La Pasta

Food was super fast and absolutely delish, staff friendly. Couldn't fault it. Great value.
There was a menu on the table offering drinks and we had 3-4 people come over and still couldn't get one, but not sure the drinks are anything to do with the pasta business ?

I saw this place while I was just trying to find a good lunch spot in my travel and of all the restaurants inside this public market, La Pasta was the one caught my eyes the most. The menu is simple with specials every day, you order a type of pasta you would like, you request any add-ons to enhance your pasta experience, and if you want any antipasti, you just order it as well.

Since this is my first time and possibly the only time I'll ever visit Victoria, I decided on the Tuesday special of Capellini, which already includes a baby tomatoes, basil, garlic with it. But I needed some protein so I added on Italian sausage. There's plenty of seatings and the water is self serve. The food came out in good time and it smells delicious! I finished my pasta in no time, I just love the balance of the pasta, the acidity from the tomatoes, and the subtle yet powerful taste of the garlic and basil at the end. The Italian sausage is well cooked and pairs really well with this particular pasta.

I also love the decor of this place with sun yellow chairs to go with the minimal black and white color of the store. There's plants on the wall and yellow flowers in vase on every table. It kinda makes you feel like you're in Europe, just a bit. Overall I had a great lunch here at La Pasta and I am hoping they will be staying at this public market for the long term.

They just opened up recently and I've been eager to try them! I got the Fusilli with Pesto and it most certainly was the besto. I occasionally dabble with different pasta dishes usually sticking to simple recipes such as pesto or alfredo and I wasn't disappointed.

The atmosphere is business casual I would say. It seems to be a little nicer than the other restaurants in the market in the sense that you can sit down and it's almost as if it's a restaurant instead of quick serve/to go. The mozzarella sticks are BOMB!!

All in all a great little pasta place.

I was craving pasta and came across this place on Google. When I first got off the bus I wasn't sure where I was headed because my map told me I already arrived - just a heads up that it's actually inside the public market.

They have different pasta specials for every day of the week - as much as I wanted to try the braised beef pappardelle, that was only available on Fridays which means I will have to make a trip back. I went for the spaghetti carbonara and added chicken on top for $3. They also have other protein like wild salmon.

The place was beautifully decorated implementing concrete and yellow tones with plants hanging around the area. The presentation of the pasta also did not disappoint, with shaved parmesan (you know it's the good stuff when it stinks for your neighbours but smells like heaven to you), sprinkled bacon and a golden egg on top. There were some sliced sausage bits as well which I enjoyed. The spaghetti was just right - not too firm and not too soft. I also appreciate that the pasta was not drenched in creamy sauce but do wish that there was less butter in it. A little more chicken would have been great as well.

La Pasta has some other specials, like Pasta It Forward on Wednesdays where you can buy one pasta and get a second for half price. If you bring your kids on the weekends they eat for free with the purchase of your pasta. Gluten free and vegan items available. Nice staff.

This was some of the best pasta I have had in Victoria, period.

Great selection on the menu, friendly service and you can beat the value.

The owner is usual onsite who is knowledgeable and friendly.

I only hope they start adding to delivery service options.

Give it a try

Lovely design of the menu & interior. This small shop had a great selection of pasta aaaaaand antipasti as well! We came on a Wednesday for lunch and lucky for us, there was a buy one get the second half-off. For a very reasonable price, we each got the pasta of the day: gnocchi in gorgonzola cream, arugula and toasted walnuts.

Though I've had limited experience with gnocchi, the dish itself was beautifully plated and uniquely paired with its toppings. I usually despise arugula for its 'raw peppery taste' but mixed with the toasted walnuts and cream sauce, it tasted quite good! The gnocchi was exactly as I expected: soft pillowy and chewy texture. What was surprising was how easily full we got because of the gnocchi's starchiness.

It was a great choice to try out a different dish than what I usually go for. If I ever come back to visit Victoria and the public market,
I'd definitely want to try out another of their daily specials!

I only ordered the fried artichoke hearts, but they are the best things ever. Crispy outside yet creamy inside somehow. The lemon aioli was great to dip
in as well. So yummy - you've gotta try it. Portion size was great too.

Surprised amazing, in house marinara is excellent. Fresh mozzarella great.

Check it out. Back of public market

I'm addicted to their arancini balls and mozza sticks. Absolutely addicted. Every week I will order some from SkipTheDishes just to satisfy the constant craving.

The arancini balls are so cheesy and crisp, they just taste so perfectly like a risotto ball. The mozza sticks are salty, crispy, and oh so gooey, that they just melt in your mouth. The marinara that they both come with for dipping is one of the best I've ever had.

Best mozzarella sticks in town! You can taste that the cheese is good quality, and the sticks are perfectly double-coated and crispy. Served with a lovely marinara. I would happily make the 45-minute walk to the Hudson just for the mozza sticks. :-)

Pasta is very good also, though the prices feel a bit high. $10 for a very basic pasta + pesto, another $5 for an appy, another $3 for a drink and then tax and tip... it all makes for a fairly expensive lunch. Not something I could afford regularly, unfortunately. But I feel everything in the Hudson Market is premium-priced (the retail rents there must be astronomical).

Everything tasted very fresh and of good quality. Lots to choose from on the menu. Will definitely return!