Some restaurant menus make me feel good, prompted by good ingredients, spotless floors and a staff that understand that it’s as hard to keep a customer as to create a new one.Other places, and you probably know of a few, offer a lot of pastas and entrees, or maybe a few signature dishes that make a place unique, but disappoint when overpaying for a lower experience. I wish them well.But some restaurants surpriseme. I just had lunch at Basta, in Agora’s Whizzin Market and gotta say I’m surprised, and a little miffed.Sure the staff are great with each one genuinely happy I came in. They even smiled. The atmosphere is open, inviting, warm and has a great combination of Mexican blues, warm tones, and wrought iron.I’ve never been here before as Whizzin Market is a little out of the way for me.But in spite of all the reasons it should have all been in the feel good category, my lunch went another direction.I had originally thought to order one of the bowls which cater to veggie, meat, or fish prefs. The Jidori Chicken Bowl seemed my speed which I asked about. My server, Cruz asked if I wanted the roast chicken or the bowl?Roast Chicken is my comfort food and I lost my mind for a beat. Then committed a classic amateur restaurant goer move:The panic order.“Roasted, please,” I heard myself say. Cruz refilled my coffee and disappeared. The dice now rolled, I waited.The chicken was good. No, not just good, but magnificent. So good I felt a mix of relief, surprise and annoyance. None of this was directed at the staff, Basta’s management, or the even the poor chicken.First, being from a small town in Indiana originally, I’ve eaten chicken at least 23x a week since 1970 and I’ve never tasted chicken like this. From the light golden sauce to crispy skin, it was ideally cooked and served immediately. I had no idea. No exaggerating.Second, that this lunch in terms of price point is a super value. Check the menu when you stop in, but you’ll find Basta a wonderful value for the level of care and attention to it all.All that to say, I’m so mad I haven’t been here earlier. Regardless of the distance, it should have been on my list.Consider yourself warned you may feel the same.Parking: Get here early if Canyon Club has a show.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amir S
It’s one of the best Italian restaurants. The Quality and taste of the foods are awesome and delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pedro Carmona
Pizza was really good and very nice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
papa dafoe
Great spot for dinner. Good food. Good service. Nice atmosphere. Reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
justine Yu
We took a buddy for his birthday because we wanted to show him what AMAZING Italian food is. We come here for the food and service...both always on point!! Gunner was an amazing server! He was polite, funny, and charming to our group. We appreciate the service!
Sam Clark
Pappardelle pasta itself is delicious, cooked very well, meatballs are dry and need more flavor. The Paccheri Piccanti alla Vodka was delicious and the tiramisu was wonderful great portion. Waitress was okay, but the busing staff was excellent.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Rafael Cordero
Basta is my favorite Italian restaurant! I don’t go there often, but can’t wait to go every time. If you want to eat real Italian food, look no more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Neno C
Food was pretty good, a bit salty but good. Now the service, waaaaaay below standards. Waiter took over 15mins to even get our drinks order, we had to call him multiple times, by the time he got to our table he seemed annoyed and gad an attitude. The wine was old, tasted like vinegar, I guess they must of served from an old bottle.
Fantastic authentic Italian food. Only downside is you cannot make reservations. Great wine selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Antonio Scognamiglio
I recently dined at Basta and had an amazing experience! The pizza, spaghetti with tomatoes, and T-bone steak were all delicious. Saverio, our host, was incredibly hospitable and made the evening fun. The atmosphere at Basta is vibrant and welcoming, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal. Highly recommend checking it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Manuel Cruz
Very yummy, service was great, very hospitable, staff were very kind.
Great service great food good
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Basta Meatballs
Excellent food and desserts. Atmosphere is delightful and elegant. This has become my families go to restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Basta Meatballs, Basta Butter Cake
Some restaurant menus make me feel good, prompted by good ingredients, spotless floors and a staff that understand that it’s as hard to keep a customer as to create a new one.Other places, and you probably know of a few, offer a lot of pastas and entrees, or maybe a few signature dishes that make a place unique, but disappoint when overpaying for a lower experience. I wish them well.But some restaurants surpriseme. I just had lunch at Basta, in Agora’s Whizzin Market and gotta say I’m surprised, and a little miffed.Sure the staff are great with each one genuinely happy I came in. They even smiled. The atmosphere is open, inviting, warm and has a great combination of Mexican blues, warm tones, and wrought iron.I’ve never been here before as Whizzin Market is a little out of the way for me.But in spite of all the reasons it should have all been in the feel good category, my lunch went another direction.I had originally thought to order one of the bowls which cater to veggie, meat, or fish prefs. The Jidori Chicken Bowl seemed my speed which I asked about. My server, Cruz asked if I wanted the roast chicken or the bowl?Roast Chicken is my comfort food and I lost my mind for a beat. Then committed a classic amateur restaurant goer move:The panic order.“Roasted, please,” I heard myself say. Cruz refilled my coffee and disappeared. The dice now rolled, I waited.The chicken was good. No, not just good, but magnificent. So good I felt a mix of relief, surprise and annoyance. None of this was directed at the staff, Basta’s management, or the even the poor chicken.First, being from a small town in Indiana originally, I’ve eaten chicken at least 23x a week since 1970 and I’ve never tasted chicken like this. From the light golden sauce to crispy skin, it was ideally cooked and served immediately. I had no idea. No exaggerating.Second, that this lunch in terms of price point is a super value. Check the menu when you stop in, but you’ll find Basta a wonderful value for the level of care and attention to it all.All that to say, I’m so mad I haven’t been here earlier. Regardless of the distance, it should have been on my list.Consider yourself warned you may feel the same.Parking: Get here early if Canyon Club has a show.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s one of the best Italian restaurants. The Quality and taste of the foods are awesome and delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pizza was really good and very nice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot for dinner. Good food. Good service. Nice atmosphere. Reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We took a buddy for his birthday because we wanted to show him what AMAZING Italian food is. We come here for the food and service...both always on point!! Gunner was an amazing server! He was polite, funny, and charming to our group. We appreciate the service!
Pappardelle pasta itself is delicious, cooked very well, meatballs are dry and need more flavor. The Paccheri Piccanti alla Vodka was delicious and the tiramisu was wonderful great portion. Waitress was okay, but the busing staff was excellent.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Basta is my favorite Italian restaurant! I don’t go there often, but can’t wait to go every time. If you want to eat real Italian food, look no more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was pretty good, a bit salty but good. Now the service, waaaaaay below standards. Waiter took over 15mins to even get our drinks order, we had to call him multiple times, by the time he got to our table he seemed annoyed and gad an attitude. The wine was old, tasted like vinegar, I guess they must of served from an old bottle.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Great for date night and for
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, ambiance, and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic authentic Italian food. Only downside is you cannot make reservations. Great wine selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently dined at Basta and had an amazing experience! The pizza, spaghetti with tomatoes, and T-bone steak were all delicious. Saverio, our host, was incredibly hospitable and made the evening fun. The atmosphere at Basta is vibrant and welcoming, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal. Highly recommend checking it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very yummy, service was great, very hospitable, staff were very kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5