It’s been a while since we went to Basta Pasta, a couple of blocks from Union Square and, as we had to be in that area, we decided to go back there for dinner. I could not believe how packed this place was, from the beginning to the moment when we left, several people waiting near the entrance for a table at 9pm. For sure, the kitchen was a bit backed up, a large table not helping, but our waiter did a good job keeping us posted as to when our dishes would come.

The menu is phenomenal but know that the Chef is not Italian but Japanese: Chef Satoru Takada who shows a certain creativity in some of the dishes.

After we ordered some drinks, they brought us some Gorgonzola and mascarpone on a small toast as an amuse, as well as a bread basket where my favorite was the Italian sticks.

As a cocktail, I went for the Babbo Natale, made with whisky, apple cider, apple purée, cinnamon, lime juice and simple syrup. Not too strong, you definitely get the taste of the apple and cinnamon. Like an apple pie cocktail! They also have non alcoholic beverages and so Jodi got the Pompelmo, made with grapefruit juice, fresh mint, soda and tonic. Refreshing.

I started the meal with an appetizer: the calamari alla griglia or grilled squid with homemade sausage stuffed with curry risotto. The calamari was well made, not rubbery, but I admit that the most surprising part of the dish was the sausage that looked at a potato...Once cut in half, it revealed a delicious risotto.

Then, for her main, Jodi ordered the spaghetti con mozzarella, pomodori e funghi, that are spaghetti with shiitake mushrooms, mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato sauce and basil. Classic and good, quite comforting.

Spaghetti con mozzarella at Basta pasta in NYC, NY

I do not think the pasta was homemade as they typically would mention it on the menu item, as they did for my dish, the tagliolini Nero con gamberetto e granchio. It was homemade squid ink tagliolini, shrimp, crab meat and shredded zucchini in a spicy tomato sauce. Usually, when I go to an Italian restaurant and they have squid ink pasta, I cannot resist ordering it and for sure I was not disappointed by this dish, although my white shirt had collateral damage...Yes, the pasta was delicious, perfectly cooked, smothered by a robust sauce that had a very slight kick.

Squid ink tagliolini at Basta pasta in NYC, NY

Last was dessert. We decided to try their torta caprese instead of the classic tiramisu, curious to see what this chocolate almond cake would taste like. I admit that when they brought the place, the cake, that was sitting next to vanilla gelato looked dry. It was not. Chocolatey, slightly chewy, it was very good with or without the ice cream and we (I should say I) did not have any problem to finish it.

We left glad that we got to eat at Basta Pasta. It might not be your classic Italian but it has solid dishes that do not disappoint. I really recommend it.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Basta Pasta - 37 W 17th Street, New York 10011

Basta Pasta: When a Japanese Chef makes Italian food

Jean-Philippe Gerbi