We live in a time where Instagram reels and memes shape our opinions about almost everything. I have saved countless reels of restaurants to visit and recipes to try. Some turn out to be amazing, while others fall short. The one thing that always disappoints me is false marketing.
I discovered PaStation through a viral Instagram reel that claimed you could get pasta in London starting from just £5.95. While that is technically true, there are definitely layers to it. Still, with a strong Google rating of 4.7 stars from over 8,000 reviews, I went in with high expectations.
First Impressions and Ambience
The restaurant was packed when we arrived, and since we did not have a reservation, we had to wait for a table. Despite how busy it was, the atmosphere was lively and energetic. The staff were extremely welcoming and handled the crowd very well, which immediately created a positive first impression.
Menu and Pricing Reality
It was only when I saw the menu that I realised the full picture behind the “cheap pasta” claim. The lower-priced options were very basic dishes, and anything more substantial quickly went above £10. On top of that, there was an additional charge depending on the type of pasta, whether fresh or dry.
So while the £5.95 pasta exists, most dishes you would actually want to try are priced significantly higher.
What We Ordered
We decided to try:
- Pistachio pesto and prawns pasta
- Truffle pasta
Taste and Food Review
The Pistachio pesto and prawns pasta was the standout dish. The prawns were cooked perfectly, soft and juicy, and the Pesto di Pistacchio sauce was rich, nutty, and full of flavour. There was a lot happening in the dish, but everything was balanced well, making it a must-try if you visit.
On the other hand, the truffle pasta was disappointing. As someone who enjoys truffle, I usually find it enhances any dish. However, in this case, the truffle butter sauce did not blend well with the pasta. Even the truffle shavings could not bring everything together. It felt like separate elements on a plate rather than one cohesive dish, which was a letdown.
Is It Really Cheap Pasta in London?
The Pistachio pesto and prawns pasta was £16.95, and the truffle pasta was £19.95. The pasta choice added around £2 per dish, bringing our total to nearly £40.
For a place marketed as cheap pasta in London, this felt quite expensive. The portions were also slightly smaller than expected for the price. While the pistachio pasta justified its cost, the truffle pasta definitely did not.
Service and Overall Experience
One thing that stood out positively was the service. Despite the restaurant being extremely busy, the food arrived quickly, and the staff remained friendly throughout.
The ambience was lively, and even with the crowd, it was still a place where you could sit and have a conversation with friends.
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?
This could have been a one-off experience, especially given the high ratings online, but I can only speak from what I experienced.
The pasta was decent overall, but I have definitely had better pasta in London for a lower price. If you are going specifically because of the “cheap pasta” marketing, you might be disappointed. However, if you choose the right dishes, like the pistachio pesto pasta, you can still have a good experience.
A viral spot that looks affordable online, but in reality, sits closer to mid-range London pricing.
Overall Rating:
Price – ★★ (Higher stars mean better value for money)
Aesthetics – ★★★
Service – ★★★★
Taste – ★★★
Experience– ★★★
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