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Name: Basta Pasta Enoteca
Address: 150 Hancock St, Quincy, MA, 02171
Telephone: (617) 479-7979
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.33

Basta Pasta Enoteca

150 Hancock St, Quincy, MA, 02171

(617) 479-7979
Store is closed

Basta Pasta Enoteca Menu

Appetizers

Mini Arancinis

Bruschetta

Sautéed Calamari

Pan Seared Shrimp

Steamed P.e.i Mussels

Steamed Littleneck Clams

Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Soups & Salads

Homemade Minestron

House Salad

Classic Caesar

Roasted Red Beets

Spinach Salad

Caprese

Antipasto (for Two)
Entrées

Baked Stuffed Eggplant

Chicken Or Veal Parmigiana

Chicken Or Veal Marsala

Chicken Or Veal Picatta

Grilled Salmon

Baked Cod And Mussels
Risotto

Mixed Mushroom

White Risotto

Chicken Broccoli Spinach

Frutta Di Mare
Pasta

Lobster Ravioli

Gnocchi Pesto

Bolognese

Homemade Meatballs Pomodoro

Squashed Olives

Cheese Ravioli Pomodoro

Chicken Ziti Broccoli

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Gorgonzola

Shrimp

Frutti Di Mare Marinara

Pomodor
Pizza

Cheese

Margherita

Bianca

Pepperoni

Meatball

Pancetta

Spicy Sausage

Spicy Buffalo Chicken

Bbq Chicken

Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza .

Sausage And Peppers

Baked Ziti

Eggplant

Shrimp Scampi
Sides

Steamed Broccoli

Spinach & Artichoke Saut

Hand Cut Fries With Fresh Thyme

Homemade Meatballs In House Tomato Sauce

Garlic Bread With House Tomato Sauc

Side House Salad

Side Caesar Salad

Side Of Pasta With Red Sauce

Side Of Homemade Fusilli In Red Sauce

Side Of Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Healthy Meal suggestions for Basta Pasta Enoteca

Appetizers

Mini Arancinis [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruschetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sautéed Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Seared Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed P.e.i Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Littleneck Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Chicken Tenders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salads

Homemade Minestron [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Red Beets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto (for Two) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrées

Baked Stuffed Eggplant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Or Veal Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Or Veal Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Or Veal Picatta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Cod And Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Risotto

Mixed Mushroom [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Broccoli Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frutta Di Mare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Lobster Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi Pesto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Meatballs Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Squashed Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Ravioli Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Ziti Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Cacciatore [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Gorgonzola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frutti Di Mare Marinara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pomodor [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizza

Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Margherita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bianca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepperoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meatball [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pancetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Buffalo Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza . [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage And Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Ziti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eggplant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Scampi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Steamed Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Artichoke Saut [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hand Cut Fries With Fresh Thyme [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Meatballs In House Tomato Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Bread With House Tomato Sauc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Of Pasta With Red Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Of Homemade Fusilli In Red Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Of Pasta With Alfredo Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Quincy for healthy meals suggestion.

Applebee’s ( 200 Hancock St )

Visit below restaurant in Quincy for healthy meals suggestion.

Applebee’s ( 200 Hancock St )

Write An Anonymous Review

Dinorah R.

My GO-TO since I made my way there. It's very-very unexpected as it sits in a location of Quincy where there isn't much going on. It's literally a hidden treasure! The decor is eclectic, trendy and updated. The food is OUTSTANDING! The employees are very friendly and super attentive. You can dress down, dress up or just be you and you never stand out. I recommend this spot to all foodies.
(5)
Jay K.

Basta Pasta, you have eluded me for a long time. Every time I pass by you look closed, but finally last night you were definitely clearly open. I snagged the last parking space in the tiny lot and grabbed a chicken parm for dinner. Ok portion, enough to save some for a snack later. The bartender was friendly and the place was cozy. Small place, maybe 10 small tables and a bar that fits maybe 10-12 chairs. It was not too busy, but was more than half full, nice to see they are well known enough to draw a crowd. The parm was good, but not mega flavorful. That's ok though, I added salt and parmesan cheese and it was pretty damn good with that. The chicken was thin, which is my favorite kind, so that's a plus. Bread served to snack on was a little stale and the dipping oil wasn't very flavorful. I might come back and explore the menu more. I saw someone order the lamb and it looked amazing.
(3)
Lizzie B.

Basta Pasta reminds me of my childhood, in the best way possible. Let me explain... My parents are Boston Irish. They do not eat things besides meat and potatoes, and - inexplicably, Italian food. They do not do small portions. They do not hold an appreciation for garnishes, or witty table service. They want tasty, straightforward food, in LARGE PORTIONS. It also helps when everything on the menu is easy to pronounce. ANYWAYS, my parents did not accompany me to Basta Pasta, my toonie (hint: opposite of Townie) boyfriend came instead. He ordered some sort of fancy trout dish- something my parents probably would have made fun of him for- if they were so informed. I ordered, Chicken Parmesan with homemade fusilli pasta. The chicken breast was the size of my head, and generously breaded. The marinara sauce was zesty with garlic. The pasta? Tender and flavorful. Cheese? Generously smothered on everything- as it should be. Duh. Service? Friendly, to the point, and rightfully suspicious of my hipster boyfriend. We were the only patrons in the place under the age of 65, and we definitely screamed "outsiders." You are provided free bread and oil with your meal. My advice- don't indulge. The bread is stale and the oil without red pepper. Basta also boasts a full bar, a a pretty decent wine and beer list. Take out is available as well. Verdict: Basta Pasta is not "cool" in any sense. I do not imagine it every making Eater's "Hot" list, but it will satisfy as Townie's craving for good ol' fashion comfort food.
(4)
Jessica N.

Basta Pasta Enoteca is located right of the highway and lies on the border of North Quincy, I thought that I would be blown away by allthe pasta due to the fact that Pasta is literally in the restaurant name. However, I went here on a friday night with my friends and we were conversing not only with ourselves but the other 2 tables we were sitting next too. Its was really loud and there was a ton of people. The food is reasonable but I wasn't blown away. Definately coming back to give it another chance even though it was really crowded. I can only imagine what the service would be during off hours. Maybe it will be better.
(3)
Secret S.

This place on a Friday night was SO LOUD. It was really uncomfortable having to yell over the noise to heard. The bread is lousy. Avoid it. The arroncinis were good. Much better with a little salt added. I got the homemade fusilli which was supposed to be in a tomato cream sauce. Instead it came with the basic red sauce. I did like it but I was expecting a creamier sauce. I was told the chicken Marsala was good. They don't carry Corona Light. Bummer. I might try this place for lunch again but the noise level will keep me from coming back for dinner.
(3)
Molly G.

Very affordable pasta place. I had the spicy eggplant linguini (added shrimp which was no problem at all) and it was delicious. I do wish it came with any cheese though, or that they offered to shred some fresh parmesan cheese over your food like so many italian places do. That would've been a great touch. My boyfriend had chicken alfredo which he liked as well. Service was a little slow however, and the waiter was somewhat forgetful. I never for the spoon I requested for my pasta, and he gave us the wrong page for the check. But he was super friendly which was nice. I also wish they hadn't been out of gnocchi as that would've been my first choice to order. Allover, it was a good meal for a good price and we'll definitely be coming back.
(4)
Justin B.

I am glad to do my part to help BP get up to four stars. I live in the hood and have been here lots of times over the years, even going back to Tullio's (different owner). But, they have really upped their game lately and I had to write a review. They have an excellent draft beer list, including Lagunitas and the hop hunter IPA from Sierra Nevada. That is outstanding. Only a few places in Boston have such good beers on such a short draft list. And of course some Peroni because it is after all, an Italian place. I was drinking wine this night anyway and I was pleased to see a Soave on the menu. A half order of salads is a great option. I wouldn't have ordered a whole one. The Gorgonzola sauce with chicken and penne was great. They held the walnuts for me. JD the bartender was very knowledgeable and friendly. I ordered take out a few nights later and it was great too. All around a super dining options in North Quincy.
(4)
Orr R.

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. My baked stuffed eggplant was delicious (and MASSIVE)! It was a veritable mountain of cheesy, veggie (pretend that's an adjective), eggplant-y goodness, atop a pile of delicious homemade fusili. The tiramisu was fantastic as well; airy, flavorful, and cool. A friend of mine asked for a sauce substitution in his seafood dish and the waitress and kitchen were totally accommodating. I'd recommend it to anyone in the area.
(4)
Sara H.

I went here with coworkers, great place with nice atmosphere. Pomodor with homemade pasta was INSANE. Good portion, too.
(5)
Nancy C.

Oh boy! New restaurant for us in Quincy! The ambiance was great, but the gnocchi and pizza were even better! Terrific waitstaff, as well! We'll be seeing you again!
(5)
James T.

Came here for the first time with two coworkers for lunch. Was pleasantly surprised by the interior. Nothing to fancy and up scale, but very accommodating and spacious (for lunch). Waitress was helpful with the menu. They could have had the staff feel more interested in their patrons but no big fuss about that. I ordered the Chicken Pollo panini on a banquet which was very good. I split half of that order with a coworker who ordered the smoked mozzarella. This was lacking a bit in flavor, maybe a little bit more tomato but overall it wasn't terrible. The sandwiches come with chopped romaine lettuce dressed in a light coating of balsamic vinegar (not sure if that is a regular thing but I would suggest using mixed greens than romaine). The last coworker got the chicken piccata pasta which looked pretty good from an outside perspective. He finished and of course said it was delicious. Though I'm uncertain of how their dinner service would be (assuming the place gets busy). Overall this place gets a 3.5 or 4 in my opinion despite some of the other lackluster reviews. I would definitely be open to getting more lunch here again.
(4)
Dan M.

This place is a little gem. I've eaten here a couple of times and everytime I have been impressed. The flavor, the seasoning, everything, is done just right. The only thing that surprises me is why there is not a line out the door to get into this place. Food this good should be appreciated by as many people as possible. You simply cannot get a better sandwich in Quincy.
(4)
Renee L.

I've driven by this place so many times without a second thought but one night I was craving pasta and so my boyfriend suggested we try out Basta Pasta Enoteca. The location is a bit off, the hours are strange, and the staff could smile some more, but aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed my food experience here. The wait for the food was ridiculously long but I didn't mind because I had a lot to talk about and we were given bread and butter. I had the Gnocchi daily special that was featured and I was absolutely blown away by the entree. Amongst the creamy gnocci was a full salmon filet that just melted in my mouth and was perfectly cooked the way I like it! Also a great plus were mussels in my gnocchi that I overlooked while peeking over the menu. I cannot get over how insanely tender the salmon was in my pasta dish-I think that fully makes up for the long wait time. I would love to visit the restaurant again!
(4)
Deirdre L.

My boyfriend and I went in for dinner for my birthday on Friday. I was so excited to try it after looking at the menu and hearing good things about it from people. Boy were we disappointed. The restaurant has maybe 12 tables max all seating between 2-4 people and maybe 12 seats at the bar. There were a few open tables and two waitresses, 2 bartenders, 1 hostess, and 1 busser working. We ordered our drinks and had to wait almost 5 minutes for them and even then they were quickly dropped at the tables before our waitress rushed to another table and was not seen again for another 5 minutes. Sangria? Try red wine with fruit, I drank maybe a quarter of my glass and even then could not get rid of a horrible after taste. We ordered buffalo tenders as an appetizer and it was the only part of our meal and even they were nothing to write home about. I ordered the spicy eggplant as my meal as suggested by my waitress and I have never been more disappointed with a meal. The eggplant was watery and the overall quality of the dish was poor. My boyfriend ordered the chicken broccoli and ziti in the garlic and oil sauce and it was basically basically pasta and chicken in a bowl of water. Neither of us could even eat our meals and after several attempts gave up. The service left little to be desired. We saw our waitress a total of 4 times in the over an hour we were there. My boyfriend had an empty beer and waited 10 minutes before she even came over to ask if he wanted another one. She didn't even bother to ask how our food was and when she came over 15 minutes of having our plates in front of us we just asked to have our barely touched dishes wrapped up in the hope that we would be able to somehow improve it if we reheated them later. As a waitress myself I am very understanding and let a lot of things go but I was completely unimpressed with the entire staff. With the amount of tables in the small restaurant and 2 servers they would have 6 tables each maximum with a bus boy to help yet the service was very slow. If the service had been better I would have been able to get past the poor quality of the food and give this place another chance but the entire experience was just disappointing. Walking out my boyfriend said "Well I haven't had a bad meal in a while so I guess I was due". I really wanted to like this place because no one loves local restaurants or pasta more than I do but I do not see myself returning for a very long time if ever.
(1)
Lindsay G.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Basta never disappoints. Food is delicious! I will always come back!
(5)
Barry M.

Truly the worst Italian experience we ever had. 1. Fried Calamari - flat tasting breading with no seasoning. Originally served sautÃ©ed calamari but we asked for fried. It was quickly cooked with absolutely no seasoning, peppers etc., truly terrible. 2. Bread with Oil - just that. The oil was flat tasting. 3. Chicken Caesar Pizza and Marguerita Pizza - absolutely horrible, no seasoning at all just flat tasting sauce on dough, and Caesar salad on flat tasting dough. We had to ask for minced garlic on the side to sprinkle on to the pizza. Worst pizza we ever had and after one slice we took the rest home. I am not sure whether it was an off night, but whoever the chef is needs to learn that Italian food is cooked with seasoning. At the very least have hot peppers and Oregano on the tables as options, as even Papa Gino's gives you that. We will not be back, or as they say "one and done".
(1)
Dana S.

Such a cute little restaurant. We had ordered take out from here before but had never been to the actual restaurant. The beet salad was ridiculously huge and so good. Add a little salt and it was perfect. We also ordered our favorite pizza, the pancetta and smoked Gouda. It was crispy, salty, and hit the spot. My husband liked the meatball side dish but it thought they were a little too soft for my liking. Service was decent but the real stand out here is the food. Nice little gem at the edge of north Quincy.
(4)
John R.

I started going to Basta a few days after they first opened, 3 yrs ago? and have enjoyed it virtually every time I've gone. It's my "go-to" Italian because I know what to expect. Iprob. go there every 10 weeks or so as I can make great Italian at home. The space is kinda sparse and uninviting but I'm glad Basta took over in the location it's in because the space had been empty years. Last week I got the same thing I almost always get. The beet salad w/ goat cheese and then I add shrimp to it. ALWAYS ask for the sauce on the side because they are heavy handed with dressing, learned that the hard way! After that I got the house made fresh whole wheat pasta (love it) Fra Diavolo (shrimp. marinara, basil) and as usual only ate a few bites and took the rest home. Sometimes I get the Tiramisu which is very good as well. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get! I personally have tried the pizza twice and it's not been the style i like.
(4)
Larry M.

This is one of the few places I've been to where I can say I was never disappointed, and I've been here a lot. Great food, and better people serving it. Love the pasta (homemade fusili is best) , veal, fish and salads are great. They have a very good wine selection (excellent pour too) and make a nice martini. Best value and ambience in the Boston area! Also a good place to watch a game at the bar with 2 nice TVs.
(5)
Chah A.

Veal overcooked. Fun, local place. That is all I can give it. They just don't have down the basics of cooking. Ceiling fan is too strong and cools down food.
(2)
Yvonne R.

Hubby and I go here frequently, all in all its pretty good. I had to take stars away because of the Baked stuffed eggplant , the eggplant was a rubbery gray thing. On the upside, the homemade pasta here is soooo delish! Our server(guy) the only guy, was great!
(3)
Edward M.

A bit out of the way but a good place to get some decent Italian food. Their pizza and pastas are pretty good. The service varies from each visit. They have a full bar and a decent selection of wine. They lose a star because we ordered a bottle of wine and did not want to finish it because we felt we had drank too much. The waitress then manager told us we couldn't get our wine corked (even though in Massachusetts it is allowed to prevent duis) This really bothered me. I have never been to a restaurant that doesn't let you take your wine bottle to go. They would prefer I get into a car accident and kill someone which would legally go on them too. Not too bright. I will return but iced tea for me next time no ordering wine here.
(3)
H S.

More and more frequently, Basta Pasta is becoming our go-to for dinner. We eat out 2-4 times a week, and are never disappointed. We always sit at the bar-Kerry (I think?) is fantastic, and there is also a gentleman sometimes who is great as well. Fantastic selection of micro brews, good rotation on the wine list with plenty of reasonably priced options, and the food is excellent. I love the calamari appetizer, caesar, their greek salad is great. Had an outstanding Puttanesca special on our last visit-the pizzas are always a hit. Sometimes the food can take a bit---which should be expected for items that are freshly prepared with care. The only Italian restaurant in Quincy, as far as we're concerned.
(4)
Le N.

Good Italian food. Service could be better. So maybe 3-3.5 stars. I always get the chicken ziti broccoli in a red sauce - adding the dry peppers to it - pretty good. I also do remember the calamari being very good as well - not your typical fried calamari. It's calamari in a red sauce that goes very well with the bread they give you. One of the better Italian restaurants in Quincy for sure.
(3)
Asish P.

Good food and friendly service. We went to have dinner here during Memorial day weekend. They were able to accommodate a table for seven people, and the place was't empty. Ordered a pizza, the stuffed eggplant and some other items. All the food was really good. Nice simple flavors, and everything tasted fresh. I wish the exterior matched the interior and food at this restaurant.... the restaurant is surrounded by road construction on one side, a train line on the other... and what looks like a run down repair shop on the 3rd site.... For food, this is a good bet!
(4)
Carrie L.

I'm so glad there is a decent place to get pasta in Quincy. I normally get take-out from here. My favorite is their veal picatta with linguini. Very sour but I like it. My only complaint is the opening hours are not very consistent. There are so many times when I called and find out its closed.
(4)
Kerrie F.

Have ordered take out 3 times... The first time they forgot to include the 2 appetizers we ordered (didn't even include on bill so did not bother to go back). We placed the order there with the hostess and had a drink at the bar. Atmosphere was great. However, the stuffed eggplant was gross, and very soggy. The chix ziti was ok, but not one of the best. They do have good pizza, which is all we continue to order from here on occasion. It's a bit overpriced for what you get.
(2)
C R.

Nice little restaurant in North Quincy - just off of the highway at the very beginning of Hancock street. We were with a group of 8. Perhaps because of the size of our group service was a little slower (or perhaps I was impatient as I was hungry) as it seemed the smaller tables (2-4) seemed to getting drinks and food a little quicker. Our waitress was friendly enough although she seemed to be doing a lot of running around. They didn't seem to be understaffed as there were several staff bustling around although it didn't seem like they were shuttling food back and forth. In all though the staff did a good job. I had the oso buco and it was magnificent. The others in my group had various pasta dishes. All reported to be good. The steak dish that one in our group was good - although it didn't seem to equal that of the others' dishes. Prices seemed to be in the mid range; not cheap but not unreasonable. I'm not a big pasta fan so I don't want to appear to be too critical of Basta Pasta. It doesn't compare with Prisco's Pasta Market Cafe in Malden, but if I was in the area with friends who liked pasta, I'd certainly give it another go. One major down side - parking is very limited.
(3)
Jacob C.

Restaurant filled. Good crowd for a Sunday. Got arancini appetizer. It was good, but under seasoned. Chef needs to season things as he/she prepares recipe. I had to add salt and pepper. Marinara sauce was amazingly good. Ordered house made fusilli with bolognese. Very good and big portions. The bolognese lacked the flavor of what a traditional bolognese should taste like, however it was still good. It seems that the kitchen added too much tomato to their bolognese. Very little tomato is supposed to be added to this sauce. The key ingredient in a traditional bolognese sauce, is milk. The color should not have been this red. Pasta was al dente and great. Friend got chicken parm. he said it was amazing. Service was very kind and prompt.....I was very impressed with our waitress. She smiled and had great attention to detail. She was tipped well for her hard work. I recommend this place because the food was very good, reasonably priced and the service was amazing. I will definitely go back again.
(4)
Dan C.

Very disappointed by Basta Pasta. Came with a group of five and tried a little bit of everyone's and all of it was average at best. The pasta definitely tasted boxed, and there was little to no seasoning on anything. For the prices they charge, I expect a much higher quality standard. The Olive Garden makes better Italian food. I would give a one star, but they have Allagash White on tap and that is awesome. I won't be coming back.
(2)
Lauren F.

My boyfriend and I had a gift certificate to this place. Seemed pretty nice when we walked in, it was really slow. We started with the bruchetta..... They put about 5 full chopped tomatoes on top of a few pieces of bread. You had to dig into all the tomatoes to even find the bread. Very little balsamic and barely any goat cheese. Dinner came, everything was pretty bland. The chicken parm had barely any sauce, it was more like left over pasta that had been microwaved. Then the bill came, our bill was $45.. The gift cert was for $50, they refuse to let the remaining amount go toward the tip. Very strange and annoying... So now we have a gift card for $5. Obnoxious
(2)
Megan Q.

So I wanted my meal to be so much better and I think that it can be. I want to give this place another go on a night where they may be less busy, but it doesn't really change my experience from Valentine's Day. I do hope to be able to amend my review later. My husband made reservations for 7 pm (because we're getting old). There was no parking in their lot. I blame winter partly for this because people dint know how to park without lines. So I parked my car next door behind the restaurants van (and confirmed with the hostess that it was ok there). When we got there we were seated right away. They took us down to what I would consider a basement like room. There were three families with young children sitting down there, which is fine families have to eat too and 7 is a crap shoot time with families still being out and adult date time. The ambiance was ok. It got better around 8 when they toned things down with the lighting. The Food. I was very excited about the food. I love food and based on the reviews I thought it would be leaps and bounds better than it was. We got a shrimp appetizer with red pepper sauce. It was very good. So we started off the meal strong. The problem was more centered around the main dishes. They took a very long time to come out of the kitchen. Our waitress was very nice and apologized several times about it. So we finally got our food. My husband had the broccoli and chicken risotto. It was more watery then creamy like I have been led to believe risotto should be. The flavor was still good, but it was sitting in a pool of broth. I got a special. It was swordfish and gnocchi with calamari. The swordfish was ok and the sauce on pasta didn't have a lot of flavor it was just spicy, if that makes any sense. I could feel the burn, but there was no really flavor to it. The calamari was also pretty chewy. So that was a bummer. We waited a while for food that was only so so. I am thinking that maybe the kitchen was backed up and they pushed our order out and maybe that is where some of the seasoning issues and things came in. That is why I would like to try it again. We got tiramisu for dessert, which was good. Overall the prices are reasonable - if you get a better standard of food. Hopefully the next time will be better. Fingers crossed.
(2)
Beth M.

Very disappointing. The atmosphere is pleasing so I had hopes for the food, but was not tasty... at all. When my risotto was served my husband asked me what kind of soup I had ordered there was so much liquid in the bowl. Someone needs to give the kitchen a lesson in risotto. The chicken parm my husband ordered was ok but the tomato sauce on the pasta was bland and tasted like it came straight out of a can. The pastas were all overcooked and mushy. My salad was overdressed and soggy. What annoyed me most was that our salad dishes sat around finished on the table for 15 minutes while lazy servers stood around, literally right behind our table. One server kept bumping into my chair that was near the bar every time she walked by as if she was annoyed I was in her way. I am not sure if we'd give this place a second chance. The pizzas on other tables looked ok but the subpar service and poorly prepared dishes left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
(1)
Anna A.

I love this place. Is the best place i have ever been at since i moved in Massachusetts. They are clean, the food is delicious and the staff is very friendly and nice. The owner is such a good guy and the best chef. I definitely will continue to go there anytime. I enjoy a lot the wine and my meal in there.
(5)
Amanda M.

Driven by it a million times but all my friends advised me not to go- should have listened! I frequent the north end but live in Quincy so I wanted to try it out. Had a hankering for home made gnocchi but the only one they had on the menu had pesto. I requested to have it with marinara and after the bartender checked with the chef/manager/whoever (I doubt this even transpired), I was told they wouldn't make a fresh batch with marinara because it would be too small and they wouldn't make just one dish.... Ok.... So waitress/bartender? What do you suggest? She says the fusilli. I order that with the chicken parm with fusilli, arranchini, and garlic bread. Bread was a joke.. Just a sub roll with butter and some garlic. Arranchini was absolutely disgusting and flavorless. Sauce on chicken parm was mediocre- the sauce that came with the garlic bread was actually the best and that wasn't even that great. The only reason why it gets two stars is that the fusilli was pretty decent. So for a meal and an appetizer take out was 28.00- come on people. Plenty of other places around- avoid this joint!
(2)
Molly M.

Best pizza I have ever had. I went with coworkers for the first time last week. The outside looks a little dingy, but do not let that deter you! Pizza was spectacular! I also ordered a drink and it was spot on. I will be frequenting this place much more often!
(5)
Melanie W.

I've really enjoyed Basta Pasta Enoteca the three times I have gotten food here. I have only eaten at the actual restaurant once, and ordered take-out two other times. The service at the restaurant was attentive, but we were the only people eating there. I went with my dad for an early dinner after running a bunch of errands, so we got there around 4:30. The bread at the table was delicious, but I thought that the oil needed to have more flavor. Maybe some hot sauce or cheese. I ordered the meatball pomodoro with homemade whole wheat pasta and I thought it was really tasty. The sauce was flavorful, and they put out a shaker of Parmesan and another of hot pepper flakes, which I used. The whole wheat pasta was fine if you like whole wheat pasta, but it's not everyone's thing. For dessert, I got the tiramisu, which I really liked also. I also tried my dad's apple tart and vanilla ice cream. The tart was a lot larger than I thought and came piping hot in an individual baking tray. Very tasty. Sadly, I opted not to try the sangria, but that's on the agenda next time. They have a full bar and a small selection of local brews available. I've also tried the gnocchi with pesto cream sauce, which was good, but I wish there was the option to add chicken or something. I felt like it was missing something, which I think could have been fixed with some protein. I also ordered the spinach salad with grilled chicken and lemon shallot dressing another time. Since I ordered it to go, I didn't think it was packaged well. The grilled chicken was really hot and ended up a wilting a good portion of my salad by the time it got home. I think the chicken and salad should be packaged separately. I'm looking forward to trying their pizzas and sangria. I will not hesitate to come here next time I'm in the mood for Italian.
(4)
Kathy S.

I went to the Boston Flower Show and i had a groupon for this place. I was really excited to check it out. My Husband I went on a rain Wednesday afternoon around 3:30 P.M. We pulled in the parking lot and thought the place was closed. There was no cars in the parking lot. We drove up to the door to make sure the place was still in business. The sign said it was open so we went on in. It's a cute little place with a little bar and a small dining room. We were seated by a younger waitress who was very nice. The entire staff was glued to the TV. I guess they just paid $15.00 on pay per view to watch a soccer game. Ahm..to be honest..I could care less. I'm here to spend my money. If you want to watch soccer..Go home and take the day off. If you're running a business, I think that maybe your staff should be paying a bit more attention to the business and a little less attention to the freaking TV. I ordered the arachinis for an appetizer and my husband ordered the mussells. My arachinis were definitely overcooked. But, they were very good still. I think, again, if they were paying attention more to our food and less to their pay-per-view they may have gotten it right. Considering my Husband and I were the ONLY two customers in the entire place they may have wanted to get it right. My husband had a ton of mussels and he said they were very good. For dinner I ordered Chicken parmiggiana and My husband ordered a panini. My Chicken Parm came with pasta was that way under cooked. It was horrible. The Chix Parm was just alright. My husband was not happy with his panini at all..he picked it all apart and just ate the meat out of it. Unfortunately, FOR US, we came at a bad time..where soccer was more important than the two customers that were in the establishment. The only reason I'm even giving the 2 stars is because our waitress was fantastic! She went above and beyond and took very good care of us...We will not be going back here any time soon...
(2)
Anthony J.

HIGHLY disappointed in this Basta Pasta location... having been a long time patron of the original in Cambridge, I wanted to try the new larger and slightly spiffier location in Quincy. Upon entering, it's clear that this location is going for a much different ambiance than it's Cambridge father... much roomier, with a good sized bar and ample seating (as opposed to the much smaller and confined original location). This was a nice and pleasant surprise... and so was being waited on by a very friendly waitress who was quick to help myself and my friend once we were seated (even though there weren't many people in the restaurant, I was still impressed). The issue, unfortunately, came after we ordered our food. Both my friend and myself ordered what is my "regular" dish at the Cambridge location: chicken, ziti & broccoli. A dish that may take a maximum of 15 mins to prepare at the OG Basta Pasta, took at least 40 mins to prepare here (keep in mind that the Cambridge Basta is MUCH smaller and is EASILY busier than the Quincy location was on this night)..... I say "at least" because assuming that food prep would be similar to the original Basta Pasta, My friend and I had made plans that didn't allow us to wait any longer. In fact, as I voiced my concerns to my friend, our server over heard and actually asked the cooks in the kitchen what was taking so long. Soon after that, we had to apologize to our server and inform her we had to leave... she apologized and got the manager (I assume she was the manager... it was a woman who seemed to be in charge). This is where it got dicey.... the manager or whoever she was, actually got an attitude with us because we got tired of waiting... even after our waitress explained to her that our wait was excessive! This woman in charge tells me that this is the normal wait for what we ordered.... and I had to explain to her that I've been a long-time customer of the original Basta Pasta and order that dish regularly... in a MUCH busier environment and never had to wait more than 15 mins! So why was it that we had to wait nearly 40 mins (and still counting) in a restaurant that was not busy to the naked eye and can hear the cooks laughing and making jokes in the kitchen? Pathetic customer service. So sadly, I didn't get to try the food at the new location of Basta Pasta but I'm forced to give them 1 star for my overall experience with this restaurant AND the customer service given by management. The lone bright spot was our waitress... a diamond in the rough.
(1)
Julian C.

The Best restaurant on this part of Hancock St. in Quincy hands down. The pasta is homemade and they even offer wheat pasta. Take out is available. The Peperoni pizza with caramelized onions will melt in your mouth. The spaghetti Bolognese is the best that I have had outside the north end. I would also recommend the chicken Marsalla (order extra sauce) and the chicken Cacciatore. You really cant go wrong with what you order because everything is good.
(4)
Katie R.

I did not like the arrancinis which is what everyone seems to rave about. I don't think technically it was their fault I think i just don't like arrancini's to begin with. However the homemade pasta was so good! the plain old marinara was really fresh and tasty and the presentation was pretty. the meatballs were ok. My boyfriends chicken parm was average. Service was really good.
(3)
Dianne M.

My boyfriend and I ate at Basta Pasta last weekend and I've got to say it was PHENOMENAL! If you are looking for an Italian restaurant on the South Shore that rivals those of the North End look no further than Basta Pasta. This visit, which I am writing about today, was our third visit to the restaurant. We were waited on by Morgan, who was extremely nice and accommodating. She was honest with us when we sat at the bar and asked for a cocktail menu - telling us that she was not a trained bartender but she would do her best to make us cocktails if that's what we wanted. We both ended up going with draft selections, as we were just there for a few drinks and appetizers. We got the Mini Arancinis & the Grilled Bruschetta to start off with. Both were melt in your mouth delicious. The marinara sauce that came with the Mini Arancinis tasted like authentic Italian marinara sauce. It had that sweet and savory taste to it that only seasoned chefs can achieve in a marinara sauce. As for the Grilled Bruschetta, the tomatoes were so fresh and the balsamic vinaigrette was so good I could have drank a bottle of it. We then ordered the Fried Calamari which was one of the best calamari orders I have had. Sometimes calamari disappoints me if it comes out too greasy or chewy...this order was neither. Since we came in on an early Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere was quiet and relaxing which was what we wanted at the time. I was so impressed with this visit, that I have decided to return later this week for my Birthday dinner.
(5)
Tom G.

I've been to Basta Pasta twice, once alone on Valentine's day, and once a few months later with my wife. On Valentine's Day, I had one of the specials (lobster ravioli), and it was excellent. The wine pairings they offered were only so-so, however, and it took about four tries to get a decent white to go with the dish. My second visit, with my wife, was not as positive, I'm afraid. My wife had a special involving salmon over pasta, and I had a caprese salad. Both of our dishes were mediocre. My wife's salmon was WAY overcooked, and my salad had very little basil (usually a central component of caprese). We'll probably give it one more try, and let the third try be the tiebreaker.
(3)
Jennifer N.

Dinner last night explained why Basta Pasta issued a BuyWithMe for half off (pay $15, get $30 worth of food). Sure am glad we did not pay full price for this meal. First, they gave us bread with oil. The oil had at least 50 red pepper flakes in it. And they were not some fancy flakes, they were the ones you see at Papa Ginos in a shaker you can put on your pizza. In any case, am I the only one who does not like red pepper? If you are going to make your oil five-alarm, you probably should ask your guest if they like it that way. I had the mussels and the caprese for dinner. Let me start with the mussels. They were cold. So cold, it was gross. Mussels should be hot- and there was no broth in the bowl and the appeal of mussels absorbing flavors was completely not there. I actually still feel a little off today thinking about them. Gross. Caprese was not what I expected. Why was it piled on top of iceberg lettuce? I am not so picky that I hate iceberg, but if you are trying to have a fancy salad at least use you some better greens, or none. Mozzarella was all cut in small chunks, making it a challenge to even get a bite with both tomato and cheese. Besides the fact the whole thing was swimming in balsamic. Both were huge disappointments. I guess they filled our waters, so that's good. And it was half off. Two stars may be generous, though. I am so not a fan of Basta Pasta.. I suggest avoiding it.
(2)
Traci K.

Not too bad for a nice office lunch outing. My co-workers were raving about Basta Pasta's beet salad - so we decided to check it out. Personally, I'm not a fan of the beets, so I opted for a panini sandwich. The beet salad (roasted beets over mixed greens with goat cheese and a balsamic syrup) looked pretty tasty. Add chicken or shrimp and magic. I had the prosciutto panini (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on ciabatta). The sandwich was admittedly huge - but the prosciutto was just not right. It was weirdly stringy. The moz, tomato and basil was great - though I'm not sure I'd have this sandwich again. Among other paninis attempted - the meatball on french baguette (which ended up being more bread than meatball) and the Italiano Pollo (grilled chicken, roasted red peppers and pesto on baguette). If not for my coworkers' rave reviews about the beet salad, I'd pass - but if that's something you're into, I guess it's a-OK.
(3)
Jessi R.

The Phantom Gourmet reviewed Basta Pasta this morning, and when an out-of-town friend came over unexpectedly, we had to make a fast dinner decision. And who can say no to Italian? Although I've been driving past the restaurant since it opened, I still wasn't expecting it to be SO small. Probably 15 tables plus the bar. Granted, the brick wood-fired oven took up a ton of space. We arrived a little early for the dinner crowd, and it's a Sunday during football season, so I wasn't expecting it to be full, but less than half the tables were taken by the time we left. It's also in a poor location on a major road making it difficult to get in and out, and there is no good means of getting foot traffic either. The menu isn't extensive, which I appreciate--I hate having to decide from pages of delicious sounding food, so a 3-page menu (including Apps and Pizza) is perfect to me. The Phantom had said to try the bolognese, and he was right; my fiance ordered that with the homemade fusilli, which was totally worth the extra $2. My stuffed eggplant was wonderful, although they make the eggplant ahead of time, so I wasn't able to get it without the roasted peppers. Our friends both raved about their chicken with gorgonzola, and both finished their plates, which I took as a good sign. The prices weren't crazy-expensive, but were high enough that I tried to stick with less expensive items. Although, I'm sure that if I wasn't a grad student, the prices wouldn't have been quite so daunting. Our server was sweet and kept our water glasses full--as soon as one person was done, she filled all of them; that earns an automatic half star in my book. The room was a little darker than I'd like, but I'm picky. I think their major downfall is going to be location and a small-ish parking lot. We'll likely be going here again.
(3)
Catie C.

Where should we go? Here? There? Well, let's try Basta Pasta! Semi reminds me of a cafeteria because of its open floor plan of about 15 tables. For such a small restaurant, the service is pretty slow and so is the volume on a saturday evening. I opted to try the special, Osso Bucco. It's really tender and most certainly sucked out the bone marrow. It was certainly not a disappointment for a first timer with a generous portion that was good for lunch another day.
(3)
Jon G.

Not sure why more people don't love this place. The food is terrific. I especially love the chicken parm, which is pounded razor thin, on top of the homemade fusilli. (Make sure you spring for the homemade pasta, well worth the extra two bucks.) There's a good wine list and they offer a small but very good selection of beers. On our last visit I got a bottle of dunkelweiss from the local Blue Hills Brewery. Prices aren't bad either. Actually (and I'm a little ashamed to admit this) we ate at an Olive Garden off the highway coming back from NY last week, and the food was about the same price as Basta Pasta's -- except, you know, totally mediocre and uninspired. The atmosphere is really pleasant -- exposed brick, airy feeling, low lighting, just a tiny bit bigger than intimate so you don't feel crowded. Our waitress was wonderful, and honestly the bar is pretty inviting -- it wouldn't be a bad spot to watch a game as they have a couple of flat-screens. The only reason I won't 't give this place five stars is because it's on that stretch of Hancock St. that feels like you're at the end of the earth; if you're at a window table, you're not exactly gazing out over the verdant Tuscan countryside. Lastly, be warned that they use a LOT of garlic in some dishes, if that bothers you. (Though if it does, what are you doing at an Italian restaurant anyway?)
(4)
Janine K.

We Went to Basta Pasta for the first time the other day to celebrate my daughters birthday. The food was only ok, but rather bland and the service was not very friendly. Not a special place for a birthday. The one good thing is their extensive wine list with pretty good prices on a variety of wines.
(2)
J C.

I don't get the bad reviews for this restaurant. Yes, the parking lot's a bit small but the food's been great every time I've been there (or ordered take-out). I've never had an issue with the service either. They have an impressive been and wine selection. The atmosphere is friendly and attractive. I admit the private function area downstairs is a bit "dungeon-like" but I've never actually used it. The Pan Seared Shrimp appetizer is my favorite thing on the menu; I was disappointed when I found out it wasn't on their lunch menu. The remoulade and greens are the perfect accompaniment. The Steamed Littleneck Clams appetizer is delicious with the toast to sop up all that garlicky broth. The Bolognese has become the STANDARD to which I compare every Italian restaurant. I always get it with the homemade fusilli - it's totally worth the upcharge - and the serving is large enough for me that I bring home two more meals as leftovers. The Chicken Parm is hearty. The Chicken Marsala is great (though I don't recommend the homemade pasta with that dish as I found it challenges the flavor of the sauce). My best friend's favorite is the pancetta pizza, which is a bit too calorie-laden for me but it's definitely good. I've tried a bunch of other dishes and have been happy with all of them. Even the bread and dipping oil is above par; I find myself lightly fighting with friends over it. The only thing I was somewhat disappointed in was the Calamari appetizer, and that was mostly because I'm used to it fried so the sauteed soup-like? style was a surprise. I strongly vote that folks try this place. It's my favorite Italian restaurant nowadays.
(5)
dawn d.

I always leave here spending $40 for myself and wishing I hadn't. (always for dinner) Don't get me wrong, the food is good, and I leave with a full belly and leftovers. It's just that I get caught up, sitting at the bar, ordering a glass of wine and salad to go with my dinner. The portions are generous! Not to mention they serve bread with olive oil, red pepper flakes and parm cheese. On the menu: appetizers $6-$9, salads $6-$8, (2) Risotto choices, (14) pasta dishes $13-$21, Pizza $11-$13, There are also a few kids meals There is one meal that I crave....chicken gorgonzola with walnuts. The flavors are very interesting, the gorgonzola cream sauce is mild, get it with the homemade fussilli, although they charge extra ($1.99) Why I won't give it more stars: * There is only one size salad - sometimes I like just a small side salad to go with my pasta dish * No substitutions - I mean, no chicken piccata only veil? * Service is inconsistant - I've only sat at the bar, the bartenders hustle they do, but my food either takes too long or I have bread, salad and my meal sitting in front me all at the same time * Can't get the temperature right - I've been really cold or really hot, my first time here was the week they opened and I just thought, well they are getting used to the open oven etc, but it's definitely been consistently extreme!
(3)
Tom M.

In Quincy often and probably could not count the number of times I've passed Basta Pasta and said to myself... got to try. Today a friend and I went for lunch at his recommendation. Just amazing. As the Phantom might say "a true hidden jewel" in Quincy. I know the next time I'm in Quincy be it lunch or dinner I will be there again. Service, food, quantity, atmosphere all great!
(4)
Tara L.

I've come here a few times for dinner mid-week. This place beats a lot of restaurants in the area. The food is made to order and varies - sandwiches, pizza, or large entrees. I love the beer selection as well... Microbrews. The service from the waitresses and bartenders has been friendly and knowledgeable. My ONLY complaint...I wish the owners would upgrade the metal/wooden chairs. They are very uncomfortable, like something you'd sit on for outside dining.
(4)
Lillian P.

Love it here - the food is fresh and amazing. Sweet little tucked away place. Parking can be tough but well worth the hassle. Every dish has been amazing and great portions too! Try the meatballs!
(5)
Frank B.

Tried Basta this evening for the first time. Despite lots on negative and mediocre reviews both my wife and I were pleasantly surprised. At first glance, the decor is stark from what I remember as the former Tulios Restaurant ,open floor plan and a little loud. That being said we were quickly seated and the dining area and bar were pretty full. Our order was taken relatively quickly, we were served with bread and olive oil/w cheese , very good. For starters we ordered mini arincini, it was OK ,not great but pretty good. For the main coarse I ordered chicken Marcella wit linguine,happy to say very good , chicken cooked perfectly as was the linguine, and the Marcella sauce was very good and portions size was plentiful. My wife ordered the Chicken Gorgonzola ,also well prepared and plentiful. Overall good food and fair prices, though our waitress seemed to get lost every once in a while
(4)
Dre R.

We arrived at 4 for a late lunch, we were the first ones there. The hubby really really enjoyed his sausage pasta dish. He was very pleased. I was satisfied with my ravioli and meatball but now Wowed by any means. We also got the canoli for a dessert, i hated it but the hubby again liked the bland non sugar filled cream inside. I thought it was flavorless. The decor was cute enough, small area but nice. The place did seem very clean. Bonus star for that. The bad: I was seriously annoyed at all the employees watching TV and texting in plain view. (with exception of one chef and one waitress). Granted it was slow at this time but i just feel its rude to be yelling and talking to the TV while you are on duty at a job. I dont ever sit at the bar and maybe i am socially retarded to it but i was only getting more annoyed when the bar tender lady was talking with my hubby about her drunk driving issues she had experienced in her life. Seriously?? sure she was a good server and prompt but i can really do without all the chattering. I guess when i go to dinner with someone i want to go with them and not be forced to eat my meal listening to some strangers stories. In a nutshell, food was good and descent priced. I would opt next time to sit at a table. If i could give 2.5 stars i would
(3)
L C.

This place is tiny. We went here for a birthday dinner and for such a small establishment, they wanted to charge us a cake cutting fee - $2 per person. It's a bday party so of course we had a larger party - so the cake cutting fee would have cost more than the cake itself. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me. It was a Friday night and the restaurant was full but not over capacity or anything and our food took FOREVER to make. The food portions were large though. Or maybe I stuffed too many pieces of bread dipped in Papa Gino olive oil pepper flakes and parmesan cheese while we waited! I didn't like my dish because I thought it was bland and too saucey for my liking. Thank goodness for the tasty sangria to keep us going for the night. BTW, their parking lot on a Friday night - thumbs down. Couldn't find any additional parking. When asked where else we could park (bc there's no street parking), they advised us to go down to the Harvard Vanguard building or something but then that attendant there said no parking!
(2)
Jess M.

Love the Cambridge restaurant, this one is just as great. I like the atmosphere here, the Cambridge one is more casual with no service or parking. Food is excellent. Last time I went I had scallops picatta with linguine which was excellent. Mushrooms made a great addition. My usual, squashed olives over linguine, is also excellent. The staff is also great, as in the Cambridge restaurant. So glad this place is here in Quincy among the suburban hell of Applebee's and Panara's.
(5)
Christina C.

My girlfriends took me here for my birthday dinner because I enjoy eating risotto. I had the Frutta Di Mare Risotto and the dish came out soupy. Risotto should not have that much sauce which makes it taste more like a porridge. We had the cannoli for dessert and the filling tasted like cottage cheese. I am extremely disappointed with the quality of food. The service was friendly, the food was just awful. I would not come back.
(1)
Ali M.

Similar to another reviewer, I saw Basta Pasta on the Phantom Gourmet a couple weeks ago and happened to drive by it the next day with the bf. We decided to give it a shot b/c we love Italian, and usually trust the Phantom. Well...I'm Italian and thus, used to the finest home cooking; however, my trusty non-Italian boyfriend shares my review. Atmosphere: not bad. On the smaller side, which I prefer. Lights got darker as it got later, which was also fine with me. Service: very good - no complaints. Food: definitely average at best. We had the caprese for app, chicken with broccoli and zita and another pasta dish with fusilli. It was good, but not great. Maybe 3.5. Drinks: good wine selection and prices. I think we got a pretty decent wine for $23/bottle. Prob the best feature at Basta Pasta. Price: not bad. Appetizers were generally under $10; entrees under $20. Wine prices were the best. Probably wouldn't go back, but mostly b/c I'm rarely if ever in Quincy.
(3)
Anne K.

While small, I think this place is great (especially compared to what was there before). We had pizza and drinks (and a friendly bartender serving us) - but would skip on the cheesy garlic bread. That app I coulda made myself at home. Will definitely be back for a pop in meal for two.
(4)
Peg P.

I went to Basta Pasta for the first time this weekend. I was really impressed with the look and feel of the restaurant, nice and open with a nice big bar area. The bar area had two big screen TVs, which fit in nicely in that area and did not take over the whole restaurant. I was imposed with the menu - a wide variety of items all reasonably priced. I was also sneaking peeks at others plates as we were being seated and noticed generous portions, fully loaded pizzas and nice big wine glasses!! As a vegetarian, I typically do not have trouble finding meals at Italian place. I was really impressed with how many options I had here. I really struggled between 5 or 6 of the dishes and ultimately chose the Gorgonzola and Pear Risotto. I was VERY PLEASED with my choice!!! This experience left me really excited to go back and try other items on the menu. They also have a take out menu, which is another great option!!
(4)
Dottie B.

We finally had an opportunity to visit Basta Pasta and was not disappointed! The food was phenomenal! The service was fantastic. We started with the spinach salad (we shared). It was large, fresh and delicious with homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing. We each had a pasta dish with the homemade fusilli pasta (cost is a little extra but well worth it). I had the Meatballs and sauce. Best meatballs ever! 3 large meatballs and delicious fresh red sauce. Fresh basil and tomatoes seen throughout. Happy to have leftovers today. My spouse had the Squashed olives. Just as fresh and tasty. He didn't leave a single morsel behind. He'll have to beg me to share my leftovers! We split a tirimasu dessert and it was one of the best we've ever had! The waitress was pleasant and helpful and always had a smile. We can't wait to go back. When leaving, we saw oven brick pizza on another table and can't wait to try it. It looked heavenly. I'd give a definite 10 to Basta Pasta!
(5)
Colin J.

Great food. Staff are attentive prices are good. We will be back.
(4)
H L.

Well worth visiting just to see the makeover! If you were familiar or remember the space's former incarnation, Tullio's, you will remember the dank and dark space, with a painted mural that probably had seen better days. The food at Tullio's was pretty good actually so despite the appearance, you got a decent meal. Basta Pasta is much more physically attractive but the food is not as good as Tullio's. They seem to mix up some pretty interesting cocktails so if you like fancy drinks, they most likely have them. A few highlights (and lowlights) of our meal: I have to give them a thumbs up for having tripe the night we went. How often do you see that on the menu outside of Chinatown? It was actually done very well -- tender pieces of tripe in a light but tasty tomato based sauce. The arancini were good but a bit crunchier than what I have had in other places, The calamari was not very memorable -- squid in a tomato sauce with capers and olives. The housemade fusilli is a winner and probably the best thing about the pasta dishes. Any of their pasta dishes can be ordered with fusilli for an extra charge. The meatballs was on our loser list. Bad consistency, dry and tasteless. Two people ordered these with their pasta and neither liked them. We had one person order the risotto with scallops. Not too bad but the risotto was a bit runny. Dessert is limited to cannolis or tiramisu. We ordered cappuccinos which took a while to arrive. It appeared they were having some issues with the machine. When they arrived, they were cold. Not the best ending to the dinner but we went away knowing to come back for the fusilli but to go somewhere else for dessert and coffee.
(3)
Bob M.

Basta pasta is a small place that has very good food and it is not over priced like some places. the sauce was plan but very good and the oil for the bread was awsome and the bread was fresh to.
(5)
Kendra S.

My impression is that Basta Pasta just started to learn to juggle, and they're still dropping a few balls here and there. But for the most part, they're putting on a good, clean show. Balls dropped: Our waitress was a bit flighty, forgetting to serve bread and not paying very close attention to whether we said Yes or Canoli to certain questions. And what if she hadn't tried various menu items herself? Well, she did her best to vouch for what she could. She did get one of our orders incorrect, but it was a pretty tasty pasta dish, so we didn't object. A little disappointed that there was no gelato on the v. limited dessert menu. Seems anathema to Italian eateries, no? Balls in the air: Came here with my lover and toddler for Mother's Day and felt much warmth and love from the staff. Thanks for the pretty carnation! The buttered and grilled corn w/ lime extract was OUTSTANDING. Can't wait to try this at home. The pear and gorgonzola risotto was cooked perfectly and the portion was large. The kiddie menu included your standard chicken nugget/fries fare but I was pleased to see they also put veggie sides on there, and my daughter loved the pasta pomodoro. We will come back again, I'm sure as I think the act will get better and more polished with time.
(3)
Greg j.

I was pumped when they opened a location in quincy because I've eaten at the other location in cambridge which was amazing so I had high hopes for this place when it open right near my apt. The food here is great not the biggest selection but everything I've tried was great. The stuffed eggplant is my favorite. I've eaten here twice and both times I've had some real shitty service . the first was around a year ago right when they opened the second was the 18 of march so I know it's not an aboration . And it's not that there bad servers it just takes forever It will literally take up your whole night to eat here so don't make other plans after dinner. The food is so great that I would eat here again. But maybe I'll just get takeout next time.
(3)
Chortipsukontar M.

My husband and I heard that they have good food, so we went to check it out, and we went there so many times that I did not count on it. Until I have some time to write a review for this restaurant that I should speaking out to others people who drives by this restuarant everyday that they should come to this restuarant and have a good time of their meal or dinner. Everything in Basta pasta are different but that is a good thing to have some awesome italain food. I had Pork ( in the menu they're calld Pork), I post the picture on it that you can check it out, that Pork is not thing to compare because I ate it all. The pizza with eggplant is decent and delight for vegetarain meal and good portion to finish just half of it then take it home to finish a good pizza later. also the salad that they have is good, delicious. chicken parm is huge portion and yummy. another tip don't forget to order dessert ( man I dream about it all the time if I still have some room to put it )
(5)
Chase S.

Judging this book by it's Ugly cover, I would have never come in here. Around it is train tracks, an abandoned business and a dirt lot (im being serious). What I expected was a soulless chain pasta place that was riding the trendy wave like chipotle or wagamama, but walking through the doors made me realize how wrong I could be. I was expecting cheap pastel laminate decor, but I got nice stonetop bar and fine wooden furniture instead. All the food looked and was priced like a modestly successful Italian eatery. I had the chicken marsala and the pasta was ok, but the chicken was disappointingly stringy and tough. I tried some of the eggplant and THAT was good, so I'm getting that next time. Another friend ordered a pepperoni pizza, I don't know why, but at least basta pasta caters to the low and high fiving end of the spectrum. We also ordered a lemonade martini and it was reportedly, "pretty good". Unfortunately the surprise of the interior and atmosphere was more memorable than the food for me, but it was good enough for me to go back and give it another shot. [update 7-15-2010] Came here with some friends, and the service wasn't so friendly. Maybe because it was getting on to closing time unless it was something personal. Also, this time around we wanted to try something different than last, but scanning the menu made us realize there wasn't much variety. Got the eggplant and it was good.
(3)
Emily D.

Visited Basta Pasta sunday night with my husband. We had been wanting to try this place out since it opened a while back. There aren't many Italian joints in Quincy and we were excited about something new. The place is kinda small and the decor is modern casual. We were seated immediately not too packed when we walked in. But by the end of our dinner it got pretty packed, we came at the perfect time. Around 5pm. They give you bread, oil with parmesan & red peppers, and water. The bread was hard and crunchy, BUMMER #1. I felt a little rushed from the waitress, we barely got seated and she was already harassing us. Let us settle in a second thanks! The hostess who seated us was also refilling cups with water and clearing tables, he also was driving us a little crazy coming over to our table a bunch of times. I felt a little suffocated. BUMMER #2 I ordered the Chicken Alfredo and the hubby ordered the Meatball and linguine. We also ordered some cheesy garlic bread for an apptezier. It came with marinera sauce on the side. The bread was soft but the cheese wasn't melted and too garlicy. On top of that it was there was barely anything spread on the bread... which in a way we were happy because it was soo garlicy. BUMMER #3 Our entrees came out and looked very yummy. The hubby enjoyed his meal but he's had better. My chicken alfredo was ok but had this crazy onion after taste. All in all, we will probably think twice about coming back. Maybe to try the pizza. We'll see.
(3)
Ben K.

A nice gem in my hood. Quality homemade pasta and delicious entrees with good-sized portions. I once had a spinach ricotta ravioli special to *die* for! Everything I've had (been twice) has been well-done, from their sauces to their pastas, to their house wines. I recommend the fusili, and loved their mini arancini as a starter. My only qualm is that their dessert menu is a bit limited- tirimisu and cannoli. I'd skip the cannoli (a little bland- could use some cinammon or slightly more sugar) and would go straight for the tirimisu. Oh, and seating is slightly limited... Otherwise, excellent service and delicious food. Yay, I'm a fan!
(4)
Sarah D.

I am surprised by all the negative reviews. I've only been here once but i was very happy with it. The room is laid out strangely, with a high bar area and tightly packed dining room. i always sit at the bar if i can help it, so i did, and the service there was prompt and pleasant. It was packed in there for a Tuesday night, the hostess quoted 25 min for a table, but the service seemed to be running smoothly. We ordered the Romana pizza, which has fresh mozzarella and anchovies, and the mussels. We had originally ordered the chicken fingers instead of the mussels but they were out of them. I get that it can be annoying when places run out of something you want to order, but seriously, who cares. If a place sells out of something its a good sign that they are not over-ordering and selling less than fresh food. the pizza was pretty darn good. Medium-thin crust, the sauce is chunky (think bertuccis) rather than saucy, which is my preference. The mussels were good and tasted fresh, they came with some flatbread to dip in the sauce. The pizza and the mussels together came to about $25 or so, which is a pretty cheap date for the quality. Maybe i am biased because there is so little good pizza in Quincy, but i will definitely be back.
(4)
Shannon H.

Went here a few nights ago for dinner with a friend. We were seated right away which was nice. It seemed to be pretty busy for a Wednesday night. We both ordered sodas as our beverages and a Caesar salad to start. The menu was very small. It basically offered a few appetizers, Caesar, Greek or tossed salad, minestrone soup, a few paninis, a few pizzas and a dozen pasta dishes. Dessert was offered as a canoli or tiramisu. My friend was disappointed that they did not have any fish or steak offered. I found myself uncomfortable right away whereas the restaurant was extremely cold and loud. My friend's first language is not English, although he speaks very well, it was hard to hear/understand him the the volume of the atmosphere. It put my coat back on even thou i was wearing long sleeves because i couldn't shake the chill. There were other diners with there coats on as well. The family at the table next to us all had on their puffy vests. I ordered the chicken Marsala and my friend ordered a pepperoni pizza. The food came in a timely manner. My Marsala was OK. It did not have a great wine or mushroom flavor, it was pretty boring. My friend was not crazy about his pizza and only ate two slices. The waitress was OK. Not very attentive but not bad either. We did not stay long whereas i was cold and we were basically "over it". We decided upon leaving that it was not worth going back again but glad we had tried it so that we know. (Wouldn't want to take friends or a group there and be disappointed.) I think there are much better Italian restaurants in the area (like Ecco Tratoria).... I would even rather go to Olive Garden!
(2)
Terry C.

My friends and I decided to try this new basta pasta in Quincy. We weren't sure if this is a chain. Our server was really nice & friendly. But the food was average. The interior is different from the old Tullios but the seating was a bit cramped and it was really really hot in there. I had the Meatball pomodoro with homemade fuselli pasta. The pasta was really good - cooked to the perfect texture. But the meatball was very plain. One of my friends got the chicken masala and I thought the sauce was too sweet. He also asked for a substitute of spinach in his pasta and the cook said they are not catering to any specific change to the menu.
(3)
Ralph G.

We've gone a number of times and enjoy it. The only new comments I have are: 1) The homemade fusili pasta is slimy in consistency. I prefer a dryer, coarser pasta 2) My wife isn't a big fan of the fact that all customers are referred to as "guys", ie, what can I get you guys? would you guys like a drink? Substituing the word "folks" would solve this problem
(3)
Tamas S.

Been here a couple of times, the last of which was probably the best. All of them were great but the addition of a true Italian (from Italy, not Italian-American) made this experience all the better. Food was still as delicioso as usual, my only request is that they add more pescetarian options. Will continue to patronize and recommend Basta Pasta through and through.
(4)
Anonymous B.

We came here a few years ago and we just got it to go. The place itself was hot as hell with no ac. The dinners were bland and small. We never went back.
(1)
Blue B.

My husband and I went to Basta Pasta when it was fairly new. It was a Friday night, and the place was mobbed. We sat at the incredibly noisy bar and got a fairly generous glass of wine while we waited. It's absolutely freezing at the bar, the door kept opening to gusts of cold air. We were seated more quickly than promised, which was nice, and our waitress came right away. She was very attentive and helpful throughout the meal. Unfortunately, they were out of almost everything I tried to order. I don't eat meat and wasn't in the mood for pizza, so I was running out of options. Finally the waitress said they had just made some more fussilli (they were out of that too at one point!) and would I like that with red sauce. How can you run out of eggplant? It's not like fish, it does keep quite awhile! My husband had the pizza, which I thought was fairly small for the price, but he liked it. The fussilli was totally awesome, but I must be a pig - it didn't seem like enough for the money. Hopefully things have improved on the food end (in terms of supply). I would return based on this was all probably due to new restaurant jitters but for one thing - the NOISE. OMG. The TVs were blaring, and I hate TVs in a restaurant. When the place was Tullio's it was a romantic, Valentines Day kind of place, now it's more like a sports bar. I agree it's also very cold, but most restaurants are, the servers crank the AC because they're working hard and the rest of us freeze. I have heard they may open up the downstairs for extra dining. I would definitely be back if they do (and if they leave the TVs upstairs). I go out to dinner to spend time with my husband, not watch the boob tube.
(3)
Jonathan M.

Been here couple times. Good customer service. Brings out the upscale vibe environment inside. Great sangrias, pizzas, risottos, and appetizers amongst others i've tried as well. Def. a place i will return to.
(4)
Dina D.

I went there tonight for the first time and my husband and I both loved the pizza. We sat at the bar (away from the door or you'll be cold). Bartender was friendly and nice. My favorite thing was the drink menu. I like that they have 2 espresso martini's, which ACTUALLY have espresso in them! I hate places that have martini's called espresso martini's when there isn't any actual espresso in it! But I digress, we loved our pizzas - hubby got the pepperoni and I got the pancetta. Some guy sitting next to me had the chicken parm and it looked awesome. I was too full for dessert, (besides my espresso martini), but I will go back again. Bar seats like 12 and the dining room isn't very big so I'd suggest going early. Good beers on tap and 2 flat screen tvs so hubby can watch sports while I get to have great martinis! (Pomegranite martini was good too)
(4)
Oz L.

Heyyyyy, this is the same Basta Pasta from Cambridge, MA. This is the location of the old Tullios. For those of you that have not tried their food...... it is excellent! Huge portions (one pasta portion will take care of lunch and dinner for the avg eater) and fantastic paninis.... They put in a brick oven for thin crust pizza also. The one twist - they added a full sit down wine and spirits bar! I spoke with the owners and they are planning on opening a wine grotto downstairs. You gotta love it, we can chill and wait for a table over a nice glass of vino while we wait for a seat b/c they are not taking reservations. It is first come first serve, but the food is well worth the wait.
(5)
Hannah C.

I have been to the relatively new Basta Pasta a handful of times and have enjoyed my food as well as the crowded but lively atmosphere. (For all the paparazzi- the last time I was there I saw Mayor Koch and his wife enjoying some cannoli for dessert!) I asked about the downstairs last time I was there and they said they are planning on opening it for more seating- which seems like a smart plan since it has the potential to be a cozy grotto-like atmosphere and also because there is often a wait for dinner. (The bar is always a great place to wait for a table though- good drinks and nice staff.) FOOD: Usually I get one of the pasta dishes with the homemade, and perfectly cooked, fusilli but I also liked the unique (to me) gorgonzola and pear risotto. I have also tried the pizza which I am happy to say was quite good. ATMOSPHERE: It's small and pleasantly busy. The entry is a little crowded and I kind of wish that the front door was actually used as a front door instead of the one by the parking lot. I know most people will be driving to this destination but the restaurant is not pedestrian oriented at all. Also, for a few tables closest to the door, it would add a great deal of warmth if they hung some wine colored velvet as a vestibule of sorts so as not to let in the cold air.
(4)
James W.

a-ok is the best i've got here. basta is a good neighborhood place and i'm happy to have them, but not necessarily worth a special trip out to the q across the now-fubar-for-three-years neponset river bridge. i think basta pasta did about as good of a job as they could with the old tulio's space. new windows help the draft problem, opening up the kitchen and the addition of a proper bar are definite pluses, but the space is still a bit awkward and it's tight when you walk in. the food is just ok. the ham and gouda panini ($7) was pretty good but nothing i couldn't have made for myself fairly easily. the fruitti di mare ($20), the most expensive dish on the menu, had a generous amount of seafood but the fra diavolo sauce i ordered it with was watery and tame. the real standouts so far have been the arancini appetizer ($5.50) and the gorgonzola and pear risotto ($14). most recently i had the chicken, broccoli & ziti alfredo ($14) which, frankly, didn't stand apart from something i could have gotten from the neighborhood pizza/sub shops - suffice it to say, i did not feel the way i felt after the risotto. the service has been consistently good here. the wait staff as a whole is friendly, energetic, and knowledgeable about the menu. the parking lot is fairly small, but i've always been able to get a spot there. if it's full, i'd imagine the ladder factory next door would be a good backup. basta pasta is also an easy walk from the north quincy t.
(3)
Meep M.

Drove by this place a million times but never really notice the sign. The decor is pretty trendy with a loud atmosphere. Food on the other hand was somewhat a disappointment. Everyone had tried different dishes and all were much too salty. Appetizers were also a mediocre. Probably would rather go to olive garden.
(2)
paul v.

I don't have any problems with the food here. I think it's delicious but the service is horrible. I went with my coworker recently and the wait to get two entrees is over 30mins. The sad part was that they got his order wrong.
(2)
Lynne K.

This place is GROSS. I don't think they have heard of salt, spices or flavor. We ordered 2 pizza's and canolli's for take out, and both were beyond disappointing. The margarita pizza had absolutely no flavor, and the red sauce was bland as could be. The mozzarella didn't taste fresh. The pancetta & Gouda pizza was slightly better, but again, lacked flavor. The pancetta wasn't cooked evenly and wasn't crispy at all - it was more soggy and gross. The Gouda was good, but the cheese wasn't enough to save this pizza. As for dessert, we didn't realize that 2 cannolli's came with each order - it would have been nice if the menu had noted that or the girl taking my order had said something. The cannolli shell was good and crisp, but the filling had absolutely NO sugar. None. So it was disgusting. Needless to save, it was a less that satisfying sweet ending to a horrible meal. I would not recommend this place at all, and will never go back. If you want pizza, go to Renaissance or School House.
(1)
Brian M.

I've eaten here several times in the past few weeks, and I've had a good experience every time. The food is quite good, and very reasonably priced. I've tried their pizza, pasta and meatballs, salads, and a sandwich. Also, the Tiramasu was very good. The service has been good, as well as friendly. I'd say it's a good place if you just want to stop in for a beer/wine, a meal, or even just dessert and coffee/espresso....or all of the above.. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Brian K.

One of the best Frutti de Mare I have ever had! Aside from a couple of overdone mussels, everything else was really fresh and cooked to perfection. The homemade fusilli was a wonderful addition to this delicious dish! The portion was big so be prepared to have the remainder bagged if you have aps! Well done chef!
(4)
Nancy R.

This is one of my favorites lately! I have to respond to Dre who complained about no substitutions. I order chicken piccata, I never have been refused the dish. I think there is a constant turnover of servers that are unsure of the menu. They give you alot ( always a doggie bag, esp. the chicken parm) and are fairly reasonable. If you live in the area it is the best Italian food around and they offer a good variety of specials along with the regular menu.
(4)
Charles W.

Nice, calm place inside. Staff we friendly. Full bar. The drink and food was okay, but I didn't order that much.
(3)
C C.

The first time I went to Basta Pasta I was not pleased or impressed. I gave it another try and went for lunch this past week. It once again did not impress me. They were out of some stuff but that normally happens at a restaurant but we were not informed until after my coworker ordered and was told he would need to think of something else. I went with the chicken parm panini which was decent but it wasnt much of a panini. It was a chicken parm sandwich...the bread was not grilled or warm...My coworker went with the pizza which was quite lacking of topping and taste. Very bland. It was also freezing in the place...my nose was cold like a dog! TURN UP THE HEAT PLEASE! It seemed like there was only one server on duty and therefore the service was lacking a bit. I dont think I will return again. My manager used to order take out alot from here but after always messing up his order, he stopped as well.
(1)
Enay V.

First off - The parking lot is a clusterfuck. you're lucky if you get a spot, it's so small, but then again - you can cross Hancock street & park over there. No waiting area - You walk in the door and kind of hang out there for a bit and if you can manage it, you can get a drink at the bar. DON'T MAKE RESERVATIONS - and if you do, expect them to not be taken seriously. I showed up for my 7 o'clock reservation only to be told that yes, they did have my name, but no, I still had to wait. wtf - seriously. The set up of the tables threw me off the whole night. The dining room area is set up like a huge triangle. If you're one of the lucky ones, you get a table near the perimeter. If not, you're hanging out with all the overflow people from the "waiting area" and almost in the bar people's laps. The whole night -when i finally got a table after waiting a half hour (it was empty for 20 minutes before we were seated)- I was afraid someone's dinner was going to fall on my head. people were bumping into each other the whole night. There were about 16 tables (some 4 tops) but there was no way to arrange them without an incident. They are redoing the downstairs & will be adding more tables - thank God! maybe they can put up a half wall divider or something on the main floor - break up that nasty lack of flow. The food - eh. We did NOT get our bread - i'm stingy, i like my bread - we didn't get it. kinda sad. The menu was kind of weird. I'd get rid of the buffalo wings - they don't go with the rest of the menu and they weren't that good. my soup was good, the side of garlic bread & GRAVY was awesome. The risotto was ok. My husband's dinner - chicken gorgonzola - was kind of bland too. But the sauce wasn't too heavy & the penne was perfect. We felt kind of rushed - I guess the chefs were going nuts with output but i like to digest each course before I move on - call me crazy. Service = EXCELLENT - pretty much the only thing (besides the decor) this place has going for it. Our waiter was great - not a hover-er and was on point. My order got messed up with the chef & I had the right risotto in 5 minutes - Don't know how they did it but it was cooked perfectly. The bartender was awesome too - very nice and my drink was the best I've had in a long time. Try it out in March or April when they get the tables right & more room downstairs (I hear they're making a grotto-type thing down there too). Not sure if I'll go back - I still miss Tullio's - but it was a pretty cool place if you're having a few drinks and hanging out watching TV at the bar. PS - they fixed the temperature problem - it wasn't freezing like it use to be when it was Tullio's!
(3)
Dan M.

I mostly love this place. (See review from Jan 2010) My last visit was a little disappointing food-wise. I ordered the Pepperoni Pizza and requested that the roasted peppers be left off. They didn't. I said it was OK and I lifted most of them from the pizza onto my friend's salad. The pizza looked appetizing and I love thin crust pizza, but something went wrong in the execution. First the top was swimming in pepperoni grease. Second, there was either too much sauce or the oven wasn't hot enough because two inches in from the edges, the crust was like wet wallpaper. It just disintegrated. There was no eating it with hands. Finally, it just lacked flavor. I kept loading up the grated cheese and pepper, but it didn't help. Time to revisit the pizza making folks! Maybe I'll come down and make you one of mine!!! The staff is awesome and friendly. The bartender is always spot-on being nicely atttentive and not obtrusive. I'll be back, but I hope the pizza gets a makeover.
(3)
Donna M.

Went there last night with husband and two kids. Had been waiting for it to open and gave it a couple of weeks so they could work out the kinks before trying. We got there early (by 5:30 p.m.) and by 5:45 the entire place was full (including the bar). This was on a Saturday night. Couple of quick things before the food: the place is very small and the tables are very close together. I counted only four tables for 4 and about 10 tables for 2. The rest is bar seating. The bar is a very nice bar and I wouldn't hesitate to eat at the bar when I go without my kids. I agree with another reviewer that some background music would be nice. Our server was Joanne and she was really friendly and attentive. I got the veal picatta which was very good. I had it with linguine but will try the homemade fusilli the next time. My husband had chicken marsala, which he said was good and my daughters both had the chicken and brocolli risotto, which they enjoyed as well. We had the rice balls to start and while they were good, they could have been cooked a little longer. The price you pay for the serving you get is well worth it. Good food, decent ambiance. We'll definitely go back but I can see that with the limited seating, once word gets out about Basta Pasta you'll have to go early if you don't want to wait. I'm curious to see if they will have the downstairs available for seating at some point. Would make sense for them to do so.
(4)
Mrs. G.

I like Basta Pasta...i have been there 3 times and was surprised by the flavors in the sauce. If you want a decent meal for a good price this is the place to go. It is a great recession restaurant. The chicken Parm is the best in my opinion!
(4)
Eva W.

We tried this restaurant out on a Friday night. There wasn't a long wait but it was busy. The wait staff was friendly but service was very average. We tried the Baked Stuffed Eggplant and it was just okay. Nothing too spectacular. The pizza was very disappointing because the crust was rather doughy and more bread like. Would not recommend it for any special occassion but for a regular dinner, it's fine. Just don't get the pizza
(2)
Alicia G.

I've been to this Basta Pasta a few times since they opened. For the most part, the meals I've had here have been forgettable. Not great, not terrible. Just average. Last night, the husband and I went here for dinner. We were both starving so we were hoping to get an appetizer to start with, but they only have five appetizer options and none of them really jumped off the page at us. So we ordered our entrees. While we were waiting we got our basket of bread. Now, it might seem like a weird thing to complain about, but one of my favorite things about going out to eat is trying the different breads that restaurants offer. Basta Pasta's bread was the most boring I've ever had. I can't even explain it, but it tasted almost like the end of a loaf of wonder bread. Not good. Then we got our dinners. I had the Chicken, Ziti, Broccoli with garlic and oil and my husband got the Meatballs Pomodoro. My meal was very, very bland and the chicken was pretty rubbery. The broccoli was undercooked and looked wilted. I ended up just eating the pasta and leaving the rest. I tried Tommy's meatballs and they were also really bland. I left feeling really disappointed and wishing we had gone somewhere else. It's a complete bummer because I really want to love this place. It's a locally owned restaurant near where I live with a decent vibe. I just can't get on board with a place that serves food this underwhelming. For a restaurant with such a limited menu, you'd think that they would go out of their way to make sure everything they served was excellent to make up for the minimal choices.
(2)
Christian W.

I had passed by a few times and the parking lot always seemed full so I decided to try it out. My bartender Andi and server Jill were very friendly and provided me with helpful suggestions. The dishes they highlited were delightful and the desert was complited nicely with a espresso martini.
(4)
Jamie M.

Mediocre food, mediocre service, mediocre pricing. This is not in a highly desirable area, was not fine dining, wasn't overall that enjoyable for a night out. I would have loved to try their homemade pasta but the regular pasta price plus $2 for the fusili, was IMO too much to spend on a meal here. I could get a cheaper meal in the north end easily. They gave us rolls with a plate of oil. I saw a previous review that they tend to use red pepper flakes in the oil, which I would have liked, but ours was just black pepper. Not even big cracked black pepper, regular boring black pepper. Very odd and not tasty. I asked for risotto suggestions and the waitress just said "I dunno" and basically if you like mushrooms, get that one, if you like chicken/broccoli get that one. I asked bc I didn't know which liquids were used to cook each kind. I ended up getting the shrimp with tomatoes bc the others seemed like they could be bland. It tasted like tomato soup. The whole meal was in a thin watery tomato base. They did give a decent amount of shrimp but I'd never order this again. My bf got pizza. They have meatballs on the menu and they had a meatball pizza special (it included ricotta and something else he doesn't eat so he asked for meatballs on a margarita pizza). The waitress asked the chef, and he basically said no there was only enough for the special, but that we could order a side of meatballs. How does that make sense? So, he just got it plain. He enjoyed it but I didn't think it looked very good. Dried out. I got the house merlot which was decent and he had a few beers. We used a buywithme coupon (thankfully!). I did see a huge caprese salad that looked good (again not on par with a previous review so maybe the restaurant just doesn't have their menu together or different chefs make it however they want?) and I also think I might like the gnocchi. Maybe I'd try it again after I've exasperated the other local venues.
(2)
kathy s.

I had been looking forward to trying this place and thought the food was good, not great - and much too expensive for the quality of food, ambiance and location. Lunch for 2 without any drinks was over $30.00. We ordered the arancinis ($5.50), squashed olives fusilli ($13.90) and a margherita pizza ($11.95). I think they need to lower their prices at the Quincy location by at least 20% and don't see myself going back until they do.
(3)
Amanda S.

I have eaten there twice already. SUPER INEXPENSIVE, especially for what you get. There are about 15 different pasta options, four rissotto options, wood fired pizzas, and paninis. Great inexpensive wine list and appetizer options. The arancini (rice balls) are fantastic. Definitely get the homeade fusilli pasta. It's amazing!! A lot of times you can't even get homemade pasta in the north end so this speaks volumes of this Quincy italian restaurant- they definitely know what they are doing. The waitstaff was on point. They have a great bar to wait at while you are waiting to be seated. I will be back several times a year!! Can't beat the price, service and food. This is the ind of place you go to when you don't feel like eating at home but don't want to go too far or spend too much to get something good to eat. PS: The menu is very large- not sure what anyone else is talking about???
(5)
J G.

Basta Pasta is pretty good but nothing to rave about. Dishes are cheap compared to most places. The food is simple and is good, but again, not a place that I am dying to go back too.
(3)
Dhaval A.

Not sure how it still has three stars. As a caveat, I have to mention that we had all vegetarians in the party. The options at most places are limited this restaurant is no exception. We ordered one item from each section of the menu. For appetizers we ordered rice balls with cheese, it was ehh. Not very tasty, pretty bland. The bread that they served initially was cold and hard. The "chef" would not let us change any options on a pizza. We could not order most of the pizza's as it had meat toppings in it. The brocolli rabe with garlic was a little bitter we managed to eat an entire spoonful. The eggplant parmesan was the cream of the crop of our meal, it was well roasted with the proper flavors. The garlic bread was also good. We did not order dessert so cant give an opinion on that. The waitress was pretty nice.. the only reason I would give one star. The place was pretty empty and methinks there was more staff than customers on a saturday evening.
(1)
Ryan B.

wonderful service, and excellent food.. everything is so fresh, all the time! even better than your north end italian eatery!
(5)
Suzanne G.

I went there last night. I was suprised how small it was inside. I hadn't been to Tulio's in years. We sat by the windows in the corner and it was nice. The music was a little too loud, but not obnoxious. I really wanted to try the pizza but went with the old reliable Chicken Parm. It was excellent. I was able to bring a whole plate home with me and I was still stuffed. My friend had Stuffed Eggplant Parm and she said it was absolutely delicious! I will definitely come back again to try the pizza. Waitress wasn't the greatest I've ever had, but she was nice just a little hectic.
(4)
George P.

Heard good things about this place. And after 6 years driving by it every day. It's only 5 min from Marina bay. Another disappointment. Not worth a second visit. And for what they offer I think there over priced by 20%. I had a pasta dish. Nothing special. $26. In Quincy. Just a local restaurant. Kinda beat up to. The food wasn't as fresh as I was hoping. To bad. Another place I have to scratch off.
(2)
Michael L.

my experience with this so called restaurant was unacceptable. atmosphere of the restaurant was dull and cramped, took far to long to get service. when they finally did get to us the waitresses were not educated on the menu bringing us the wrong order twice. trying to reserve us the first messed up pizza as a new one. and to top it all off there was hair in the pizza.
(1)
Bobby R.

Easy to get to, great staff, priced right and the cooked to order Italian dishes beautiful .. hey who needs the hassle of getting in and out of the northend a south shore hit for sure I'm surprised I drove by this place a million times my loss.
(5)
Tomoko M.

I am very happy to have this place near my apartment. Hands down the best meal I had there was their baked stuffed eggplant. I would recommend ordering the eggplant with their "homemade fusilli" for an extra $1.95 rather than the penne or linguini. The fusilli is a small chunky type of pasta that is al dente..very good. The sauce used with the eggplant is amazing. I believe it is a marinara-type sauce but I am not fully sure. Ambiance is great. Great for a few drinks as well. I prefer to sit at the bar rather than in the main dining area. The main dining area has somewhat of a cafeteria-type feel but the bar is pretty posh.
(4)
Laura K.

Great Food, nice atmosphere and Friendly service. The only reason I can see why this place wasn't packed was the unfortunate bridge construction out front. I had the Calamari appetizer which was pretty standard, but tasty. The bread and oil was AWESOME! Same goes for the Mixed Mushroom Risotto. I highly recommend this for a date night, or a casual dinner with friends.
(5)
Jamie M.

Mediocre food, mediocre service, mediocre pricing. This is not in a highly desirable area, was not fine dining, wasn't overall that enjoyable for a night out. I would have loved to try their homemade pasta but the regular pasta price plus $2 for the fusili, was IMO too much to spend on a meal here. I could get a cheaper meal in the north end easily. They gave us rolls with a plate of oil. I saw a previous review that they tend to use red pepper flakes in the oil, which I would have liked, but ours was just black pepper. Not even big cracked black pepper, regular boring black pepper. Very odd and not tasty. I asked for risotto suggestions and the waitress just said "I dunno" and basically if you like mushrooms, get that one, if you like chicken/broccoli get that one. I asked bc I didn't know which liquids were used to cook each kind. I ended up getting the shrimp with tomatoes bc the others seemed like they could be bland. It tasted like tomato soup. The whole meal was in a thin watery tomato base. They did give a decent amount of shrimp but I'd never order this again. My bf got pizza. They have meatballs on the menu and they had a meatball pizza special (it included ricotta and something else he doesn't eat so he asked for meatballs on a margarita pizza). The waitress asked the chef, and he basically said no there was only enough for the special, but that we could order a side of meatballs. How does that make sense? So, he just got it plain. He enjoyed it but I didn't think it looked very good. Dried out. I got the house merlot which was decent and he had a few beers. We used a buywithme coupon (thankfully!). I did see a huge caprese salad that looked good (again not on par with a previous review so maybe the restaurant just doesn't have their menu together or different chefs make it however they want?) and I also think I might like the gnocchi. Maybe I'd try it again after I've exasperated the other local venues.
(2)
kathy s.

I had been looking forward to trying this place and thought the food was good, not great - and much too expensive for the quality of food, ambiance and location. Lunch for 2 without any drinks was over $30.00. We ordered the arancinis ($5.50), squashed olives fusilli ($13.90) and a margherita pizza ($11.95). I think they need to lower their prices at the Quincy location by at least 20% and don't see myself going back until they do.
(3)
Amanda S.

I have eaten there twice already. SUPER INEXPENSIVE, especially for what you get. There are about 15 different pasta options, four rissotto options, wood fired pizzas, and paninis. Great inexpensive wine list and appetizer options. The arancini (rice balls) are fantastic. Definitely get the homeade fusilli pasta. It's amazing!! A lot of times you can't even get homemade pasta in the north end so this speaks volumes of this Quincy italian restaurant- they definitely know what they are doing. The waitstaff was on point. They have a great bar to wait at while you are waiting to be seated. I will be back several times a year!! Can't beat the price, service and food. This is the ind of place you go to when you don't feel like eating at home but don't want to go too far or spend too much to get something good to eat. PS: The menu is very large- not sure what anyone else is talking about???
(5)
J G.

Basta Pasta is pretty good but nothing to rave about. Dishes are cheap compared to most places. The food is simple and is good, but again, not a place that I am dying to go back too.
(3)
Dhaval A.

Not sure how it still has three stars. As a caveat, I have to mention that we had all vegetarians in the party. The options at most places are limited this restaurant is no exception. We ordered one item from each section of the menu. For appetizers we ordered rice balls with cheese, it was ehh. Not very tasty, pretty bland. The bread that they served initially was cold and hard. The "chef" would not let us change any options on a pizza. We could not order most of the pizza's as it had meat toppings in it. The brocolli rabe with garlic was a little bitter we managed to eat an entire spoonful. The eggplant parmesan was the cream of the crop of our meal, it was well roasted with the proper flavors. The garlic bread was also good. We did not order dessert so cant give an opinion on that. The waitress was pretty nice.. the only reason I would give one star. The place was pretty empty and methinks there was more staff than customers on a saturday evening.
(1)
Ryan B.

wonderful service, and excellent food.. everything is so fresh, all the time! even better than your north end italian eatery!
(5)
Suzanne G.

I went there last night. I was suprised how small it was inside. I hadn't been to Tulio's in years. We sat by the windows in the corner and it was nice. The music was a little too loud, but not obnoxious. I really wanted to try the pizza but went with the old reliable Chicken Parm. It was excellent. I was able to bring a whole plate home with me and I was still stuffed. My friend had Stuffed Eggplant Parm and she said it was absolutely delicious! I will definitely come back again to try the pizza. Waitress wasn't the greatest I've ever had, but she was nice just a little hectic.
(4)
J C.

I don't get the bad reviews for this restaurant. Yes, the parking lot's a bit small but the food's been great every time I've been there (or ordered take-out). I've never had an issue with the service either. They have an impressive been and wine selection. The atmosphere is friendly and attractive. I admit the private function area downstairs is a bit "dungeon-like" but I've never actually used it. The Pan Seared Shrimp appetizer is my favorite thing on the menu; I was disappointed when I found out it wasn't on their lunch menu. The remoulade and greens are the perfect accompaniment. The Steamed Littleneck Clams appetizer is delicious with the toast to sop up all that garlicky broth. The Bolognese has become the STANDARD to which I compare every Italian restaurant. I always get it with the homemade fusilli - it's totally worth the upcharge - and the serving is large enough for me that I bring home two more meals as leftovers. The Chicken Parm is hearty. The Chicken Marsala is great (though I don't recommend the homemade pasta with that dish as I found it challenges the flavor of the sauce). My best friend's favorite is the pancetta pizza, which is a bit too calorie-laden for me but it's definitely good. I've tried a bunch of other dishes and have been happy with all of them. Even the bread and dipping oil is above par; I find myself lightly fighting with friends over it. The only thing I was somewhat disappointed in was the Calamari appetizer, and that was mostly because I'm used to it fried so the sauteed soup-like? style was a surprise. I strongly vote that folks try this place. It's my favorite Italian restaurant nowadays.
(5)
Michael L.

my experience with this so called restaurant was unacceptable. atmosphere of the restaurant was dull and cramped, took far to long to get service. when they finally did get to us the waitresses were not educated on the menu bringing us the wrong order twice. trying to reserve us the first messed up pizza as a new one. and to top it all off there was hair in the pizza.
(1)
Bobby R.

Easy to get to, great staff, priced right and the cooked to order Italian dishes beautiful .. hey who needs the hassle of getting in and out of the northend a south shore hit for sure I'm surprised I drove by this place a million times my loss.
(5)
dawn d.

I always leave here spending $40 for myself and wishing I hadn't. (always for dinner) Don't get me wrong, the food is good, and I leave with a full belly and leftovers. It's just that I get caught up, sitting at the bar, ordering a glass of wine and salad to go with my dinner. The portions are generous! Not to mention they serve bread with olive oil, red pepper flakes and parm cheese. On the menu: appetizers $6-$9, salads $6-$8, (2) Risotto choices, (14) pasta dishes $13-$21, Pizza $11-$13, There are also a few kids meals There is one meal that I crave....chicken gorgonzola with walnuts. The flavors are very interesting, the gorgonzola cream sauce is mild, get it with the homemade fussilli, although they charge extra ($1.99) Why I won't give it more stars: * There is only one size salad - sometimes I like just a small side salad to go with my pasta dish * No substitutions - I mean, no chicken piccata only veil? * Service is inconsistant - I've only sat at the bar, the bartenders hustle they do, but my food either takes too long or I have bread, salad and my meal sitting in front me all at the same time * Can't get the temperature right - I've been really cold or really hot, my first time here was the week they opened and I just thought, well they are getting used to the open oven etc, but it's definitely been consistently extreme!
(3)
Tom M.

In Quincy often and probably could not count the number of times I've passed Basta Pasta and said to myself... got to try. Today a friend and I went for lunch at his recommendation. Just amazing. As the Phantom might say "a true hidden jewel" in Quincy. I know the next time I'm in Quincy be it lunch or dinner I will be there again. Service, food, quantity, atmosphere all great!
(4)
Tara L.

I've come here a few times for dinner mid-week. This place beats a lot of restaurants in the area. The food is made to order and varies - sandwiches, pizza, or large entrees. I love the beer selection as well... Microbrews. The service from the waitresses and bartenders has been friendly and knowledgeable. My ONLY complaint...I wish the owners would upgrade the metal/wooden chairs. They are very uncomfortable, like something you'd sit on for outside dining.
(4)
Lillian P.

Love it here - the food is fresh and amazing. Sweet little tucked away place. Parking can be tough but well worth the hassle. Every dish has been amazing and great portions too! Try the meatballs!
(5)
Frank B.

Tried Basta this evening for the first time. Despite lots on negative and mediocre reviews both my wife and I were pleasantly surprised. At first glance, the decor is stark from what I remember as the former Tulios Restaurant ,open floor plan and a little loud. That being said we were quickly seated and the dining area and bar were pretty full. Our order was taken relatively quickly, we were served with bread and olive oil/w cheese , very good. For starters we ordered mini arincini, it was OK ,not great but pretty good. For the main coarse I ordered chicken Marcella wit linguine,happy to say very good , chicken cooked perfectly as was the linguine, and the Marcella sauce was very good and portions size was plentiful. My wife ordered the Chicken Gorgonzola ,also well prepared and plentiful. Overall good food and fair prices, though our waitress seemed to get lost every once in a while
(4)
Dre R.

We arrived at 4 for a late lunch, we were the first ones there. The hubby really really enjoyed his sausage pasta dish. He was very pleased. I was satisfied with my ravioli and meatball but now Wowed by any means. We also got the canoli for a dessert, i hated it but the hubby again liked the bland non sugar filled cream inside. I thought it was flavorless. The decor was cute enough, small area but nice. The place did seem very clean. Bonus star for that. The bad: I was seriously annoyed at all the employees watching TV and texting in plain view. (with exception of one chef and one waitress). Granted it was slow at this time but i just feel its rude to be yelling and talking to the TV while you are on duty at a job. I dont ever sit at the bar and maybe i am socially retarded to it but i was only getting more annoyed when the bar tender lady was talking with my hubby about her drunk driving issues she had experienced in her life. Seriously?? sure she was a good server and prompt but i can really do without all the chattering. I guess when i go to dinner with someone i want to go with them and not be forced to eat my meal listening to some strangers stories. In a nutshell, food was good and descent priced. I would opt next time to sit at a table. If i could give 2.5 stars i would
(3)
L C.

This place is tiny. We went here for a birthday dinner and for such a small establishment, they wanted to charge us a cake cutting fee - $2 per person. It's a bday party so of course we had a larger party - so the cake cutting fee would have cost more than the cake itself. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me. It was a Friday night and the restaurant was full but not over capacity or anything and our food took FOREVER to make. The food portions were large though. Or maybe I stuffed too many pieces of bread dipped in Papa Gino olive oil pepper flakes and parmesan cheese while we waited! I didn't like my dish because I thought it was bland and too saucey for my liking. Thank goodness for the tasty sangria to keep us going for the night. BTW, their parking lot on a Friday night - thumbs down. Couldn't find any additional parking. When asked where else we could park (bc there's no street parking), they advised us to go down to the Harvard Vanguard building or something but then that attendant there said no parking!
(2)
Jess M.

Love the Cambridge restaurant, this one is just as great. I like the atmosphere here, the Cambridge one is more casual with no service or parking. Food is excellent. Last time I went I had scallops picatta with linguine which was excellent. Mushrooms made a great addition. My usual, squashed olives over linguine, is also excellent. The staff is also great, as in the Cambridge restaurant. So glad this place is here in Quincy among the suburban hell of Applebee's and Panara's.
(5)
Christina C.

My girlfriends took me here for my birthday dinner because I enjoy eating risotto. I had the Frutta Di Mare Risotto and the dish came out soupy. Risotto should not have that much sauce which makes it taste more like a porridge. We had the cannoli for dessert and the filling tasted like cottage cheese. I am extremely disappointed with the quality of food. The service was friendly, the food was just awful. I would not come back.
(1)
Ali M.

Similar to another reviewer, I saw Basta Pasta on the Phantom Gourmet a couple weeks ago and happened to drive by it the next day with the bf. We decided to give it a shot b/c we love Italian, and usually trust the Phantom. Well...I'm Italian and thus, used to the finest home cooking; however, my trusty non-Italian boyfriend shares my review. Atmosphere: not bad. On the smaller side, which I prefer. Lights got darker as it got later, which was also fine with me. Service: very good - no complaints. Food: definitely average at best. We had the caprese for app, chicken with broccoli and zita and another pasta dish with fusilli. It was good, but not great. Maybe 3.5. Drinks: good wine selection and prices. I think we got a pretty decent wine for $23/bottle. Prob the best feature at Basta Pasta. Price: not bad. Appetizers were generally under $10; entrees under $20. Wine prices were the best. Probably wouldn't go back, but mostly b/c I'm rarely if ever in Quincy.
(3)
Anne K.

While small, I think this place is great (especially compared to what was there before). We had pizza and drinks (and a friendly bartender serving us) - but would skip on the cheesy garlic bread. That app I coulda made myself at home. Will definitely be back for a pop in meal for two.
(4)
Peg P.

I went to Basta Pasta for the first time this weekend. I was really impressed with the look and feel of the restaurant, nice and open with a nice big bar area. The bar area had two big screen TVs, which fit in nicely in that area and did not take over the whole restaurant. I was imposed with the menu - a wide variety of items all reasonably priced. I was also sneaking peeks at others plates as we were being seated and noticed generous portions, fully loaded pizzas and nice big wine glasses!! As a vegetarian, I typically do not have trouble finding meals at Italian place. I was really impressed with how many options I had here. I really struggled between 5 or 6 of the dishes and ultimately chose the Gorgonzola and Pear Risotto. I was VERY PLEASED with my choice!!! This experience left me really excited to go back and try other items on the menu. They also have a take out menu, which is another great option!!
(4)
Dottie B.

We finally had an opportunity to visit Basta Pasta and was not disappointed! The food was phenomenal! The service was fantastic. We started with the spinach salad (we shared). It was large, fresh and delicious with homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing. We each had a pasta dish with the homemade fusilli pasta (cost is a little extra but well worth it). I had the Meatballs and sauce. Best meatballs ever! 3 large meatballs and delicious fresh red sauce. Fresh basil and tomatoes seen throughout. Happy to have leftovers today. My spouse had the Squashed olives. Just as fresh and tasty. He didn't leave a single morsel behind. He'll have to beg me to share my leftovers! We split a tirimasu dessert and it was one of the best we've ever had! The waitress was pleasant and helpful and always had a smile. We can't wait to go back. When leaving, we saw oven brick pizza on another table and can't wait to try it. It looked heavenly. I'd give a definite 10 to Basta Pasta!
(5)
Colin J.

Great food. Staff are attentive prices are good. We will be back.
(4)
H L.

Well worth visiting just to see the makeover! If you were familiar or remember the space's former incarnation, Tullio's, you will remember the dank and dark space, with a painted mural that probably had seen better days. The food at Tullio's was pretty good actually so despite the appearance, you got a decent meal. Basta Pasta is much more physically attractive but the food is not as good as Tullio's. They seem to mix up some pretty interesting cocktails so if you like fancy drinks, they most likely have them. A few highlights (and lowlights) of our meal: I have to give them a thumbs up for having tripe the night we went. How often do you see that on the menu outside of Chinatown? It was actually done very well -- tender pieces of tripe in a light but tasty tomato based sauce. The arancini were good but a bit crunchier than what I have had in other places, The calamari was not very memorable -- squid in a tomato sauce with capers and olives. The housemade fusilli is a winner and probably the best thing about the pasta dishes. Any of their pasta dishes can be ordered with fusilli for an extra charge. The meatballs was on our loser list. Bad consistency, dry and tasteless. Two people ordered these with their pasta and neither liked them. We had one person order the risotto with scallops. Not too bad but the risotto was a bit runny. Dessert is limited to cannolis or tiramisu. We ordered cappuccinos which took a while to arrive. It appeared they were having some issues with the machine. When they arrived, they were cold. Not the best ending to the dinner but we went away knowing to come back for the fusilli but to go somewhere else for dessert and coffee.
(3)
Dinorah R.

My GO-TO since I made my way there. It's very-very unexpected as it sits in a location of Quincy where there isn't much going on. It's literally a hidden treasure! The decor is eclectic, trendy and updated. The food is OUTSTANDING! The employees are very friendly and super attentive. You can dress down, dress up or just be you and you never stand out. I recommend this spot to all foodies.
(5)
Lizzie B.

Basta Pasta reminds me of my childhood, in the best way possible. Let me explain... My parents are Boston Irish. They do not eat things besides meat and potatoes, and - inexplicably, Italian food. They do not do small portions. They do not hold an appreciation for garnishes, or witty table service. They want tasty, straightforward food, in LARGE PORTIONS. It also helps when everything on the menu is easy to pronounce. ANYWAYS, my parents did not accompany me to Basta Pasta, my toonie (hint: opposite of Townie) boyfriend came instead. He ordered some sort of fancy trout dish- something my parents probably would have made fun of him for- if they were so informed. I ordered, Chicken Parmesan with homemade fusilli pasta. The chicken breast was the size of my head, and generously breaded. The marinara sauce was zesty with garlic. The pasta? Tender and flavorful. Cheese? Generously smothered on everything- as it should be. Duh. Service? Friendly, to the point, and rightfully suspicious of my hipster boyfriend. We were the only patrons in the place under the age of 65, and we definitely screamed "outsiders." You are provided free bread and oil with your meal. My advice- don't indulge. The bread is stale and the oil without red pepper. Basta also boasts a full bar, a a pretty decent wine and beer list. Take out is available as well. Verdict: Basta Pasta is not "cool" in any sense. I do not imagine it every making Eater's "Hot" list, but it will satisfy as Townie's craving for good ol' fashion comfort food.
(4)
Jessica N.

Basta Pasta Enoteca is located right of the highway and lies on the border of North Quincy, I thought that I would be blown away by allthe pasta due to the fact that Pasta is literally in the restaurant name. However, I went here on a friday night with my friends and we were conversing not only with ourselves but the other 2 tables we were sitting next too. Its was really loud and there was a ton of people. The food is reasonable but I wasn't blown away. Definately coming back to give it another chance even though it was really crowded. I can only imagine what the service would be during off hours. Maybe it will be better.
(3)
Secret S.

This place on a Friday night was SO LOUD. It was really uncomfortable having to yell over the noise to heard. The bread is lousy. Avoid it. The arroncinis were good. Much better with a little salt added. I got the homemade fusilli which was supposed to be in a tomato cream sauce. Instead it came with the basic red sauce. I did like it but I was expecting a creamier sauce. I was told the chicken Marsala was good. They don't carry Corona Light. Bummer. I might try this place for lunch again but the noise level will keep me from coming back for dinner.
(3)
Molly G.

Very affordable pasta place. I had the spicy eggplant linguini (added shrimp which was no problem at all) and it was delicious. I do wish it came with any cheese though, or that they offered to shred some fresh parmesan cheese over your food like so many italian places do. That would've been a great touch. My boyfriend had chicken alfredo which he liked as well. Service was a little slow however, and the waiter was somewhat forgetful. I never for the spoon I requested for my pasta, and he gave us the wrong page for the check. But he was super friendly which was nice. I also wish they hadn't been out of gnocchi as that would've been my first choice to order. Allover, it was a good meal for a good price and we'll definitely be coming back.
(4)
Jay K.

Basta Pasta, you have eluded me for a long time. Every time I pass by you look closed, but finally last night you were definitely clearly open. I snagged the last parking space in the tiny lot and grabbed a chicken parm for dinner. Ok portion, enough to save some for a snack later. The bartender was friendly and the place was cozy. Small place, maybe 10 small tables and a bar that fits maybe 10-12 chairs. It was not too busy, but was more than half full, nice to see they are well known enough to draw a crowd. The parm was good, but not mega flavorful. That's ok though, I added salt and parmesan cheese and it was pretty damn good with that. The chicken was thin, which is my favorite kind, so that's a plus. Bread served to snack on was a little stale and the dipping oil wasn't very flavorful. I might come back and explore the menu more. I saw someone order the lamb and it looked amazing.
(3)
Justin B.

I am glad to do my part to help BP get up to four stars. I live in the hood and have been here lots of times over the years, even going back to Tullio's (different owner). But, they have really upped their game lately and I had to write a review. They have an excellent draft beer list, including Lagunitas and the hop hunter IPA from Sierra Nevada. That is outstanding. Only a few places in Boston have such good beers on such a short draft list. And of course some Peroni because it is after all, an Italian place. I was drinking wine this night anyway and I was pleased to see a Soave on the menu. A half order of salads is a great option. I wouldn't have ordered a whole one. The Gorgonzola sauce with chicken and penne was great. They held the walnuts for me. JD the bartender was very knowledgeable and friendly. I ordered take out a few nights later and it was great too. All around a super dining options in North Quincy.
(4)
Orr R.

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. My baked stuffed eggplant was delicious (and MASSIVE)! It was a veritable mountain of cheesy, veggie (pretend that's an adjective), eggplant-y goodness, atop a pile of delicious homemade fusili. The tiramisu was fantastic as well; airy, flavorful, and cool. A friend of mine asked for a sauce substitution in his seafood dish and the waitress and kitchen were totally accommodating. I'd recommend it to anyone in the area.
(4)
Sara H.

I went here with coworkers, great place with nice atmosphere. Pomodor with homemade pasta was INSANE. Good portion, too.
(5)
Nancy C.

Oh boy! New restaurant for us in Quincy! The ambiance was great, but the gnocchi and pizza were even better! Terrific waitstaff, as well! We'll be seeing you again!
(5)
Dana S.

Such a cute little restaurant. We had ordered take out from here before but had never been to the actual restaurant. The beet salad was ridiculously huge and so good. Add a little salt and it was perfect. We also ordered our favorite pizza, the pancetta and smoked Gouda. It was crispy, salty, and hit the spot. My husband liked the meatball side dish but it thought they were a little too soft for my liking. Service was decent but the real stand out here is the food. Nice little gem at the edge of north Quincy.
(4)
James T.

Came here for the first time with two coworkers for lunch. Was pleasantly surprised by the interior. Nothing to fancy and up scale, but very accommodating and spacious (for lunch). Waitress was helpful with the menu. They could have had the staff feel more interested in their patrons but no big fuss about that. I ordered the Chicken Pollo panini on a banquet which was very good. I split half of that order with a coworker who ordered the smoked mozzarella. This was lacking a bit in flavor, maybe a little bit more tomato but overall it wasn't terrible. The sandwiches come with chopped romaine lettuce dressed in a light coating of balsamic vinegar (not sure if that is a regular thing but I would suggest using mixed greens than romaine). The last coworker got the chicken piccata pasta which looked pretty good from an outside perspective. He finished and of course said it was delicious. Though I'm uncertain of how their dinner service would be (assuming the place gets busy). Overall this place gets a 3.5 or 4 in my opinion despite some of the other lackluster reviews. I would definitely be open to getting more lunch here again.
(4)
Dan M.

This place is a little gem. I've eaten here a couple of times and everytime I have been impressed. The flavor, the seasoning, everything, is done just right. The only thing that surprises me is why there is not a line out the door to get into this place. Food this good should be appreciated by as many people as possible. You simply cannot get a better sandwich in Quincy.
(4)
George P.

Heard good things about this place. And after 6 years driving by it every day. It's only 5 min from Marina bay. Another disappointment. Not worth a second visit. And for what they offer I think there over priced by 20%. I had a pasta dish. Nothing special. $26. In Quincy. Just a local restaurant. Kinda beat up to. The food wasn't as fresh as I was hoping. To bad. Another place I have to scratch off.
(2)
Renee L.

I've driven by this place so many times without a second thought but one night I was craving pasta and so my boyfriend suggested we try out Basta Pasta Enoteca. The location is a bit off, the hours are strange, and the staff could smile some more, but aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed my food experience here. The wait for the food was ridiculously long but I didn't mind because I had a lot to talk about and we were given bread and butter. I had the Gnocchi daily special that was featured and I was absolutely blown away by the entree. Amongst the creamy gnocci was a full salmon filet that just melted in my mouth and was perfectly cooked the way I like it! Also a great plus were mussels in my gnocchi that I overlooked while peeking over the menu. I cannot get over how insanely tender the salmon was in my pasta dish-I think that fully makes up for the long wait time. I would love to visit the restaurant again!
(4)
Deirdre L.

My boyfriend and I went in for dinner for my birthday on Friday. I was so excited to try it after looking at the menu and hearing good things about it from people. Boy were we disappointed. The restaurant has maybe 12 tables max all seating between 2-4 people and maybe 12 seats at the bar. There were a few open tables and two waitresses, 2 bartenders, 1 hostess, and 1 busser working. We ordered our drinks and had to wait almost 5 minutes for them and even then they were quickly dropped at the tables before our waitress rushed to another table and was not seen again for another 5 minutes. Sangria? Try red wine with fruit, I drank maybe a quarter of my glass and even then could not get rid of a horrible after taste. We ordered buffalo tenders as an appetizer and it was the only part of our meal and even they were nothing to write home about. I ordered the spicy eggplant as my meal as suggested by my waitress and I have never been more disappointed with a meal. The eggplant was watery and the overall quality of the dish was poor. My boyfriend ordered the chicken broccoli and ziti in the garlic and oil sauce and it was basically basically pasta and chicken in a bowl of water. Neither of us could even eat our meals and after several attempts gave up. The service left little to be desired. We saw our waitress a total of 4 times in the over an hour we were there. My boyfriend had an empty beer and waited 10 minutes before she even came over to ask if he wanted another one. She didn't even bother to ask how our food was and when she came over 15 minutes of having our plates in front of us we just asked to have our barely touched dishes wrapped up in the hope that we would be able to somehow improve it if we reheated them later. As a waitress myself I am very understanding and let a lot of things go but I was completely unimpressed with the entire staff. With the amount of tables in the small restaurant and 2 servers they would have 6 tables each maximum with a bus boy to help yet the service was very slow. If the service had been better I would have been able to get past the poor quality of the food and give this place another chance but the entire experience was just disappointing. Walking out my boyfriend said "Well I haven't had a bad meal in a while so I guess I was due". I really wanted to like this place because no one loves local restaurants or pasta more than I do but I do not see myself returning for a very long time if ever.
(1)
Lindsay G.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Basta never disappoints. Food is delicious! I will always come back!
(5)
Barry M.

Truly the worst Italian experience we ever had. 1. Fried Calamari - flat tasting breading with no seasoning. Originally served sautÃ©ed calamari but we asked for fried. It was quickly cooked with absolutely no seasoning, peppers etc., truly terrible. 2. Bread with Oil - just that. The oil was flat tasting. 3. Chicken Caesar Pizza and Marguerita Pizza - absolutely horrible, no seasoning at all just flat tasting sauce on dough, and Caesar salad on flat tasting dough. We had to ask for minced garlic on the side to sprinkle on to the pizza. Worst pizza we ever had and after one slice we took the rest home. I am not sure whether it was an off night, but whoever the chef is needs to learn that Italian food is cooked with seasoning. At the very least have hot peppers and Oregano on the tables as options, as even Papa Gino's gives you that. We will not be back, or as they say "one and done".
(1)
John R.

I started going to Basta a few days after they first opened, 3 yrs ago? and have enjoyed it virtually every time I've gone. It's my "go-to" Italian because I know what to expect. Iprob. go there every 10 weeks or so as I can make great Italian at home. The space is kinda sparse and uninviting but I'm glad Basta took over in the location it's in because the space had been empty years. Last week I got the same thing I almost always get. The beet salad w/ goat cheese and then I add shrimp to it. ALWAYS ask for the sauce on the side because they are heavy handed with dressing, learned that the hard way! After that I got the house made fresh whole wheat pasta (love it) Fra Diavolo (shrimp. marinara, basil) and as usual only ate a few bites and took the rest home. Sometimes I get the Tiramisu which is very good as well. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get! I personally have tried the pizza twice and it's not been the style i like.
(4)
Larry M.

This is one of the few places I've been to where I can say I was never disappointed, and I've been here a lot. Great food, and better people serving it. Love the pasta (homemade fusili is best) , veal, fish and salads are great. They have a very good wine selection (excellent pour too) and make a nice martini. Best value and ambience in the Boston area! Also a good place to watch a game at the bar with 2 nice TVs.
(5)
Chah A.

Veal overcooked. Fun, local place. That is all I can give it. They just don't have down the basics of cooking. Ceiling fan is too strong and cools down food.
(2)
Yvonne R.

Hubby and I go here frequently, all in all its pretty good. I had to take stars away because of the Baked stuffed eggplant , the eggplant was a rubbery gray thing. On the upside, the homemade pasta here is soooo delish! Our server(guy) the only guy, was great!
(3)
Edward M.

A bit out of the way but a good place to get some decent Italian food. Their pizza and pastas are pretty good. The service varies from each visit. They have a full bar and a decent selection of wine. They lose a star because we ordered a bottle of wine and did not want to finish it because we felt we had drank too much. The waitress then manager told us we couldn't get our wine corked (even though in Massachusetts it is allowed to prevent duis) This really bothered me. I have never been to a restaurant that doesn't let you take your wine bottle to go. They would prefer I get into a car accident and kill someone which would legally go on them too. Not too bright. I will return but iced tea for me next time no ordering wine here.
(3)
H S.

More and more frequently, Basta Pasta is becoming our go-to for dinner. We eat out 2-4 times a week, and are never disappointed. We always sit at the bar-Kerry (I think?) is fantastic, and there is also a gentleman sometimes who is great as well. Fantastic selection of micro brews, good rotation on the wine list with plenty of reasonably priced options, and the food is excellent. I love the calamari appetizer, caesar, their greek salad is great. Had an outstanding Puttanesca special on our last visit-the pizzas are always a hit. Sometimes the food can take a bit---which should be expected for items that are freshly prepared with care. The only Italian restaurant in Quincy, as far as we're concerned.
(4)
Le N.

Good Italian food. Service could be better. So maybe 3-3.5 stars. I always get the chicken ziti broccoli in a red sauce - adding the dry peppers to it - pretty good. I also do remember the calamari being very good as well - not your typical fried calamari. It's calamari in a red sauce that goes very well with the bread they give you. One of the better Italian restaurants in Quincy for sure.
(3)
Asish P.

Good food and friendly service. We went to have dinner here during Memorial day weekend. They were able to accommodate a table for seven people, and the place was't empty. Ordered a pizza, the stuffed eggplant and some other items. All the food was really good. Nice simple flavors, and everything tasted fresh. I wish the exterior matched the interior and food at this restaurant.... the restaurant is surrounded by road construction on one side, a train line on the other... and what looks like a run down repair shop on the 3rd site.... For food, this is a good bet!
(4)
Carrie L.

I'm so glad there is a decent place to get pasta in Quincy. I normally get take-out from here. My favorite is their veal picatta with linguini. Very sour but I like it. My only complaint is the opening hours are not very consistent. There are so many times when I called and find out its closed.
(4)
Kerrie F.

Have ordered take out 3 times... The first time they forgot to include the 2 appetizers we ordered (didn't even include on bill so did not bother to go back). We placed the order there with the hostess and had a drink at the bar. Atmosphere was great. However, the stuffed eggplant was gross, and very soggy. The chix ziti was ok, but not one of the best. They do have good pizza, which is all we continue to order from here on occasion. It's a bit overpriced for what you get.
(2)
C R.

Nice little restaurant in North Quincy - just off of the highway at the very beginning of Hancock street. We were with a group of 8. Perhaps because of the size of our group service was a little slower (or perhaps I was impatient as I was hungry) as it seemed the smaller tables (2-4) seemed to getting drinks and food a little quicker. Our waitress was friendly enough although she seemed to be doing a lot of running around. They didn't seem to be understaffed as there were several staff bustling around although it didn't seem like they were shuttling food back and forth. In all though the staff did a good job. I had the oso buco and it was magnificent. The others in my group had various pasta dishes. All reported to be good. The steak dish that one in our group was good - although it didn't seem to equal that of the others' dishes. Prices seemed to be in the mid range; not cheap but not unreasonable. I'm not a big pasta fan so I don't want to appear to be too critical of Basta Pasta. It doesn't compare with Prisco's Pasta Market Cafe in Malden, but if I was in the area with friends who liked pasta, I'd certainly give it another go. One major down side - parking is very limited.
(3)
Jacob C.

Restaurant filled. Good crowd for a Sunday. Got arancini appetizer. It was good, but under seasoned. Chef needs to season things as he/she prepares recipe. I had to add salt and pepper. Marinara sauce was amazingly good. Ordered house made fusilli with bolognese. Very good and big portions. The bolognese lacked the flavor of what a traditional bolognese should taste like, however it was still good. It seems that the kitchen added too much tomato to their bolognese. Very little tomato is supposed to be added to this sauce. The key ingredient in a traditional bolognese sauce, is milk. The color should not have been this red. Pasta was al dente and great. Friend got chicken parm. he said it was amazing. Service was very kind and prompt.....I was very impressed with our waitress. She smiled and had great attention to detail. She was tipped well for her hard work. I recommend this place because the food was very good, reasonably priced and the service was amazing. I will definitely go back again.
(4)
Megan Q.

So I wanted my meal to be so much better and I think that it can be. I want to give this place another go on a night where they may be less busy, but it doesn't really change my experience from Valentine's Day. I do hope to be able to amend my review later. My husband made reservations for 7 pm (because we're getting old). There was no parking in their lot. I blame winter partly for this because people dint know how to park without lines. So I parked my car next door behind the restaurants van (and confirmed with the hostess that it was ok there). When we got there we were seated right away. They took us down to what I would consider a basement like room. There were three families with young children sitting down there, which is fine families have to eat too and 7 is a crap shoot time with families still being out and adult date time. The ambiance was ok. It got better around 8 when they toned things down with the lighting. The Food. I was very excited about the food. I love food and based on the reviews I thought it would be leaps and bounds better than it was. We got a shrimp appetizer with red pepper sauce. It was very good. So we started off the meal strong. The problem was more centered around the main dishes. They took a very long time to come out of the kitchen. Our waitress was very nice and apologized several times about it. So we finally got our food. My husband had the broccoli and chicken risotto. It was more watery then creamy like I have been led to believe risotto should be. The flavor was still good, but it was sitting in a pool of broth. I got a special. It was swordfish and gnocchi with calamari. The swordfish was ok and the sauce on pasta didn't have a lot of flavor it was just spicy, if that makes any sense. I could feel the burn, but there was no really flavor to it. The calamari was also pretty chewy. So that was a bummer. We waited a while for food that was only so so. I am thinking that maybe the kitchen was backed up and they pushed our order out and maybe that is where some of the seasoning issues and things came in. That is why I would like to try it again. We got tiramisu for dessert, which was good. Overall the prices are reasonable - if you get a better standard of food. Hopefully the next time will be better. Fingers crossed.
(2)
Beth M.

Very disappointing. The atmosphere is pleasing so I had hopes for the food, but was not tasty... at all. When my risotto was served my husband asked me what kind of soup I had ordered there was so much liquid in the bowl. Someone needs to give the kitchen a lesson in risotto. The chicken parm my husband ordered was ok but the tomato sauce on the pasta was bland and tasted like it came straight out of a can. The pastas were all overcooked and mushy. My salad was overdressed and soggy. What annoyed me most was that our salad dishes sat around finished on the table for 15 minutes while lazy servers stood around, literally right behind our table. One server kept bumping into my chair that was near the bar every time she walked by as if she was annoyed I was in her way. I am not sure if we'd give this place a second chance. The pizzas on other tables looked ok but the subpar service and poorly prepared dishes left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
(1)
Anna A.

I love this place. Is the best place i have ever been at since i moved in Massachusetts. They are clean, the food is delicious and the staff is very friendly and nice. The owner is such a good guy and the best chef. I definitely will continue to go there anytime. I enjoy a lot the wine and my meal in there.
(5)
Amanda M.

Driven by it a million times but all my friends advised me not to go- should have listened! I frequent the north end but live in Quincy so I wanted to try it out. Had a hankering for home made gnocchi but the only one they had on the menu had pesto. I requested to have it with marinara and after the bartender checked with the chef/manager/whoever (I doubt this even transpired), I was told they wouldn't make a fresh batch with marinara because it would be too small and they wouldn't make just one dish.... Ok.... So waitress/bartender? What do you suggest? She says the fusilli. I order that with the chicken parm with fusilli, arranchini, and garlic bread. Bread was a joke.. Just a sub roll with butter and some garlic. Arranchini was absolutely disgusting and flavorless. Sauce on chicken parm was mediocre- the sauce that came with the garlic bread was actually the best and that wasn't even that great. The only reason why it gets two stars is that the fusilli was pretty decent. So for a meal and an appetizer take out was 28.00- come on people. Plenty of other places around- avoid this joint!
(2)
Molly M.

Best pizza I have ever had. I went with coworkers for the first time last week. The outside looks a little dingy, but do not let that deter you! Pizza was spectacular! I also ordered a drink and it was spot on. I will be frequenting this place much more often!
(5)
Dan C.

Very disappointed by Basta Pasta. Came with a group of five and tried a little bit of everyone's and all of it was average at best. The pasta definitely tasted boxed, and there was little to no seasoning on anything. For the prices they charge, I expect a much higher quality standard. The Olive Garden makes better Italian food. I would give a one star, but they have Allagash White on tap and that is awesome. I won't be coming back.
(2)
Melanie W.

I've really enjoyed Basta Pasta Enoteca the three times I have gotten food here. I have only eaten at the actual restaurant once, and ordered take-out two other times. The service at the restaurant was attentive, but we were the only people eating there. I went with my dad for an early dinner after running a bunch of errands, so we got there around 4:30. The bread at the table was delicious, but I thought that the oil needed to have more flavor. Maybe some hot sauce or cheese. I ordered the meatball pomodoro with homemade whole wheat pasta and I thought it was really tasty. The sauce was flavorful, and they put out a shaker of Parmesan and another of hot pepper flakes, which I used. The whole wheat pasta was fine if you like whole wheat pasta, but it's not everyone's thing. For dessert, I got the tiramisu, which I really liked also. I also tried my dad's apple tart and vanilla ice cream. The tart was a lot larger than I thought and came piping hot in an individual baking tray. Very tasty. Sadly, I opted not to try the sangria, but that's on the agenda next time. They have a full bar and a small selection of local brews available. I've also tried the gnocchi with pesto cream sauce, which was good, but I wish there was the option to add chicken or something. I felt like it was missing something, which I think could have been fixed with some protein. I also ordered the spinach salad with grilled chicken and lemon shallot dressing another time. Since I ordered it to go, I didn't think it was packaged well. The grilled chicken was really hot and ended up a wilting a good portion of my salad by the time it got home. I think the chicken and salad should be packaged separately. I'm looking forward to trying their pizzas and sangria. I will not hesitate to come here next time I'm in the mood for Italian.
(4)
Kathy S.

I went to the Boston Flower Show and i had a groupon for this place. I was really excited to check it out. My Husband I went on a rain Wednesday afternoon around 3:30 P.M. We pulled in the parking lot and thought the place was closed. There was no cars in the parking lot. We drove up to the door to make sure the place was still in business. The sign said it was open so we went on in. It's a cute little place with a little bar and a small dining room. We were seated by a younger waitress who was very nice. The entire staff was glued to the TV. I guess they just paid $15.00 on pay per view to watch a soccer game. Ahm..to be honest..I could care less. I'm here to spend my money. If you want to watch soccer..Go home and take the day off. If you're running a business, I think that maybe your staff should be paying a bit more attention to the business and a little less attention to the freaking TV. I ordered the arachinis for an appetizer and my husband ordered the mussells. My arachinis were definitely overcooked. But, they were very good still. I think, again, if they were paying attention more to our food and less to their pay-per-view they may have gotten it right. Considering my Husband and I were the ONLY two customers in the entire place they may have wanted to get it right. My husband had a ton of mussels and he said they were very good. For dinner I ordered Chicken parmiggiana and My husband ordered a panini. My Chicken Parm came with pasta was that way under cooked. It was horrible. The Chix Parm was just alright. My husband was not happy with his panini at all..he picked it all apart and just ate the meat out of it. Unfortunately, FOR US, we came at a bad time..where soccer was more important than the two customers that were in the establishment. The only reason I'm even giving the 2 stars is because our waitress was fantastic! She went above and beyond and took very good care of us...We will not be going back here any time soon...
(2)
Anthony J.

HIGHLY disappointed in this Basta Pasta location... having been a long time patron of the original in Cambridge, I wanted to try the new larger and slightly spiffier location in Quincy. Upon entering, it's clear that this location is going for a much different ambiance than it's Cambridge father... much roomier, with a good sized bar and ample seating (as opposed to the much smaller and confined original location). This was a nice and pleasant surprise... and so was being waited on by a very friendly waitress who was quick to help myself and my friend once we were seated (even though there weren't many people in the restaurant, I was still impressed). The issue, unfortunately, came after we ordered our food. Both my friend and myself ordered what is my "regular" dish at the Cambridge location: chicken, ziti & broccoli. A dish that may take a maximum of 15 mins to prepare at the OG Basta Pasta, took at least 40 mins to prepare here (keep in mind that the Cambridge Basta is MUCH smaller and is EASILY busier than the Quincy location was on this night)..... I say "at least" because assuming that food prep would be similar to the original Basta Pasta, My friend and I had made plans that didn't allow us to wait any longer. In fact, as I voiced my concerns to my friend, our server over heard and actually asked the cooks in the kitchen what was taking so long. Soon after that, we had to apologize to our server and inform her we had to leave... she apologized and got the manager (I assume she was the manager... it was a woman who seemed to be in charge). This is where it got dicey.... the manager or whoever she was, actually got an attitude with us because we got tired of waiting... even after our waitress explained to her that our wait was excessive! This woman in charge tells me that this is the normal wait for what we ordered.... and I had to explain to her that I've been a long-time customer of the original Basta Pasta and order that dish regularly... in a MUCH busier environment and never had to wait more than 15 mins! So why was it that we had to wait nearly 40 mins (and still counting) in a restaurant that was not busy to the naked eye and can hear the cooks laughing and making jokes in the kitchen? Pathetic customer service. So sadly, I didn't get to try the food at the new location of Basta Pasta but I'm forced to give them 1 star for my overall experience with this restaurant AND the customer service given by management. The lone bright spot was our waitress... a diamond in the rough.
(1)
Julian C.

The Best restaurant on this part of Hancock St. in Quincy hands down. The pasta is homemade and they even offer wheat pasta. Take out is available. The Peperoni pizza with caramelized onions will melt in your mouth. The spaghetti Bolognese is the best that I have had outside the north end. I would also recommend the chicken Marsalla (order extra sauce) and the chicken Cacciatore. You really cant go wrong with what you order because everything is good.
(4)
Katie R.

I did not like the arrancinis which is what everyone seems to rave about. I don't think technically it was their fault I think i just don't like arrancini's to begin with. However the homemade pasta was so good! the plain old marinara was really fresh and tasty and the presentation was pretty. the meatballs were ok. My boyfriends chicken parm was average. Service was really good.
(3)
Dianne M.

My boyfriend and I ate at Basta Pasta last weekend and I've got to say it was PHENOMENAL! If you are looking for an Italian restaurant on the South Shore that rivals those of the North End look no further than Basta Pasta. This visit, which I am writing about today, was our third visit to the restaurant. We were waited on by Morgan, who was extremely nice and accommodating. She was honest with us when we sat at the bar and asked for a cocktail menu - telling us that she was not a trained bartender but she would do her best to make us cocktails if that's what we wanted. We both ended up going with draft selections, as we were just there for a few drinks and appetizers. We got the Mini Arancinis & the Grilled Bruschetta to start off with. Both were melt in your mouth delicious. The marinara sauce that came with the Mini Arancinis tasted like authentic Italian marinara sauce. It had that sweet and savory taste to it that only seasoned chefs can achieve in a marinara sauce. As for the Grilled Bruschetta, the tomatoes were so fresh and the balsamic vinaigrette was so good I could have drank a bottle of it. We then ordered the Fried Calamari which was one of the best calamari orders I have had. Sometimes calamari disappoints me if it comes out too greasy or chewy...this order was neither. Since we came in on an early Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere was quiet and relaxing which was what we wanted at the time. I was so impressed with this visit, that I have decided to return later this week for my Birthday dinner.
(5)
Tom G.

I've been to Basta Pasta twice, once alone on Valentine's day, and once a few months later with my wife. On Valentine's Day, I had one of the specials (lobster ravioli), and it was excellent. The wine pairings they offered were only so-so, however, and it took about four tries to get a decent white to go with the dish. My second visit, with my wife, was not as positive, I'm afraid. My wife had a special involving salmon over pasta, and I had a caprese salad. Both of our dishes were mediocre. My wife's salmon was WAY overcooked, and my salad had very little basil (usually a central component of caprese). We'll probably give it one more try, and let the third try be the tiebreaker.
(3)
Jennifer N.

Dinner last night explained why Basta Pasta issued a BuyWithMe for half off (pay $15, get $30 worth of food). Sure am glad we did not pay full price for this meal. First, they gave us bread with oil. The oil had at least 50 red pepper flakes in it. And they were not some fancy flakes, they were the ones you see at Papa Ginos in a shaker you can put on your pizza. In any case, am I the only one who does not like red pepper? If you are going to make your oil five-alarm, you probably should ask your guest if they like it that way. I had the mussels and the caprese for dinner. Let me start with the mussels. They were cold. So cold, it was gross. Mussels should be hot- and there was no broth in the bowl and the appeal of mussels absorbing flavors was completely not there. I actually still feel a little off today thinking about them. Gross. Caprese was not what I expected. Why was it piled on top of iceberg lettuce? I am not so picky that I hate iceberg, but if you are trying to have a fancy salad at least use you some better greens, or none. Mozzarella was all cut in small chunks, making it a challenge to even get a bite with both tomato and cheese. Besides the fact the whole thing was swimming in balsamic. Both were huge disappointments. I guess they filled our waters, so that's good. And it was half off. Two stars may be generous, though. I am so not a fan of Basta Pasta.. I suggest avoiding it.
(2)
Lauren F.

My boyfriend and I had a gift certificate to this place. Seemed pretty nice when we walked in, it was really slow. We started with the bruchetta..... They put about 5 full chopped tomatoes on top of a few pieces of bread. You had to dig into all the tomatoes to even find the bread. Very little balsamic and barely any goat cheese. Dinner came, everything was pretty bland. The chicken parm had barely any sauce, it was more like left over pasta that had been microwaved. Then the bill came, our bill was $45.. The gift cert was for $50, they refuse to let the remaining amount go toward the tip. Very strange and annoying... So now we have a gift card for $5. Obnoxious
(2)
Traci K.

Not too bad for a nice office lunch outing. My co-workers were raving about Basta Pasta's beet salad - so we decided to check it out. Personally, I'm not a fan of the beets, so I opted for a panini sandwich. The beet salad (roasted beets over mixed greens with goat cheese and a balsamic syrup) looked pretty tasty. Add chicken or shrimp and magic. I had the prosciutto panini (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on ciabatta). The sandwich was admittedly huge - but the prosciutto was just not right. It was weirdly stringy. The moz, tomato and basil was great - though I'm not sure I'd have this sandwich again. Among other paninis attempted - the meatball on french baguette (which ended up being more bread than meatball) and the Italiano Pollo (grilled chicken, roasted red peppers and pesto on baguette). If not for my coworkers' rave reviews about the beet salad, I'd pass - but if that's something you're into, I guess it's a-OK.
(3)
Jessi R.

The Phantom Gourmet reviewed Basta Pasta this morning, and when an out-of-town friend came over unexpectedly, we had to make a fast dinner decision. And who can say no to Italian? Although I've been driving past the restaurant since it opened, I still wasn't expecting it to be SO small. Probably 15 tables plus the bar. Granted, the brick wood-fired oven took up a ton of space. We arrived a little early for the dinner crowd, and it's a Sunday during football season, so I wasn't expecting it to be full, but less than half the tables were taken by the time we left. It's also in a poor location on a major road making it difficult to get in and out, and there is no good means of getting foot traffic either. The menu isn't extensive, which I appreciate--I hate having to decide from pages of delicious sounding food, so a 3-page menu (including Apps and Pizza) is perfect to me. The Phantom had said to try the bolognese, and he was right; my fiance ordered that with the homemade fusilli, which was totally worth the extra $2. My stuffed eggplant was wonderful, although they make the eggplant ahead of time, so I wasn't able to get it without the roasted peppers. Our friends both raved about their chicken with gorgonzola, and both finished their plates, which I took as a good sign. The prices weren't crazy-expensive, but were high enough that I tried to stick with less expensive items. Although, I'm sure that if I wasn't a grad student, the prices wouldn't have been quite so daunting. Our server was sweet and kept our water glasses full--as soon as one person was done, she filled all of them; that earns an automatic half star in my book. The room was a little darker than I'd like, but I'm picky. I think their major downfall is going to be location and a small-ish parking lot. We'll likely be going here again.
(3)
Catie C.

Where should we go? Here? There? Well, let's try Basta Pasta! Semi reminds me of a cafeteria because of its open floor plan of about 15 tables. For such a small restaurant, the service is pretty slow and so is the volume on a saturday evening. I opted to try the special, Osso Bucco. It's really tender and most certainly sucked out the bone marrow. It was certainly not a disappointment for a first timer with a generous portion that was good for lunch another day.
(3)
Laura K.

Great Food, nice atmosphere and Friendly service. The only reason I can see why this place wasn't packed was the unfortunate bridge construction out front. I had the Calamari appetizer which was pretty standard, but tasty. The bread and oil was AWESOME! Same goes for the Mixed Mushroom Risotto. I highly recommend this for a date night, or a casual dinner with friends.
(5)
Jon G.

Not sure why more people don't love this place. The food is terrific. I especially love the chicken parm, which is pounded razor thin, on top of the homemade fusilli. (Make sure you spring for the homemade pasta, well worth the extra two bucks.) There's a good wine list and they offer a small but very good selection of beers. On our last visit I got a bottle of dunkelweiss from the local Blue Hills Brewery. Prices aren't bad either. Actually (and I'm a little ashamed to admit this) we ate at an Olive Garden off the highway coming back from NY last week, and the food was about the same price as Basta Pasta's -- except, you know, totally mediocre and uninspired. The atmosphere is really pleasant -- exposed brick, airy feeling, low lighting, just a tiny bit bigger than intimate so you don't feel crowded. Our waitress was wonderful, and honestly the bar is pretty inviting -- it wouldn't be a bad spot to watch a game as they have a couple of flat-screens. The only reason I won't 't give this place five stars is because it's on that stretch of Hancock St. that feels like you're at the end of the earth; if you're at a window table, you're not exactly gazing out over the verdant Tuscan countryside. Lastly, be warned that they use a LOT of garlic in some dishes, if that bothers you. (Though if it does, what are you doing at an Italian restaurant anyway?)
(4)
Janine K.

We Went to Basta Pasta for the first time the other day to celebrate my daughters birthday. The food was only ok, but rather bland and the service was not very friendly. Not a special place for a birthday. The one good thing is their extensive wine list with pretty good prices on a variety of wines.
(2)
Bob M.

Basta pasta is a small place that has very good food and it is not over priced like some places. the sauce was plan but very good and the oil for the bread was awsome and the bread was fresh to.
(5)
Kendra S.

My impression is that Basta Pasta just started to learn to juggle, and they're still dropping a few balls here and there. But for the most part, they're putting on a good, clean show. Balls dropped: Our waitress was a bit flighty, forgetting to serve bread and not paying very close attention to whether we said Yes or Canoli to certain questions. And what if she hadn't tried various menu items herself? Well, she did her best to vouch for what she could. She did get one of our orders incorrect, but it was a pretty tasty pasta dish, so we didn't object. A little disappointed that there was no gelato on the v. limited dessert menu. Seems anathema to Italian eateries, no? Balls in the air: Came here with my lover and toddler for Mother's Day and felt much warmth and love from the staff. Thanks for the pretty carnation! The buttered and grilled corn w/ lime extract was OUTSTANDING. Can't wait to try this at home. The pear and gorgonzola risotto was cooked perfectly and the portion was large. The kiddie menu included your standard chicken nugget/fries fare but I was pleased to see they also put veggie sides on there, and my daughter loved the pasta pomodoro. We will come back again, I'm sure as I think the act will get better and more polished with time.
(3)
Tomoko M.

I am very happy to have this place near my apartment. Hands down the best meal I had there was their baked stuffed eggplant. I would recommend ordering the eggplant with their "homemade fusilli" for an extra $1.95 rather than the penne or linguini. The fusilli is a small chunky type of pasta that is al dente..very good. The sauce used with the eggplant is amazing. I believe it is a marinara-type sauce but I am not fully sure. Ambiance is great. Great for a few drinks as well. I prefer to sit at the bar rather than in the main dining area. The main dining area has somewhat of a cafeteria-type feel but the bar is pretty posh.
(4)
Greg j.

I was pumped when they opened a location in quincy because I've eaten at the other location in cambridge which was amazing so I had high hopes for this place when it open right near my apt. The food here is great not the biggest selection but everything I've tried was great. The stuffed eggplant is my favorite. I've eaten here twice and both times I've had some real shitty service . the first was around a year ago right when they opened the second was the 18 of march so I know it's not an aboration . And it's not that there bad servers it just takes forever It will literally take up your whole night to eat here so don't make other plans after dinner. The food is so great that I would eat here again. But maybe I'll just get takeout next time.
(3)
Meep M.

Drove by this place a million times but never really notice the sign. The decor is pretty trendy with a loud atmosphere. Food on the other hand was somewhat a disappointment. Everyone had tried different dishes and all were much too salty. Appetizers were also a mediocre. Probably would rather go to olive garden.
(2)
paul v.

I don't have any problems with the food here. I think it's delicious but the service is horrible. I went with my coworker recently and the wait to get two entrees is over 30mins. The sad part was that they got his order wrong.
(2)
Chortipsukontar M.

My husband and I heard that they have good food, so we went to check it out, and we went there so many times that I did not count on it. Until I have some time to write a review for this restaurant that I should speaking out to others people who drives by this restuarant everyday that they should come to this restuarant and have a good time of their meal or dinner. Everything in Basta pasta are different but that is a good thing to have some awesome italain food. I had Pork ( in the menu they're calld Pork), I post the picture on it that you can check it out, that Pork is not thing to compare because I ate it all. The pizza with eggplant is decent and delight for vegetarain meal and good portion to finish just half of it then take it home to finish a good pizza later. also the salad that they have is good, delicious. chicken parm is huge portion and yummy. another tip don't forget to order dessert ( man I dream about it all the time if I still have some room to put it )
(5)
Chase S.

Judging this book by it's Ugly cover, I would have never come in here. Around it is train tracks, an abandoned business and a dirt lot (im being serious). What I expected was a soulless chain pasta place that was riding the trendy wave like chipotle or wagamama, but walking through the doors made me realize how wrong I could be. I was expecting cheap pastel laminate decor, but I got nice stonetop bar and fine wooden furniture instead. All the food looked and was priced like a modestly successful Italian eatery. I had the chicken marsala and the pasta was ok, but the chicken was disappointingly stringy and tough. I tried some of the eggplant and THAT was good, so I'm getting that next time. Another friend ordered a pepperoni pizza, I don't know why, but at least basta pasta caters to the low and high fiving end of the spectrum. We also ordered a lemonade martini and it was reportedly, "pretty good". Unfortunately the surprise of the interior and atmosphere was more memorable than the food for me, but it was good enough for me to go back and give it another shot. [update 7-15-2010] Came here with some friends, and the service wasn't so friendly. Maybe because it was getting on to closing time unless it was something personal. Also, this time around we wanted to try something different than last, but scanning the menu made us realize there wasn't much variety. Got the eggplant and it was good.
(3)
Tamas S.

Been here a couple of times, the last of which was probably the best. All of them were great but the addition of a true Italian (from Italy, not Italian-American) made this experience all the better. Food was still as delicioso as usual, my only request is that they add more pescetarian options. Will continue to patronize and recommend Basta Pasta through and through.
(4)
Anonymous B.

We came here a few years ago and we just got it to go. The place itself was hot as hell with no ac. The dinners were bland and small. We never went back.
(1)
Emily D.

Visited Basta Pasta sunday night with my husband. We had been wanting to try this place out since it opened a while back. There aren't many Italian joints in Quincy and we were excited about something new. The place is kinda small and the decor is modern casual. We were seated immediately not too packed when we walked in. But by the end of our dinner it got pretty packed, we came at the perfect time. Around 5pm. They give you bread, oil with parmesan & red peppers, and water. The bread was hard and crunchy, BUMMER #1. I felt a little rushed from the waitress, we barely got seated and she was already harassing us. Let us settle in a second thanks! The hostess who seated us was also refilling cups with water and clearing tables, he also was driving us a little crazy coming over to our table a bunch of times. I felt a little suffocated. BUMMER #2 I ordered the Chicken Alfredo and the hubby ordered the Meatball and linguine. We also ordered some cheesy garlic bread for an apptezier. It came with marinera sauce on the side. The bread was soft but the cheese wasn't melted and too garlicy. On top of that it was there was barely anything spread on the bread... which in a way we were happy because it was soo garlicy. BUMMER #3 Our entrees came out and looked very yummy. The hubby enjoyed his meal but he's had better. My chicken alfredo was ok but had this crazy onion after taste. All in all, we will probably think twice about coming back. Maybe to try the pizza. We'll see.
(3)
Ben K.

A nice gem in my hood. Quality homemade pasta and delicious entrees with good-sized portions. I once had a spinach ricotta ravioli special to *die* for! Everything I've had (been twice) has been well-done, from their sauces to their pastas, to their house wines. I recommend the fusili, and loved their mini arancini as a starter. My only qualm is that their dessert menu is a bit limited- tirimisu and cannoli. I'd skip the cannoli (a little bland- could use some cinammon or slightly more sugar) and would go straight for the tirimisu. Oh, and seating is slightly limited... Otherwise, excellent service and delicious food. Yay, I'm a fan!
(4)
Sarah D.

I am surprised by all the negative reviews. I've only been here once but i was very happy with it. The room is laid out strangely, with a high bar area and tightly packed dining room. i always sit at the bar if i can help it, so i did, and the service there was prompt and pleasant. It was packed in there for a Tuesday night, the hostess quoted 25 min for a table, but the service seemed to be running smoothly. We ordered the Romana pizza, which has fresh mozzarella and anchovies, and the mussels. We had originally ordered the chicken fingers instead of the mussels but they were out of them. I get that it can be annoying when places run out of something you want to order, but seriously, who cares. If a place sells out of something its a good sign that they are not over-ordering and selling less than fresh food. the pizza was pretty darn good. Medium-thin crust, the sauce is chunky (think bertuccis) rather than saucy, which is my preference. The mussels were good and tasted fresh, they came with some flatbread to dip in the sauce. The pizza and the mussels together came to about $25 or so, which is a pretty cheap date for the quality. Maybe i am biased because there is so little good pizza in Quincy, but i will definitely be back.
(4)
Shannon H.

Went here a few nights ago for dinner with a friend. We were seated right away which was nice. It seemed to be pretty busy for a Wednesday night. We both ordered sodas as our beverages and a Caesar salad to start. The menu was very small. It basically offered a few appetizers, Caesar, Greek or tossed salad, minestrone soup, a few paninis, a few pizzas and a dozen pasta dishes. Dessert was offered as a canoli or tiramisu. My friend was disappointed that they did not have any fish or steak offered. I found myself uncomfortable right away whereas the restaurant was extremely cold and loud. My friend's first language is not English, although he speaks very well, it was hard to hear/understand him the the volume of the atmosphere. It put my coat back on even thou i was wearing long sleeves because i couldn't shake the chill. There were other diners with there coats on as well. The family at the table next to us all had on their puffy vests. I ordered the chicken Marsala and my friend ordered a pepperoni pizza. The food came in a timely manner. My Marsala was OK. It did not have a great wine or mushroom flavor, it was pretty boring. My friend was not crazy about his pizza and only ate two slices. The waitress was OK. Not very attentive but not bad either. We did not stay long whereas i was cold and we were basically "over it". We decided upon leaving that it was not worth going back again but glad we had tried it so that we know. (Wouldn't want to take friends or a group there and be disappointed.) I think there are much better Italian restaurants in the area (like Ecco Tratoria).... I would even rather go to Olive Garden!
(2)
Terry C.

My friends and I decided to try this new basta pasta in Quincy. We weren't sure if this is a chain. Our server was really nice & friendly. But the food was average. The interior is different from the old Tullios but the seating was a bit cramped and it was really really hot in there. I had the Meatball pomodoro with homemade fuselli pasta. The pasta was really good - cooked to the perfect texture. But the meatball was very plain. One of my friends got the chicken masala and I thought the sauce was too sweet. He also asked for a substitute of spinach in his pasta and the cook said they are not catering to any specific change to the menu.
(3)
Ralph G.

We've gone a number of times and enjoy it. The only new comments I have are: 1) The homemade fusili pasta is slimy in consistency. I prefer a dryer, coarser pasta 2) My wife isn't a big fan of the fact that all customers are referred to as "guys", ie, what can I get you guys? would you guys like a drink? Substituing the word "folks" would solve this problem
(3)
Blue B.

My husband and I went to Basta Pasta when it was fairly new. It was a Friday night, and the place was mobbed. We sat at the incredibly noisy bar and got a fairly generous glass of wine while we waited. It's absolutely freezing at the bar, the door kept opening to gusts of cold air. We were seated more quickly than promised, which was nice, and our waitress came right away. She was very attentive and helpful throughout the meal. Unfortunately, they were out of almost everything I tried to order. I don't eat meat and wasn't in the mood for pizza, so I was running out of options. Finally the waitress said they had just made some more fussilli (they were out of that too at one point!) and would I like that with red sauce. How can you run out of eggplant? It's not like fish, it does keep quite awhile! My husband had the pizza, which I thought was fairly small for the price, but he liked it. The fussilli was totally awesome, but I must be a pig - it didn't seem like enough for the money. Hopefully things have improved on the food end (in terms of supply). I would return based on this was all probably due to new restaurant jitters but for one thing - the NOISE. OMG. The TVs were blaring, and I hate TVs in a restaurant. When the place was Tullio's it was a romantic, Valentines Day kind of place, now it's more like a sports bar. I agree it's also very cold, but most restaurants are, the servers crank the AC because they're working hard and the rest of us freeze. I have heard they may open up the downstairs for extra dining. I would definitely be back if they do (and if they leave the TVs upstairs). I go out to dinner to spend time with my husband, not watch the boob tube.
(3)
Jonathan M.

Been here couple times. Good customer service. Brings out the upscale vibe environment inside. Great sangrias, pizzas, risottos, and appetizers amongst others i've tried as well. Def. a place i will return to.
(4)
Dina D.

I went there tonight for the first time and my husband and I both loved the pizza. We sat at the bar (away from the door or you'll be cold). Bartender was friendly and nice. My favorite thing was the drink menu. I like that they have 2 espresso martini's, which ACTUALLY have espresso in them! I hate places that have martini's called espresso martini's when there isn't any actual espresso in it! But I digress, we loved our pizzas - hubby got the pepperoni and I got the pancetta. Some guy sitting next to me had the chicken parm and it looked awesome. I was too full for dessert, (besides my espresso martini), but I will go back again. Bar seats like 12 and the dining room isn't very big so I'd suggest going early. Good beers on tap and 2 flat screen tvs so hubby can watch sports while I get to have great martinis! (Pomegranite martini was good too)
(4)
Oz L.

Heyyyyy, this is the same Basta Pasta from Cambridge, MA. This is the location of the old Tullios. For those of you that have not tried their food...... it is excellent! Huge portions (one pasta portion will take care of lunch and dinner for the avg eater) and fantastic paninis.... They put in a brick oven for thin crust pizza also. The one twist - they added a full sit down wine and spirits bar! I spoke with the owners and they are planning on opening a wine grotto downstairs. You gotta love it, we can chill and wait for a table over a nice glass of vino while we wait for a seat b/c they are not taking reservations. It is first come first serve, but the food is well worth the wait.
(5)
Hannah C.

I have been to the relatively new Basta Pasta a handful of times and have enjoyed my food as well as the crowded but lively atmosphere. (For all the paparazzi- the last time I was there I saw Mayor Koch and his wife enjoying some cannoli for dessert!) I asked about the downstairs last time I was there and they said they are planning on opening it for more seating- which seems like a smart plan since it has the potential to be a cozy grotto-like atmosphere and also because there is often a wait for dinner. (The bar is always a great place to wait for a table though- good drinks and nice staff.) FOOD: Usually I get one of the pasta dishes with the homemade, and perfectly cooked, fusilli but I also liked the unique (to me) gorgonzola and pear risotto. I have also tried the pizza which I am happy to say was quite good. ATMOSPHERE: It's small and pleasantly busy. The entry is a little crowded and I kind of wish that the front door was actually used as a front door instead of the one by the parking lot. I know most people will be driving to this destination but the restaurant is not pedestrian oriented at all. Also, for a few tables closest to the door, it would add a great deal of warmth if they hung some wine colored velvet as a vestibule of sorts so as not to let in the cold air.
(4)
James W.

a-ok is the best i've got here. basta is a good neighborhood place and i'm happy to have them, but not necessarily worth a special trip out to the q across the now-fubar-for-three-years neponset river bridge. i think basta pasta did about as good of a job as they could with the old tulio's space. new windows help the draft problem, opening up the kitchen and the addition of a proper bar are definite pluses, but the space is still a bit awkward and it's tight when you walk in. the food is just ok. the ham and gouda panini ($7) was pretty good but nothing i couldn't have made for myself fairly easily. the fruitti di mare ($20), the most expensive dish on the menu, had a generous amount of seafood but the fra diavolo sauce i ordered it with was watery and tame. the real standouts so far have been the arancini appetizer ($5.50) and the gorgonzola and pear risotto ($14). most recently i had the chicken, broccoli & ziti alfredo ($14) which, frankly, didn't stand apart from something i could have gotten from the neighborhood pizza/sub shops - suffice it to say, i did not feel the way i felt after the risotto. the service has been consistently good here. the wait staff as a whole is friendly, energetic, and knowledgeable about the menu. the parking lot is fairly small, but i've always been able to get a spot there. if it's full, i'd imagine the ladder factory next door would be a good backup. basta pasta is also an easy walk from the north quincy t.
(3)
Lynne K.

This place is GROSS. I don't think they have heard of salt, spices or flavor. We ordered 2 pizza's and canolli's for take out, and both were beyond disappointing. The margarita pizza had absolutely no flavor, and the red sauce was bland as could be. The mozzarella didn't taste fresh. The pancetta & Gouda pizza was slightly better, but again, lacked flavor. The pancetta wasn't cooked evenly and wasn't crispy at all - it was more soggy and gross. The Gouda was good, but the cheese wasn't enough to save this pizza. As for dessert, we didn't realize that 2 cannolli's came with each order - it would have been nice if the menu had noted that or the girl taking my order had said something. The cannolli shell was good and crisp, but the filling had absolutely NO sugar. None. So it was disgusting. Needless to save, it was a less that satisfying sweet ending to a horrible meal. I would not recommend this place at all, and will never go back. If you want pizza, go to Renaissance or School House.
(1)
Brian M.

I've eaten here several times in the past few weeks, and I've had a good experience every time. The food is quite good, and very reasonably priced. I've tried their pizza, pasta and meatballs, salads, and a sandwich. Also, the Tiramasu was very good. The service has been good, as well as friendly. I'd say it's a good place if you just want to stop in for a beer/wine, a meal, or even just dessert and coffee/espresso....or all of the above.. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Brian K.

One of the best Frutti de Mare I have ever had! Aside from a couple of overdone mussels, everything else was really fresh and cooked to perfection. The homemade fusilli was a wonderful addition to this delicious dish! The portion was big so be prepared to have the remainder bagged if you have aps! Well done chef!
(4)
Nancy R.

This is one of my favorites lately! I have to respond to Dre who complained about no substitutions. I order chicken piccata, I never have been refused the dish. I think there is a constant turnover of servers that are unsure of the menu. They give you alot ( always a doggie bag, esp. the chicken parm) and are fairly reasonable. If you live in the area it is the best Italian food around and they offer a good variety of specials along with the regular menu.
(4)
Charles W.

Nice, calm place inside. Staff we friendly. Full bar. The drink and food was okay, but I didn't order that much.
(3)
C C.

The first time I went to Basta Pasta I was not pleased or impressed. I gave it another try and went for lunch this past week. It once again did not impress me. They were out of some stuff but that normally happens at a restaurant but we were not informed until after my coworker ordered and was told he would need to think of something else. I went with the chicken parm panini which was decent but it wasnt much of a panini. It was a chicken parm sandwich...the bread was not grilled or warm...My coworker went with the pizza which was quite lacking of topping and taste. Very bland. It was also freezing in the place...my nose was cold like a dog! TURN UP THE HEAT PLEASE! It seemed like there was only one server on duty and therefore the service was lacking a bit. I dont think I will return again. My manager used to order take out alot from here but after always messing up his order, he stopped as well.
(1)
Enay V.

First off - The parking lot is a clusterfuck. you're lucky if you get a spot, it's so small, but then again - you can cross Hancock street & park over there. No waiting area - You walk in the door and kind of hang out there for a bit and if you can manage it, you can get a drink at the bar. DON'T MAKE RESERVATIONS - and if you do, expect them to not be taken seriously. I showed up for my 7 o'clock reservation only to be told that yes, they did have my name, but no, I still had to wait. wtf - seriously. The set up of the tables threw me off the whole night. The dining room area is set up like a huge triangle. If you're one of the lucky ones, you get a table near the perimeter. If not, you're hanging out with all the overflow people from the "waiting area" and almost in the bar people's laps. The whole night -when i finally got a table after waiting a half hour (it was empty for 20 minutes before we were seated)- I was afraid someone's dinner was going to fall on my head. people were bumping into each other the whole night. There were about 16 tables (some 4 tops) but there was no way to arrange them without an incident. They are redoing the downstairs & will be adding more tables - thank God! maybe they can put up a half wall divider or something on the main floor - break up that nasty lack of flow. The food - eh. We did NOT get our bread - i'm stingy, i like my bread - we didn't get it. kinda sad. The menu was kind of weird. I'd get rid of the buffalo wings - they don't go with the rest of the menu and they weren't that good. my soup was good, the side of garlic bread & GRAVY was awesome. The risotto was ok. My husband's dinner - chicken gorgonzola - was kind of bland too. But the sauce wasn't too heavy & the penne was perfect. We felt kind of rushed - I guess the chefs were going nuts with output but i like to digest each course before I move on - call me crazy. Service = EXCELLENT - pretty much the only thing (besides the decor) this place has going for it. Our waiter was great - not a hover-er and was on point. My order got messed up with the chef & I had the right risotto in 5 minutes - Don't know how they did it but it was cooked perfectly. The bartender was awesome too - very nice and my drink was the best I've had in a long time. Try it out in March or April when they get the tables right & more room downstairs (I hear they're making a grotto-type thing down there too). Not sure if I'll go back - I still miss Tullio's - but it was a pretty cool place if you're having a few drinks and hanging out watching TV at the bar. PS - they fixed the temperature problem - it wasn't freezing like it use to be when it was Tullio's!
(3)
Dan M.

I mostly love this place. (See review from Jan 2010) My last visit was a little disappointing food-wise. I ordered the Pepperoni Pizza and requested that the roasted peppers be left off. They didn't. I said it was OK and I lifted most of them from the pizza onto my friend's salad. The pizza looked appetizing and I love thin crust pizza, but something went wrong in the execution. First the top was swimming in pepperoni grease. Second, there was either too much sauce or the oven wasn't hot enough because two inches in from the edges, the crust was like wet wallpaper. It just disintegrated. There was no eating it with hands. Finally, it just lacked flavor. I kept loading up the grated cheese and pepper, but it didn't help. Time to revisit the pizza making folks! Maybe I'll come down and make you one of mine!!! The staff is awesome and friendly. The bartender is always spot-on being nicely atttentive and not obtrusive. I'll be back, but I hope the pizza gets a makeover.
(3)
Donna M.

Went there last night with husband and two kids. Had been waiting for it to open and gave it a couple of weeks so they could work out the kinks before trying. We got there early (by 5:30 p.m.) and by 5:45 the entire place was full (including the bar). This was on a Saturday night. Couple of quick things before the food: the place is very small and the tables are very close together. I counted only four tables for 4 and about 10 tables for 2. The rest is bar seating. The bar is a very nice bar and I wouldn't hesitate to eat at the bar when I go without my kids. I agree with another reviewer that some background music would be nice. Our server was Joanne and she was really friendly and attentive. I got the veal picatta which was very good. I had it with linguine but will try the homemade fusilli the next time. My husband had chicken marsala, which he said was good and my daughters both had the chicken and brocolli risotto, which they enjoyed as well. We had the rice balls to start and while they were good, they could have been cooked a little longer. The price you pay for the serving you get is well worth it. Good food, decent ambiance. We'll definitely go back but I can see that with the limited seating, once word gets out about Basta Pasta you'll have to go early if you don't want to wait. I'm curious to see if they will have the downstairs available for seating at some point. Would make sense for them to do so.
(4)
Mrs. G.

I like Basta Pasta...i have been there 3 times and was surprised by the flavors in the sauce. If you want a decent meal for a good price this is the place to go. It is a great recession restaurant. The chicken Parm is the best in my opinion!
(4)
Eva W.

We tried this restaurant out on a Friday night. There wasn't a long wait but it was busy. The wait staff was friendly but service was very average. We tried the Baked Stuffed Eggplant and it was just okay. Nothing too spectacular. The pizza was very disappointing because the crust was rather doughy and more bread like. Would not recommend it for any special occassion but for a regular dinner, it's fine. Just don't get the pizza
(2)
Alicia G.

I've been to this Basta Pasta a few times since they opened. For the most part, the meals I've had here have been forgettable. Not great, not terrible. Just average. Last night, the husband and I went here for dinner. We were both starving so we were hoping to get an appetizer to start with, but they only have five appetizer options and none of them really jumped off the page at us. So we ordered our entrees. While we were waiting we got our basket of bread. Now, it might seem like a weird thing to complain about, but one of my favorite things about going out to eat is trying the different breads that restaurants offer. Basta Pasta's bread was the most boring I've ever had. I can't even explain it, but it tasted almost like the end of a loaf of wonder bread. Not good. Then we got our dinners. I had the Chicken, Ziti, Broccoli with garlic and oil and my husband got the Meatballs Pomodoro. My meal was very, very bland and the chicken was pretty rubbery. The broccoli was undercooked and looked wilted. I ended up just eating the pasta and leaving the rest. I tried Tommy's meatballs and they were also really bland. I left feeling really disappointed and wishing we had gone somewhere else. It's a complete bummer because I really want to love this place. It's a locally owned restaurant near where I live with a decent vibe. I just can't get on board with a place that serves food this underwhelming. For a restaurant with such a limited menu, you'd think that they would go out of their way to make sure everything they served was excellent to make up for the minimal choices.
(2)
Christian W.

I had passed by a few times and the parking lot always seemed full so I decided to try it out. My bartender Andi and server Jill were very friendly and provided me with helpful suggestions. The dishes they highlited were delightful and the desert was complited nicely with a espresso martini.
(4)

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Address : 150 Hancock St
Quincy, MA, 02171
Phone (617) 479-7979
Website https://www.bastapastaenoteca.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Tue
Mon :Closed

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Basta Pasta Enoteca

150 Hancock St, Quincy, MA, 02171

Basta Pasta Enoteca Menu

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Entrées

Risotto

Pasta

Pizza

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Basta Pasta Enoteca

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Entrées

Risotto

Pasta

Pizza

Sides

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