Basta Pasta is our favorite Italian restaurant. Unfortunately the Monday night prime rib special is nothing special. The cheescake, soup and salad were very good but the prime rib is anything but succulent as mentioned on the menu. It was cooked medium to order but was not tender and void of flavor. Oh well, it's an Italian restaurant and I guess I should have ordered Italian.
(3)
Josh R.
Food was actually pretty good. The food came out fast and was hot. The waitress was extremely rude. And handed us lemons after it was delivered to the wrong table and had sat there for a few moments. I would come back and hope for a better waitress
(3)
Greg C.
My wife and I frequent this place often, as we are right down the street. I usually have no complaints about anything, and I love the location and atmosphere. However, I am getting sick and tired of getting carry out, which is always two dinners, only to get home and find out I only have one salad instead of two, and one order of bread sticks instead of two (salad and bread sticks come with a dinner). I could take 3-5 minutes to go back and get them, but why should I have to? Get your carry out operation in order, Basta Pasta, or I will take my business to the new Baldwin Meals. One star for carry out; 4 stars for dine in...so far.
(1)
Colleen N.
Our server was so attentive and friendly. My lasagna was spot on! Maryland Cream of Crab was alright, but I've had better. Overall a good experience.
(4)
Amy R.
We stopped in here for an early lunch on a Monday. Our server was very friendly and the service was quick. The food was only so-so. My niece had the chicken parmigiana which was good. I tried the stuffed eggplant special with a side of pasta. While the flavor of the eggplant was good, I have never had so much sauce on my meal in my life! Both the eggplant and pasta were drowning in it. I would choose Olive Tree over this place any day.
(2)
Brandon L.
Quick summary, food wasn't fresh and red sauce tastes like it's out of a can. Overpriced for the low quality food they offer. Went for lunch on a Sunday. Restaurant was nearly empty. Ordered bruschetta as an appetizer. Bruschetta was not fresh and the bread loaf wasn't fully cut into slices. So basically it was old tomatoes on ripped up bread. Not off to a good start. On to the salad. Lettuce was old and wilted. I'm guessing it was made the previous night because nothing in it tasted or looked fresh. Bread was okay but not a good as most Olive Garden-eque breadsticks. Main course was seafood pasta. I ordered it with red sauce and linguini. My wife got the alfredo and fettuccine. Alfredo sauce was pretty good, but the marinara was horrible. Very acidic and tasted like it was made from a can. Both of our pastas were slightly overcooked as well. Service was good and the place looked clean, but no matter how nice they are we will not be revisiting. Food was pretty terrible for the $18-22 a plate cost.
(2)
Jalisa J.
Basta Pasta is pretty high up on my list for favorite Italian restaurants. Everything always tastes fresh, and the staff is always polite. They also have a pretty decent sized bar. My favorite item is their lasagna, but their seafood pizza is to die for and absolutely worth a try! One of my favorite restaurants in Harford County
(4)
Kelly M.
First time I visited this establishment was disappoint decided to give it another try since my girlfriends were heading there also! My lasagna was cold in the center, the marinara sauce tasted like it was canned had no flavor! I had to ask my waitress twice for a glass of wine. Won't be back I could of had a better meal at olive tree!
(1)
Larry P.
My gorgeous lady and I tried Basta Pasta out tonight. We must have arrived there at the busiest time of the Friday evening. We were pleasantly surprised with a short 15 min. wait. Our waitress Katy was very up beat and delightful. Sevice was very good, and our food courses were timed perfectly. Everything was fresh and delicious. Both of us started with crab blend soup(1/2 Maryland and 1/2 cream of crab soup). GREAT. A nice salad and bread was next, then honey salmon for myself and pan seared Scollops for my lady. Everything was excellent. Looking forward to a return trip.
(4)
Pappa D.
NIce family place. Service and attitude were good.Bar drinks were okay. Unfortunately the food was poor. Salads were overdressed and generic. The main courses of Veal and lasagna were heavy and salty.If you like Olive Garden its okay.
(2)
mrharb w.
My parents live nearby so we come here off and on. It's like Olive Garden but the food is a lot better. Friendly service and great prices.
(5)
James T.
Food = 4 (best crab cakes I've ever had... broiled is the best way) Price = (Didn't have to pay... yea!) Experience = 4 (great service... with a smile)
(4)
Marc H.
Very nice atmosphere, wait staff very friendly all they need is a chef. I think there motto should be, if it doesnt have sugar or cornstarch then we dont cook it. linguine and clam sauce. Canned clams, cornstarch. Chicken francaisse loads of cornstarch. Dont live in the area but surely there must be better.
(2)
Naomi J.
I really enjoyed my meal. The atmosphere, service, and food was yummy. I got veal parmesan with pasta and enjoyed it. That being said, I do think the quality of the food is not high enough to warrant the prices. It is okay, but I would continue to search for an Italian eatery in Harford County that serves something great other than pizza.
(3)
S. R.
The service was great and the prices were not too high despite what other reviewers wrote. The food was fine but may not be spicy enough for some.
(4)
Glenn S.
chicken oscar ftw!
(5)
J S.
We eat out twice weekly and like to try different places. Although the atmosphere is relatively nice here, we found the prices to be on the high side and the food quality mediocre at best. Portions are fitting enough, but again, the quality is more of chain rather then homemade quality. We've been three times, giving different menu items their just opportunity but the bottom line is they all rack up in the mediocre category. For a much better Italian experience in Harford County, Scotto's in Festival or Enotria in Forest Hill fare much better for the money.
(2)
Brian S.
Was in town and craving crab cakes. My parents recommended Basta Pasta and it was quite good. The crab cakes that I ordered were excellent and really made me remember how GOOD they can be. Lots of meat, little filling. Almost all back fin. Wow! Best of all it's all very VERY reasonably priced. The pasta dishes my parents ordered looked great too!
We eat out frequently and Basta Pasta is our favorite for Italian or crabcakes.
(5)
James S.
Usually have had really good service and food here, but this most recent time was lackluster at best. Appetizer, mozzarella caprese, was ok, but was kind of bland - only seasoning was a tiny sprig or two of basil. Plus, the tomatoes was decent, but in prime tomato season, I was hoping for more. Main course, chicken piccata - if that's what it was, was also terribly bland. There were no capers, so it may have actually been marsala. Point is, it was chicken in bland generic sauce, so whether it was piccata or marsala (I love both when well made), it was poorly done (if that wasn't obvious from the fact that I wasn't even sure what it was). No sharp lemony zing; no sweet intense marsala wine flavor. Really disappointing. Service was pretty good, but the courses overlapped slightly - which I can tolerate with a cheap chain place, but for the price point, Basta needs to work harder at getting it right.
(2)
Dave M.
Although the food was great the service was a bit off Saturday night. We had reservations for 4 at 730 and we ended up waiting 25 minutes to be seated. That's my main complaint. As for meals, I had the lamb chops- very good. Wife had some seafood over pasta dish which she enjoyed. Son had scallops which were delicious and daughter had gluten free rigatoni. We got 1/2 carafe if the house Cabernet. I think it's Copper Ridge. Not good.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : 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
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.
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Pizza
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Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
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elmer s.
Basta Pasta is our favorite Italian restaurant. Unfortunately the Monday night prime rib special is nothing special. The cheescake, soup and salad were very good but the prime rib is anything but succulent as mentioned on the menu. It was cooked medium to order but was not tender and void of flavor. Oh well, it's an Italian restaurant and I guess I should have ordered Italian.
(3)Josh R.
Food was actually pretty good. The food came out fast and was hot. The waitress was extremely rude. And handed us lemons after it was delivered to the wrong table and had sat there for a few moments. I would come back and hope for a better waitress
(3)Greg C.
My wife and I frequent this place often, as we are right down the street. I usually have no complaints about anything, and I love the location and atmosphere. However, I am getting sick and tired of getting carry out, which is always two dinners, only to get home and find out I only have one salad instead of two, and one order of bread sticks instead of two (salad and bread sticks come with a dinner). I could take 3-5 minutes to go back and get them, but why should I have to? Get your carry out operation in order, Basta Pasta, or I will take my business to the new Baldwin Meals. One star for carry out; 4 stars for dine in...so far.
(1)Colleen N.
Our server was so attentive and friendly. My lasagna was spot on! Maryland Cream of Crab was alright, but I've had better. Overall a good experience.
(4)Amy R.
We stopped in here for an early lunch on a Monday. Our server was very friendly and the service was quick. The food was only so-so. My niece had the chicken parmigiana which was good. I tried the stuffed eggplant special with a side of pasta. While the flavor of the eggplant was good, I have never had so much sauce on my meal in my life! Both the eggplant and pasta were drowning in it. I would choose Olive Tree over this place any day.
(2)Brandon L.
Quick summary, food wasn't fresh and red sauce tastes like it's out of a can. Overpriced for the low quality food they offer. Went for lunch on a Sunday. Restaurant was nearly empty. Ordered bruschetta as an appetizer. Bruschetta was not fresh and the bread loaf wasn't fully cut into slices. So basically it was old tomatoes on ripped up bread. Not off to a good start. On to the salad. Lettuce was old and wilted. I'm guessing it was made the previous night because nothing in it tasted or looked fresh. Bread was okay but not a good as most Olive Garden-eque breadsticks. Main course was seafood pasta. I ordered it with red sauce and linguini. My wife got the alfredo and fettuccine. Alfredo sauce was pretty good, but the marinara was horrible. Very acidic and tasted like it was made from a can. Both of our pastas were slightly overcooked as well. Service was good and the place looked clean, but no matter how nice they are we will not be revisiting. Food was pretty terrible for the $18-22 a plate cost.
(2)Jalisa J.
Basta Pasta is pretty high up on my list for favorite Italian restaurants. Everything always tastes fresh, and the staff is always polite. They also have a pretty decent sized bar. My favorite item is their lasagna, but their seafood pizza is to die for and absolutely worth a try! One of my favorite restaurants in Harford County
(4)Kelly M.
First time I visited this establishment was disappoint decided to give it another try since my girlfriends were heading there also! My lasagna was cold in the center, the marinara sauce tasted like it was canned had no flavor! I had to ask my waitress twice for a glass of wine. Won't be back I could of had a better meal at olive tree!
(1)Larry P.
My gorgeous lady and I tried Basta Pasta out tonight. We must have arrived there at the busiest time of the Friday evening. We were pleasantly surprised with a short 15 min. wait. Our waitress Katy was very up beat and delightful. Sevice was very good, and our food courses were timed perfectly. Everything was fresh and delicious. Both of us started with crab blend soup(1/2 Maryland and 1/2 cream of crab soup). GREAT. A nice salad and bread was next, then honey salmon for myself and pan seared Scollops for my lady. Everything was excellent. Looking forward to a return trip.
(4)Pappa D.
NIce family place. Service and attitude were good.Bar drinks were okay. Unfortunately the food was poor. Salads were overdressed and generic. The main courses of Veal and lasagna were heavy and salty.If you like Olive Garden its okay.
(2)mrharb w.
My parents live nearby so we come here off and on. It's like Olive Garden but the food is a lot better. Friendly service and great prices.
(5)James T.
Food = 4 (best crab cakes I've ever had... broiled is the best way) Price = (Didn't have to pay... yea!) Experience = 4 (great service... with a smile)
(4)Marc H.
Very nice atmosphere, wait staff very friendly all they need is a chef. I think there motto should be, if it doesnt have sugar or cornstarch then we dont cook it. linguine and clam sauce. Canned clams, cornstarch. Chicken francaisse loads of cornstarch. Dont live in the area but surely there must be better.
(2)Naomi J.
I really enjoyed my meal. The atmosphere, service, and food was yummy. I got veal parmesan with pasta and enjoyed it. That being said, I do think the quality of the food is not high enough to warrant the prices. It is okay, but I would continue to search for an Italian eatery in Harford County that serves something great other than pizza.
(3)S. R.
The service was great and the prices were not too high despite what other reviewers wrote. The food was fine but may not be spicy enough for some.
(4)Glenn S.
chicken oscar ftw!
(5)J S.
We eat out twice weekly and like to try different places. Although the atmosphere is relatively nice here, we found the prices to be on the high side and the food quality mediocre at best. Portions are fitting enough, but again, the quality is more of chain rather then homemade quality. We've been three times, giving different menu items their just opportunity but the bottom line is they all rack up in the mediocre category. For a much better Italian experience in Harford County, Scotto's in Festival or Enotria in Forest Hill fare much better for the money.
(2)Brian S.
Was in town and craving crab cakes. My parents recommended Basta Pasta and it was quite good. The crab cakes that I ordered were excellent and really made me remember how GOOD they can be. Lots of meat, little filling. Almost all back fin. Wow! Best of all it's all very VERY reasonably priced. The pasta dishes my parents ordered looked great too!
(4)Byron O.
Great restaurant...good food and service. We eat there 2-4 times per month. Contrary to the description, there is takeout. Also have unlimited salad with entrée.
(4)Chuck G.
We eat out frequently and Basta Pasta is our favorite for Italian or crabcakes.
(5)James S.
Usually have had really good service and food here, but this most recent time was lackluster at best. Appetizer, mozzarella caprese, was ok, but was kind of bland - only seasoning was a tiny sprig or two of basil. Plus, the tomatoes was decent, but in prime tomato season, I was hoping for more. Main course, chicken piccata - if that's what it was, was also terribly bland. There were no capers, so it may have actually been marsala. Point is, it was chicken in bland generic sauce, so whether it was piccata or marsala (I love both when well made), it was poorly done (if that wasn't obvious from the fact that I wasn't even sure what it was). No sharp lemony zing; no sweet intense marsala wine flavor. Really disappointing. Service was pretty good, but the courses overlapped slightly - which I can tolerate with a cheap chain place, but for the price point, Basta needs to work harder at getting it right.
(2)Dave M.
Although the food was great the service was a bit off Saturday night. We had reservations for 4 at 730 and we ended up waiting 25 minutes to be seated. That's my main complaint. As for meals, I had the lamb chops- very good. Wife had some seafood over pasta dish which she enjoyed. Son had scallops which were delicious and daughter had gluten free rigatoni. We got 1/2 carafe if the house Cabernet. I think it's Copper Ridge. Not good.
(3)