What’s more comforting after a long day of work than a steaming plate of al dente homemade pasta, bathed in a tangy sauce? And since “homemade” today rarely means “made at your home,” you might as well make yourself comfortable in the laid-back ambience of Basta Pasta and enjoy some of the best-value food you’ll find in Cambridge.
At first sight, this tiny restaurant might look like just another pizza parlor, but you won’t find any greasy Styrofoam-packed chow or cardboard-like pizza here. The gargantuan portions of pasta, risotto, and traffic-sign-size pizzas are under $11 — and all made from scratch.
Every day, after the lunch crowd has left, the two Albanian-born Hoxhallari brothers start preparing gallons of chunky tomato sauce, mountains of meatballs, arancini (fried rice balls with Fontina cheese; $3.95), and hand-twisted fusilli (add $1.50 to your pasta order).
The menu features classics like pasta Bolognese ($7.95) and chicken Marsala ($9.95), as well as lesser-known combinations like risotto with prosciutto, pecorino, and goat cheese ($7.95). Stuffed eggplant ($7.95) and sirloin burgers ($5.95) are popular among the students, families, and Cambridge cops who frequent the place. Plus, they serve up daily specials like seafood pasta, lamb shanks, and osso buco.
To many customers, the bright eatery, decorated with classic Italian ads and photos, feels like a living room. You can help yourself to a soda from the fridge, watch sports on the TV, or chat with the owners and other customers. If you’re lucky, neighborhood musician Gianmarco will be playing tunes on his guitar.
Basta Pasta, located at 319 Western Avenue, Cambridge | Open Mon – Sat, 11 am - 10 pm; Sun, 3 - 10 pm | 617.576.6672.
