I may be a bit biased; I've been coming to Pasquales for at least 15 years, since the days of ordering chicken fingers and caesar salad. The food is excellent and the service is warm and friendly. I prefer lighter flavors, and sometimes I find the food at other Italian restaurants a bit over-seasoned and too buttery. The Penne Basilico at Pasquales is my favorite pasta in the city, the sauce is nice and light and the pasta is always done perfectly.
I wouldn't necessarily classify Pasquales as upscale. The crowd in the restaurant is varied, you would feel comfortable dressed-up or dressed-down.