While just about any pasta is divine comfort food
can turn the consumption of this Italian staple
92 South Bay Accent
for many people, seeking out the best of breed
into a memorable culinary experience.
light sauce. Meanwhile, plump lamb ravioli are lightened by a
simple sauce of lamb jus, shaved carrots and fennel with a toss of
Manchego cheese. 400 Main St., Los Altos; www.cetrella.com
• Quattro
As befits a swanky Italian restaurant located in a posh Four Seasons,
Quattro is a serious player when it comes to its fresh pasta.
The seasonal menu always has a fascinating selection of such offerings.
Standouts include creste di gallo alla amatriciana: short,
curved noodles with ruffled edges that are perfect for holding the
accompanying house-cured guanciale (pork cheek) in a lovely
sauce made with renowned San Marzano tomatoes. All this is
• Cetrella
A popular relative newcomer on downtown Los Altos’ heretofore
sleepy restaurant scene, this attractive, modern dining house has
a decidedly upscale Italian/American menu that features housemade
pasta (aside from the gluten-free options). Particularly
popular is tender agnolotti filled with roasted butternut squash,
pumpkin seeds and cheese that’s dappled with sage butter sauce,
chives and shaved grana padano. Or try the cappelletti, which are
small tortellini filled with truffled polenta and tossed in a spicy
tomato sauce with two sizeable, flavorful meatballs. Unique offerings
include the mustard-flavored fettucine paired with braised
rabbit and slender linguine paired with local clams and uni in a
Doppio Zero
MARECHIARO House-made
squid ink tagliolini with
jumbo scallops, clams,
roasted garlic in light spicy
tomato sauce
