Fresh pasta anchors Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine in Carmel, where Italian-made pasta machines and an open kitchen put the process in view. The menu changes seasonally, with a section devoted to regional specialties; the supplied menu spotlights Campania. Wine and cocktails round out a dinner that can range from pizza to seafood and a more substantial pasta course.
The Campania selection includes Ziti alla Genovese, a $28 dish of house-made ziti with slow-braised Fischer Farms beef chuck, caramelized onions, soffritto, thyme, white wine and Parmigiano. Another pasta centerpiece is Nero, the restaurant’s signature squid-ink spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes, lobster, shrimp and crab. For a meatless main, the regional menu offers Parmigiana di Melanzane, a baked eggplant casserole with fresh mozzarella, basil, pomodoro and Parmigiano.
Starters offer equally concrete choices: porchetta bruschette layers slow-roasted Fischer Farms pork belly, tomato jam, ricotta salata and crispy basil on grilled ciabatta. Polenta ai Funghi combines Fungi Meadows mushrooms with creamy polenta and Taleggio. Diners repeatedly praise attentive service and patient explanations of the menu, a useful complement to the regional selections. The modern, earth-toned room has outdoor seating as an alternative, and the restaurant accommodates groups.
Convivio is at 11529 Spring Mill Road, Carmel. It opens daily at 4 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations and carryout ordering are available through the restaurant’s website.