It’s not your imagination. Pasta bowls are the new plates and it’s about time.
If you noticed your last restaurant sandwich came in a shallow bowl instead of the traditional plate, it wasn’t that the dishwasher was backlogged. Pasta bowls are to plates what Gen-Z’s crew socks are to Millennial ankle socks. In other words, plates are out and the pasta bowl is the new (but really, really old) tableware of choice.
It’s not without reason though. Pasta bowls (or blates as they’re often called) are the unsung heroes of tableware, offering versatility along with an aesthetic appeal. “I think pasta in a wider, lower bowl just looks more bountiful, and if you’re sprinkling parsley or basil or pangrattato on top, it’ll look nice with a bigger surface,” Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful podcast, inventor of the cascatelli pasta shape, and author of the new cookbook Anything’s Pastable, told Food and Wine. And what’s good for pasta is good for most anything else when it comes to plating.
The pasta bowl’s wide, shallow shape is perfect for showcasing a variety of dishes, from hearty salads to soups to pasta — of course. And they’re equally a fit for messy sandwiches, drippy desserts, and, please, for the love of god — any dish where rice is involved. For parents, they’re the difference between a toddler meal at the table or on the table (and on the floor, the chair, and the pets).
Our love for bowls predates most of the things we currently put in them; hollowed out coconuts, gourds, and shells preceded plates by millennia. We are, to some degree, biologically predisposed to opt for the security of bowls and the way they protect food. “This generation just discovered something that’s been done since the caveman days,” Scott Vermillion, a Chicago-based historian and collector and board member at the International Museum of Dinnerware Design, told Eater. (yes, that’s a real place). He says the only difference these days is we’re just calling it “a pasta bowl.”
How to choose the perfect pasta bowl
Choosing the perfect pasta bowl depends on a few factors, namely your personal style and how you’ll use the bowl. Neutral colors and simple patterns offer versatility, while bold designs can make a statement. But consider a few other factors, too. First, think about the size and depth; a bowl that is wide and deep enough to hold ample servings — typically around 9-12 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches deep. The material is another crucial aspect; stoneware and ceramic are popular for their durability and heat retention, while porcelain offers elegance and strength. It’s important to ensure the material is lead and cadmium-free for safety. The shape of the bowl matters too, as a gently sloping or curved shape helps keep pasta and sauce contained, and a slightly flat base provides stability.
Functionality is key, so look for bowls that are microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience. Some bowls being oven-safe can be an added bonus if you enjoy baking dishes right in the bowl. The weight of the bowl is another factor; heavier bowls can be more stable but may be cumbersome to handle, so finding a balance that works for you is essential.
Decide whether you need a matching set for hosting dinners or if individual, unique pieces better suit your style. Sets offer a cohesive look, while individual bowls can add character. Also consider the brand and craftsmanship. Reputable brands known for quality and craftsmanship are often worth the investment, and handcrafted bowls often feature unique characteristics and a personal touch, though they may come with slight variations in shape and glaze.
Shopping for bowls secondhand? That’s a great idea, too. Look for bowls that are free of chipping or deep scratches. Oftentimes, tableware at secondhand shops are there because the set is no longer complete. But you can find single bowls and often two or more of a set. Mixing and matching tableware for large parties is no longer taboo and can be a fun way to showcase vintage or secondhand bowls you love.
Our pasta bowl picks
Whether handmade ceramic, Martha Stewart’s beloved jadeite, or fine vintage china, pasta bowls abound. For new bowls and sets, these are our favorite picks for design, craftsmanship, and functionality.
Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Pasta Bowls, Set of 4
Equally suited for a quick morning bowl of oatmeal or for entertaining the inlaws, these stunners from Hawkins New York are inspired by traditional hand-thrown pottery designs featuring soft rippling and slight raised edges. Mix and match the colors for an eclectic set or keep them uniform. Oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Handpainted Vietri Campagna Pasta Bowl, Single Bowl
Charming, hand-painted motifs adorn this dinnerware from Campania, infusing your home with the allure of the Italian countryside. Crafted using centuries-old traditions, Campania artisans create entirely hand-painted collections featuring animals and Mediterranean cultural motifs. Located in Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast, the factory has been in operation since 1947, housed in a stunning, curving, avant-garde building adorned with ceramic tiles. Each piece is made from hand-painted terracotta clay, ensuring slight variations due to the handcrafted nature.
Le Creuset’s Vancouver Pasta Bowls, Set of 4
Known for its iconic cookware, Le Creuset also offers elegant stoneware pasta bowls that are both functional and beautiful. Like its enameled cookware, Le Creuset’s pasta bowls are crafted with durable, high-quality materials designed to last.
East Fork’s The Coupe, Set of 4
These East Fork coupe bowls deliver elegant proportions ideal for dishes that require careful presentation, such as saucy pasta, grain bowls, or Caesar salads. These versatile Coupes are dishwasher and microwave-safe and crafted from lead-free regional materials, handmade by artisans in Asheville, North Carolina, celebrating the unique variations in glaze applications and surfaces.
Convivial Minimal Stoneware Pasta Bowl, Set of 4
The Minimal Stoneware Pasta Bowl Set is your new go-to for serving everything from roasted vegetables and pasta to hearty soups and chia porridge. Each piece is handmade with Convivial’s proprietary sand clay and finished in their signature ivory glaze, and third-party tested to be lead and cadmium-free. These bowls are microwave, dishwasher, and food safe, but not tested for oven safety.
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