Pasta Pronto - DEL MAR

I dined at this fast food pasta joint, which has a few tables tucked away in the back. I ordered the tomato penne pasta with shrimp, and it was honestly the worst I've ever had. I've tried countless pasta dishes, and this one ranks right up there with the subpar pasta from Sammy's Wood Fire Pizza. The pasta was bland and lacked seasoning, while the tomato sauce was unremarkable and tasteless. They didn’t include any vegetables in the pasta itself, just a side of steamed broccoli with no seasoning whatsoever. To top it off, the pasta was overcooked by about four minutes, and the shrimp was too. They do offer a salad or soup with your meal; I went for the soup, which was nothing special. I won’t be returning—it's no surprise this place is located in a strip mall and wasn’t busy on a Saturday night. Most of the customers looked like they didn't know what good food was, if you catch my drift.

We were greeted by a beautifully arranged display case filled with an impressive variety of dishes. A tall, lovely lady wearing reading glasses welcomed us with a bright smile, making us feel as though we had stepped into a luxurious resort. Her enthusiasm and warmth were palpable, and it was clear she genuinely enjoyed her job and interacting with customers. I regret not catching her name! Next came the service—excellent, patient, and attentive, yet relaxed and casual. The menu featured a great selection of salads and hearty pasta dishes, and the presentation was outstanding, with generous portion sizes. Our group of five ordered different dishes, and each one was superb without exception. The cherry on top of this unexpected gem was the reasonable pricing for such quality food. The only downside is that we now have to travel six hours to return! However, when I head that way again, I will definitely make it a point to stop by and I won't hesitate to tell my friends about your lovely establishment. Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality! P.S. Traffic worsened in Los Angeles, extending our journey home to 7.5 hours, but throughout the drive, we couldn't stop raving about the amazing food and the gracious lady who served us. Blessings!

The food was exceptional, featuring authentic Italian cuisine, all set in a charming and cozy atmosphere. If you’re a fan of mangoes, you’ll absolutely love the mango tart dessert—it’s fantastic. This is a place I visit every time I’m in Del Mar.