Eggs and Parmigiano with cured meat. Photos by Mark Davis

After years of preparation, chef Franscesco Farris decided to make his home his restaurant. The result is Zio Cecio Cucina Italiana, a cozy Italian spot that offers handmade pastas influenced by Farris’s Sardinian roots. “It’s more earthy,” he says. Sardinia is an island off the coast of Italy where the water is so clear that you can see 50 feet to the ocean floor. The menu features adventurous dishes such as the Neri Alle Vongole, a squid ink-infused spaghetti with fresh clams. “It’s for people with an open palate,” Farris notes. But there’s still something for everyone, including more traditional fare such as the Carbonara Classica made with eggs, Parmigiano and cured meat, and the Spaghetti dei 150 Anni, which is organic tomatoes with homegrown basil sauce. In fact, nearly all the herbs come from the garden that lines the outside of the restaurant, so you know it’s fresh.

Squid ink-infused spaghetti

Zio Cecio Cucina Italiana

4615 W. Lovers
214.351.1100
ziocecio.com
Price range: $13.50-$19.50 for pastas
Ambiance: Romantic, low-lit
Hours: 5-10 p.m. Mon-Sun
Tip: Ask about special, off-the-menu items

More pasta spots

1 Holy Ravioli
Grab ravioli to go and on the cheap at this Lovers Lane establishment that allows you to build your own orders.
4446 Lovers, 214.696.3993
2 Bucca di Beppo
This upscale, neighborhood restaurant recently introduced four new pastas, including shrimp Florentine, bucatini ala enzo, penne ala vodka, and chicken and sausage ziti.
7843 Park, 214.361.8462
3 Cibus
Located inside NorthPark Center, Cibus has about 15 different types of pasta and risotto on the menu, including the tagliolini with smoked ham, Parmigiano, cream and wild mushrooms.
8687 N. Central, Suite 1608, 214.692.0001

Sign up for our Eat Local dining newsletter here