Anton’s Pasta Bar in Burnaby puts freshness and flavor first 

Nestled in the charming Heights area of Burnaby, BC, Anton’s Pasta Bar is an Italian restaurant that stands out not only for its inviting atmosphere but also for its impressive menu. With over 70 traditional dishes, the restaurant offers a delightful mix of traditional Italian classics and original creations, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. 

Anton’s Pasta Bar makes their pasta fresh with their delicious sauces, and the portions they offer are gigantic, which makes the dining experience so exciting. Even though the wait to get inside is quite long – up to an hour at peak times – once you step inside the ambiance is cozy and the smell of fresh pasta is comforting. This sets the stage for a truly satisfying dining experience. The dishes arrive heaping hot and vibrant, making every meal feel like a celebration of Italian comfort food.

Once you have been seated, ask your server for some bread, which comes for an additional fee of 50 cents per piece to start off your dining experience. Made freshly every day from the Fortuna Bakery next store; it is soft and tender with each bite. It has a smooth, even texture that pulls apart effortlessly, leaving behind no dryness or resistance. This kind of softness makes it great for dipping into Anton’s pasta sauces.  

While Anton’s has a variety of pasta dishes, the white, red, seafood and clear sauces are some of the general options you can choose from. They also include vegetarian options such as the Penne California, which is sun- dried tomatoes & capers in a creamy tomato sauce.  

The stuffed pasta and baked dishes cost a little bit more but are worth trying; one of their stuffed pasta dishes Tondi don Vincenzo, is a personal favorite of mine. It is a Romano cheese & garlic stuffed pasta in a cream garlic parsley sauce with diced onions. The flavors are magnificent, with each ingredient coming together in a delightful composition of flavors, with the sauce being precisely crafted to be neither too bold nor too subtle, it enhances the overall dish without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.  

The restaurant is cozy and welcoming. The soft lighting casts a warm glow across the room to create an inviting, intimate vibe. The gentle murmurs of conversation and occasional clinks of wine glasses add to the lively, yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are here for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner, the pleasant mood of the restaurant will make you feel right at home, enhancing the overall dining experience.  

Out of all the pasta creations Anton’s has to offer, the Fettuccine Alfredo Con Pollo is a classic but stands out the most to me. The pasta is cooked to al dente and is bursting with flavors, and every bite is coated with a creamy Alfredo sauce that is both rich and smooth without being overwhelming. In addition, the grilled chicken elevates it by adding a savory, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the sauce as well as providing a perfect ratio of protein to pasta. 

Even after barely finishing a bowl of pasta, I always have room for dessert. Anton’s tiramisu is a delightful treat that is indulgent yet light. Its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers are generously dusted with cocoa powder, and covered in a rich mascarpone cream, that has a simple, soft texture. Having this classic Italian dessert is an ideal way to end your meal, especially together with coffee. 

Every time I visit Anton’s there is always a line, and I even see people wait in the rain just to try their pasta. The typical wait time is around 45 minutes to an hour long, with their busiest times being on the weekends. But because the portions are so huge, I end up with leftovers that can feed me for the next day and maybe even the day after that, so the wait is definitely worth it!    

Whether you are craving a fettuccine alfredo or something with a modern twist like Penne All’Ortolana, this restaurant proves that there is always room for one more bowl of perfectly crafted pasta. With each dish, you are not just tasting fresh ingredients, but the passion and skill behind every plate. It is a place where the aroma of simmering sauces and the relaxed feeling invites you to sit back and savor the experience. Every bite is a reminder that the best and most satisfying meals are often the simplest. This restaurant is a true culinary gem that will have you coming back for more, time and time again.

Cover Image: Sarah Taylor