10 Places for Great Pasta in Makati City

(SPOT.ph) Serious question: Who’s not a fan of pasta? Not only is this traditional Italian dish tasty, but it can fill you up in a jiffy, too. So whether it’s a classic Bolognese or truffle cream, you won’t find a shortage of good places for excellent pasta in Makati City. We round up some of the best restaurants we can find for your insatiable cravings. You can thank us later.

Also read:
10 Places for Great Pasta in Quezon City

Kermit Manila

Siargao regulars might know this pizzeria all too well—luckily, the Metro’s residents can now try it thanks to Kermit’s second branch in Poblacion. Owned by surfer Gianni Grifoni, Kermit Manila is every pasta lover’s dream come true. Apart from the restaurant’s super chill vibe, their dishes are made from scratch, too, so you can be sure the quality is excellent and fresh. Don’t skip their best-selling Tagliatelle alla Tartufata (P420), a soul-warming and savory truffle-based dish that’s generously topped with salty Parma ham slices and perfectly al-dente flat noodles.

Kermit Manila is at 4636 Molina Street, Poblacion, Makati City.

Refinery

Refinery is one of the no-fail places for all-day breakfast in the Metro. And if you haven’t heard, they’ve got unlimited wine promos, too. It seems this place has everything to satisfy your tita or tito heart, but you’ll be happier to know that they also have great pasta dishes, like The Hangover Pasta (P250). It’s practically comfort in a plate, with linguini, creamy parmesan sauce, smoked bacon, asparagus, and a runny sunny-side-up egg cooked with—guess what—rendered smoked-bacon fat. If this doesn’t cure your hangover from last night, we don’t know what will.

Refinery is at G/F Joya Lofts and Towers, Joya Drive, Rockwell, Makati City.

Va Bene Pasta Deli

This little hideaway along EDSA (and at a gas station no less) is a gem you’ll be glad to discover. Your friends who have been endlessly raving about Va Bene Pasta Deli’s Black Ink Tagliolini (P440) on social media aren’t wrong either because this dish is a definite pleaser, with a light and refreshing marinara cream sauce and mixed seafood. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can also try some of their freshly made ravioli—the Ricotta Eggplant Tortellini (P390) has hefty servings of pecorino cheese, rounding out the spiciness and tanginess of its arrabiata sauce.

Va Bene Pasta Deli is at 2/F Petron Gas Station, EDSA corner A. Arnaiz Avenue, Dasmariñas Village, Makati City.

Trufa Pasta Bar

Trufa Pasta Bar wants to prove that you can never go wrong with pasta. And with their wide assortment of pasta dishes, which you can even customize, it seems you’ll never run out of options. Apart from their DIY concept, where you can go as far choosing your pasta, base, and toppings, the restaurant also has pre-selected sauces to save you some time. The Carbonara Filipina (P260), for example, is a creamy pasta dish you might be familiar with, but amped up with crispy dilis and tinapa.

Trufa Pasta Bar has branches at Unit A, Planters Building, 109 Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City; and G/F Paseo Parkview Suites, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Mamou Too!

When you hear this restaurant’s name, it’s inevitable to think of their juicy steaks. The next most popular thing? Mamou’s all-time favorite Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream (P395) pasta, of course. Simple and light, its milky, almost-silky cream sauce with earthy truffle oil is best paired with their richer meat dishes and makes for a great side dish. They’ve also got other comforting pastas like Lola Fem’s Birthday Spaghetti (P285), with creamed corned beef, and Linguini Al Nero (P365), with a robust squid-ink sauce.

Mamou Too! is at G/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.

Whitebrass

You won’t find your usual Italian dishes at Whitebrass—this contemporary restaurant prides itself in their unique modern take of the cuisine. Besides their lip-smacking risotto dishes, like the Risotto Parme-Tartuffo (P360) or Risotto Kasubha (P330), their pastas are something to try, too, when you’re here. Take, for one, the Shrimp and Olives (P275), which might look like your ordinary pesto, but you’ll be surprised at the robust flavors it gives off—sweetness from the shrimps, a distinctive nuttiness from the green oil-based sauce, and a salty tang from olives.

Whitebrass is at 20 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City.

Nono’s

You don’t need to travel all the way to Quezon City anymore to try this cozy restaurant that boasts Chef Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto’s sweet cakes and pastries, as well as savory homemade food. Before digging into the cult-favorite Nono's Chocolate Oblivion (P135/slice), fill your tummy with their tasty all-day breakfast meals or pasta dishes. The Mac n’ Cheese (P295) is sublime in all its cheesy and creamy goodness—so good that it earned a spot in our 2017 Top 10 Mac and Cheese list. Don’t forget to order extra bacon for that added salty crunch!

Nono’s is at G/F Three Central, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Caruso Ristorante Italiano

Caruso Ristorante Italiano is one of those Italian restaurants you’d go to if you want to treat yourself to some really good pasta and pizza. A household name in Makati, the place will make you want to dress up and feel a bit fancy, even just for a night. Pair your glass of wine with any of their pasta dishes—they’ve got a whole page for it. We suggest you try the Bucatini Alla Amatriciana (P580), a solid dish with less than five ingredients: Bucatini noodles, bacon, hearty tomato sauce, and pecorino cheese.

Grace Park is at G/F One Rockwell Building, Rockwell, Makati City.

Paper Moon Manila

If you’re looking for a romantic date place with a fantastic view of the Metro’s skyline, look no further than Paper Moon Manila. They’re not just a pretty destination—the restaurant’s traditional Italian dishes are also worthwhile. One of their best dishes is the Pappardelle Paper Moon (P575), which stands out in its sheer simplicity; think al-dente pappardelle blanketed in their zesty and sharp tomato-cream sauce. It’s also cooked with crunchy bacon bits for a savory bite you won’t be able to resist.

Paper Moon Manila is at Knightsbridge Residences, Century City, Poblacion, Makati City.

Caffeined

We don’t know about you, but hiding a café-slash-restaurant in a beautiful furniture shop is genius. Formerly located in Mandaluyong, the café has moved to Makati just recently and added a lot of savory dishes to their menu. Their pastas aren’t to be overlooked; Italian-food lovers will enjoy Caffeined’s Mushroom Truffle Pasta (P450), with asparagus, generous bits of mushroom, and al-dente linguini coated in a delicate oil-based truffle sauce.

Caffeined is at 910 Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.