For many people living or visiting New York City, time is of the essence. Many are in a hurry and need to grab a quick bite on the go or fuel up at a no-fuss casual restaurant. Papi Pasta & Pizza is the perfect spot for fast, fresh, and flavorful food that will re-energize anybody during their busy day.
Located in Midtown Manhattan at 485 7th Avenue near Macy’s department store and Penn Station, Papi Pasta & Pizza is serving a delicious and highly extensive menu of exactly what their name entails—and more. From gourmet and square pizzas to parmesan meatballs to eggplant parmigiana, the restaurant offers beloved Italian cuisine. But what really shines is their pasta. Their truffle gnocchi is outstanding and a must-order. Made with soft, pillowy gnocchi paired with an earthy, rich cream sauce and topped with shaved black truffles, this luxurious meal is irresistible. Priced at $18.99, this decadent dish is an incredible deal and you won’t have to max out your credit card to enjoy some truffles. Every bit is heavenly and I would eat this everyday if I could.
Papi Pasta & Pizza offers a whopping 15 different types of pasta dishes, including lasagna. If you’re in the mood for the classics like, bolognese, alfredo, cacio e pepe, pomodoro, and pesto, they serve it all, as well as spinach and ricotta ravioli, spicy vodka and shrimp fra diavolo, an Italian-American dish featuring shrimp simmered in a spicy tomato sauce. They also have pasta carbonara with bacon, which was tasty and hearty. As for the pasta shapes, Papi offers a vast array like long (spaghetti, fettuccine), short (fusilli) and stuffed (ravioli and tortellini). Gluten free pasta is also available. Each pasta dish is made fresh and the prices range from $15-$22. With generous portion sizes, the pastas are a fantastic deal.
Not only are the pastas excellent, Papi is cooking up delectable New York-style pizza. Their authentic pies are made of 72-hour levitating dough that offers crispy, sturdy crusts with a beautiful char. And they have lots of toppings too. From chicken bacon ranch to meat lovers to Hawaiian and garlic spinach, every type of classic pizza imaginable is available. The Papi pizza has balanced flavors and textures from fresh ingredients and their flavorful tomato sauce—not too sweet—perfectly complements the melted cheese. The pizzas are available by the slice or a whole 18” pie. Papi also has special gourmet pizzas, offering creative, upscale versions of traditional ones with unique, artisanal toppings like spicy burrata, carbonara, truffles with cream cheese and eggplant.
The options keep on going. Papi is creating square shaped pizza that provides wider slices for a thicker and crispier crust with gooey center. Their Grandma Pepperoni is highly recommended due to its crispy crust edges and generous portion of pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato sauce, garlic and parmesan. Their take on the classic has a satisfying balance of spicy, salty, and smoky flavors that complement the tomato sauce and cheese and its crispy texture. Overall, their robust square shaped pizzas are filling and you’ll be satisfied. Other square pizzas available include Sicilian (mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil), Tri Colore (mozzarella, pesto sauce, vodka sauce and tomato sauce) and the Upside Down (mozzarella, tomato sauce and pecorino romano).
Other Italian specialties worth ordering are the garlic knots, which are delightful and first-rate. Their version is the perfect combination of soft, chewy dough doused in a rich and pungent garlic butter sauce, and topped with pecorino romano, garlic and oregano. Served in a set of five knots, the bread was served warm and accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping. Every bite was heavenly.
In addition to the great food, the staff at Papi Pasta & Pizza are incredibly friendly. Dennis Miguel, the general manager, provided great hospitality and greeted each customer with a smile. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and efficient—providing excellent customer service and accurately took food orders at the register. The ambiance is also welcoming with plenty of seating for a relaxed setting. The space has minimalist design, but is comfortable for a casual meal.
Overall, Papi Pasta & Pizza offers quick, delicious and affordable Italian food that goes beyond just convenience. More than a fast casual restaurant, they deliver high-quality and great value comfort dishes in a casual setting. Make sure to stop by and grab a slice or some pasta, you won’t regret it.
