Canal sunsets
The terrace delivers striking canal views at sunset, with one review calling it a magnificent, chic European-style setting.
BASTA!
Business Bay
BASTA! is an Italian restaurant in Business Bay, set inside The St. Regis Downtown Dubai with indoor and outdoor seating by the canal. Reviews make it especially appealing for a sunset terrace meal, with dishes such as truffle pizza and Florentine steak alongside cocktails and live music.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
1,170 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Standout pizza
The truffle pizza is praised for its thin, crisp base and lingering truffle aroma.
Live music
Live music, jazz and soft background music are repeatedly linked with the restaurant’s relaxed, romantic evening atmosphere.
Dietary choice
The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, useful when dining with a mixed-diet group.
Valet parking
Guests can use hotel valet parking, adding convenience for a restaurant visit in Business Bay.
What to Eat at BASTA! How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For BASTA!, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of BASTA!, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 4
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Classic spaghetti carbonara Net +2
“The pasta was truly the highlight of the experience. Each dish was expertly crafted, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors that made every bite a delight. Whether it was a classic spaghetti carbonara or a more adventurous truffle ravioli, the quality and taste were consistently excellent.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pasta was truly the highlight of the experience. Each dish was expertly crafted, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors that made every bite a delight. Whether it was a classic spaghetti carbonara or a more adventurous truffle ravioli, the quality and taste were consistently excellent.”August 2024
“The restaurant’s pasta dishes, in particular, stand out—whether it’s the classic spaghetti carbonara or a more adventurous truffle ravioli, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.”October 2024
-
Seabass Net +2
“Ordered seabass and it was flavorful and juicy.And i could see them cooking it on the open kitchen.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ordered seabass and it was flavorful and juicy.And i could see them cooking it on the open kitchen.”September 2024
“Whether you’re indulging in the succulent seabass or savoring the rich flavors of a wild mushroom risotto, each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and an eye for authentic Italian flavors.”October 2024
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Truffle pizza Net +2
“The truffle pizza was the highlight: thin, crisp, and loaded with rich truffle aroma that lingered in the best way.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The truffle pizza was the highlight: thin, crisp, and loaded with rich truffle aroma that lingered in the best way.”November 2025
“The truffle pizza and creamy pasta were standouts!”July 2025
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Truffle ravioli Net +2
“The restaurant’s pasta dishes, in particular, stand out—whether it’s the classic spaghetti carbonara or a more adventurous truffle ravioli, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The restaurant’s pasta dishes, in particular, stand out—whether it’s the classic spaghetti carbonara or a more adventurous truffle ravioli, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.”October 2024
“The pasta was truly the highlight of the experience. Each dish was expertly crafted, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors that made every bite a delight. Whether it was a classic spaghetti carbonara or a more adventurous truffle ravioli, the quality and taste were consistently excellent.”August 2024
Honorable mentions (19)
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Beef strip-loin Net +1
“The beef strip-loin was really one of the best I had, perfectly cooked and juicy with delicious sautéed mushrooms and roasted potato.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The beef strip-loin was really one of the best I had, perfectly cooked and juicy with delicious sautéed mushrooms and roasted potato.”July 2024
-
Buratta, cherry tomatoes & basil Net +1
“The Buratta, cherry tomatoes & basil is a must try! Everything goes well together.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Buratta, cherry tomatoes & basil is a must try! Everything goes well together.”April 2024
-
Calzone Net +1
“Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!”November 2025
-
Carpaccio Net +1
“I had carpaccio and lamb along with dessert and it was perfect.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had carpaccio and lamb along with dessert and it was perfect.”May 2026
-
Chicken escalope Net +1
“For dinner I had chicken escalope. The meat was very tender, fried, but not overdried. It was served in mushroom sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For dinner I had chicken escalope. The meat was very tender, fried, but not overdried. It was served in mushroom sauce.”August 2024
-
Creamy pasta Net +1
“The truffle pizza and creamy pasta were standouts!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The truffle pizza and creamy pasta were standouts!”July 2025
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Florentine steak Net +1
“We were looking for a Florentine steak and found Basta offers it. For its price - definitely worth it!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We were looking for a Florentine steak and found Basta offers it. For its price - definitely worth it!”April 2024
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Gelato desert Net +1
“The gelato desert was delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The gelato desert was delicious.”June 2023
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Pasta with prawn Net +1
“I recommend the pasta with prawn my favorite dish.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I recommend the pasta with prawn my favorite dish.”November 2024
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Salame pizza Net +1
“Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!”November 2025
-
Salmon Net +1
“Exceptional food, salmon is definitely worth trying!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Exceptional food, salmon is definitely worth trying!”May 2025
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Shrimp tagliolini Net +1
“The shrimp tagliolini was pure comfort — fresh pasta, tender shrimp, and a light yet flavorful sauce that tied everything together beautifully.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shrimp tagliolini was pure comfort — fresh pasta, tender shrimp, and a light yet flavorful sauce that tied everything together beautifully.”November 2025
-
Small cakes Net +1
“Also, it was my friend’s birthday, and we got two small cakes to share, which were actually delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also, it was my friend’s birthday, and we got two small cakes to share, which were actually delicious!”October 2024
-
Steak Net +1
“Went for dinner at sunset time, loved the steak . The vibe is luxurious with view towards the canal . Loved the hotel and the atmosphere at St. Regis Hotel.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Went for dinner at sunset time, loved the steak . The vibe is luxurious with view towards the canal . Loved the hotel and the atmosphere at St. Regis Hotel.”December 2024
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Tagliatelle pasta with prawns Net +1
“Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dishes we ate and would heartily recommend are the Calzone, Salame Pizza and the Tagliatelle Pasta with Prawns. That calzone was absolutely divine!”November 2025
-
Veal scaloppine Net +1
“I ordered Basta spritz and veal scaloppine, so delicious! You should try it!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered Basta spritz and veal scaloppine, so delicious! You should try it!”September 2024
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Warm berry tart with vanilla ice-cream Net +1
“Dessert was good too, the warm berry tart with vanilla ice-cream was a great choice, will come again.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dessert was good too, the warm berry tart with vanilla ice-cream was a great choice, will come again.”July 2024
-
Wild mushroom risotto Net +1
“Whether you’re indulging in the succulent seabass or savoring the rich flavors of a wild mushroom risotto, each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and an eye for authentic Italian flavors.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Whether you’re indulging in the succulent seabass or savoring the rich flavors of a wild mushroom risotto, each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and an eye for authentic Italian flavors.”October 2024
-
Seafood risotto Net 0
Mixed feedback
“I ordered the seafood risotto, and it was nothing short of amazing. Every bite was flavorful, rich, and perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of fresh seafood.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“I ordered the seafood risotto, and it was nothing short of amazing. Every bite was flavorful, rich, and perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of fresh seafood.”December 2024
Drinks 3
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Aperol spritz Net +1
“The Friday $99 2 drinks & antipasti is great value & the Aperol Spritz are delicious and generous.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Friday $99 2 drinks & antipasti is great value & the Aperol Spritz are delicious and generous.”August 2025
-
Basta spritz Net +1
“I ordered Basta spritz and veal scaloppine, so delicious! You should try it!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered Basta spritz and veal scaloppine, so delicious! You should try it!”September 2024
-
Sunset spritz Net +1
“Sunset Spritz with canal view was absolutely amazing :) I really loved it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Sunset Spritz with canal view was absolutely amazing :) I really loved it.”September 2024
What to Avoid (4)
Food 4
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Tiramisu Net −1
“Apart from the Tiramisu, the food was good.”
Positive 1Negative 2
Critical review excerpts
“Apart from the Tiramisu, the food was good.”February 2025
“The pasta was very average, the fish was dry, and the tiramisu was basically 90% cream and 10% biscuit.”May 2026
-
Buffalo starter Net −1
“The buffalo starter was poorly presented and tasted bland.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The buffalo starter was poorly presented and tasted bland.”February 2020
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Calzone with only cheese and ham Net −1
“Additionally, we specifically requested a calzone with only cheese and ham, but it was prepared with bacon instead.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Additionally, we specifically requested a calzone with only cheese and ham, but it was prepared with bacon instead.”March 2026
-
Pizza 4 fromaggi Net −1
“Then came the food I ordered a pizza 4 fromaggi and honestly for the place standard and price this was so bad! That's the reason I write this review l. When it's good I'd gladly say it but when it's bad I think people need to know to avoid getting scammed! So BASTA! Basta !”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Then came the food I ordered a pizza 4 fromaggi and honestly for the place standard and price this was so bad! That's the reason I write this review l. When it's good I'd gladly say it but when it's bad I think people need to know to avoid getting scammed! So BASTA! Basta !”November 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Book sunset. Reserve the terrace around sunset if the canal view is the main reason for visiting; outdoor seating is popular.
Check promotions. If using a Titanium Bonvoy promotion, confirm the exact discount or terms before ordering and review the bill carefully.
Check lunch menu. Ask whether pizza is available at afternoon lunch, as one guest found it unavailable then.
Allow time. Build in extra time for service if you are visiting for pizza, since one reviewer reported a long wait.
Plan the visit
Practical details
The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai - Marasi Dr
Business Bay, Dubai
| Mon | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
High pricing
One group felt AED 910 was expensive for three mains, drinks, coffee, water and desserts.
Uneven cooking
A review found the pasta average, the fish dry and the tiramisu disproportionately creamy.
Order errors
A requested cheese-and-ham calzone arrived with bacon instead, raising concerns about attention to detail.
Slow waits
Some visits involved a long wait, including a pizza order during an earlier dinner visit.
Terrace confusion
A group was initially told outdoor tables could not be merged, then received conflicting information when the terrace had filled.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
BASTA! is an Italian restaurant in Business Bay at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai, with indoor seating and a canal-side terrace.
It suits sunset dinners, date nights and relaxed catch-ups, especially if the setting matters as much as the meal. Reviews mention live music, jazz and a stylish but generally calm atmosphere. There is plenty to choose from, but several dishes stand out in the reviews: truffle pizza, calzone, tagliatelle with prawns, Florentine steak and burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil.
Pasta, seafood and steak receive strong praise overall, although the food is not completely consistent; one diner found the pasta average, the fish dry and the tiramisu overly creamy. Another said a four-cheese pizza fell well below expectations. Service is often described as attentive and professional, and the restaurant can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diners.
Prices run high: one party paid AED 910 for three mains, drinks, desserts, coffee and water. Check promotions carefully before settling the bill, particularly if using a hotel loyalty benefit. Hotel valet parking is available, and it is worth checking whether pizza is served during afternoon lunch.