That third plate of focaccia was a sign. Even though we had passed on getting more bread, the red-haired owner of Pasta Sisters decided to give us another plateful. I should have known then that our food would not be coming any time soon.

It was opening week of Pasta Sisters’ second location in the Helms Bakery in Culver City – so new restaurant growing are to be expected. Luckily, the fresh housemade pasta was so delicious that it made the wait worth it.

The original Pasta Sisters is in a tiny storefront in Arlington Heights with limited seating. Their new location, previously occupied by Evan Funke’s Bucato (R.I.P.), is significantly larger, with two patio dining areas in additional to the interior dining space.

Pasta Sisters is one of those fast casual restaurants where you order at the counter and get a number to take with you to a seat of your choosing. There are pastas, salads and sandwiches. If you’re in the mood for pasta, you’ll choose a sauce and pasta to go with it. Some sauce/pastas don’t mix, as we were told when my husband attempted to get a pappardelle with pesto.

It was a slightly cold, drizzly day, but the outdoor heaters on the covered patio kept us nice and warm. Once seated, a server will bring you a plate of focaccia and some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The focaccia had bits of salt on top, which greatly enhanced its flavor.

Everyone seemed to be waiting for their entree, though the staff does their best to keep everyone placated with those plates of focaccia. The owner had observed our two empty focaccia plates and offered us a third. When we refused, he said that his mom always cautioned them against filling up on bread, but then thought better of it and gave us that additional plate. It’s a good thing he did.

Our food finally arrived about 40 minutes after placing our order. Pasta Sisters gets five stars for presentation, with the pasta neatly swirled into little mounds. My tagliatelle bolognese was tasty, not overly sauced, with a nice hearty flavor.

My daughter’s spaghetti with tomato and basil was decent – though it’s hard for me to get too excited about a straightforward tomato sauce. She complained that the portion was not big enough – which I will interpret as a good sign since she wanted more.

Normally I don’t like pesto, but my husband’s tagliatelle pesto definitely cured me of that. The sauce was more cheesy than nutty, more restrained on the basil, but rich. It paired nicely with the soft fresh noodles.

For fresh pasta at a reasonable price, look no further than Pasta Sisters. Don’t be afraid of spoiling your appetite (you won’t) and embrace those plates of focaccia – and oh yeah, be prepared to wait.

Location – 3280 Helms Ave., Culver City 90232
Website – https://www.pastasisters.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes. No gluten-free pasta but they have salads and entrees (salmon, chicken) served with sides.