I was first attracted to this restaurant by its name, specifically the “snack” part. The child in me has always been obsessed with snacks. Superba does have a selection of snacks on the menu, but this restaurant does so many things well, specifically pasta.
Italian classics are given new, adventurous twists. The smoked bucatini carbonara is mind blowing. Honestly, when I had smoked pasta for the first time my mind was a bit blown. Superba’s cold smoked carbonara might be my favorite preparation of the dish to date. And their friend chicken is hand down my number one fried chicken in all of Los Angeles. If you’re familiar with Korean fried chicken (my fav out of all the fried chicken genres), then you’ll love this. It’s crispy, sweet and a little spicy. I could write an entire dissertation on my love of Korean fried chicken, which I won’t because were here to talk about chocolate pasta, which is equally as exciting.
Last year I went to Superba with a group of friends and the dish that caught my dessert-loving eye was the chocolate pasta. I suggested it and everyone had a bit of a brattitude about it. The pasta sounded “too weird,” “too strange,” but when it arrived at the table, it became the instant favorite.
While chocolate pasta might sound a bit brand new, perhaps even a bit weird, Chef Nerroni explained that it’s actually very traditional. Chocolate pasta first originated in Sicily after the Moors occupied the island. They had in their arsenal culinary gold: chocolate.
The cocoa powder adds a rich, deep quality to the pasta. Last year, the pasta was topped with braised oxtail and sour cherries (ugh my favorite), but I love this rendition, too. I loved that the sour cherries added a bit of a sweet element to an otherwise savory dish; the butternut squash works in the same way, adding a touch of sweetness.
On Wednesday I’ll be sharing the recipe for chocolate pasta. I was taught some tricks of the pasta-making trade. I’m excited to share.
Also, how good is this Geoff McFedtridge wallpaper?! This place screams the casual yet modern, beach-y vibe that Venice, California does so well.
Superba Snack Bar 533 Rose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291.
(Photos by Jennifer Chong. Check out our last restaurant post with Short Cake: here and here.)
love the chocolate pasta!
Yaaay can’t wait for the recipe! I also saw a cinnamon pasta recently – definitely want to try both.
Okay, it’s unfair that I haven’t even eaten breakfast yet and here you are will this mouthwatering post. Chocolate pasta? Very interested to hear more about that one.
Adrianna, it’s also fun to see your face in this post. A new perspective.
xoxo
E
Cocoa powder is used as a spice in many places right? Like cinnamon and all that. I’ve never thought of it being used in pasta. Now I’m super curious.
I was staring at these photos & descriptions in awe & envy…until I saw that this place is in Venice?! Amazing!
xo, B
BKCsquared
Love it! I’m so enjoying these posts with you and Jennifer. They are turning out beautifully – a pleasure to read and to look at!
Beautiful pictures, everything sounds and looks amazing!
Yay my favorite LA food blogger and my favorite LA restaurant! Was at Superba last weekend and had the fried chicken and carbonara. Amazing! Wish the chocolate pasta had been on the menu that night – looks crazy good! Love the pics of you and chef.
Where do you purchase chocolate/cocoa pasta?
Hopefully not an overload of sugar.
Sure would be great for a party! : )) Need to practice making this. I will wait for your recipe.
Thanks.
I’m actually not sure where to purchase it. And it’s definitely not loaded with sugar–it’s totally savory. 🙂 Recipe to come!
hey Adrianna,
this is one of the restaurants that i am going to when i am in LA in December – in addition to Bestia which you recommended!
I am so excited!!! thank you!!!
Oh yay! You’ll love this and Bestia–both are Italian but very different.
thank you – I cannot wait!
Chocolate pasta??? Sounds like the best way to eat carbs!
YES! I still have not made my own pasta which is a damn shame. I can’t wait to see your tips. I would have excitedly ordered that chocolate pasta with you! It is a fact that some of the strangest sounding things on a menu can be the most delicious.
These pictures are stunning and this place sounds amazing! I’ll definitely have to stop by next time I’m in LA!
Your photos are stunning, especially the one with the pasta draped over the knife. Wow. Can’t wait for the recipe.
I have been trying to make chocolate pasta forever. Fails every time, so I always have to buy it. Can not wait for your tips and tricks!