Uovo brings Italy to Pasadena, California through their vast pasta selection. This is no Cheesecake Factory or other major chain pasta menu containing more ingredients than needed. Pasta shouldn’t be a complex dish. Only a few ingredients should make the whole dish and bring out unique flavors. Uovo reminded me of Italy, where I learned how to enjoy pasta dishes.
About Uovo
Uovo boasts a story about how they fly in freshly made pasta from Italy on a daily basis. In Emilia Romagna, Italy, specific chicken breeds are raised, and the hens are fed a diet that produces rich golden-orange yolks. This gives the pasta a specific yellow look, as well as special techniques to hand pull and cut the pasta dough.
Arriving to Uovo
Uovo is located in The Commons in Pasadena. You can opt to park in the parking structure behind for 50% off posted rates or for free in the parking lot a block south. Make sure your entire party is present to be seated. If you’re looking for a seat just for two and the restaurant is not full, there is always a chance you’ll be seated.
You have the option to sit in front of the “open kitchen” via the “bar” or on individual tables. I highly recommend sitting at the bar – it’s a vibe!
The Tasting Menu
There are three options within the tasting menu, which serves two people. Either come in even pairs or be prepared to have the third person order their own dish. The tasting menu is perfect for first-timers and those who want to try out different pasta dishes. There are LOTS of pasta dishes to choose from, so Uovo made it easy for guests. The tasting menu will feature one appetizer to share, three individual pasta dishes, and one small cup of tiramisu to share.
The Classic
Yellowtail Crudo
Pomodorini e Basilico
Vongole
Pomodoro
Tiramisu al cucchiaio
Cheese & Truffle
Yellowtail Crudo
Tagliatelle in truffle sauce
Pomodoro
Cacio e Pepe
Tiramisu al cucchiaio
The Regional
Battuta di carne
Ragú
Tortellini
Amatriciana
Tiramisu al cucchiaio
My personal favorite is the Cheese & Truffle. The Tagliatelle in truffle sauce is so delicious, it’s very cheesy (not in a stringy way), with heavy flavors of truffle. Sometimes, you might have a choice in picking specific pasta (i.e. ravioli or tagliatelle), but the sauce stays the same.
Regarding portion size, you’ll be plenty full with the tasting menu. In Italy, portion size is important.
The Classic
The Pomodorini e Basilico.
The Vongole. This gave me fond memories of Ostia when I was on a clam pasta binge.
The Pomodoro.
The Tiramisu to share. It’s a lot for one person, so there’s a reason why this is a shared dessert at this portion size.
Cheese & Truffle
The Yellowtail Crudo. This is a raw dish.
The Tagliatelle in Truffle Sauce.
The Pomodoro with Ravioli. We had a choice here, and this tasted stronger than the previous Pomodoro.
Cacio e pepe. It only takes four ingredients to make this dish pop.
Battuta di Carne
The Battuta di Carne is hand-cut grass-fed wagyu beef tartare with olive oil, lemon, and 24-month-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Delicious – and yes, this is raw (hence the tartare).
Fine
Outside of the tasting menus featured above, I am a big fan of the Ragu dish. It felt light but very flavorful. You can pair the pasta dishes with a glass of wine, but this restaurant does not serve Aperol Spritz, so you won’t get THAT type of Italian vibe. But that’s okay. Just enjoy a glass of white wine.
I love Uovo – the price is not bad at all considering the quality of the dishes. This restaurant is a “no-tipping” facility, but adds a 16% service fee.
Uovo Pasadena
The Commons
146 S Lake Ave #103
Pasadena, CA 91101