Melburnians usually play up their fondness for ramen and burgers, but deep down, we’re a city that loves a good plate of pasta. That’s where Basta fits in. Located on Gertrude Street where Caca Ciuccio once stood, Basta brings Italian classics to a street known for humble culinary wizardry.
Start off with some antipasti and primi piatti, including arancini balls, beef and pork polpette and veal tongue done with tuna aioli and anchovies, then get stuck into the mains.
Pasta is the main port of call for Basta and like any good osteria, it’s all made in-house. Try their squid ink gnocchi that’s served with a medley of seafood and smoked tomato sugo, or their wholemeal pappardelle that’s paired with suckling pig cooked in milk, orange, pecorino cheese and fresh herbs. For dessert, it’s traditional Sicilian cannoli and tiramisu, naturally.
Basta could easily be one of Gertrude Street’s most appealing date spots too – it’s comfortable, there are excellent drink specials and its location will appeal to many.