Quanto Basta Italian Eatery & Wine Bar
| Address: | 680 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA |
| Phone: | +1 336-893-6144 |
| Site: | facebook.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–11PM 4–11PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
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K Merr
Its hard to know where to start in reviewing Quanto Basta because having lived in new York City for almost 10 years and traveled to Italy I have experienced a lot of great Italian restaurants. This definitely belongs on my list of favorites. (Disclaimer: I may get the prices and exact dish names wrong here, because we only get to eat there when in town and Im writing this from our visit several weeks ago from memory.) Id start by saying upon my first bite of the risotto shrimp scampi appetizer I felt instantly depressed because I knew it would never be enough. And to see that it was something like $11, which I felt was a steal for all that risotto and three shrimp made it even better. Its really enough for a meal but Ill know better next time to hog the whole dish for myself. I loved the combination of creamy risotto, garlicky shrimp, and some kind of savory sauce on the side and it was so hard to watch that last spoonful disappear. Next we ordered the antipasto plate -- a mixture of charcuterie and things youd expect to go on such a dish -- but the best part of this was the focaccia with Italian cheese and cured meats. When you bite into it fresh from the oven, all of the flavors crunch into a single expression of melty, salty, meaty, crispy goodness. Another lesson learned the hard way -- no sharing that either. The pasta and sauces are singular in Winston-Salem, authentic and comforting for a reason -- I wish I could recall the name of what we ordered but when I asked about it, I found out the founding partner is Italian and some of the recipes date back to the late 1800s before his family members came to the US from Italy. After I heard that, I recognized some of those influences elsewhere throughout the menu. I was surprised to see so many wine choices -- so far I have tried three by the glass options, all very good and affordable. On a side note, it gave me a lot of joy to see so many people dining alone. Dining alone is one of my favorite things to do but not all places make lone diners feel comfortable and the staff went out of their way to be cordial. Speaking off, when it got super busy the crowd had the servers racing around -- but thats what I want to see in a restaurant, that the food is so good its packed. If see and be seen isnt your thing, go on the early side right when it opens. I wish I could remember the dessert we had that was so amazing -- it was like some sort of pudding or custard with butterscotch or caramel and fresh whipped cream. I wont ever go to Quanto Basta without ordering it -- we got halfway through our little cup of it and ordered a second helping. So much to try on future visits if only I can refrain from filling up on risotto and focaccia...
CA
Causa Sui
What makes this an "authentic Italian eatery"? No bread on table, no Italian music playing, no olive oil and vinegar...no shredded cheese...no grapa..the decor....dont get me started....a bunch of unused wood pizza peels dont get you cred.. The food? My sausage and pasta with onions was borderline frozen...and save the one slither of red pepper...lacking deep Authetic Italian flavor. Look, its WS, this place may be more concerned with the amount of wine corks they collect than creating ANYTHING close to an authentic Italian eating experience. Frankly its typical of a WS eatery. I dont like to slam a joint but if you changed the name to Polish Eatery you wouldnt have to change anything else except the menu. I think it was designed that way. The place is a solid 3 stars without claiming to be anything other that an Authentic Winston Salem restaurant. Yes...I am an authority on the subject.
DA
Dan Topley
Great wine selection, fantastic friendly service. The owner visited with us and recommended some dessert which was awesome. The Mussels are insane. Cooked perfectly and not too salty. Very fresh ingredients in all the foods and you can certainly taste the difference - you may wait a bit longer but if you want excellent food that is the price you pay. This isnt fast food, its amazing food. Jenny at the bar (not from the block) was fantastic. She helped us find our anniversary wine that we had the year before so we could re-create a fantastic memory and enjoy it all over again. Thanks again everyone at Quanto Basta! Well see you again soon!
DA
Darren Kincaid
If you are looking for decently priced Italian food that also tastes good, this fits the bill. Its NOT a high-end culinary experience that you would get if an executive chef was running the kitchen. Essentially, you get what you get and you dont throw a fit. The pizza is very good and the service is top notch. For example, one of the wait staff accidentally broke a dish on the floor. The rest of the staff swarmed and it was picked up within seconds. That tells me this place is well run.
NA
Nancy Joseph
Dined here once with a group of 8. The food and service was good. We were seated in the room off the main area. It looked like a nice enclosed porch but it was extremely noisy because of wood ceilings and concrete floors. The main dining area has acoustic ceiling tiles so is probably much quieter. If the restaurant is busy, recommend waiting for seating in main room. They had a nice wine selection and nice decor.
CA
Catherine Garner
Less than impressed and we havent sat down. Hostess said the wait for a table for 2 would be approx. 25 minutes. Nearly an hour later, were still waiting. The restaurant is clearly not large enough - dining room/kitchen staff/wait staff - to handle the crowds they draw. While Im sure they love the business, those wanting to actually eat dinner suffer. Not a good place if youre on a time crunch for sure!
SI
simone whitaker
We got there and the host offered to clean a table and get it ready. 5 mins later a waitress that walked past us multiple times comes up and says they arent seating anymore people. I told her that was a lie and were already being seated just waiting. Mind you this was 920 they dont close until 10. We sat but left because we felt uncomfortable. And yes we were the only young african American couple. Smh
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Rayanna Calhoun
The food at quanto basta is great if a little pricey for the portions. Parking can be a little tricky unless you pay to park in the deck next door or get lucky and find an on the street spot. I would recommend this place for a fun night out, but the ambiance is too loud for romantic date nights.
NI
nichole smith
Great atmosphere! Very delicious food! Awesome service! All around great place! First come first serve seating no reservations! I could eat there everyday! Pizza counter is a great spot to get entertainment from the kitchen staff, its like dinner and a movie!
DA
David Johnson
Great location and decor. The meals are excellent and well presented. High energy staff with a focus on service. The bar staff knows the wines and food service is exceptional. The dessert to come back for is the Olive Oil Cake. Absolutely stunning.
KE
Kelly Baysden
Amazing food and wonderful drinks!! A great place for a special evening out or a place to get away from mundane dinning. Fantastic seasonal farm fresh to table menu with a authentic Italian feel. I always recommend trying any specials they have.
