La Spezia

Pomodoro Pasta

Visual Presentation: 4.5/5
There are times when simplicity delivers more than expected and the Pomodoro pasta at La Spezia is one of those moments. This dish is a visual standout. The vivid red sauce coats every strand of thin spaghetti beautifully, while green parsley adds just the right contrast. It looks fresh and vibrant, like a painting you almost don’t want to disturb.

Aroma: 4/5
The aroma hits almost immediately. You get a vibrant mix of herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. The chili flakes don’t overwhelm the scent, but they offer a subtle kick that you can pick up before even taking your first bite. Everything about the smell hints at layers of flavor waiting to be uncovered.

Texture: 4.5/5
Texture-wise, the pasta is cooked perfectly al dente. The thin strands of spaghetti offer just enough firmness to hold the sauce without feeling too dense or chewy. It’s clear that the kitchen knows how to handle timing. Each strand is evenly coated, and the sauce clings naturally, creating a smooth, consistent experience from start to finish.

Taste: 4.5/5
Then there’s the flavor. It is one of the most thoughtfully balanced red sauces I’ve tasted in a long time. There’s a brightness from the tomatoes, a gentle earthiness from the herbs, and just the right amount of heat from the chili. The Parmigiano doesn’t overpower the dish but instead adds a rounded depth that lingers just enough to leave an impression. You taste care in every component. Nothing feels rushed or thrown together.

Overall Impression:
The Pomodoro here is a masterclass in restraint and quality. It’s not trying to reinvent anything. Instead, it focuses on letting the ingredients speak for themselves. If you’re someone who appreciates the basics done right, this dish deserves your attention.

Carbonara

Visual Presentation: 4.5/5
The pasta is plated with such grace. A gentle nest of spaghetti topped with a perfectly sous vide egg, crisp bits of guanciale glistening against the rich sauce, and a soft snowfall of Parmigiano to finish. It looks like something from a classic European dining scene. The portioning also feels deliberate; it’s enough to satisfy without overwhelming, the kind of serving that encourages you to slow down and savor.

Aroma: 4/5
Smells like authentic Italian carbonara. The scent is both familiar and elevated. You catch the saltiness of the guanciale, the richness of the egg, and the sharp edge of aged cheese. It’s aromatic but not heavy. The fragrance prepares your palate before the fork even reaches your mouth.

Texture: 4/5
As you cut into the egg and mix it through the pasta, the sauce thickens slightly and turns glossy. The texture becomes creamy, but not in the artificial or overly rich way you find in cream-based imitations. The spaghetti itself is cooked just right. It holds structure but yields at the bite. Each forkful brings together the chew of pasta, the crunch of guanciale, and the velvety sauce in a combination that is satisfying in every sense.

Taste: 4.5/5
The flavor is where the dish truly shines. There’s a delicate saltiness from the guanciale and cheese, balanced with the richness of the yolk and the gentle smoothness of olive oil. Nothing feels out of place. The elements are respectful of tradition but executed with enough technique to make it memorable. This isn’t a flashy dish, but it doesn’t need to be. The confidence is in its quiet precision.

Overall Impression:
This is a carbonara for those who care about authenticity. The kind that respects the ingredients and lets them shine. You can taste the respect for the dish behind it, from the way the egg is cooked to the balance of seasoning.

Ambiance at La Spezia

La Spezia sits discreetly in the Scout area of Tomas Morato. It blends cozy Mediterranean charm with casual sophistication. The interior is intimate and quiet enough that diners naturally dial their voices down to take in the flavors. The energy is calm, the volume never too loud, and the staff move with quiet attentiveness.

Discover an authentic Italian culinary journey at La Spezia:
90 Scout Lascano Street,
Laging Handa,
Quezon City, Philippines

0917 300 5815

G.S.C. Corporate Tower,
Triangle Drive, BGC,
Taguig, Philippines

0917 712 8008