Pasta Lovers Trattoria

pastaloversnyc.com

When asked about Times Square the typical non-touristy New Yorker probably exclaims something along the lines of "I HATE that place" or maybe settles for the simpler eye-roll. To those who travel to the Big Apple frequently, Times Square is nothing but a tacky, overcrowded tourist trap. I wish I could say that I had such an elevated mindset. No matter how many times I go into Times Square, the lights and the people and the hustle and bustle will always take my breath away. With that said, finding cool, Instagram-worthy, New York City food here is definitely a hassle. However, I have FINALLY found a Times Square restaurant that is not a chain (I'm sorry Applebee's, I still love you) and has amazing food in an even more amazing location. Welcome, my friends, to Pasta Lovers Trattoria.
When I first spotted Pasta Lovers, right on the outskirts of Times Square, the name made me a bit wary. Not gonna lie, "Pasta Lovers" seems pretty cheesy. But as soon as I stepped in the door I knew not to judge it by its name. Although we were basically in the heart of Times Square, it felt as though we were in a cozy candle-lit restaurant on a quiet street in the suburbs. The service was IMPECCABLE. Waiters that weren't even ours were stopping by our table to make sure we were enjoying our time there. I ordered the baked ziti, my mom got lobster ravioli, and my sister got margherita pizza with pesto. (We forgot to take pictures because we were too hungry to wait). All of our food was PHENOMENAL and I couldn't even finish half of my pasta because of the heaping portions.
The dessert was just as good- and I remembered to take a picture! We got chocolate lava cakes that were unbelievably rich and warm.

Pasta Lover's is an absolute must if you are anywhere near Times Square. The atmosphere was amazing and so was the food. No matter how much you roll your eyes at the mention of Times Square or complain about the tourists, Pasta Lovers will make you rethink that hatred for the heart of New York City.

Pasta Lovers decorated for Christmas