Basta Pasta

We took a chance on this place on an evening when we had tickets to the play at the Irish Rep on 22nd Street. Glad we made reservations, because there was a line at the door. Our waitress was attentive and informative. I asked about one of the ingredients and after she explained to me that it was a Japanese vegetable, she brought me over some of it chopped so I could taste it. Food came promptly, piping hot; portions are not huge, which left room for dessert, something I seldom have a yen for at the end of an Italian meal. Lovely combination of flavors, textures; atmosphere is squeaky clean, rather Zen and spare, but open chef stations make for interesting food-watching. A great experience. Dinner with dessert, wine for one for $69.00 before tip rates as a bargain in my book!

Here is where you can eat pasta and it feels "light." The dishes have the optimal ingredients and prepared so precisely. A very modern decor, a good place to take out of town friends, or family of any age. Can be a wait to get in so best to get a reservation, they are very popular! It is very fun to get the pasta prepared in the cheese wheel. You would think it would taste very "heavy" but it was somehow creamy and light and wonderfully smooth with a sharp cheese bite - you should try it!

Truly enjoyed the food and atmosphere. It is italian dishes with a tint of japanese style cooking within it.

I must say I was shocked when I went to Basta Pasta for the first time. I thought the food would be off or less Italian somehow and it was SPOT ON! I love this place.

i came here as a party of 4 to celebrate a friends birthday party. our dinner was at 8pm and we were rushed out, not even subtely, by 9:55 pm to accomodate another dinner reservation at 10pm. we had just ordered our 2nd bottle of wine 10 minutes before and werent able to finish it. i was apalled and disgusted by the manager as he kept shooting me annoyed looks and the waiter out right told us we had to leave. ive frequented this restaurant many times since this place first opened and due to the popularity of the place service has seriously deteriorated. its sad b/c i really think the food is fantastic.. perhaps thats the restaurant's justification for being so rude..

I love this place. The food is totally on point. Very simple and very good quality. The portions are on the smallish side compared to what you get at other Italian places - but I never left hungry. The ingredients they use are sooo fresh and everything is made with precision. I like the salon pasta dish and the sea bass pasta dish. I ordered the tuna with wasabe appetizer thing - it was yummy but a little expensive for the size. i would highly recommend the desserts - soo good! i had the cheesecake and the chocolate cake - both really delicious. What else? It's a good place for groups if you make reservations b/c it's well lit and it never gets too loud. I've also eaten there by myself and they are always super nice and attentive.

The food is DELICIOUS. The portions are TINY. The prices are EXPENSIVE. The service is EXCELLENT.