Pastamore
3343 Sources Blvd/De Salaberry
Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Quebec
H9B 1Z8
https://www.pastamore.ca/
Telephone: (514) 683-0006
Chef Hats: 3
Cost: $ 41.75 (two Persons- tax included)

Pastamore, a long-time specialty shop and food counter serving pasta in the West Island since 1980, moved last month from its original location at Le Marché de L’Ouest to a new location in the Centennial Mall on Sources Boulevard.   Pastamore has been serving the West Island community for an unprecedented thirty-seven years now, with its homemade pasta and sauces. The new locale is not only a much larger space but offers a more rounded restaurant experience.  The new locale has been completely renovated to seem like a full-fledged restaurant, yet it still offers the fast food experience and quality of products.

At the Marche de L’Ouest outlet, seating was situated between the various shops in an open area concept that did not offer much privacy to its patrons. This new location has lots of space and seating, with ample parking, longer hours, better customer service and comfort. Basically, it runs on the same formula, as a fast food pasta counter to purchase a quick meal or as a specialty shop that sells fresh and frozen pasta for take-out. You must order at the counter at the end of the restaurant, pay, pick up your order of food and find a seat if you are eating. There is no table service.  The sample principle applies if you are picking up an order of fresh pasta to take home. I have been buying my homemade lasagna noodles and tortellini here since I moved to the West Island 28 years ago. There is no comparison between grocery bought noodles and those of Pastamore. They are fresh, tasty and delicious, in house or cooked at home.

They serve all types of pasta, from plain noodles to stuffed pastas. To that you can add your preference of special sauces that are each individually as authentic and savory.  The variety and combinations are endless and catered to your personal preferences.As for the menu, they have also added more items, like soups, salads and appetizers.  My favorite is the Arancini Siciliani and Meatball Sandwiches, both were not available the day we visited.  They have also incorporated a coffee station with desserts which was in full operation serving mini cannoli, lobster tails and Nutella calzone.  I picked up a mini pannetone for $ 3.75.

The new locale is a big improvement from the old location.  The color scheme is vibrant with red leather booths, black and white tables and flooring. The theme is modern, clean and crisp. The restaurant is spacious and bright and comfortable. The prices are reasonable and a meal is inexpensive. The quality is good and pasta and sauces are as authentic as they come.

Service was a little iffy, as it was their first week in operation and the staff was new. But the girls at the coffee bar were super friendly and accommodating.I picked up a bag of frozen meat tortellini for $7.75 to cook at home during the holidays and a mini pannetone from the dessert bar.  We got a Meat Lasagna and Ravioli a la Gigi for lunch for under $ 12.00 each. We got bread and butter to go with that at no extra cost and extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

The portions were generous for the price and more than comparable to other pasta counters in quality. The Meat Lasagna dish was tasty and flavorful.  Topped with loads of mozzarella, it was fresh, creamy and rich.  The Ravioli a la Gigi was even better with pieces of mushrooms and pancetta in a fine Rosé sauce. My only disappointment was that our meals were served in take-out containers, even though we ate in house.  But at least we were not given plastic forks and knives. They could have been fine tuning things and not fully operational as of yet. But the experience was not diminished.

The feeling at Pastamore is more of a casual dining experience than fine dining. It is nonetheless a take-out counter.   But they have a few perks like their open kitchen where you can see your meals being prepared and the open glass display where you can watch the fresh pasta productions being created daily.

All to say, that we needed a good pasta place in that mall after the closing of pasta Tutti Giorni a few years back. Pastamore is a good choice as any to fill up not only the gap left behind, but to bring a different experience to casual and fast Italian food in the neighborhood. Pastamore is a sure bet and comes recommended any which way you look at it.