There’s a quiet poetry in the way pasta moves—steam curling upward, sauce clinging to each curve, the sound of a fork against a plate that somehow feels like music. Every October 17th, the world celebrates National Pasta Day, a holiday devoted not just to food, but to a craft.

At Mercato della Pescheria with locations on Española Way in Miami Beach and inside The Venetian in Las Vegas— that craft is a daily ritual. Fresh pasta, handmade and tossed to order, lies at the heart of everything the restaurant does. Whether you’re dining al fresco beneath café lights in South Beach or in the timeless Italian elegance of The Venetian, each bite feels like a journey to Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast.

This National Pasta Day, skip the store-bought noodles. Celebrate the real thing: silky, hand-rolled, made that morning. Here are 10 handmade pastas to try this October—and the stories they tell.

1. Cacio e Pepe alla Ruota
   A dish as dramatic as it is delicious. Served table-side inside a wheel of  Parmigiano-Reggiano, the pasta is tossed while molten cheese melts around it, coating every strand.
   It’s Rome’s simplest formula—just pasta, cheese, black pepper—but at Mercato it’s transformed into a performance, a nod to how Italian food celebrates both taste and ritual.
   Best with: A glass of Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino.

2. Bucatini Amatriciana
   If Rome had a heartbeat, it would sound like sizzling guanciale. Bucatini Amatriciana is a love letter to the capital—tomato, cured pork, pecorino, and a hint of chili folded into hollow bucatini noodles. Each bite has a balance of richness, smoke, and tang.
   Perfect for: Guests who like depth and bold flavor without heaviness.

3. Spaghetti Frutti di Mare
   Mercato’s signature seafood pasta. Fresh shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels come together in a light tomato and white wine sauce—a harmony of land and sea. It’s the kind of pasta that feels like Miami itself: bright, briny, and sun-kissed.
   Best with: A chilled Vermentino di Sardegna or crisp Pinot Grigio.

4. Rigatoni alla Bolognese
   An Italian staple with soul. Mercato’s version uses slow-simmered beef, veal, and pork ragu—deep, savory, and comforting—finished with a touch of cream for smoothness.
   It’s a plate that warms, not weighs; perfect for pairing with a bold red and good company.
   Wine pairing: Barbera d’Alba or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

5. Linguine alle Vongole
   A classic that defines coastal Italy. Thin pasta with fresh clams, white wine, olive oil, and parsley—a minimalist dish where every ingredient must be perfect. It’s also a subtle show of confidence: no tricks, no excess, just balance. Ideal before a show in Las Vegas or after a beach day in Miami.

6. Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci
   Filled by hand, sealed with care. Light ricotta and spinach inside delicate pasta pockets, dressed in brown butter and crispy sage. It’s quiet, comforting elegance—like Italian hospitality itself.
   Best paired with: A Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling rosé.

7. Tagliatelle al Tartufo
   Truffle season or not, this dish feels like autumn. Housemade tagliatelle tossed in creamy truffle sauce and finished with shaved black truffles. At Mercato, it’s a sensory experience: earthy aroma, silky sauce, and the soft pull of fresh pasta. For truffle lovers, this is non-negotiable.

8. Lobster Ravioli
   A modern classic of the Miami Beach location, this plate bridges luxury and simplicity. Lobster-stuffed ravioli in a light cognac cream sauce—sweet, savory, and sophisticated.
   It’s the dish that feels celebratory without saying a word.
   Best with: A glass of Prosecco or white Burgundy.

9. Penne alla Vodka
   Sometimes you just want comfort. This Roman-American favorite—creamy tomato sauce with vodka and Parmigiano—is made fresh to order. It’s nostalgic and modern all at once, perfect for sharing, and a reminder that even humble pasta can shine when the sauce is right.
   Pair with: A bright Italian rosé or Cortese.

10. Spaghetti alla Nerano

A dish born in the Amalfi Coast village of Nerano and recreated faithfully at Mercato. Fried zucchini, Parmigiano, and basil combine to form a sauce that’s somehow both rich and delicate.It’s a story of restraint—how three ingredients can outshine a dozen.
Best enjoyed: Outdoors on Española Way, when the breeze smells like the sea.

From Miami to Las Vegas: Pasta That Travels Well

Though separated by 2,500 miles, Mercato della Pescheria Miami Beach and Mercato della Pescheria Las Vegas (The Venetian) share the same soul: a commitment to handmade pasta and honest flavor. In Miami, the menu leans coastal, complementing seafood dishes and warm ocean air. In Las Vegas, the Venetian’s marble-and-terracotta interiors give each pasta a touch of grandeur—proof that Italian comfort adapts anywhere.

Celebrate National Pasta Day, the Italian Way

On October 17, raise your fork to the art of pasta. Whether you’re craving the spectacle of Cacio e Pepe alla Ruota or the briny warmth of Frutti di Mare, every plate at Mercato della Pescheria tells a story of tradition and passion.

Reserve your table early—especially for evening seatings during Seafood Month—and ask your server for the perfect wine pairing.

Because pasta isn’t just food—it’s Italy’s most elegant expression of joy. And on National Pasta Day, there’s no better place to taste it than at Mercato della Pescheria, where every dish reminds you why the simplest pleasures endure.