This is the best kept secret in the Fairfax, West Hollywood area in Los Angeles. Amazing homemade pasta and a great array of sauces that you can actually afford, who knew. I don’t usually talk about price, but restaurant prices have gone up sky high, so it is still very refreshing that you can get supper authentic Italian food for a song in this very high-priced area.
Sometimes I do my laundry at this laundry mat that is on Sweetzer and 3rd Street. On this fine day I started talking to a charming gentleman named Franklin, after a few words he proceeded to tell me that he was taking a break at this new local restaurant to do some laundry. I told him that I do restaurant reviews, and the rest is history.
Carasau Pasta Bar has so much to offer, a beautiful atmosphere with very friendly staff and authentic Italian cuisine that is out of this world. They do not take short cuts; everything is made fresh by its chef and owner Michael Belberio’s family recipes. Michael comes from a long line of restaurateurs that hale from Florence Italy. His recipes are the real deal. Where in Los Angeles can you order pasta dishes that are made from scratch. It is just astounding to me. Carasau Pasta Bar will catch on very soon, and when it does there will be lines around the corner. There are so many Italian restaurants now that charge pretty much double of what Carasau Pasta Bar does for a simple plate of pasta, and most of them they are serving dried store-bought pastas. Not to throw any of them under the bus, but really if given the opportunity to spend half on homemade pasta – why would you choose anything else.
Here’s What I Tried:
Cauliflower Soup, creamy vegan soup. This is a very simple soup with great cauliflower flavor.
Focaccia Basket, served warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. All I can say is wow, this is a very authentic focaccia.
Gamberi Fritti, with shrimp and zucchini served with fresh lemon and marinara sauce. The shrimp is crispy and tender, with great flavor.
Fettuccine – Allo Scoglio, white cheese sauce with black truffles. This dish is so decadent, it just really will make you want to bathe in it. It is luxurious and delicious, a must try.
Eggplant Parmigiana, eggplant topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. This is a delicious dish; the sauce is pungent and inviting.
Malloredus Pasta – vegan with Bolognese sauce. Their Bolognese sauce is what you would get in Italy, with delicious, sweet tomatoes and carrot flavor.
Ravioli, spinach and ricotta with mushroom cream sauce. One of my favorites, the sauce is heavenly, and the mushrooms seal the deal, just delicious.
Culurgiones Alla Sarda – Potato Ravioli with Pomodoro sauce. These are very plump raviolis with great flavor, another delectable menu item.
Dessert:
Panna Cotta, sweet and silky, a great desert!
Wines:
I had a few nice wines to pair all Italian, ask Michael what to pair, he will get you to the right place. My favorites were, Vermentino Di Sardegna, and Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, red. Each lending itself to pairing greatly with all of the food, the white wine with the cream dishes and the red wine with the red sauce dishes. Even the wine prices are way below what other restaurants charge per glass.
Vermentino Di Sardegna, white, Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, white, Canonau di Sardegna, red, Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, red
They play pop star Italian music, Pino D’ Angio Questo e un motore, great voice, very well known in Italy, and other notable Italian recording artists.
About Carasau Pasta Bar:
A Taste of Italy In The Heart of LA, Carasau Pasta Bar started with one goal—bring real Italian pasta to the heart of Los Angeles. Inspired by old family recipes and the tradition of handmade pasta, this spot was built to serve food that’s honest and simple. Located at 8312 W 3rd St, it was created for people who enjoy quality meals without the fuss of fine dining.
Rooted In Italian Heritage, every dish reflects the flavors of Italy, especially from Sardinia, where Carasau bread comes from. Our pasta is made fresh each day by hand, just like it’s done back home. The cooking follows tradition, using just a few good ingredients. It’s all about staying true to the way Italian meals have always been prepared—slow, careful, and full of heart.
What Makes Us Different, Carasau Pasta Bar is casual, but serious about good food. There’s no rush, no shortcuts. Guests can sit indoors or enjoy the fresh air outside. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and food lovers can dine in, take out, or order delivery. With our quick service and a welcoming team, every visit promises comfort, flavor, and a memorable experience.
My server Jessica Bohannon was very sweet and does a no-nonsense job. You can tell that she really loves her job. Franklin also was so charming, coming out to check up on my experience a few times during my meal.
“Carasau” is a Sardinian word meaning “toasted”, deriving from the verb carasare and referring to the final toasting stage of pane carasau. Pane carasau is an ancient, thin, and crispy Sardinian flatbread, also known as “carta da musica” or “sheet music bread,” due to its texture and the crackling sound it makes when broken.
It is a very happening part of 3rd Street, near the Farmers Market. There are some other great eating spots down the street, but Carasau Pasta bar really is the best food for incredible low prices.
The interior boasts white ceiling fans with green ivy, for sure an indoor-outdoor feel, patio separation with tile and couches. There is a Rolling garage door the main way to get in and out of the restaurant. I just loved every aspect of this very special establishment, make it a destination experience. Go now because in a very short time there will be lines and very difficult to get reservations.
“Fun food, because life is supposed to be fun.”
8312 West 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA. 90048
