True Italian Pasta Week - 5 Italian Gems

Mariona Planella Boix
Nov 17, 2024
3 min read

Pasta is always a good idea, so what could be better than a pasta week? Thanks to True Italian Pasta Week, you can indulge into one of two special pasta creations, plus an Aperol and a digestive for just 18 euros, in 45 of the best Italian restaurants in Berlin. 7-days of pure joy for pasta lovers.

We tried 5 of the participating restaurants and here are our thoughts:

(Watch the full video on Instagram)

Come Va’ Va: Cozy Gnocchi Heaven

Tucked away on Danziger Str. 144, Come Va’ Va feels like stepping into a slice of Italy, perfect for warming up from the cold. Their gnocchi game is strong—both dishes we tried featured perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth homemade gnocchi with creamy, comforting sauces.

Gnocchi alla Carbozucca: A masterpiece of pumpkin cream, guanciale, and pecorino. The guanciale’s crunchiness, the slight sweetness of the pumpkin, and the sharp pecorino created a harmony of textures and flavors.
Vegan Gnocchi: Swapping guanciale for fried onions was a brilliant move—keeping the crunch while catering to plant-based diners. Both versions were unforgettable.

Gina Bistrot: Fresh Pasta, Fresh Experience

Next, we headed to Gina Bistrot at Zionskirchstraße 77, where Italy comes alive through freshly made pasta. Watching our tonnarelli being crafted before our eyes added an authentic and personal touch to the experience.

Vegan Spicy Orecchiette with Broccoli: The smooth, spicy sauce was pure joy—a delightful balance of creamy comfort and a fiery kick.
Tonnarelli all’Amatriciana: Rich, tomato-forward sauce with guanciale and pecorino was so flavorful we had to mop up every last drop with bread. Waste not, crave not!

Spina Berlin: Bold Flavors and Surprises

Finally, we visited Spina Berlin on Seumestr. 2, where warm hospitality and bold, inventive pasta dishes made for a memorable finish to our Italian escapade.

Pappardelle with Wild Boar Genovese: A Neapolitan white ragout that melted in the mouth, paired with perfectly al dente pappardelle. It was hearty, rich, and utterly satisfying.
Tagliatelle with Mushrooms and Saffron: This unique combo floored us! The creamy sauce was elevated by the bold, aromatic saffron, blending seamlessly with earthy mushrooms. Truly a mind-blowing flavor pairing.

Cargo Gastronomia: Comfort Food Elevated

With its warm atmosphere and exquisite dishes, Cargo Gastronomia at Samariterstraße 37, left us wowed. Their creative twists on Italian classics were nothing short of spectacular.

Orecchiette with Meatballs: Bathed in a vibrant tomato sauce, this dish was topped with parmesan fondue and a sprinkle of black olive powder for a sophisticated finish.
Scialatielli with Pumpkin and Leek Cream: A nutty delight, featuring toasted hazelnuts that added a satisfying crunch to the velvety cream sauce.

Bar Internazionale: A Cozy Pasta Retreat

Our final stop was Bar Internazionale on Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 31, where comfort meets Italian tradition in every bite.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: This classic baked dish with tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella was everything you want in a warm, hearty meal.
Paccheri with Salsiccia and Artichokes: Bringing the heat, this dish combined spicy sausage with tender artichokes, creating a bold and unforgettable flavor experience.

A Love Letter to Pasta

These five restaurants showcased the best of Italian craftsmanship and creativity, reminding us why Berlin’s True Italian Pasta Week is worth celebrating. Still dreaming about those plates of heaven and, in case you’re wondering, yes—I ate pasta every day for a week. And what happened? Pure happiness!

Have you explored Berlin’s Italian scene? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments! Buon appetito! 🍝✨

Written by: Mariona Planella and Daniela Rubio

Photos by: Daniela Rubio, Rakesh Kumar and Mariona Planella