Dine Out : Basta Pasta

Basta Pasta Review, Basta Pasta NYC

I actually wrote this one awhile ago and held off on posting it as I wasn't sure if I should continue with restaurant reviews considering the current situation but I should try to maintain some sense of normalcy here and have learned that this restaurant is currently open for delivery and takeout so here it is.

Basta Pasta Review, Basta Pasta NYC

If longevity is any measure of a restaurant's success then Basta Pasta which I remember from my days of living in Chelsea is doing pretty well for itself. I lived in Chelsea almost 20 years ago for the record. This spin off of a Tokyo-based chain serves up a menu of Japanese influenced Italian food inside an unassuming curtain covered doorway leading to a full bar, bustling open kitchen and intimate dining room. An interesting decor detail is all the striking paintings that line the walls of the space.

Basta Pasta Review, Basta Pasta NYC

For those not familiar with Japanese-Italian fusion, it is actually a fairly popular genre of cuisine. I personally find it to be a lighter take on traditional Italian fare which mostly retains a sense of it's authenticity. Basta Pasta offers a varied menu that includes a range of fresh made pastas as well as  protein based dishes. We ordered the asparagi gratinati and caesar salad as starters. The asparagus covered in a  golden parmesan crust was comforting. The romaine lettuce in the salad was served in a wedge which was unexpected but it was delicious once we cut and mixed it. For our entrees, we got the ravioli, branzino and chicken milanese. All of the food was fresh and nicely cooked is well portioned and presented. We had a lovely meal and the service was gracious and hospitable. Quite a few tables around us got the restaurant's popular spaghetti con prosciutto e parmigiano which is dramatically served in a hollowed wheel of parmesan cheese that is then grated and tossed with the pasta tableside. We would try that if we go back there and we hope we will get a chance to do that once life resumes again. Reservations are recommended as this place tends to get busy. I hope they'll be able to get back to that.

Basta Pasta
37 West 17 Street
New York City
212.366.0888
$$ - $$$
Basta Pasta Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

15 comments

R's Rue said...

Looks and sounds delicious.

Doctor Anne said...

I admit I was not familiar with this fusion cooking style, but it sounds right up my street.

Evi Erlinda said...

The foods look delectable and make me very hungry.
Yum!

Have a lovely weekend!

Shireen L. Platt said...

I must admit that I am not familiar with Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine but these looks and sounds delicious, Rowena. I think you should continue posting as usual, I appreciate the sense of normalcy.

Emmylou said...

I've never had Japanese-Italian fusion before, chingu! Thanks for sharing:) All looks sooooo good!
Stay safe:) XOXO

Eli Dou said...

Plus, once everything goes back to normality, people will like to go to restaurants like pasta basta. It looks amazing and you made me want to eat just right now.
have a lovely day!
xx

Eli

Curly Style

Ivana Split said...

The paintings on the wall were the first thing I noticed, especially that big hyper realistic portrait. This restaurants sounds great and it is nice they are open for orders. Thanks for sharing this review. I think it makes sense to continue with restaurant reviews. They won't be closed forever and as you said- this one even delivers so people cans till try it. Besides, it is interesting to read about restaurants even if we don't get to visit them or try their food.
This one seems lovely. I haven't tried the Japanese- Italian fusion cuisine before, I bet it is interesting.

Lena L said...

I remember going to a Basta Pasta in Korea. It was one of the popular date joint! I might have visited it here as well but that was a long time ago (I think we had that signature pasta...).

Hope you're doing well, Rowena. Wish you a pleasant weekend! <3

Mica said...

The food looks so good, especially the pasta! It's nice they are still open for takeaway and delivery! A lot of places here are too, although we don't eat out often (maybe once every couple weeks) we are trying to do it more often to support the places around us.

Hope that you are having a lovely weekend :)

Away From Blue

stylefrontier said...

all the food looks yummy! glad to know that they are still open for delivery !

xoxo
style frontier

Ria said...

Yum looks good, I'd definitely do take out if this was near me.

FashionRadi said...

Oh this makes me miss going out and trying new foods. The food looks incredible!

Dressed With Soul said...

Oh, thanks for this post, dear Rowena! Yes, we really should keep normality as far as possible and it is great that you still can take food from this restaurant. I think the mixture between Japanase and Italian food is super cool!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

little luxury list said...

It's certainly the kind of restaurant I'd try. One of my favorite pizzerias here is a Japanese-Italian chain (the Japanese chef trained in Italy). The ravioli looks scrumptious and pasta in the parmigiano sounds wonderful too!

Jackie Harrison said...

This restaurant is on point with the food the presentation and atmosphere, will not mind trying any dishes you present on here. Thanks for sharing.