We wanted to go out for dinner but we didn't have much time. Enter Pasta Express on Fleury.
This is a solid three-star eatery. Nothing fancy -- a paper placemats kind of a place. Food was tasty but nothing special (e.g. spaghetti was al dente but the bacon in my gnocchi tasted more like deli meat ham than like pancetta). The portions were quite generous.
The service was great. The ambiance was more family restaurant than romantic dinner. We found the easy listening hits (Italian version) hilarious.
We'll probably go back, because it's one of the few restaurants in our budget range within walking distance from home. (Oh, resto Sing Sing, how we miss you!)