So we travelled from Vancouver BC to see one of my fav YouTube figure Sam the cooking guys restaurant. We walked in and it was a padres game on and the place was empty. We had our doubts at that point. When the food came out all doubts were erased. Fantastic food. Great value. And the staff were so good. Folks hit this gem up. @paul_the_animal
Lonnie
Food is very high quality and with amazing flavors. The fried gnocchi is a must try and the tartare is truly amazing if that's your thing. Their bread is crusty and crunchy on the outside and soft of the inside. Sitting outside is recommended and the entire experience feels as though you're in a touristy European city. Definitely a must try experience.
Lee
Our group of 7 had an awesome time at Basta! in Little Italy. The cavatelli was a big hit, as was the spaghetti and meatballs. Cocktails were exceptional, and such a fun vibe with great service. Can't wait to go again.
RachaelB
Long time Sam The Cooking Guy fan & been wanting to try Basta! — it didn't disappoint! The ambiance is very nice especially with the live music. The menu is a little small but the portions were just right and the food was great. Will be trying Sam's other spots in Little Italy!
Nicole
Very poor service and disappointing food. Server forgot our wine order until we reminded him (after apps delivered), then brought wrong drinks and insisted they were correct when asked why we had the wrong drinks, then charged for incorrect AND correct drinks. Bill was adjusted when asked but wouldn't this be a good time to comp the drinks?? Food was okay... not worth the price. salad was fine. rigatoni pasta was bland and not good quality. meatball flavorless. gnocchi appetizer fried and so salty. not coming back Expected so much more from "Sam the Cooking Guy"
Kevin
We had early reservations and were seated immediately. The server was great and helped explain the food, and tapis style. The food was okay, not a fan of Meatball, but generally, everything else was OK. If you need a restroom, they will give you the code to the one in the food court which is next door. Interesting.
hannah
Highly recommend the vodka rigatoni and bone marrow app! Fun patio and cute ambience. The front of the house was definitely understaffed but everyone was super friendly, remained attentive and they powered though it! Will def visit Basta again :)
Highly recommend the vodka rigatoni and bone marrow app! Fun patio and cute ambience. The front of the house was definitely understaffed but everyone was super friendly, remained attentive and they powered though it! Will def visit Basta again :)
Porchetta was inedible and tough to chew. Service was decent. Tortellini good, rest of food was average at best. This place seems to cater towards their happy hour and alcoholic beverages. Great location though!
Ken Burch
Amazing menu, something for everyone…i recommend to try something outside your comfort zone. We had a little of everything and couldnt pick a favorite. Great atmosphere and very knowledgeable staff!
Share plates, family style creates a fun experience of sharing and talking about the food. The food itself is spectacular. Don't miss chicken and waffles. Great cocktails. 
AmyH
Overall, I would normally give a better review but the noise level was really high. The band in the courtyard was fantastic but because Basta had windows & doors open for ventilation it was loud as all get out to even have a conversation without yelling across the table at our friends. Too bad about this as the food was great as was the waitstaff. I hope Basta works out the noise kinks somehow
frank
Sam our family hopes you read this. We had a party of four last Saturday night. We watched you on kiss. We all wanted to share plates like you suggested. I ordered chicken and waffles. I am 68 years old never have I had that dish. On tv you did an outstanding job. I wanted that plate. Waitress says I’m sorry we are out. You put that on tv and your out? It’s 8:00 Saturday night. We are very disappointed. Now the worst part I’ve tried to call the restaurant 5 times since. No answer and message machine is full. I go on your carry out menu it’s the same number. How does someone order a carry out if you don’t answer the phone? Sam your place has great food but we are very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Rod Vigil
Sam’s newest restaurant is so good! We had the bone marrow garlic bread, Italian chicken & waffles, ricotta tortellini, and the cannoli chips & dip. It was all outstanding! We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
RebecaF
The atmosphere and food was absolutely delicious and the staff was amazing. Our server Laurence was very knowledgeable and gave us the best recommendations. We had three entrées, two cocktails and one dessert. Dea Tropicale ?Almalfi Glow ?Spaghetti and meat ball ?Uni Cavatalli ??Chicken and waffle ?Cannoli Chips + Dip
So we travelled from Vancouver BC to see one of my fav YouTube figure Sam the cooking guys restaurant. We walked in and it was a padres game on and the place was empty. We had our doubts at that point. When the food came out all doubts were erased. Fantastic food. Great value. And the staff were so good. Folks hit this gem up. @paul_the_animal
Food is very high quality and with amazing flavors. The fried gnocchi is a must try and the tartare is truly amazing if that's your thing. Their bread is crusty and crunchy on the outside and soft of the inside. Sitting outside is recommended and the entire experience feels as though you're in a touristy European city. Definitely a must try experience.
Our group of 7 had an awesome time at Basta! in Little Italy. The cavatelli was a big hit, as was the spaghetti and meatballs. Cocktails were exceptional, and such a fun vibe with great service. Can't wait to go again.
Long time Sam The Cooking Guy fan & been wanting to try Basta! — it didn't disappoint! The ambiance is very nice especially with the live music. The menu is a little small but the portions were just right and the food was great. Will be trying Sam's other spots in Little Italy!
Very poor service and disappointing food. Server forgot our wine order until we reminded him (after apps delivered), then brought wrong drinks and insisted they were correct when asked why we had the wrong drinks, then charged for incorrect AND correct drinks. Bill was adjusted when asked but wouldn't this be a good time to comp the drinks?? Food was okay... not worth the price. salad was fine. rigatoni pasta was bland and not good quality. meatball flavorless. gnocchi appetizer fried and so salty. not coming back Expected so much more from "Sam the Cooking Guy"
We had early reservations and were seated immediately. The server was great and helped explain the food, and tapis style. The food was okay, not a fan of Meatball, but generally, everything else was OK. If you need a restroom, they will give you the code to the one in the food court which is next door. Interesting.
Highly recommend the vodka rigatoni and bone marrow app! Fun patio and cute ambience. The front of the house was definitely understaffed but everyone was super friendly, remained attentive and they powered though it! Will def visit Basta again :)
Highly recommend the vodka rigatoni and bone marrow app! Fun patio and cute ambience. The front of the house was definitely understaffed but everyone was super friendly, remained attentive and they powered though it! Will def visit Basta again :)
Porchetta was inedible and tough to chew. Service was decent. Tortellini good, rest of food was average at best. This place seems to cater towards their happy hour and alcoholic beverages. Great location though!
Amazing menu, something for everyone…i recommend to try something outside your comfort zone. We had a little of everything and couldnt pick a favorite. Great atmosphere and very knowledgeable staff!
Restaurantji Recommends
Share plates, family style creates a fun experience of sharing and talking about the food. The food itself is spectacular. Don't miss chicken and waffles. Great cocktails. 
Overall, I would normally give a better review but the noise level was really high. The band in the courtyard was fantastic but because Basta had windows & doors open for ventilation it was loud as all get out to even have a conversation without yelling across the table at our friends. Too bad about this as the food was great as was the waitstaff. I hope Basta works out the noise kinks somehow
Sam our family hopes you read this. We had a party of four last Saturday night. We watched you on kiss. We all wanted to share plates like you suggested. I ordered chicken and waffles. I am 68 years old never have I had that dish. On tv you did an outstanding job. I wanted that plate. Waitress says I’m sorry we are out. You put that on tv and your out? It’s 8:00 Saturday night. We are very disappointed. Now the worst part I’ve tried to call the restaurant 5 times since. No answer and message machine is full. I go on your carry out menu it’s the same number. How does someone order a carry out if you don’t answer the phone? Sam your place has great food but we are very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Sam’s newest restaurant is so good! We had the bone marrow garlic bread, Italian chicken & waffles, ricotta tortellini, and the cannoli chips & dip. It was all outstanding! We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The atmosphere and food was absolutely delicious and the staff was amazing. Our server Laurence was very knowledgeable and gave us the best recommendations. We had three entrées, two cocktails and one dessert. Dea Tropicale ?Almalfi Glow ?Spaghetti and meat ball ?Uni Cavatalli ??Chicken and waffle ?Cannoli Chips + Dip
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