a strip mall. We went for lunch and everyone enjoyed their meal. All the pasta is homemade, I had the spinach gnocchi with cream sauce and it was superb. others had the lasagna , veal dishes and salads. The atmosphere is plain but the food and service is great.
(4)

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Address : 209 Gorman Ave
Laurel, MD, 20707
Phone (301) 498-5100
Website https://www.pastaplusrestaurant.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Pasta Plus

209 Gorman Ave, Laurel, MD, 20707

Pasta Plus Menu

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