We were at a D-Backs game and my wife suggested we hold off on crappy stadium food and hit the Pasta Bar. Downtown Phoenix isnt exactly known for great places to eat (excluding Bianco) and the entire metro area in Maricopa County isn't known for places that stay open late.
So it was a pleasant surprise to see that the pasta bar stays open until 2am. Its located in the back of a little strip mall and could be a little challenging to find. The décor is metro-hip and reflects the slowly changing character of downtown Phoenix.
The pasta bar specializes in one thing: homemade Italian pasta served in bowls. Don't go expecting ordinary pasta..These dishes are from the mother country. The ingredients are stellar and you will be glad you came.
I see several people complaining at the price. The pasta bar is not the olive garden..its really a pasta specialty house and you will pay more for the quality of ingredients and all their pastas are home made. My wife had the Orricheite (spelling I know) and I had the pasta with the ribeye steak in it. Both were really good. We also shared some fried mozzarella.
While some found the portions small I found it more than adequate and I'm an eater. I did get a side of the meatballs which were out of this world. If your down in Phoenix and looking for a place that stays open past 9 (just like the big cities) try the pasta bar.