What shocking news to see on social media feeds recently that a beloved Italian food restaurant in Yakima has permanently closed for good. Valley Italian Pizza and Pasta announced on August 11, 2022 that they have shuttered their doors in Yakima on S 1st St. Owners of Valley Italian Pizza and Pasta say they are leaving Yakima (they were located at 2304 S 1st St unit b) and plan to set up a new shop in the Tri Cities (see below).

If you have ever been blessed with the chance to eat at Valley Italian Pizza and Pasta, they served what some are saying was the best Italian food in Yakima. Many patrons loved going there for Italian spaghetti plates to go, ravioli, fettuccine, chicken marsala, cheese sticks, and much more delicious Italian cuisine.

"We believe in top-notch service, providing a unique and genuine experience, one that you, our customer will remember & share." - Valley Italian Pizza and Pasta

I am devastated because this is the THIRD Italian restaurant I loved that has permanently closed for good in Yakima. Raise your hand if you remember Casa Mia Italian restaurant that used to be on W Nob Hill Blvd (now home to a Chinese and Teriyaki eatery). Keep your hands raised if you remember that delicious Italian restaurant that was on the West Valley side of Yakima; the name of it escapes me right now but if you know, you know!

This leads me to ask the question, why are all of our Italian restaurants closing for good and relocating someplace else? (We see you, Casa Mia Richland.)

Thankfully, one Italian restaurant has stood the test of time in Yakima and has stuck around with us for at least a couple of decades, namely, Zesta Cucina in Glenwood Square (5011 Tieton Dr). Their food does tend to be on the pricier and fancier side than Valley Italian Pizza and Pasta's price point, but Zesta does have lots of yummy pasta dishes and beverages! You can often find couples dining here on anniversaries and dates as well as singles having an upscale girls' and guys' night out with friends. Families with children also like to dine there, too.

Related: THE TOP 3 ITALIAN DISHES AND RESTAURANTS IN YAKIMA

It is very, very, VERY sad for us to see Valley Italian Pizza and Pasta go away from Yakima. I will savor all of my delicious memories of their food and friendly service. Ciao, bello.