Pizzeria Basta ...THE SECRET  IS OUT

3601 Arapahoe Blvd.
Boulder, 80303
303-997-8775
36th & Arapahoe, in the Peloton

Located in part of a housing project, the Peloton, you will find a gem of a restaurant that is tops in every detail. Enter this modern/rustic spot—one room with stone, wood, a tech unfinished black ceiling, nice lighting, comfortable seating, and a great bar where you can watch the focal wood burning pizza oven. The oven not only looks great but the pies are the best ever. Chef/Owner Kelly Whitaker arrived from Los Angeles and wanted a simple pizza place that reflects his background of cooking in 5 star restaurants in California. Every detail shows this from your first bite in the ever-changing menu. Start with domestic charcuterie and cheese, divine chicken liver mousse with citrus and rosemary foccacia, housemade baked ricotta with wild boar salami, or burrata with house cured pork belly. The wood fired vegetable salad is worth the visit as are the romaine heart and baby lettuce salads. Pizza stars and there is none better. The crust has romance and character—if that is how you could describe a crust. It’s chewy but thin, crusty enough with marks from the oven, but just right in texture and a perfect fit for toppings of tomato sauce with stretched mozzarella, crushed tomato with sliced garlic, sweet grape tomatoes with mozzarella, arugula and prosciutto, white sauce, or sausage and rapini. They are all fabulous. The Market Menu changes often and features a salad, polenta, pasta, and pizza each day. Do not miss the short rib with smoked potato, vegetable and horseradish crème fraiche, the half chicken, and several options for sides. More raves for the sandwiches and calzone. The sous vide shaved pork or vegetarian fillings on pizza baked bread are served with the best potato salad with bacon. Desserts are beyond incredible: wood grilled vanilla, chocolate hazelnut, burnt caramel with salt and maple candied speck homemade gelatos are beyond heavenly, and the warm chocolate tart, tiramisu, and gianduja dipped biscotti are pretty darn wonderful too. The wine list is great, service outstanding. Kelly says he expects his food and staff to be perfect to please the guests. Kelly and staff do just that. This is one Pizzeria that rates number one. Try Pizzeria Basta once and you will be hooked forever.