Va Bene Pasta Deli is Pastariffic

I’ve been wanting to try out Va Bene Pasta Deli since forever and the yearning has been even stronger after I heard a lot of good things about their food. Va Bene Pasta Deli is owned by Chef Massimo Veronesi, a former chef at Peninsula Manila’s Mi Piace and prides itself on serving only fresh pasta made in store. Lauren does not eat pasta so really have to plan a trip over there but the timing has always been wrong. Finally, last Friday, we got a chance to eat there after facilitating Lauren’s birthday lunch at school.

Va Bene is located at the 2nd floor of a Petron gas station, of all places but its not a surprise anymore as they look to cash in on the commercial rental market. There are other establishments there like UCC Park cafe, San Lo’s Famous and a couple of other cake shops.

The place is fairly small, can seat a max of around 25 people so I suggest making a reservation to be sure. It’s decorated simply with a view of the pasta making area as well as a wall of cook books.

Not knowing what to order, we consulted the fairly knowledgeable waiter for their bestsellers. While waiting for our orders, we were served a complimentary appetizer. I really appreciate free stuff but who doesn’t and kudos for being good as well.

I got the Organic Eggs Tagliatoni w/ Portobello Mushrooms (P390). Its spaghetti like noodles with mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce and drizzled with truffle oil. Usually I’m not impressed with truffle oil but the dish is one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had. The noodles are al dente/firm and the cream sauce coats each strand very well. The mushrooms adds a strong earthy flavor that I really enjoyed.

Irene’s choice was the Pappardelle (P450). It has braised lamb shanks, sun dried tomatoes, olives and pecorino cheese.

I had a little bit to try and I was surprised at the bit of spiciness in the sauce, nothing strong just like a teaser. The lamb shanks were fork tender, the best way to eat it was to wrap it inside the long pappardelle ribbons together with olives and the sun dried tomatoes and chomp away. The flavor explosion was a wonderful experience.

Irene and I left shaking our heads why we were not able to try Va Bene Pasta Deli before and both vowed to come back soon. Service was accommodating and the staff was knowledgeable, a big plus. You can even do a little shopping for cakes and empanada after your meal. The only bad thing about eating there is the out of this world parking fee of P30/hour (yup, you read that right)( — as per the owner who commented below, you can have your parking ticket validated), kinda puts a damper on a relaxing meal.

Va Bene Pasta Deli

2/F Petron Gas Station
EDSA cor. Pasay Road
Dasmarinas Village, Makati

556-9442

Closed on Mondays

Va Bene on Facebook

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