I was delighted to learn that an Italian pasta restaurant recently opened in downtown LA. Having fresh memories of my vacation in Italy, I was hopeful that Mona Pasta Bar would relive my fond days of twirling fresh pasta in Tuscany.
Mona Pasta Bar quietly soft opened on Ninth Street at the beginning of August. The primary owner and longtime DTLA resident, Devin Carlson, intimately knows the area, having also operated the former space as Ninth Street Ramen. He designed the current interior using an Italian 80s palette with bright white tile, earthy tan and dusty rose accents.
Carlson intended to name the restaurant Donna’s Pasta Bar, but when his neon sign was delivered, he realized there was already an Italian eatery named Donna’s in Echo Park. After a quick collaboration with his team, they decided on the name Mona Pasta Bar, and he laughed by saying that it was easy to modify his neon sign to accommodate the last-minute change.
The menu is varied for appetites ranging from grazing to starving. Sharable appetizers such as charcuterie, marinated olives, calamari fritti, and meatballs arrive immediately and are great conversation starters. The crisp, seasoned exterior and remarkably tender squid in the Calamari Fritti ($18) quickly became addictive.
The Burrata and Tomato ($19) reflects the Italian passion for quality local produce as the heirloom tomatoes are sourced from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. The artisan stretched-curd cheese is imported directly from Bari in Puglia, best known for Italy’s best burrata—the sweet buttery taste of the creamy burrata paired heavenly with the sweet and meaty heirlooms.
Mona Pasta Bar reflects my experience in Italy, where pasta is prepared fresh in-house, and dishes are focused on simplicity. The ground lamb and minced prosciutto in the Pappardelle Bolognese ($26) nicely clung to the fresh al dente pappardelle, and the light pasta sauce doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds and complements their selection of Italian natural wines.
I was pleasantly surprised that the Spaghetti alle Vongole ($28) had the perfect pasta ratio to clams. What makes this dish is the briny clam juice married with garlic, white wine, olive oil, and parsley sparingly sprinkled with aleppo red pepper, which gives a mild sweetness. I was happy that this dish was better than I experienced in Italy.
While many restaurants feature Penne alla Vodka, their selection of lumache is better for capturing the delicious creamy tomato sauce. The choice of rapini over kale in the Casarecce pasta dish also reflects their desire to veer away from the Cali norm.
If you enjoy Happy Hour, Mona has a good one – all wines by the glass are $10, with various dishes ranging from $10 – $13.
Mona’s menu is designed for snacking over a glass of wine and sharing with friends. Conversely, you can complement your meal with heavier dishes like Grilled Branzino or Veal Chop Milanese if you arrive famished. With the relaxed interior vibe, Mona Pasta Bar is an excellent destination whether you are hoteling downtown or before attending an event at Crypto.
Mona Pasta Bar, 111 W 9th St, DTLA; 213.814.0094; monapastabar.com