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Basta Italian Restaurant Reviews List
Basta Italian Restaurant
Over these past 23 years, locals have become regulars and traveling foodies have raved. What can we say? We are flattered, grateful and more than ever, determined to exceed your expectations. For this reason, in 2012 we underwent a comprehensive renovation, updating and upgrading every facet of our restaurant, from design and equipment to menu and energy. We are so proud of the result and we know you are going to love it.
We invite you to join us to experience Basta for yourself. Our locally sourced, internationally influenced menu, artisan Neapolitan pizzas and robust wine offering will combine to create an unforgettable experience for you and your friends or family.
We look forward to serving you soon!
See more Basta Italian Restaurant details
We invite you to join us to experience Basta for yourself. Our locally sourced, internationally influenced menu, artisan Neapolitan pizzas and robust wine offering will combine to create an unforgettable experience for you and your friends or family.
We look forward to serving you soon!
58 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 58 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(30)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(38)
- fit for foodies(21)
- special occasion(21)
- hot spot(17)
- vibrant bar scene(17)
- good for groups(14)
Basta Italian Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"New look is truly fabulous, but sorely miss the quiet, romantic atmosphere it once had. Food and service were both top-notch. Tables too close together. Bench seating for two has patrons on top of one another and you couldn't help but chit-chat with those on either side. Conversations were borderline screaming for acoustics were poor and the overall atmosphere was nothing short of loud. I am a firm believer that change is inevitable, but the loss of the once quiet, romantic atmosphere that I so fondly remember has overshadowed their "Revitalization"."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 2 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely loved it! A definite item for your bucket list! The menu is diverse enough for anyone to enjoy, and the food is amazing! We will absolutely be going back. I can't wait to dine on the outdoor patio.....beautiful."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Wonderful food, terrible service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went to Basta on Mother's Day which is one of the busiest days of the year for all restaurants. We fell instantly in love with the ambiance of this restaurant. The new outdoor patio area with the wonderful fireplace is great! The food was wonderful and the staff were all friendly (especially the hostess and bartender). HOWEVER, the service at our table was deplorable! We were at the restaurant for 2 hours and 45 minutes...way too long for a meal with a round of appetizers. We would have loved to have a second drink, but the order was never taken. In fact, it took 20 minutes for water to be poured at the table. I know Mother's Day is a busy day, but more staff should have been added. Food was wonderful, waitress service was terrible."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 4 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had asked for a quiet table we were seated across from the bar. Felt like we were at the bar. The men's drinks were brought right away and my mom and I waited 20 minutes for a tonic water and a mojito. The men had frozen drinks and it was Mother's Day. Bread and regular water took even longer. They ran out of shrimp and calamari by 6:30pm. Not enough menu options. Based on the poor service ....the loudness and the lack of menu options we will most likely not return."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 5 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
good time @ BASta
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Basta just recently opended up after a long renovation. saturday nite, service speed was a bit challanged, however that did not effect our experience.
Food was good and a bit on the pricey side, but they do have entrees that fit anyones price point. noisy hard to hear waiter and dining companion. they do have a outside patio which serves a lighter fare and this is probably where we will sit next visit.."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 6 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Basta Still Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time visiting since the change in ownership and remodel. We loved the old Basta so went went with a little trepidation on how the new Basta would stand up. Not as elegant a dining experience, the new Basta is more casual. That being said, everything was outstanding. The food and service was excellent.
The only negative is that the tables are to close together and I felt that I was sharing my space with the diners next to me."
The only negative is that the tables are to close together and I felt that I was sharing my space with the diners next to me."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New look
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Better than ever! Love the new look. Stuffed veal chop incredible as usual."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dining room tables are too close. Impossible to have a romantic night out here with everyone so close . Servers cannot even fit between the tables. They have to reach over your shoulder to get food across the table."
Dined on 4/29/2013
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Review 9 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Basta is a little bit of Federal Hill tucked away in Pawtuxet Village. Great ambiance, servers are friendly and prompt, and the food is amazing!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food !!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Great food !! I was happy that they accommodated my dietary needs . The service was excellent!! I thought the ambience was very nice and loved the decor and the pizza oven !!! I appreciate the great booth near the bar ! I hope we can get that booth again!!
Thank you
Lori & Vin"
Thank you
Lori & Vin"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 11 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Vitello Saltimbocca was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Vitello Saltimbocca was the best I have ever had."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Basta is wonderful!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Would highly recommend this restaurant. They recently re-opened after a renovation project that turned out beautifully. The restaurant's atmosphere is both hip and gorgeous with beautiful reds and dark wood. Their outdoor patio has beautiful lighting, comfortable furniture and an outdoor gas fireplace with a bar. I can't wait until the weather warms up a bit to enjoy the new space. The drinks were perfect, and our waiter, Alex, was knowledgeable and attentive without being too overbearing. The food was A+ we had an artichoke dip with homemade potato chips, which was amazing. I had the salmon with risotto, and my friend had a beautiful steak encrusted with gorgonzola with a side of mashed potatoes and veggie. Nutella pizza for des.!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
All around very good!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really enjoyed the food and service. The re-inventing really paid off."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Quite the makeover! Our meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Quite the makeover! Our meal was delicious. We started with the cheese board which I thought was a little over priced for what you got.We opted for the combo board and it was definitely fresh but lacked something, maybe just some more olives (3 on the tray) would have done it. Overall, we liked it very much and have already recommended it to friends."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Having been a long time patron
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Having been a long time patron of Basta, I was anxious to see the place after the total remodeling. Very nice inside, however I was very disappointed with the very limited lunch menu for Saturday. Might consider going back to try it for dinner but not sure."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
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Review 16 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We've always enjoyed Basta.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We've always enjoyed Basta. They're now newly renovated with larger clean spaces and nice decor. Food's good but there's no cream sauce pastas on the menu and they didn't offer to make one special so I ended up eating a second choice... but it was good anyway.
It was a little pricey too but we'd go back none the less."
It was a little pricey too but we'd go back none the less."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The restaurant was recently
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant was recently renovated and looks wonderful!
Great outdoor patio casual seating. We went for lunch and was greeted warmly and seated.
Menu was limited for lunch but my salad was fresh and tasty.
Lots of pizza items on the menu. The pizza was just ok. The crusts were doughy and burnt and rather bland.
I hope it's better next time."
Great outdoor patio casual seating. We went for lunch and was greeted warmly and seated.
Menu was limited for lunch but my salad was fresh and tasty.
Lots of pizza items on the menu. The pizza was just ok. The crusts were doughy and burnt and rather bland.
I hope it's better next time."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We love this newly re-invented
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love this newly re-invented restaurant right in our back yard. It has a great feel, albeit, a bit noisy. On the night before Easter, the place was busy and festive. The new outdoor patio had been just staged, and looked beautiful, eventhough it was still too cool to enjoy the setting. I imagine this will be very popular on summer/fall evenings.The food was, overall, very good. Pasta dishes are enormous (2 meals), the veal chop magnificent. To our taste, the calamari could have been more crispy, and the risotto was undercooked. We do plan to return."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 19 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always was an excellent resturant..
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always was an excellent resturant... Remodeling and freshens menu made it even better"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 20 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Basta
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"not specials was disappointing. food was good but selections was slim. beautiful restaurant and great service. would go again if they have specials"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love this place one major
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love this place one major problem for me is the noise level.Granted I have been there twice on crowded nights but someone has to look to finding was to reduce the noise. Also for Godsake fill the Martini glasses to the top."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, never had a bad
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, never had a bad meal."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 23 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New Beginnings...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Basta has really stepped up it's game with their reopening. The atmosphere and ambiance are fantastic. The food was wonderful with great entrees. Looking forward to trying the oven grilled pizza next time!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
eXCELLENT BUT WAY TO NOISY
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"eXCELLENT BUT WAY TO NOISY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
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Review 25 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The remodel is terrific and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The remodel is terrific and the meal was delightful. Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waitress Tianna was amazing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waitress Tianna was amazing. She offered suggestions on what to have and was extremely friendly and personably."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bravo !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Basta had become somewhat staid but now with the refurbishment it is a vibrant, neighborhood bar/restaurant. We had a great time. The Village is all the better for having them back ! Bravo !"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 28 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I'm not usually one for writing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I'm not usually one for writing reviews on the Internet, but the home-style cooking of this delightful Italian restaurant left me with a nostalgia of my most delicious and satisfying meals. There's just something about Italian cooking that when done perfectly, it hits home in a way that no other food does. The pizza, true to their word was done quickly but enough so that the crust was cooked and the cheese melted on top. The pasta, was perfectly al dente to a T and the Bolognese sauce made me think I was in Italy again. As for the décor, it was apparent that attention was paid to every detail. From the artwork on the walls, to the design of the entryway, to type of lightbulbs used, I can honestly say that I’ve never felt so comfortable."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our first trip back since
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first trip back since the renovation. Food was wonderful, service was perfect! They need to add tablecloths back as the noise level was overwhelming."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Early Dinner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I just got back from Basta and I absolutely loved it. I ordered a little of everything, and there was nothing not up to my taste level. Even the house specialty drink was awesome (also, 4 page wine menu. very cool to have so many choices). My recommendation: The Pollo Vitello alla Parmigiana was the absolute moistest piece of chicken I have ever had. There is a real quirky cool ambience to the place, definitely going back!"
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 31 for Basta Italian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not The Old Basta for Sure
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Old Basta was our favorite restaurant. We were lucky enough to visit one week prior to their closing for renovations, and after reopening we long for the good old days. Restaurant was not the quaint place my wife and I would go to enjoy an excellent meal and service that matched. Restaurant was noisy and food quality not even close to earlier version. We had been searching for our favorite place since the beginning of renovations and the search continues. Our Basta is gone."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Basta Italian Restaurant
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic