Albanos - W Lincolnway, Valparaiso

There is this buzz around town about the new Italian place, Albano 's Pasta, so my crew gave it a go. Verdict: eccellente! The food: everything is prepared from raw by the chef. The bread, the pasta, sauces... all begun as ingredients and not from a supplier. That pasta is so, so good! Those sauces, the red.. that pesto.. all of this goodness in a delightfully creative menu. There is definite talent in this kitchen. The service: No issues whatsoever. The father of the chef greeted us and engaged in gentle small talk as we waited for seating. His Region authentic humor and obvious family pride certainly add to the 'it ' factor this places oozes. The server was knowledgeable and accommodating. She described the dishes with a smart charm. She delivered the food in flights with just the perfect amount of inquiry and banter. I asked about a favorite pasta aglio e olio and was introduced to the chef. He was not just accommodating, he was enthusiastic about making an off menu item. He even offered info about the regional differences of this Italian common. It was done to perfection, and I had the pleasure of sharing this dish with my guests. The atmosphere: this place feels like an awesome secret that I 'm in on. Nestled in the heart of Chesterton 's historic downtown, it shares a space with a winery. The layout of the dining area and the (in full view) kitchen has a tucked in feel.. less restauranty, more dinner party. The tables, chairs, walls.. all old, all charmingly vintage. Selfishly, I 'd like it to remain a secret due to limited hours and chairs, but this place is too good. Word is spreading about this must try.

Popped in to the building and the smell of the food cooking drew me to the counter! I decided I wanted to bring dinner home! I ordered the lasagna, potato tortellini and carrot tortellini. WOW! The lasagna was delicious! My favorite out of the tortellini was the potato but the carrot was fantastic also. Courteous staff! If you want to take a break from cooking but still have a handmade meal this is your place! Thanks for a wonderful meal! Still enjoying the leftovers!

Albano's NEVER EVER disappoints. I had the meatballs for the first time yesterday and they were TO DIE FOR, literally melt in your mouth. It was an hour wait to get the food but I didn't even care because the food was so worth it. The ambiance and atmosphere in the restaurant is so bubbly and happy. You can smell the food from outside the doors and that's enough to entice you to come in. Albano's Pasta Shop is definitely worth every bite. You'll be throwing your money at him by the end of your visit.

Amazing. Quaint location. Crazy talented yet humble chef. Super accommodating even for gluten free. So much flavor in the veggie dishes and the pasta itself, filling, and simple finishing 'sauce '. I like that local fresh produce is used! I just moved from Chicago and a bit skeptical of finding non chain restaurants and this is definitely a virtually Hidden 'gem '. We will be back!!!

Nick, I can't Thank you enough for making sure Riley got her favorite ravioli from you yesterday!!! You were worth the hour wait to get into your restaurant... So proud of YOU, your GF was sent from above... thank you again your food was worth the hour wait, your restaurant is like NO other in the area... Thank you again...