Basta Pizzeria Ristorante

Great food and drinks. We ordered the burrata, crab spaghetti and prosciutto chicken were all really good.

Good place to go with family for a classic Italian fine dining experience. The seafood as very good as well as the appetizers. Fun environment that is right in the middle of downtown

Basta has become my go to place for a nice dinner out as well as a place to bring family and friends from out of town. It’s got a great presence from the street in downtown Iowa City and the inside is an upscale setting. The architecture and lighting lens itself very well as an untainted and inviting place to eat. But don’t let that exclude you from coming here for lunch, as the service is quick and attentive and they have several offerings that make for a good bite to eat. The pizza here is no joke, and that’s coming from a guy who used to live in Chicago.

Even some of the best places I’ve eaten have something that may not have met expectations, but as I continue to go here and try different menu items I have not found anything that is subpar. I’d attribute that to the on-the-smaller side but well curated menu.

Did I mention the service? It’s excellent. In college towns you might find the restaurants have some turnover, and I’m sure Basta does too, but over the last year I still see familiar faces there, which to me means that it’s worth working there, and that mentality shines through their service. Quick and attentive is not giving them enough justice. They are unobtrusive when you’re having one on one time with your wife, and understand fairly well how to pace a meal.

Easily the best Italian menu in the Iowa City metro. The dishes are always well executed and every bite is full of flavor. Service was great, even though it was a busy Sunday dinner. Absolutely love this place.

Out if 3 meals, no one was impressed with their meals and it was high prices for what we got. Should offer heaters for outdoor seating in the Spring. Was cold. Good cocktails and service was fine.

AWESOME Italian food. The best tomato bisque I’ve ever had and the pasta was excellent. Seriously was good but it did take too long to get my first beer. The quality of the food made up for it though. Will definitely go again next time I’m in Iowa City.

Great food, half off mules during happy hour was perfect to enjoy while watching Iowa City walk by on the patio.

Honestly, this place was alright. The food was alright and the wait staff was alright. My boyfriend and I went just to try something new and probably aren't going back. The food is overpriced for what you are getting but I guess it also contributes to the atmosphere. I honestly can find the same stuff some where else for cheaper and probably with more rich flavors. The wait staff was kind of crazy where 3 people ended up helping us through the night but they weren't communicating they were. They almost forgot to give me the other half of my sandwich which they boxed up for me. I had to ask for it and she acted like she didn't know what I was talking about at first. That sandwich was $16, I was not leaving without the other half of it. I would recommend if you want to try something new, maybe give this place a shot but there are better places in the area that are a better bang for your buck.

Food is not that good. On top of that, they put bacon on my wife’s Salmon without even saying that in the menu!

I visited again after 2 years. This time trying their eggplant parmigiana. It was terrible. 4 slices of tasteless grilled but mostly raw eggplants served with pasta and plain bland tomato sauce.
There was no cheese or spices to give this food any taste. I don’t know why there are some many good reviews, maybe their pizza is good!

Basta has well made, fresh food and good service. They are consistent and predictable. For a good restaurant, why 4 stars? Several reasons: the service, the lack of specials, and the relative cost. The service always has flaws. Last night the forgot my drink twice and my wife's wine refill once. Our waitress had a hard time describing the crab pasta I ordered. Not huge misses, but not 5 stars either. The second issue is specials, particularly since the main menu has really changed in the last 2 years. If you are charging $20 to $30 an entree, I expect 3 entree specials for the weekend. There was one lamb special and a special pizza (as there is a wood-fired oven and pizza menu section). Again 4 stars. The last issue is the cost of the secondary items. A calamari appetizer for $12, ok, but bread for the table at $10?!!? Desserts at $8 to $10 each. Those things have to either wow at that price or be several dollars cheaper. If you are dropping by to have a glass of wine and an entree, fine. If you like multiple courses, there are more appropriate choices in Iowa City.