Pasta Linea

Stepping inside, you're greeted by the proprietor who explains the selections (we were there for lunch and the selections were all vegetarian). We opted for a plate of the three pastas on offer (one with spicy tomato sauce, one with black olive sauce and a vegetarian lasagna). The two pastas were very plain appearance-wise, but the flavor was terrific. Perfectly sauced, just enough to cling to the pasta but not pool on the plate, the two pastas were perfectly cooked and had good depth of flavor. The vegetarian lasagna had a crusty top from a light grating of fresh cheese, lasagna the way it should be made.

There are three tables, a deuce and two four seaters. Looking to the back of the tiny space, you see the stoves in the back room and the smells are intoxicating. Given the space limitations, they do a lot of take out. They serve coffees and desserts but we were too full from the pasta to explore them.

They also sell specialty pantry items, from dried pastas, olive oils, sauces, pesto, etc. as well as fresh cheeses.

Comfort Italian food. This isn't going to have ultra-exotic ingredients or extravagant plating, but it is going to offer freshly made pasta dishes and homemade specials that change every day. Prices are extremely reasonable.

It is a very small restaurant so I often only take my food to go, but it is a wonderfully cozy environment to have a meal. Even though it is in the heart of the marais, I don't find many tourists or foreigners here---perhaps because you could easily miss it if you are not looking.