When in need of a quick meal, your instinct is probably to search for the nearest drive-thru. The last thing to come to mind would be a hearty serving of pasta. But now, with Dal Moro’s coming to St. Pete in October, you can have your linguini -- and eat it, too.

Dal Moro's, which originated in Venice, took flight to Ottawa and Toronto. Now, for its American debut, it's set to land on St. Pete's doorstep, at 653 Central Ave, formerly home to Graphi-ko Decor. Thanks to Joe Esposito of KW Commercial, who represented both the tenant and landlord in the deal, you’ll soon be able to stuff your face with the carbohydrate creation of your dreams. 

Dal Moro’s offers five fresh pasta styles (without the preservatives) that are cooked-to-order and ready to eat within three minutes. If you’re craving something traditional, try a classic serving of spaghetti. Or maybe you’re more in the mood for a to-go box filled with fusilli, rigatoni, or linguine. On “special occasions,” sample their gnocchi. And while fettuccini is on the menu, you’ll have to wait ‘till the work week’s over -- it’s only available on the weekend.

Of course, a pasta is only as good as its sauce, and Dal Moro’s has got plenty of them. Twelve, in fact. Vegetarians can top their fusilli with pesto, mamma rosa (made of tomato and cream), or cacio e pepe (a blend of white cream, pecorino cheese, and black pepper). Don’t worry vegans, there’s something on the menu for you too. Try the pomodoro (tomato and basil) or the aglio, olio, & peperoncino (a traditional sauce of extra virgin olive oil infused with red chili flakes and garlic powder).

Meat-eaters can find Bolognese, chicken alfredo, and amatriciana (a bacon bit-topped take on the traditional sauce made from pecorino cheese, tomato, and onion). As a bonus, Dal Moro’s Bolognese and chicken alfredo is halal, meaning "permissible or lawful" in Arabic and prepared as prescribed by Muslim law.

Dal Moro’s also features occasional limited-time offerings, such as the Frutti di Mare, a tomato-sauce cocktail of seafood, like squid, or the Nero di Seppia, liquid black ink sauce with a touch of garlic powder. 

Feel free to spice up your order -- literally -- with a selection of toppings, from onions, chili flakes, garlic powder, seasoned chicken, smoked bacon, green olives, and mushrooms.

And for an authentic Italian experience, round off your meal with a serving of decadent tiramisu, which comes in classic or nutella variety.

But how does all this pasta come to be? At Dal Moro’s, it’s a dinner and a show. Watch your custom creation come to life before your very eyes. Once you order, a team member tosses your fresh, house-made pasta in a pot and then into a small box. From there, select your sauce, pile the toppings high, and you’re set for a filling, delicious lunch on the run.

A serving of pasta will be around $8 depending on the extras you add to your order.

Dal Moro’s is a unique lunchtime experience with an authentic Italian air. Originally planned to open in September, Dal Moro’s is now slated to open in October due to COVID-19 delays. To stay up to date, check out the eatery’s Instagram, Facebook page, and website.