BASTA PASTA! New York City - Part II

Japanese-Italian fusion food. We didn't have much of it growing up in Houston, Texas. Even on my many trips to Italy, I've never seen a Japanese-Italian trattoria--which is probably why I'm so intrigued by BASTA PASTA, my new favorite Japanese-Italian fusion spot in NYC's Flatiron district. Don't let the somewhat unimaginative name fool you, this place is all kinds of authentic. Apart from the delicious food, Basta Pasta hits all the items on my restaurant checklist: eclectic clientele, untraditional layout  and exciting presentation.

The open kitchen at Basta PastaWhen you enter the restaurant, there's a small, cosy bar area. Feel free to grab a cocktail, as there's usually a wait. You won't find a hostess stand though--Basta Pasta is much too cool for such things. To get to your table, you'll be led straight through the middle of an open kitchen. Sushi chefs on your right, boiling vats of pasta on your left. Japanese and Italian may seem like a strange combination, but they actually compliment each other quite well. Basta Pasta has all the exuberance of a Roman osteria, with the efficiency and flawless design of a Tokyo hot spot.

Food-wise, you really can't go wrong. My favorite appetizer is the Gnocchi Di Zucca--japanese pumpkin gnocchi in sage cream sauce.Waitress mixing the spaghetti in the cheese wheel It's incredible. The house speciality, Spaghetti con Parmigiano et Prosciutto, is a MUST. It's served in a massive wheel of parmesean cheese at your table. They wheel over the huge slab of hollowed-out cheese, dump in hot pasta, and you watch in awe as the cheese melts of the walls and mixes with the spaghetti. It's a sight to behold. While this dish isn't particularly "Japanese," it's unlike any pasta i've ever had at an Italian restaurant! The deserts change often, let your waiter choose for you.

Basta Pasta is a great hidden gem, just behind Union Square.  You don't have to go too far off the beaten path, and you'll have a totally unique and memorable experience! What are your favorite, unique restaurants in New York? Tell us in the comments!

BASTA PASTA

37 West 17th Street

(212) 366-0888

-Lindsey