There aren't many restaurants that last for an entire century, but Casa Basso in Westthampton on Long Island in New York is almost there. It will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028. This classic Italian restaurant has been serving Long Islanders and visitors since Calvin Coolidge was president!
Today, it offers excellent cuisine in a unique setting. This place is so classic and timeless that you'll feel like you traveled back in time and that you could be dining in any era. Read on to learn more about it.
Casa Basso is a very unique place to eat.
The property upon which Casa Basso sits was owned in the late 1800s by American sculptor, woodcarver, architect, painted, and potter Theophilus Brouwer. He'd traveled in Spain and Italy in his younger days and loved the castles there; he built one similar to one he'd seen near Seville to house his pottery studio.
He lived in the home that also stands on this property for many years. Many of his sculptures are still present near the castle including statues of lions, women, horses, musketeers, and more.
Brouwer died in 1932, but sometime before his death this property was sold and it first became a restaurant in 1928. M.L. Basso and his family owned and operated it until 1958.
The circular bar is gorgeous. It's still present in the restaurant. Valerio "Rene" Mondini was the owner until 1986.
In 1986, Mondini sold Casa Basso to his longtime apprentice, Betjo Bracovic. The Bracovic family currently owns and continues to operate the restaurant.
The dining room is always set beautifully. It's like a restaurant in Italy or a mid-century supper club.
Sometimes, there's even live music.
Casa Basso serves all the traditional dishes you'd expect to find at a classic Italian restaurant. This Tomato & Mozzarella Salad is a perfect starter.
Of course, there are other salads as well like caesar, three color, spinach salad, and chopped salad. Or, you could choose a soup like Italian minestrone, straccia tella, or onion soup. Appetizers include grilled calamari, clams casino, oysters, shrimp cocktail, and escargot, among other items.
Of course, there are numerous pastas available as well, like this mouth-watering ravioli.
The mains are exceptional. All entrées come with salad and a side of pasta or vegetables. Italian veal and poultry dishes are what Casa Basso does best.
However, the restaurant's seafood offerings are quite tasty as well.
If you aren't feeling like Italian cuisine, you might try Casa Basso's filet mignon, rack of lamb, or New York sirloin instead.
Casa Basso is a unique restaurant and you'll never forget your first visit to it. You'll keep coming back because of the quality, service, and timelessness of the place.
Don't forget to wave to the musketeers as you depart!
Casa Basso is a complete dining experience. It has everything - art, history, great service, and excellent food. You'll love it! Plan a meal there today.
Are you looking for more places to enjoy Italian cuisine in New York? Check out this list for more! 9 Italian Restaurants In New York That Serve Pasta To Die For
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