(This venue is closed.) Nearly hidden behind Ramen Setagaya and under the same ownership, Pasta Wafu adds an Asian twist to a familiar European cuisine ("Wafu" means "Japanese style"). Though thin-sliced garlic was the top note in this tangle of mentaiko pasta ($14), the tomato broth was also flavored by basil, sundried tomato, and the namesake spicy cod roe. (You can get a better view of the glitterlike roe by clicking on the photo.) It's a linguine to linger over.
Pasta Wafu
141 First Ave. (St. Marks Pl.-9th St., behind Ramen Setagaya)
212-529-2746
