Pasta Zola is locally owned by us, Mitch and Kris Thayer.

We’ve lived, worked and dined in the western suburbs of Minneapolis for decades. After recently reaching a “certain age”—air quotes intended—we decided to take our professional experience and appetite for a challenge and create something completely new. Buongiorno, Pasta Zola!

Our goal is to offer you delicious, freshly prepared pasta dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Our standards are incredibly high—we make pasta our entire family wants to eat. That means the pasta is cooked perfectly and slathered in flavorful sauces, with vegetarian and organic options to please everyone’s palate.

We look for ways to make Pasta Zola as socially and environmentally sustainable as possible. We seek local business partners who think like we do—folks who are invested in this community like we are. And, whenever feasible, we choose suppliers, materials and processes that leave the lightest possible footprint.

A local family-run business

The person taking your order, cooking your pasta and tossing your salad is more than likely a Thayer. And we Thayers dig feedback. Love our sauces? Let us know! Want to suggest a new dish? Let us know! Less than thrilled? Definitely, let us know! The beauty of a family-owned restaurant is our ability to respond to customers on a dime—without checking in with “corporate.” We want your meal to be a complete delight.

True community boosters

We live and work in this community. Our kids go to school here, and our family has deep roots here. We’re committed to using local talent in the kitchen, at the front counter and behind the scenes. And we’re grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received from family, friends and friends of friends. Starting a restaurant is not easy, but the unexpected joy during this process is the “village” that has formed around us. Thank you, one and all, for your support!

Having fun yet?

You bet. And if you’re interested in joining our team, please let us know. We’ll always try to make room for one more honest, funny, outgoing and pasta-loving Pasta Zola team member.