Pasta Fresca opened its doors in 1997 as a family-owned Italian eatery in the charming Forest Acres area of Columbia, South Carolina, located now on Forest Drive. In 2023, its owners, Scott and Lauren Goodale received the incredible honor of being inducted into the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Hall of Fame, along with a few others, and joining the likes of Villa Tronco, Rush’s, Shealy’s Bar-B-Que, Lizard’s Thicket, and more in prior years. Keep reading to discover the recipe for success of this delicious Italian restaurant in Columbia, S.C.

Pasta Fresca/Facebook
The foundation for most Italian dishes is, of course, pasta. And at Pasta Fresca, that pasta as well as the sauces are all made fresh in-house from scratch daily.
Pasta Fresca/Facebook
Pasta Fresca/Facebook
This difference from places that use packaged pasta is noticeable when you take the first bite of your meal!
For some of the dishes at this incredible Italian restaurant in Columbia, S.C., you choose what type of pasta you want from a selection of dish options like Loaded Alfredo, Creole-Mex, Seafood Gorgonzola, and more. This is in addition to the classics you'd expect to find at an Italian spot.
Pasta Fresca/Facebook

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If you just can't decide what to order, perhaps try the Southwest Chicken with Cilantro Mint Butter Sauce, a longtime customer favorite!
Italian Restaurant in Columbia, S.C.
Pasta Fresca/Facebook
Columbia's Pasta Fresca offers an extensive drink menu including special alcohol-free selections, beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and wines from across the country and the world. Pictured here is a wine that was added to the selection in February 2024, Lauren Goodale's pick, a weird and wonderful blend of Pinot Blanc and Muscat from Slovenia with a floral, fun, fruity, and fresh taste.
Pasta Fresca/Facebook
This Spicy Grapefruit Margarita looks delish!
Pasta Fresca/Facebook
With pasta being such a filling type of meal, you may want to take some home for later if you want to save room for dessert. One customer said of the cannoli that she's never been a fan of it but Pasta Fresca's is amazing!
Pasta Fresca/Facebook

If you’re in town on a Saturday to try Pasta Fresca, check out the unique Soda City year-round street market for a little shopping beforehand:

This Gigantic Year-Round Street Market In South Carolina Is A Must-Visit

Take a great shopping bag along with you and fill it with goodies!

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Featured Addresses
Pasta Fresca, 4722 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206, USA