Agnolotti Boa, Caffe Boa

Best Pasta

Agnolotti Boa
Caffe Boa
398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
480-968-9112
cafeboa.com

Earthy portabella and cremini mushrooms are tucked inside tender homemade ravioli and topped with a phenomenal herbal tomato cream sauce. It’s no wonder this has been on the menu since the place opened – there would be fire and pitchforks in the streets if anyone dared mess with this crowd-pleaser. $17.95

Rigatony Bolognese
That Italian Place
3941 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
480-759-4459
thatitalianplace.com

At this intimate eatery, tucked away in an Ahwatukee stripmall, the pasta is not fanciful, exotic or even homemade. But the Bolognese beats anyone’s in town. The chef combines pork and veal with sautéed carrots, onions, celery, white wine and chopped tomatoes, and slow-cooks it all day until the flavors exude comfort-food pleasure. $15.95

BEST PIEROGI

Mushroom & Sauerkraut
Bista’s Deli & Market
24825 N. 16th Ave., Phoenix
623-580-1591
bistasdeliandmarket.com

These little pockets have a rare balance. The not-too-sour sauerkraut lets the fungi shine, creating a harmony of much-loved flavors. Fried in butter and topped with diced bacon, they’re not for the light eater, but they’re worth the calories. $7.50

Potato & Cheese
A Touch of European Café
7146 N. 57th Drive, Glendale
623-847-7119

It’s a peasant food, really, the lowly pierogi. But in the right hands, it can be heavenly. Here, the dough is not too thick, and the farmer’s cheese and potato filling are expertly seasoned and are just the right consistency – not chunky, mushy or dry. And they’re pan-fried to golden goodness. $8.50