Two New Additions Bring Fresh Pasta to Philly Neighborhoods

Spelt pasta at Apollinare

Philadelphia is quickly becoming a city of sumptuous fresh pasta. If you ever plan on opening an Italian restaurant around town, be forewarned: you'd better crank out some fresh dough, because Philadelphians will know the difference. Homemade pasta cooks in minutes and is simple to make, but there are two new kitchens in town that are rolling out some particularly tasty noodles.

In Northern Liberties, Apollinare put in a direct call to Italy, sourcing  Umbrian restaurateurs Fabio Auguadro and Andrea Scotacci for the Piazza space formerly known as Vino. Now, you'll find pasta made on the premises, from traditional carbonara and potato gnocchi to spelt pasta ribbons and cauliflower tortelli.  The fresh pasta really makes a difference in a new restaurant that is trying to make a name for itself.

When Marc Vetri decided to open his third Italian spot in Philadelphia, a trattoria named Amis in Washington Square West, critics and fans everywhere were intrigued. Could Vetri bring a budget-minded trattoria to a quieter section of the neighborhood that bordered so closely to South Street? By the power of fresh pasta, he could. The casual restau-bar is still sharp and stylish, with sleek wood and plenty of group seating.  Like any Vetri affair, the service is superb and the food is exquisite, but the mood is toned down and the volume is definitely higher.  We bet that's because everybody is talking about the fresh pasta.  All pastas are housemade, but it's the creamy, peppery tonnarelli "cacio e pepe" that had us twirling our forks lovingly.

Forget the dry stuff. We recommend that you visit both A-lettered pasta houses for a plate of fresh noodles.

Apollinare, 1001 N. 2nd Street, the Piazza at Schmidts

Amis, 412 S. 13th Street