Pasta Genova

I have a new favorite Italian restaurant in Rotterdam!
I went here with a group of friends for a special diner and this place really made it special.
The food was delicious, the most simple pasta tasted amazing, the sea food was fresh, the shrimps were huge, the meat was tender and tasty, the wine was divine… Perfect!
Location wise could be better, bit outside the center in a non so well populated neighborhood, but the quality of the service and food more than compensates!

We were recently in Italy. We dined at top rated restaurants. Was the food good? Of course. Did it compare or even come close to the food at Pasta Genova? NO. Even after 12 days of dining in different parts of Italy, Pasta Genova is still the best Italian restaurant we have ever been to. NOT even kidding. Who knew that the best Italian food you can get is in Rotterdam?
Great ambience and décor! Location is not the best, but not the worst, either. You will see a few shady strip joints and sex shops around. Does it really bother me? No. The food more than makes up for it.
The first thing you are served, besides drinks, is a basket of bread with both olive and tomato tapenade. Very good. If you like carpaccio, try theirs. Delicious and elegantly served with freshly shaved parmesan and arugula. We once started off with a 3 tiered antipasti platter that had different things on it. I THINK it may have been a sampler of everything on their antipasti menu… While I can’t remember what exactly was on it, I do know that everything was delicious. If you like creamy pastas, you have GOT to try the ravioli in the truffle cream sauce. Heavenly! If you’re in the mood for lobster, the loster here is wonderful. Good wine selection. Everything we have tried has been amazing. Well, almost everything… That brings us to desserts.
Desserts are just okay. I do wish they had more of a selection. We’ve tried the lemon cake, chocolate cake and another cake that I believe was made with ricotta. All subpar in my opinion… :/​We will probably pass on dessert next time, unless they ever decide to serve chocolate soufflé!
So, why not 5 stars? Service could be friendlier. The chef/​owner doesn’t have great people skills. The last time we were there for lunch, he was doing both the cooking and serving. He barely said two words to us besides what was necessary. We felt awkward. My opinion is, if he’s not great with people, he should focus on cooking, and leave the serving to staff that can make customers feel welcome and important. Maybe he was having an off day, because on our first visit, which was for dinner, he was friendlier, and there were more staff. But the food is so good, we will keep coming back.
I believe they are closed on Sundays and Mondays… Call first!