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Basta Pasta Reviews List
Basta Pasta
For years, Basta Pasta had established itself as a cornerstone for diners in Harford County. We are now bringing the experience closer to the Baltimore Metro area in Timonium . You can enjoy a memorable dining experience in any of our 6 intimate dining rooms . We feature hearty, traditional regional Italian cousine. Abundance of options and generous portions of Pasta, Seafood, Veal, Steaks and hand tossed Pizza. Private dining is available for parties up to 70 guests.
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78 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 78 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(47)
- neighborhood gem(38)
- special occasion(24)
- fit for foodies(21)
- kid-friendly(21)
- great for lunch(17)
Basta Pasta Reviews List
Review 1 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Where was the spinach?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"While our meal was acceptable, it wasn't what we expected...we both ordered salmon salads - described as grilled salmon on spinach, goat cheese, etc...what we received was a little bit of spinach salad on the side of a filet of salmon. We would have preferred a more abundant salad with a smaller piece of salmon on top. And it was pricey for what we received. Seems as though we ordered wrong - other tables had much more appealing meals."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2009
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Review 2 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Chain fills a niche
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This area needs more restaurants where a few couples can go, have a nice meal without spending a bundle, and be able to talk with each other during dinner. Basta Pasta fills that need. No, it's not Little Italy, but the food is quite good, our group had a variety from several areas of the menu, and the portions good sized. Price won't hit your wallet that hard, and most servers are good. We've had several over several visits of variable quality. We'll be back."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The "Grands"
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Grand Mom and Grand Dad spent a grand Saturday evening with a grandson and granddaughter who love Italian food!
Grandson is particular about his pizza and Basta Pasta is his first choice, Granddaughter likes to try new dishes and likes the
many choices, she reports that the stuffed shells were delicious!"
many choices, she reports that the stuffed shells were delicious!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 4 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Frequent visitor and always consistent w/ food and service .very enjoyable."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Basta Pasta - Italian Yumminess!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Also enjoy our meals at Basta Pasta - whether we eat in or order carry-out! Love the Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Picatta, etc."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food at Basta Pasta
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had excellent food and service. Best of all it was quiet enough to be able to have a conversation."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice discovery
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"BP's menu should please everyone. The lasagna was better than average; spaghetti w/meatballs was good (pasta was overcooked). Two of us ordered from the Mother's Day prix fixe menu-3 courses/$28. We both started with the fried green tomatoes topped with sweet crab meat and a lemony sauce-delicious (would have been better served hot). The lobster ravioli was very good. The halibut perfectly cooked, served on a bed of mushrooms, spinach and sun dried tomatoes. Desserts were good: crème brulee, raspberry sorbet, molten lava cake, cheesecake. Biggest complaint: the 2 draft beers we tried were both flat. Service was good but slow; we weren't in a hurry and the food was good even if not very hot. And each mom received a nice Mother's Day gift!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Pricey Copycat of Olive Garden
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The absence of cars in the parking lot, despite a well-advertised Prix Fixe Mother's Day brunch special, should have been tell-tale. My gut usually tells me to go where the locals go. I should have trusted my gut.
The fare was Olive Garden mainstream/boring Italian, small portions at jacked prices. For $28 we expected much more imagination, creativity and portions. There are so many restaurants, Basta Pasta has lost me as a customer forever.
The service was uneven but friendly. In some cases, dishes for our party of six did not arrive together, forcing some of us to let food get cold. Perhaps my expectations were unrealistic, but at a $28 a person tariff, the restaurant created those expectations. They just failed to deliver."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice consistent Resturant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food and great friendly service. Very reasonable. Huge salads."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 10 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Friendship.....
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dining out should be like visiting an old friend. You should go often with other friends so the memory is a shared experience. When you pass from this world, your friends will always have you in mind as they remember the fellowship and great conversation shared at Basta Pasta."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 11 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
After not finding our Open
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"After not finding our Open Tables reservation and telling us they didn't use Open Tables, they found us a nice table after about a 10 minute wait. They were very nice."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2001
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Review 12 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We often dine here. As usual,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We often dine here. As usual, the food and service were very good and why we keep coming back."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
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Review 13 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent experience at Basta
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent experience at Basta Pasta in Timonium,MD. Delicious food, wine, dessert, ambiance. Great waiter, lots of personality!Will be going again soon."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 14 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We loved sitting in the front
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We loved sitting in the front dining room. The baseball game was on the TV's and that made it enjoyable for the guys!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I am a vegan they were very
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am a vegan they were very accommodating. Food is good. Nice family restaurant."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 16 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The host was really weird.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The host was really weird. He didnt say a word to us when we walked in. That's the reason this wont get more stars. He was silent and just stared at us from behind the podium. Then I said we had reservations and gave him our name. He still said absolutely nothing, looked at his computer, and found a waitress and gave her two menus for us, still not saying a word or event smiling at us. My sister turned to me and said, that was weird... Yeah. We definitely got a weird vibe from him. Very unfriendly.
After tht, everything was fine. Our waitress was good and attentive. The food was good, and we were pleasantly surprised that salad and breadsticks come with the meal. We wouldn't have ordered an appetizer if we had known.
We will return"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
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Review 17 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Once again, Basta Pasta did
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Once again, Basta Pasta did not disappoint! On Easter they were efficient, food was not inflated in price as many restaurants do on holidays. Accomodating to one of our party who was in a wheelchair. Through Open Table, they knew our situation and had scoped out a perfect table."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
negative
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My dinner companions red snapper and crab cake meals were good.
My broiled shrimp were over cooked, chewy and tastless. The lumps of crabmeat tasted and looked like they came right out of the can.
The broccoli was steamed just right.
I did not like the dry breadsticks or the excessive amount of dressing on the salad, which was similar to Olive Garden in that it was not impressive. The black olives were canned and tasteless.
The is the first time in many years that I have been this disappointed in a restaurant meal of this caliper."
My broiled shrimp were over cooked, chewy and tastless. The lumps of crabmeat tasted and looked like they came right out of the can.
The broccoli was steamed just right.
I did not like the dry breadsticks or the excessive amount of dressing on the salad, which was similar to Olive Garden in that it was not impressive. The black olives were canned and tasteless.
The is the first time in many years that I have been this disappointed in a restaurant meal of this caliper."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
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Review 19 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
There are so many great menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There are so many great menu choices! Service was attentive without rushing us. Be sure to make a reservation. There was quite a wait as we waltzed right to our table. The evening was pleasant and the food was great."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 20 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
CANCELLED RESERVATIONS ON 3/21/2013
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been going to Basta Pasta in Fallson for several years and really enjoyed it. Our favorite server, Joe P. no longer works there. I just celebrated a birthday and wanted to meet my son who works at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Timonium just happened to be a convienent central location. No sooner had we been seated than a man came to the table saying our reservation has been canceled and we will lose our "points". I said there must be some mistake but received no clear explanation. This was the first time I'd made reservations online and after this experience, I probably will not do that again!
Bob Coen"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
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Review 21 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great food at reasonable prices.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"great food at reasonable prices. very good servce. somewhat noisy"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
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Review 22 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
as always, great food and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"as always, great food and plenty to eat. The restaurant was very crowded, but
reservations were honored and on time. Great place to take guests for the first time,
They were impressed and want to return. Thanks to George and Adam"
reservations were honored and on time. Great place to take guests for the first time,
They were impressed and want to return. Thanks to George and Adam"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best bet on Tueday night for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best bet on Tueday night for crabcakes! We frequent often... not always on Tuesdays and have ordered a variety of dishes. Found the other dishes are plentiful and reasonably priced and of course, very good. Spouse is in a wheelchair and the staff is always accomodating. We dine here at least once a month."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious tasting food and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious tasting food and good service makes for a wonderful resturant experience! Crab toasts and crab cakes are the best. Thank you"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always had an excellent meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always had an excellent meal here. The food is good italian food and the service is just okay. Sometimes you feel like the waiters are rushing you. Besides that, I recommend comin here for a good italian meal."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 26 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, a very enjoyable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, a very enjoyable evening w/delicious food at a reasonable.price.
Adam and George were as grandiose as ever."
Adam and George were as grandiose as ever."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent from every angle!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is excellent. I always look forward to a great meal in a warm and friendly environment. The drinks are very good; great wine selection and even a very nice house wine. The service is excellent also. This has become our "go to" restaurent that we can always depend on being satisfied. No need to travel downtown to Little Italy for great Italian food when it is right in Timonium! Thank you!
I will be back in on Thursday with a group of girls from work to enjoy an evening out."
I will be back in on Thursday with a group of girls from work to enjoy an evening out."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 28 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always enjoy our visits to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always enjoy our visits to BP. It is a place the whole family likes! Portion sizes are large & the food quality service is always great!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a great deal when Adam
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a great deal when Adam is around. Really, any food you decide on is great
and they make you feel like part of the family."
and they make you feel like part of the family."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was looking for a nice restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was looking for a nice restaurant for Valentine's Day and found Basta Pasta. I was looking for a different feel from red lobster or Olive Garden. I absolutely loved the lighting, and seating arrangement right next to a fire place. The level of noise was just right because I could hear people talking but not the details of their conversation and I could also hear my own conversation. The food was awesome and so was the service. I will definitely come back again for other occasions."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 31 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and outstanding
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and outstanding service. It was a great place to go for a romantic Valentines dinner. I would recommend it to anyone."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Basta Pasta
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Basta Pasta has a feel like
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Basta Pasta has a feel like no other restaurant. It is quiet, romantic, delicious food, etc... You do get the sense of feeling like you are in Italy. The music is nice and soft italian music. Very clean and friendly staff. I LOVE this place!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Basta Pasta
Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
11 out of 11 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic