A new Italian restaurant called Pastaio has opened in the village. Currently, it opens at 3 p.m. every day, but once it’s able to handle more business, the hours will be extended to open earlier.

When I walked into Pastaio, I immediately noticed its upscale and nice atmosphere. Many people were being seated due to the restaurant’s popularity quickly growing. It is pricier compared to other restaurants in Grosse Pointe. The service was excellent and the host was very accommodating by seating everyone promptly. I also observed the host quickly assisting other customers with small requests, such as changing the TV channel. Along with the great service, the food was just as good.

Shortly after being seated, I was served a basket of fresh bread and water, and my order was taken soon after. Their bread is imported from New Jersey and the pasta is made fresh daily. They have many good options on their everyday menu along with their “happy hour” specials that begin to be available at 6 p.m. The Caesar salad was plated very nicely and was finished with tasty croutons. The pasta also seemed to be a big hit with other customers, they had many different noodles and sauces to choose from and all tasted amazing.

The only downside is that Pastaio opens too late for students who want to go there for lunch, though it could be a nice dinner place for future homecoming plans or birthday parties. Hopefully soon when they begin to open earlier, they will be able to offer some kind of affordable grab-and-go for students to quickly get during lunch.

Overall, I would recommend Pastaio because it had a very welcoming atmosphere, complemented by the friendly staff. The food was amazing and I think many people would agree with me. Whether you’re looking to make casual dinner plans or have a special night out, Pastio offers an experience for both.