Nothing warms the soul quite like a fresh bowl of pasta topped with your favorite sauce. While spaghetti, tortellini, and fettuccine are a few common favorites, there are actually over 600 different shapes of pasta. Because pasta is so versatile, it's no surprise that it has become such a popular dish all over the world. 

Delicious pasta dishes paired with a glass of wine and a cozy, dimly-lit restaurant make for the ultimate dining experience. With World Pasta Day coming up October 25, there couldn't be a better opportunity to set out to find your new favorite dish around Cincinnati. To help, we pulled together a list of some of our favorite local restaurants for pasta.

Sotto

118 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Enjoy delicious pasta dishes in this one-of-a-kind rustic basement dining room located in downtown Cincinnati. With dishes like Tortellini Con Formaggi, Penne Con Salsiccia, and many others, Sotto is truly a favorite for Ohio pasta lovers. Dinner is accompanied by an extensive cocktail menu, and dozens of wines are available by glass or bottle. You can also top off your meal was some decadent desserts and after-dinner drinks. If you're planning to visit on the weekend, be sure to make a reservation online.

Nicola's Ristorante

1420 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Delicious contemporary Italian dishes and a warm cozy atmosphere put this fantastic Over-the-Rhine restaurant near the top of our list. Nicola's Ristorante features a number of delicious pasta dishes all made in-house, as well as several traditional Italian entrees. With great food, a romantic atmosphere, and an extensive wine and bourbon list, Nicola's is a fantastic date night location. If you prefer to dine at home, you can easily order carryout online.

Vincenzo's

11525 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246

Some of the best Italian dining in the area can be found at Vincenzo's, a family-owned-and-operated, classic Cincinnati restaurant. You can expect fantastic food and incredible service. This menu features a wide array of traditional Italian favorites and all of the classic pasta dishes made with fresh ingredients. Dozens of wines are available by the glass or by bottle. Vincenzo's also occasionally hosts live music. The restaurant is open for dinner at 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Pepp & Dolores

1501 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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A casual Over-the-Rhine Italian restaurant with family-style dishes, Pepp & Dolores should be at the top of your list for pasta. This restaurant features two dining rooms: a classy, airy main room and a dimly lit, cozy basement dining room. The Beet & Goat Cheese and Duck Ragu are must-tries! The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday and lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. You can also order carry out online.

Primavista

810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204

If you're looking for a fine dining option with some of the best city views, Primavista is a must-try destination. The menu features an assortment of traditional Italian dishes, pastas, and both vegan and gluten-free options. Primavista is also known for its spectacular service, unique atmosphere, and delicious food. The dining room is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and reservations are recommended. The entire menu is also available for carryout.

Forno Osteria + Bar

3514 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

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Try the spicy Spaghettini Arrabbiata or the delicious Tagliatelle Bolognese at Forno Osteria a popular Italian restaurant in Hyde Park. In addition to pasta, you can also enjoy some firewood brick-oven pizzas and a wide variety of wine and cocktails. Enjoy your dinner in a cozy, unique rustic dining room. For dessert, you have to try the Citrus Semifreddo! Sit at the bar if you'd like to watch the chefs in action. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Biagio's Bistro

308 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220

A quaint neighborhood bistro serves up a number of your favorite pasta dishes from Penne Boscaiola to Seafood Alfredo. Biagio's Bistro is a unique atmosphere: The chef prepares pasta dishes in a full view kitchen. Expect large portions, great service, and affordable prices. Wine and cocktails are also available. The food is delicious, and prices are affordable, so it's easy to see why this restaurant has become a Cincinnati staple.

Via Vite

520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Enjoy a fresh bowl of authentic pasta while overlooking Cincinnati's beautiful Fountain Square at Via Vite. This trendy Italian bar and restaurant has been a popular downtown destination since 2007. The Handmade Crispy Gnocchi and the Tagliatelle Bolognese are some of the most popular pasta dishes; however, the menu is constantly changing, so it's always worth stopping by and trying something new. Curbside and carryout are available. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

Pompilio's

600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071

With authentic Italian pasta and some of the most delicious sauces around, it's no wonder Pompilios has been a local favorite since 1933. Not only is this a great place to eat, movie buffs will love the fact that scenes from Rain Man were filmed inside the restaurant. Build your own pasta dish with over 10 types of pasta and 10 homemade sauces. In addition to pasta, Pompilios offers an extensive bourbon, wine, and cocktail list. They also have some of the best Tiramisu in town. Stop-in Tuesday through Saturday or order takeout online.

Alfio's Buon Cibo

2724 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

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Enjoy your favorite pasta dish in this upscale, elegant dining room. Alfio's Buon Cibo's is truly a romantic experience. The chef's pasta recipes date back several generations, and many entrees have an Argentinean twist, which makes this restaurant truly unique. Alfio's also have a reputation for having some of the best ravioli in town. With fantastic wine, cocktail, and dessert menus, you're sure to have a fantastic dinner. Dine-in Tuesday through Saturday or order carry out online.

Bon Appétit

Where will you enjoy pasta around Cincinnati this year?