Pasta Pooks delivers an authentic Italian culinary experience centered on the craft of fresh, handmade pasta and artisanal sandwiches. The kitchen prioritizes traditional techniques to produce robust textures and flavors across a diverse menu of signature noodle dishes and toasted bread selections. Ingredients are sourced to maintain consistency in every bowl of classic al dente pasta served to patrons. The menu emphasizes hearty, straightforward preparation methods that define the quintessential Italian neighborhood eatery. Crisp textures meet rich, savory sauces in a balanced selection designed for quick and efficient service. Patrons find a reliable environment focused exclusively on high-quality carbohydrate-based staples and carefully assembled sandwiches. This establishment functions as a dedicated hub for enthusiasts seeking classic recipes executed with professional precision and consistent culinary standards every single day.
Pasta Pooks is widely celebrated for its exceptional, high-quality handmade pasta that many visitors describe as some of the best they have ever tasted, often highlighting dishes like the ravioli and gnocchi. While the vibrant atmosphere, attentive staff, and carefully curated wine list contribute to a memorable dining experience, opinions are divided regarding the portion sizes and overall value, with some patrons finding the dishes too small or expensive for the price point. The restaurant's popularity frequently leads to long wait times, limited seating, and a cramped, noisy environment that can feel uncomfortable for those expecting a more relaxed meal. Although experiences with service and comfort can vary, the restaurant remains a sought-after destination for those prioritizing authentic flavor and fresh, seasonal ingredients in the heart of Little Italy.
Honestly the food is good here, not mind breaking but still harty & delicious. Love the freshness of ingredients. I was visiting from out of town for a couple days & dropped by. However, I experienced quite a painful wait for my food & noticed other tables being served before mine.
It was 26+ that day too, so sitting in a tight space for over 40 minutes after the appetizers with zero AC was a bit much for us. I noticed the server communicated to others that there was a wait or something (Je parle francais en peu), but she never came to my table. The appetizers came within 15 minutes, a little slow but not as concerning as the main dishes. Overall wait time, slow service, & heat was led to this lower score (it felt much hotter inside than outside), would be sitting around 4/5 otherwise.
Otherwise, the experience was okay. Giving the place the benefit of doubt & leaving my rating at 2 stars assuming this was a one-off. Still worth trying on a cooler day I guess!
Delicious food, quick service, & a reasonably sized outdoor patio. Definitely need to come back & try the rest of the pasta options, as this order was mostly non-pasta dishes.
On the menu:
• Salade de Fenouil & Olives
• Baccalà Mantecato (Creamed Cod)
• Piatto di Antipasti Misto (Mixed Appetizer Platter)
• Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci (Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli)
• Poutine Pooks Italienne
• Lemon Pookie Cheesesteak
Delicious fresh pasta ! Servings to me could have a little more for $28 a plate & charging for bread to me a no no ! Lesley C a Mtl retired food critic for restaurants said what's with charging for things like that . A freebie goes a long way , & c'mon possible ! Maybe dress up the plates more , maybe then the plates will then look less skimpy . Loved the dishes , that being said !!
Best pasta place ever. You truly get what you pay for. We tried 3 out of the 4 pasta dishes on the menu, & every single one was amazing. Highly recommended!
Such a great hole-in-the-wall sort of restaurant. They have a limited menu & it really allows skill to shine. Their semolina pasta was perfectly bouncy & the white ragu was delicious. The raviolo pasta was beautiful - thin pasta, stuffed full, with a lovely sage sauce. The service was also so lovely, one of the waitresses sat down to explain various dishes to us which helped a lot! If I lived in Montreal, you'd see me here weekly.
Wonderful homemade pasta!
Pasta Pooks is a must stop for pasta lovers. Delicious antipasti to start, & daily incredible pasta dishes. My advice is to share orders of different pastas on the daily menu. Save room for dessert. Good wines & beers to choose from. You can eat in the bar anytime with the amazing Rosemonde making everyone feel welcome, or make a reservation for the dinning room. Come hungry & enjoy!YUMMY!
The food was quite good overall. We ordered the baccalà, zucca, & bread with butter, & the zucca was a standout dish. The butter with honey was a pleasant & unexpected touch. Our pasta dishes were also well executed, particularly the tortellini in brodo.
The environment, however, was lacking. It was unclear how to access the main dining area-we initially walked into the takeout space & weren't directed, aside from being told to keep the door closed. The dining room itself was cold throughout the evening, with the door frequently opening & no barrier (such as a curtain) to block the outside air. The space also appeared unfinished, with exposed insulation in the bathroom & visible wiring, which raised concerns about hygiene.
Service was good overall, but there was some confusion around reservations. We were told that more than half the restaurant was booked for friends & family that evening & were initially given a 40-minute dining window. That restriction ultimately didn't seem to be enforced, & we were able to stay longer, but the situation was unclear.
