The Best Places for Pasta in Arlington, VA: A Local Foodie's Guide

When it comes to dining in Arlington, Virginia, Italian cuisine (especially pasta) is always a crowd favorite! From creamy fettuccine alfredo to rich, slow-simmered Bolognese, these restaurants serve up unforgettable flavor and authentic experiences.

No matter what neighborhood you're exploring, our local foodie's guide to Arlington’s top pasta spots will help you plan your perfect carb-loaded adventure.

Credit | @sfoglinapasta via Instagram

Sfoglina Pasta House

Located in Arlington's Rosslyn neighborhood, the menu at Sfoglina Pasta House offers handmade pasta from Italian tradition, reflecting classics and regional specialties from throughout Italy. Here you'll find dishes like Radiatore Cacio e Pepe, Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, Large Mozzarella di Bufala, Nonna Palmina’s Meatballs, and Grilled Branzino Puttanesca, as well as an extensive wine and cocktails list, all with striking city views of Washington, D.C.

"I always love eating at Sfoglina. The staff is always incredibly nice and offering great recommendations. This time they seated us in the pasta room, a private room where they actually make the pasta daily, it was such a fun experience. Loved the privacy of the room and looking around at all of the tools they use. The food was absolutely delicious; highlights of the meal were the Grande Mozzarella di Bufala and the crushed tomatoes on rosemary bread. I had a special fettuccine with truffles which was divine, and we finished with the chocolate hazelnut cake, and received complimentary gelato, absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend this restaurant more, delicious Italian food!" - Nina D., Yelp

Carbonara

Spearheaded by the renowned Chef Mike Cordero, Carbonara in the Ballston/VA Square neighborhood, is a tribute to authentic Italian cuisine, hailing from the Cordero family's New York City heritage. Indulge in classic dishes like Clams Oregenato, Chicken Culet Parmigiana, Gnocchi della Mamma, and Shrimp Scampi, each crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of nostalgia. They even have live music every Friday and Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Credit | @bitesbetweenus via Instagram

"I had a wonderful experience at Carbonara. I was able to get a reservation for a weekday lunch, and it was not too busy. We started with the Fritto Misto which contains pretty equal amounts of calamari, peppers, and zucchini. The accompanying marinara was very delicious. For entrees, we got the bucatini carbonara, which is prepared table side, and the linguine and clam pasta. The food was absolutely wonderful, and the table side experience was very fun. They also brought our check out in a cigar box which was a very cute touch. I think this place deserves all the hype and I highly recommend snagging a reservation well in advance!" - Jenna P., Yelp

A Modo Mio

Also ranked as a top pizza spot in Arlington, don't overlook the pasta dishes at A Modo Mio! Hailing from Agrigento, Italy, the Farruggio family brought their Italian heritage and love of authentic flavors with them when they opened up their restaurant back in the 1970s. Enjoy classic Italian favorites like Spaghetti Al Pomodoro, Gnocchi Al 4 Formaggi, and Paccheri Tricolore, as well as generous happy hour specials, killer pizza, and more.

"My bride of 48 years and I decided it was time to treat ourselves to a real spaghetti dinner at a good Italian restaurant, after isolating for over 3 years. During that time, we've adopted a plant-based diet, so we really wanted something with excellent basic pasta and a flavorful non-meat or dairy sauce, A Modo Mio's online menu seemed to offer just what we wanted. WE WERE RIGHT. We ordered the Spaghetti Pomodoro - pasta with a cherry tomato sauce. Just what we wanted. Paired with a side salad and a bottle of chianti this meal was just what we needed and wanted." - Peter K., Yelp

Corso Italian

Corso Italian, located in Arlington's Shirlington neighborhood, is an Italian-inspired restaurant and market that offers hand-made pasta and other Italian classics. Their menu features "All You Can Mangia" (brunch) on weekends, generous happy hour specials, and pasta favorites like Oxtail Ravioli, Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Orecchiette. Corso Italian also has a monthly wine club and on-site market, perfect for takeaway items.

Credit | @corsoitalian via Instagram

"Their pastas are incredible! I had the oxtail ravioli, spaghetti, and artichoke agnolotti - and I'm still thinking about them. The standout for me was the scallop risotto! Everything is handmade, super flavorful, and the staff was so kind and welcoming too." - LaToya N., Yelp

Mazaro Italian Restaurant

Clarendon favorite, Mazaro Italian Restaurant, is a modern Italian concept that offers the community a cozy place to eat and relax. Try favorites like Lobster Ravioli, Lasagna Napolentana, Pasta Norcina, Carbonara alla Romana, and more. With an extensive wine list and delightful ambiance, this hidden gem has become a popular date night destination for locals and visitors alike.

"This place was delicious! Beautiful decor and atmosphere inside the restaurant. I tried the Norcina pasta dish, and it was fresh, flavorful, and came out piping hot, which I loved! Our server, Alex was also great and so personable. I'll definitely be back here soon!" - Alexis F., Yelp