The Secret To Delicious Gluten-Free Pasta And Vegan Pesto Is Waiting At This Asbury Park Kitchen

At Pasta Volo, the concept feels radical in its simplicity—you become the chef of your own bowl, mixing pasta shapes you might not know existed with sauces simmering behind the counter.

Since opening its doors in 2016, this Bond Street gem has been rewriting the rules on quick-service Italian food in Asbury Park.

The space buzzes with an energy that feels both casual and intentional. You’ll step up to order on a tablet, watching as your selections come together in minutes, served in those nostalgic Chinese takeout containers that somehow make everything taste better.

Whether you’re grabbing dinner before a show or settling in at one of the few cozy seats by the window, this spot delivers homemade pasta without the wait or the fuss.

Build Your Perfect Pasta

The Pasta Lineup: Your bowl begins with choosing your shape, and this isn’t just spaghetti and penne. You’ll find gemelli—those twisted beauties that look like unicorn horns—alongside corkscrew fusilli, wavy-edged mafalde ribbons, and shell-shaped shells with ridges that catch every drop of sauce.

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Each pasta shape is made fresh daily using durum wheat semolina, water, and salt. Nothing fancy, nothing fake. If you’re gluten-free, the rice blend fettuccine holds up remarkably well and tastes authentic.

The Sauce Selection: The vodka sauce earns its reputation with creamy richness that balances tomato brightness and indulgent smoothness perfectly.

The VOLOgnese—their signature Bolognese—packs in shredded beef and pork for serious meat lovers, delivering depth and heartiness in every forkful. The marinara showcases slow-cooked Italian tomatoes with roasted garlic, keeping things classic and comforting.

Feeling adventurous? The spicy arrabbiata brings genuine heat, while the vegan pesto doesn’t skimp on flavor despite being dairy-free. The Alfredo runs creamy with just enough garlic to keep things interesting.

The Toppings Game: This is where you make it yours. Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pockets throughout your pasta, while cashew ricotta offers a surprisingly satisfying vegan alternative.

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The homemade meatballs—completely gluten-free—are tender and flavorful, worthy of their own spotlight. Pancetta adds a salty, crispy punch. Veggies run the gamut from artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers to spinach, mushrooms, and caramelized onions that bring sweetness to every bite.

Don’t Skip the Garlic Bread: The semolina garlic bread arrives golden and crispy, topped with roasted garlic oil, parmesan, and parsley. It’s simple but executed so well that it becomes essential. The bread comes fresh from Brooklyn, and you’ll taste the difference in that pillowy interior contrasted with the crunchy, golden edges.

The Space and Experience

Counter-Service Charm: This isn’t a white tablecloth kind of place, and that’s exactly the point. The open kitchen lets you see everything happening—pasta rolling through the machine, sauces bubbling away, your meal being assembled right before your eyes.

The space feels bright and clean with just a handful of high tables by the window for dining in. Most folks grab their Chinese-style takeout boxes and head out, maybe to the beach or to catch a sunset along the boardwalk.

Outdoor Seating Option: When the weather cooperates, grab one of the casual outdoor tables perfect for people-watching on Bond Street. It’s an ideal spot for a quick lunch or an early dinner when the sun’s still out and the Asbury Park energy is flowing.

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BYOB Friendly: One of the best perks? Bring your own bottle of wine to pair with your pasta. There’s something special about customizing both your meal and your drink, making the experience feel personal and relaxed without the markup of restaurant wine prices.

Worth Knowing

Portions That Surprise: Those takeout containers might look modest at first glance, but don’t be fooled. The portions are generous enough that you’ll likely have leftovers for lunch the next day. You’re getting substantial value in each bowl, with enough pasta to satisfy even hearty appetites while leaving some for later.

Pricing Sweet Spot: Base pasta dishes start around eleven dollars, with add-ons priced individually. For fresh, homemade pasta made to order with quality ingredients, the pricing sits comfortably in the affordable-to-moderate range. The value proposition becomes even clearer when you factor in the generous portions and the quality of what’s on your plate.

Dietary Accommodations: This place shines for anyone with dietary restrictions. The gluten-free pasta is made in a completely separate cooking station to avoid cross-contamination, and one of the original owners has Celiac disease, so they truly understand the importance of safe preparation.

All sauces and meats are gluten-free, including those stellar meatballs. Vegan options abound with cashew cheese, coconut bacon, vegan pesto, and multiple sauce choices. Vegetarian? You’ll have no trouble building a satisfying bowl with the extensive veggie selection.

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Speed Matters: Your food hits the counter in about ten minutes or less. It’s genuinely fast without tasting rushed or sacrificing quality—a rare combination that makes this spot perfect for lunch breaks or pre-show dinners when you’re on a schedule.

Online Ordering Made Easy: Skip the line entirely by ordering through their website. The system is straightforward, you can save your favorite combinations for future orders, and your meal jumps to the front when you arrive for pickup. They also deliver through major apps if you’d rather enjoy your pasta at home or on the beach.

Closed Sunday and Monday: Plan accordingly—they’re closed these two days to give the team a well-deserved rest. Open Tuesday through Thursday from eleven in the morning to eight at night, with extended Friday and Saturday hours until ten to catch the weekend crowd.

Limited Seating Inside: With only about six seats total, this spot is definitely geared toward takeout. If you’re planning to eat in, come during off-peak hours or be prepared to take your meal elsewhere. The beach is just minutes away, making it easy to enjoy your pasta with ocean views instead of four walls.

Community Connection: The restaurant has deep roots in Asbury Park, having undergone a brief closure in 2023 before reopening under new ownership. The current team has maintained the original vision while adding their own touches, keeping the focus on fresh pasta, customization, and quality ingredients that honor Italian traditions with a modern twist.

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Pasta Volo
📍 419 Bond St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712