PASTA Brings Peruvian Soul and Italian Craft to Wynwood
When I tell you I had one of the most memorable dinners in recent memory, I’m talking about PASTA. This modern Peruvian-Italian fusion spot opened in Wynwood in October 2024, brought to life by husband-and-wife Chefs Juan Manuel Umbert and Janice Buraschi.
They came from Lima, where their original restaurant, sharing the same name, is already beloved, and you can feel their roots in every detail here.
The space itself is stylish yet cozy, with a balance of rustic and modern design elements including warm wood accents, exposed brick, and an intimate dining room with an open kitchen. The open kitchen is the heart of the restaurant, offering diners a front-row seat to the artistry and love that go into every dish. Sitting at the Chefs counter is an especially memorable experience where you can see the passion and precision on full display.
That’s where my friend and I sat, and honestly, it felt like we had the best seats in the house. Watching Chef Luis and his team move with precision and passion was mesmerizing. It wasn’t just cooking, it was craft, and it made every plate feel like a gift.
We started with two appetizers that set the tone for the evening. The Maitake, herb pesto, saba. Maitake mushroom, poached and lightly torched, came alive with herb pesto and saba (like balsamic but gentler). It was earthy, smoky, and vibrant.
Then came the Yellowfin tuna tartare, bright with aji amarillo and topped with an egg yolk “bottarga.” Paired with crisp rice crackers, it was playful, fresh, and a little addictive.
Next up were the pastas. Sharing is encouraged here, which is perfect, because why commit to one when you can try three or four or more? What I loved is that the pastas, made from scratch in house daily, are perfect for sharing, and each one felt like a chapter in a story.
We began with the Fettuccine verdi, delicate ribbons of green pasta with leeks, lemon, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Light, balanced, and quietly elegant.
The Peruvian corn cappellacci might just be my favorite bite of the night. These little golden pillows, filled with sweet corn and bathed in brown butter, were perfection. Add a spoonful in one bite, as Chef suggested, and you can’t help but closeyour eyes and savor it.
Finally, the Cavatelli with Italian sausage, mascarpone, and porcini mushrooms brought it all home. This dish is comforting, rich, and hearty. I understood immediately why it’s Chef’s personal favorite.
Dessert is always non-negotiable for me. We went for two: the Tarta de quesos, a cheesecake with mascarpone and a subtle touch of gorgonzola for complexity. A whisper of blue that lingers just enough. Delicious.
And the Crema volteada, a Peruvian-style flan with burnt caramel. It was creamy and decadent.
By the end of the night, I realized what makes PASTA so special. It isn’t just the food, though the food is extraordinary, it’s the way the Peruvian soul and Italian tradition dance together on the plate. It’s the intimacy of the space, the warmth of the people, the joy of sharing dishes that feel crafted just for you.
PASTA isn’t just a place to eat it’s a place to linger, to celebrate, to indulge. Come for date night, come with family, come when you just need a little comfort. Just make sureyou sit at that counter at least once.
124 NW 28th St, Miami, FL 33127
Hours
• Lunch: Sat & Sun · 12:30–3:30pm
• Dinner: Wed–Thu · 5:30–10:00pm
Fri–Sat · 5:30–10:30pm
Sun · 5:30–9:30pm