Find Exceptional and Authentic Italian Fare at Va Bene Pasta Deli

Perhaps one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the country is a well-known Makati treasure, located on the second floor of the Petron gas station just outside the gate of Dasmarinas Village.

Va Bene Pasta Deli is owned by Chef Massimo Veronesi, who has over 20 years of experience, working for Michelin star restaurants in Europe and 5-star hotels around the world. Va Bene Pasta Deli was one of the first restaurants in the Philippines to serve handmade pasta, all made with the freshest ingredients. It could barely be kept a secret, as the restaurant has now become recognized around the Metro for its distinctly authentic food.

Most of the tables in the restaurant are long because Va Bene Pasta Deli is family-friendly. Because the restaurant has garnered numerous awards over the years, it’s best to reserve a seat in advance especially for dinner. The restaurant’s black and orange palette adds a charm to the restaurant without distracting guests from the real superstar of the show: the pasta.

The restaurant’s signature dish is the Black Ink Tagliolini, a hit especially for fans of squid ink in their pasta. The ink is actually infused with the pasta dough, so the pasta itself is black, and the famous dish is served with generous servings of mixed seafood and thick red marinara sauce. Customers at Va Bene have the freedom to choose the kind of pasta they desire with their order: fetuccini, tagliolini, linguini, cappelini, or pappardelle, among many others.

Another signature dish is the Organic Eggs Tagliatelle which is served with Portobello mushrooms, white wine cream sauce, and truffle oil. The mix of flavors, though overpowering for some, is rich and distinct that they linger even after eating. For fans of rolled pasta, the Spinach Cannelloni is served with huge portions of spinach, ham, and cheese in every bite.

Despite pasta being their specialty, Va Bene Pasta Deli has a for-sharing appetizer menu, soups, and several main course dishes like the Braised Veal Cheeks, tender and highly flavored, served with vegetables. For dessert, their Lemon Tart is served with coffee ice cream and fig compote, and the Traditional Italian Tiramisu has a special surprise just beneath the cheese.

Everyone’s first experience at Va Bene is memorable, be it from the satisfaction of exceeded expectations or from the sheer shock of the deliciousness of authentic Italian food. But whatever it is, many diners come back, either to try every dish on the menu or stick to their all-time favorites. One thing is for sure, Va Bene Pasta Deli is the place to be for true Italian flavors in Metro Manila.