Food Review: Fatto a Mano, The Pasta Shop

Hello and welcome (or welcome back) to The Leslie Life! Today, I’m doing something I don’t think I have ever done before in the five years I’ve had my blog: a food review!

I went to Fatto a Mano, The Pasta Shop, about a week and a half ago. It’s located in an unassuming strip mall in my hometown of Redondo Beach. Although there are a couple of tables, this is primarily a to-go spot.

I have heard plenty about Fatto a Mano but was hesitant to try it out. The owner, Marco, has…..well…a reputation. Search Fatto a Mano on Google Maps reviews, and you’ll see that Marco has zealously replied to several of his naysayers.

Screenshot from Google Maps reviews 

Fatto a Mano makes it very clear on their website that they do not play when it comes to Italian food (see the list below).

However, I love pasta (who doesn’t?) and decided to bite the bullet. On a Friday after work, I put in an online order: spaghetti bolognese. Note that in addition to pasta, they also serve Roman-style pizza.

Screenshot from Fatto, a Mano’s  website 

I was filled with hunger and apprehension as I paid for my order. Would I, too, somehow fall victim to Marco's wrath?

After 30 minutes, I drove to Fatto a Mano to pick up my food. Immediately upon entering, I was greeted by Marco, who, in an Italian accent, said, "Hello, beautiful." Pasta and flattery? Say no more. 

My food was not yet ready, which was not surprising. Fatto a Mano's website had warned me that they make every order fresh, and thus, customers should expect to wait.

Once my food was ready, something unexpected occurred. The cashier handed me a fork and wanted me to try my pasta right then and there before I left to ensure it was suited to my liking. 

To say I was shook is an understatement. This has never happened to me before. I wanted to grab the pasta and GO. I almost told her, "I willingly eat McDonald's; I promise you I'll think it's good." Nevertheless, I took the fork from her hand and hesitantly attempted to grab some of my pasta.

As this was happening, a man who was eating asked for more Parmesan cheese….a fatal mistake on his part. Marco went on a tirade emphasizing that they did NOT have Parmesan cheese. With that, I told the cashier the pasta was fantastic and went on my way.

The Food:

The spaghetti bolognese

When I made it home, I dug into the spaghetti bolognese. It was glorious. I had not eaten in about 6 hours and was famished. The pasta was steaming and al dente. The meat was tender and perfectly seasoned.

Admittedly, I was disappointed that the pasta did not have more sauce. This is a personal preference (I’m a saucy girl). Despite this, it’s evident that Marco and everyone else working at Fatto a Mano are passionate about pasta, and I more than appreciate the enthusiasm.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fatto a Mano, The Pasta Shop (@pastashoprb)

The pasta is well worth the hype. It was not salty or heavy. It did not make me feel bloated or generate feelings of remorse and regret (which is often the case when I eat pasta at Cheesecake Factory, for example).

I felt good after the spaghetti bolognese and ready to conquer the weekend. However, as an introvert, the experience was highly overstimulating. I wanted to be handed a bag and leave. Of course, this has nothing to do with the food and everything with my personal needs.

But alas, this may be a small price for authentic and affordable pasta, especially in Redondo Beach. Thus, I will be returning. All that said, for the lack of sauce and the commotion, I’m giving Fatto a Mano a 3.5/5.

Price: For the spaghetti bolognese and a lemon Snapple, I paid $29.88, tip included.

Address: Fatto a Mano, The Pasta Shop, can be found at 610 Torrance Blvd, in Redondo Beach. Note that they are closed on Mondays.

To learn more, head to their website or Instagram!