For years, Pasto Italiano has been a beloved dining destination in Westfield, known for its warm atmosphere, scratch-made sauces, and rich, comforting Italian dishes. Now, the restaurant begins a new chapter under the ownership of Michael Bartalone, a Noblesville native and longtime hospitality professional.
Bartalone has spent 16 years in the restaurant industry, much of that time with Wolfies Grill. His journey to ownership at Pasto Italiano was a natural progression – one that began with a family connection. His father, Rich Bartalone, was a loyal customer who learned that the previous owners were preparing to retire. Seeing an opportunity, Michael spent three years working at the restaurant, immersing himself in its operations and learning the ins and outs of the business. Now, with his father as his business partner, he has stepped into ownership, bringing passion, experience and family tradition to the table.
While the ownership has changed, the heart – and menu – of Pasto Italiano remains the same. “I love this community,” Michael Bartalone says. “It’s very warm and welcoming, and the people love to support small businesses.”
Honoring the restaurant’s reputation, he has kept the core menu intact while introducing select Bartalone family recipes. Guests can now enjoy homemade manicotti and pasta fagioli, dishes passed down from both his father and his mother, Shelly Bartalone. Looking ahead, a refreshed menu featuring both longtime favorites and new family-inspired creations will debut in spring 2025.
Customer favorites continue to shine, particularly the restaurant’s famed lasagna, which has earned high praise as one of the best around. Michael’s personal favorite, the penne aurora, features a creamy tomato-based sauce served with a choice of chicken, spicy Italian sausage or shrimp. Every sauce is made from scratch, and premium cuts like filet mignon are prepared in-house.
Stepping inside, guests are welcomed by an ambiance that is both elegant and inviting. Given its cozy size, reservations are highly recommended. Enhancing the dining experience, Pasto Italiano offers half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday, along with live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The restaurant operates exclusively for dinner, with hours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to its dine-in experience, the restaurant also offers catering services, with General Manager Tom Prater available to assist customers with their catering needs.
For Michael, the transition to ownership has been more than a business venture; it’s a dream come true. “This was my ultimate goal, to own a restaurant,” he says. Bartalone also gives a great amount of credit to his family, including his parents and his wife, Shaylee, as they have been an incredible support system through this process.
Pasto Italiano is located at 3150 East State Road 32 in Westfield. To see their menu and make a reservation, call 317-804-2051.
