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A new family-owned restaurant is serving customizable, freshly made pasta inside Western Market, the food hall on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

Gigi’s Pasta celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 4, 2025. Its menu features pasta, salads and desserts prepared with ingredients sourced from Italy, aiming to deliver Italian flavors at accessible prices.

Employee Alexia Green said pasta’s broad appeal as a comfort food makes the restaurant an easy option for customers seeking a filling meal. Unlike pasta chains built around fixed dishes, Gigi’s lets diners mix and match ingredients.

Customers begin by selecting a pasta shape, then add their preferred sauce and protein. Sophomore Penelope Glasser said the format allows her to avoid unwanted ingredients and assemble the exact combination she wants.

The menu also includes four signature pasta dishes and two baked, ready-made selections. Co-owner Stephanos Andreou said the recipes draw inspiration from foods and flavors the owners discovered during their travels, particularly in Italy.

Fresh pasta is produced continuously at the restaurant using two machines, Green said, rather than arriving dried in boxes. Each order also comes with a complimentary piece of focaccia.

Glasser described the prices as reasonable for D.C., especially given the portion sizes and fresh ingredients.

The restaurant’s bright interior reinforces its Italian theme with yellow and green colors, hanging lemons and lampshades designed to evoke Italy’s sunny coast. Green said the decorative elements work together to create a welcoming coastal atmosphere.

Constantina and Stephanos Andreou own the restaurant and remain closely involved in its daily operations. Green said their regular presence contributes to a positive workplace and brings a family-oriented spirit to the business.

Andreou said the owners would like to consider a second location when the timing is right. For now, their priority is refining the experience at Gigi’s and developing a loyal community around the Western Market restaurant.