Basta
Authentic Italian dining with breathtaking Dubai Canal views. Experience chic European ambiance and top-tier service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Chic European vibe
Basta
Best Time
Chic European vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Authentic Italian dining with breathtaking Dubai Canal views. Experience chic European ambiance and top-tier service.
"The restaurant has one of the most relaxing views in Business Bay — right on the Dubai Canal."
🎯 Terrace Sunset Magic
Sit on the terrace at sunset for a magnificent, chic European view. ✨
💰 Friday Value Deal
The Friday $99 deal with 2 drinks & antipasti is great value. 🥂
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Terrace Sunset Views
Terrace
Experience a magnificent, chic European sunset over the Dubai Canal. Pure magic!
Signature Truffle Pizza
Dining Area
Thin, crisp crust loaded with rich truffle aroma. A must-try!
Grilled Jumbo Prawns
Dining Area
Juicy, smoky prawns served with vibrant, fresh vegetables. A flavor explosion!
Shrimp Tagliolini
Dining Area
Comforting fresh pasta with tender shrimp in a light, flavorful sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Italian Ambiance
Budgeting for Your Italian Feast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Terrace Sunset Magic
Sit on the terrace at sunset for a magnificent, chic European view. ✨
💰 Friday Value Deal
The Friday $99 deal with 2 drinks & antipasti is great value. 🥂
What do you guys do in DOHA airport? Layover tales
💯 Authentic Italian Flavors
Dishes taste like Italy! Truffle pizza & creamy pasta are standouts. 🍕
🌟 Top-Tier Service
Service is attentive, friendly, and professional. Never a long wait. 👍
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Terrace Sunset Magic
Sit on the terrace at sunset for a magnificent, chic European view. ✨
💰 Friday Value Deal
The Friday $99 deal with 2 drinks & antipasti is great value. 🥂
💯 Authentic Italian Flavors
Dishes taste like Italy! Truffle pizza & creamy pasta are standouts. 🍕
🌟 Top-Tier Service
Service is attentive, friendly, and professional. Never a long wait. 👍
🥂 Generous Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz are delicious and generously poured. Perfect for drinks. 🍹
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Basta offers a delightful Italian dining experience with stunning canal views and impeccable service. Diners rave about the authentic flavors, particularly the truffle pizza and fresh pasta, and the chic, European ambiance. While prices are on the higher side, the exceptional quality and memorable atmosphere make it a worthwhile splurge for special occasions or a luxurious meal.
"Had lunch at BASTA today and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. The restaurant has one of the most relaxing views in Business Bay — right on the Dubai Canal, with sunlight reflecting off the water and a calm breeze that makes you want to stay for hours.
We ordered the grilled jumbo prawns, shrimp tagliolini, and their signature truffle pizza — every dish looked incredible and tasted even better. The prawns were juicy, slightly smoky from the grill, and served with a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables. The shrimp tagliolini was pure comfort — fresh pasta, tender shrimp, and a light yet flavorful sauce that tied everything together beautifully. The truffle pizza was the highlight: thin, crisp, and loaded with rich truffle aroma that lingered in the best way.
Service was friendly and attentive without being over the top. The staff made sure everything arrived on time and checked in just the right amount.
BASTA is easily one of my new go-to lunch spots in Dubai — perfect combination of atmosphere, flavor, and great energy. Highly recommended whether you come for a relaxed lunch or a quiet afternoon by the canal."
Khaled Sarhan
"Enjoyed a dinner here with friends. The food is very very tasty, and worth the trip through Business Bay traffic to reach the St Regis hotel. Bonus experience: sit on the terrace at sunset for a magnificent view, that feels so chic and European.
Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!
Desserts were fair.
Mocktails and cocktails are good.
Prices above average though, which was surprising - for 3 mains, 2 desserts, 2 cocktails, 2 mocktails, a coffee, and 2 bottles of water our bill was AED 910 which did feel high for what are traditionally inexpensive dishes.
Service was top-tier, however - attentive without being intrusive, and we didn’t wait on anything."
Bloggsy Malone
"This place delivers an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The ambience is simply stunning — warm lighting, beautiful interiors, and a calm, elegant vibe that feels both cozy and upscale.
The service was absolutely impressive — attentive, friendly, and professional throughout the whole evening.
As for the food… just wow. 🍝🍕
The dishes taste exactly like you’re in Italy — authentic, rich in flavor, and made with high-quality ingredients. The truffle pizza and creamy pasta were standouts!
Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but the overall experience is totally worth it. Perfect for a special night out or a memorable dinner.
Highly recommended!"
Mo7amed Feto7
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Basta is located in the St. Regis hotel in Business Bay, Dubai. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Be prepared for potential traffic in Business Bay, especially during peak hours.
Yes, the St. Regis hotel offers parking facilities for guests. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly for any specific valet or self-parking charges.
To avoid the worst of Business Bay traffic, try visiting during off-peak hours or consider using a taxi/ride-share so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
While there isn't a direct metro station at the doorstep, you can take the Dubai Metro to a nearby station and then a short taxi ride to Basta. Plan your route accordingly.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, but Business Bay can be quite spread out. Taxis or ride-sharing are generally more convenient for reaching Basta.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends, to secure your preferred seating, particularly on the terrace.
Basta is open until midnight, making it a great spot for late-night dining or drinks. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
No, there is no entrance fee. Basta is a restaurant and bar, and you pay for your food and drinks.
While not strictly enforced, a smart casual or elegant dress code is generally appropriate given the upscale ambiance.
Yes, the Friday $99 deal for 2 drinks and antipasti is a popular and great value option.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highly recommended dishes include the signature truffle pizza, shrimp tagliolini, grilled jumbo prawns, and the divine calzone.
Basta offers a variety of dishes, and while many are meat or seafood-focused, you can find vegetarian options like pizzas and pasta dishes. It's best to check the menu or ask your server.
Prices are on the higher side, with mains typically ranging from AED 100-200+. A meal for two with drinks can easily exceed AED 500.
Yes, Basta serves halal food, making it accessible for a wider range of diners.
Desserts are described as 'fair' by some diners, suggesting they are good but perhaps not as standout as the savory dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The terrace at sunset offers stunning views. The restaurant's elegant interiors and canal-side seating also provide beautiful backdrops for photos.
Absolutely! The dishes are presented beautifully, making them very photogenic. Many diners share their food photos online.
Yes, it's generally acceptable to take photos, especially of your food and the ambiance. Be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
During the day, natural light from the canal is lovely. In the evening, warm, ambient lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, which can be great for mood shots.
The view from the terrace during sunset is a prime photo opportunity. The stylish interiors also lend themselves well to elegant shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more budget-conscious family outing, the Friday special offers good value on drinks and antipasti, which can be shared. Ensure to check the menu for specific kid-friendly options or ask your server for recommendations. The hotel's facilities might also offer additional conveniences for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, focusing on sharing a pizza or a pasta dish between two people can help manage costs. Opting for mocktails over cocktails and being mindful of ordering multiple courses will also contribute to a more affordable experience. Visiting during lunch hours might also present slightly different pricing or set menus compared to dinner.
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
Don't hesitate to mention any special occasions to the staff; they have a reputation for going the extra mile to make celebrations unforgettable, as evidenced by the special dessert created for one couple. The quality of food, drinks, and service ensures that any special event will be celebrated in style.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ambiance: Italian Elegance by the Canal
This carefully curated atmosphere makes Basta an ideal spot for various occasions, from a relaxed lunch to a special night out. The combination of the serene canal views and the sophisticated Italian setting provides a unique dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a meal or simply sipping on a cocktail, the environment is designed to impress and provide a memorable backdrop to your visit.
Culinary Delights: Authentic Italian Flavors
While the savory dishes receive widespread acclaim, the desserts are generally considered 'fair,' meaning good but not as exceptional as the main courses. The mocktails and cocktails are well-regarded, and the Friday special offers a great value on drinks and antipasti. The menu caters to a range of preferences, and the kitchen's commitment to authentic flavors ensures a satisfying culinary journey for every guest.
Service Excellence: Attentive and Professional
This high level of service extends to special occasions. One memorable instance involved the staff creating a special dessert for a couple's celebration, a gesture that was only mentioned in passing but made the occasion absolutely memorable. This dedication to personalized service, combined with efficient order taking and timely delivery of dishes, significantly enhances the overall dining experience at Basta.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit