Basta Pasta

Though the concept of 'fusion' has evolved from being a popular trend to somewhat more of a thing in the past, there are some places that have held their own. Basta Pasta is one.

Featured Restaurant: Basta Pasta
Rating: ♔♔♔♔

A perennial favorite of many of my friends (and their parents), Basta Pasta combines elements of Italian dishes with a unique Japanese twist. The restaurant prides itself in the creativity and caliber of its dishes. Primi piattis include Spaghetti with tobiko (flying fish roe) and shiso and Linguine with uni (sea urchin) in a vodka sauce among others.

The decor is minimalist at best, but simplicity lies at the core of this Japanese/Italian gem. Appetizers range from fresh carpaccios of the day to grilled squid and duck breast salad. The wine list is also excellent. I've been to this restaurant over 5 times, and it has quite remarkably, put a smile to my stomach each time without fail.



The crab meat tartare antipasti is served as a mash of avocado, green apple, Yukon gold potato, and basil aioli with grapefruit jelly and watermelon radish. The crispy texture of the vibrantly colored watermelon radish complements the tartare, and the apple and grapefruit offer pleasant surprises along the way.



The spaghetti with tobiko and shiso is truly an exquisite combination. The shiso refreshes the palate as it lightens the intensity of the tobiko, and you just can't resist the burst of flavor as the tobiko pops in your mouth.

Classic desserts are the parmesan cheesecake and molten chocolate lava cake. My personal recommendation would be to stay away from the Crepe with apple compote and vanilla ice cream :)

That being said, Basta Pasta is one of my favorites in the city, and I would recommend it for a date, family dinner, as well as birthday dinners. (Hint: If you tell them beforehand, a posse of Japanese waiters will serenade the birthday boy/girl with an adorable banjo)

Basta Pasta
37 W. 17th St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 336-088