Wine flights sometimes allow connoisseurs to sip from several regions or varietals. Whiskey flights often feature distinct distilleries and cask ages. Similarly, pasta flights offer diners a chance to sample several styles and sauces, but with the shared, familial conviviality of a classic Italian cucina.
“The idea for pasta flights came from Southern California dining experiences, where Italian restaurants often leaned into a family-style approach — long tables, plenty of dishes and meals meant to be shared,” explains Kaylana Faulkner, director of food and beverage at Messina Modern Italian Kitchen. “We wanted to capture that same sense of abundance and connection but reimagine it for Seattle in a way that felt fresh and fun.”
At Messina Modern Italian Kitchen, that idea goes beyond the plate: the restaurant has gone viral for its pasta flights, with the location’s live music and vibrant social energy making it a hub for pre-event gatherings before Climate Pledge Arena shows and a great after-party spot once the curtain drops.
“Sharing is at the heart of Italian dining culture and pasta flights bring that spirit to life,” says Faulkner.
Messina was founded by longtime friends with a passion for sharing food and drinks, and that sense of connection remains at the heart of the restaurant today. Pasta flights turn a simple dinner into a communal experience, encouraging guests to trade bites, compare flavors, and linger in conversation. Instead of everyone keeping to their own plate, the flights open the table up, making dining feel more about being together than about what’s in front of you.
When pasta goes viral
As Faulkner explains, a pasta flight should be an adventure — for example, starting with an herbaceous pesto and ending with a bold Bolognese, all with creamy, cheesy or tomato-forward tastes along the way.
“We like to change our flights with the seasons, highlighting the freshest ingredients, introducing unique flavors and testing which creations resonate most with our guests,” she says. “This balance of comfort and surprise is what makes each board special.”
Faulkner says the most popular pasta on the board is the spicy vodka with whipped ricotta. “It’s rich without being heavy, balancing a gentle heat with a velvety sauce that feels both indulgent and approachable. The dollops of ricotta add a touch of freshness and make the dish stand out visually — often the first plate people reach for when the board hits the table. It’s the kind of pasta that sparks grins, opinions and plenty of forks reaching across for ‘just one more bite.’”
While the pasta flights may be the centerpiece, it’s the courses around them that give the meal its rhythm.
“Courses play an important role too, from appetizers like melty, cheesy garlic bread or freshly made Sicilian meatballs, all the way through to indulgent desserts that round out the experience,” says Faulkner.
That same approach carries into the drinks. Messina’s wine and cocktail program shifts with the seasons, built to pair naturally with what’s coming out of the kitchen. A crisp Pacific Northwest white might highlight the freshness of summer pastas, while a bold Italian red brings depth to heartier winter sauces.
Cocktails include riffs on Italian classics like spritzes and Negronis that echo the flavors of the season and complement the meal.
Dishes designed with togetherness in mind
At Messina, food and drink aren’t just courses or pours – they’re pieces of a larger experience, layered together to create a night that feels social, vibrant and memorable.
Faulkner believes food is at its best when it sparks conversation. “Our pasta flights are designed to bring people into that moment of togetherness,” she says.
As for her own favorite meal at Messina? “Always with friends and a big glass of our Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d’Alba. I can’t resist the Bolognese and always start with the beet salad — it doesn’t miss. Add in forks reaching across the table and ideas of taking a group trip to Italy and that’s when pasta tastes the best.”
World-famous pasta flight, daily and late-night happy hour, plus live music at Messina. Perfect before or after Climate Pledge Arena events. Experience the city’s modern Italian favorite. Reserve today at eatmessina.com.
Messina Modern Italian Kitchen.
Dining and Cooking