Pastiamo Pasta bar and Cafe’

Great gluten free options. Fresh pasta was great!

My partner and I had dinner at Pastiamo in Princeton, and we were seriously impressed. The entire experience — from food to service to atmosphere — was warm, cozy, and genuinely satisfying. For two entrées, an appetizer, soft drinks, and two desserts, the total came to around $95, which felt incredibly fair considering the quality. The food? Outstanding. We started with a burrata platter that came with prosciutto, a sweet apricot jam, and what seemed to be seared eggplant strips seasoned with red pepper flakes and possibly balsamic — smoky, savory, and delicious. The gluten-free focaccia they offered was easily some of the best we’ve ever had — slightly tangy, like a mild sourdough, and perfectly soft. My girlfriend had gluten-free gnocchi with carbonara, and though she usually doesn’t like carbonara, this version won her over. Rich, creamy, and balanced. The guanciale was a bold choice — maybe a bit strong — but overall the dish worked. I had the lobster ravioli with pesto, and it was garlicky, buttery, and just the right texture — silky but with substance. Now, the desserts. This is where Pastiamo really surprised us. I ordered a buckwheat tart with raspberry jam and sprinkled pecans — and I can’t stress this enough: it was incredible. Gluten-free desserts often end up dry or bland, but this one had moisture, flavor, and a texture that reminded me of those old Applebee’s blondies (in the best way). Sweet from the jam, slightly nutty from the pecans, and soft all the way through. And my girlfriend, who normally avoids buckwheat like the plague, kept sneaking bites. She had the vanilla affogato, which was simple, classic, and exactly what you’d want it to be. All in all, Pastiamo is the kind of place you tell friends about — a charming little restaurant with creative dishes, solid gluten-free options, and a great atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back.