Under saturated cyan-colored ceilings, amid warm lighting and abstract hanging sculptures seemingly in the shape of pasta, culinary genius meets unbeatable prices in the most unexpected location. In the lively, pulsing heartbeat of Times Square, Simply Pasta quietly boasts one of the best deals in the area. Outside, a flashy sign boldly states only a fraction of what diners receive once they're inside. Pasta? Yes; a myriad of choices guaranteed to accommodate any restaurant goer. But this Theatre District hot spot is far from simple.
Simply Pasta impresses with over two dozen pasta creations, including the Fettuccini Alfredo con Pollo e Asparagi, a twist on the classic dish that adds flavor-bursting chicken, asparagus and fresh plum tomatoes. The Pasta di Mare is a seafood dish not to be missed, featuring perfectly cooked linguine, shrimp, scallops, clams, calamari and mussels. Meat delicacies like Osso Bucco, classic Northern Italian pizzas, and a full bar are huge draws as well. At an average of $8.95-$13.95 per entree, Simply Pasta is a mouthwatering steal and strong cuisine competitor against other overpriced Italian joints in Times Square and the Theater District.
With the inviting atmosphere and colorful displays, this eatery proves to be more of a reprieve and culinary vacation to a breathtaking, authentic Italian terrace. The restaurant’s motto claims it's “A Nice Place to Mangia” ("mangia" is Italian for “eat”), and this phrase is clearly taken as a universal invitation for romantic dates, pre-theatre crowds, the midtown business lunch crew, and families to try their undeniably delicious dishes -- from the balsamic-kissed Tricolore to the sinful Lemon Sorbet finish. -- Melanie Baker
120 W. 41st St. (Sixth Ave.-Broadway), 212-391-0805; www.simplypastanyc.com
