Open For Almost A Century, Dining At Casa Basso In New York Is Always A Timeless Experience
By Christy Articola|Published February 16, 2023
×
Christy Articola
Author
Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
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.
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.
Advertisement
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.
In 1986, Mondini sold Casa Basso to his longtime apprentice, Betjo Bracovic. The Bracovic family currently owns and continues to operate the restaurant.
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.
