Pastaio means “pasta maker” in Italian and is part of the name of a new eatery in downtown Middletown led by executive chef Jimi Brahimi, formerly of the Max Restaurant Group, the eatery’s website states.
Pastaio Italian Restaurant, owned by Tony Muca, recently had its soft opening at 825 Saybrook Road in Middletown, according to its Facebook post. They are planning on holding a grand opening soon, said Amy Purcell, general manager at the restaurant.
The restaurant specializes in house-made bread and hand-cut pasta which is rolled daily, its website said. Pasta dishes include house-made spring ravioli, ricotta gnocchi and doppio raviolo, made with chicken, jus, tomato jam, ricotta and mascarpone, according to the website.
Pizza is also on the menu – from anchovy and prosciutto with fig jam to classic pepperoni and cheese pies, the website listed.
The dinner entrees include a half chicken, mustard glazed salmon and prime New York strip steak, as well as a burger, Italian style – with caramelized fennel, fontina cheese, garlic aioli, and oven roasted tomatoes, served with parmesan fries, according to the website.
Craft cocktails, wine and beer are also served.
Brahimi co-founded the Division West Bistro & Bar in West Hartford Center in 2017, according to the website.
Hours are Monday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.
