Loose Noodle Pasta House   

Nice staff, great pasta. Good value and great time.

I come from an Italian family and originally lived in Chicago, so I know great Italian food. Loose Noodle is one of the two best Italian restaurants it's been my distinct pleasure to dine in. The pastas, sauces, meats and fish are FRESH and made to order. Try the tortellini with pesto sauce, the salmon, or the meatballs with marinara sauce. Wonderful, delicate, nuanced seasoning that is at once flavoful. Staff is personable, knowledgeable, and efficient. Lunch orders are handled deftly. Customers are made to feel welcome even if only stopping in for coffee. On my birthday, I was surprised with a complimentary slice of cheescake with raspberry sauce and fresh strawberries. Prices are moderate. The ambience is itself very fresh--lots of white furnishings emphasize the spotlessness of the restaurant. Locals appear to be the mainstay, which is a good sign. Patrons range from young, romantic couples to businesspeople to grandparents. In the New Monterey business district on Lighthouse Avenue, Loose Noodle is easy to get to frm the MPC exit off Route 1 or from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and is a pleasant walk from the oceanfront.