Pastitalia

The Italian owners of Sottocasa, our go-to for Neapolitan pies in Harlem, bring the same cheerful, efficient energy of their pizza parlor to Pastitalia, their noodle-centric spot across Lenox Ave. On the ground floor of a brownstone, Pastitalia has fresh, homemade pastas and sauces, and a seating option for every mood. Linger over an espresso out front while watching people pass by, or read a book in the narrow, cottagecore dining room while munching on sfogliatelle. When it’s sunny out, head to the brick-and-ivy back patio with friends for aperitivo-hour negronis that turn into an early dinner of lasagna or pasta alla norma. You can buy some sauce and spaghetti to take home for a lazy weeknight, or a sandwich on the go.

photo credit: Sonal Shah