Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar

- 33 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880

For Connecticut residents and visitors seeking a truly distinctive and flavorful dining experience, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar in Westport stands out as a culinary destination. More than just a typical Mediterranean restaurant, Basso offers an exciting fusion concept driven by the passion and heritage of Award-Winning Chef Renato Donzelli. Chef Donzelli masterfully blends authentic Southern and Eastern Mediterranean European cuisine—drawing heavily from Italian and Spanish traditions—with vibrant hints of his Venezuelan, Latin American roots. The result is a menu that is both familiar and surprising, creating a memorable meal that is uniquely Basso.

The restaurant provides a warm, contemporary, and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly suited for various occasions, from a casual lunch to a romantic, upscale date night. The ethos centers on quality, with a commitment to using top-notch ingredients, often locally sourced when possible, and preparing every item from scratch. From handmade gnocchi and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas to traditional Paella and inventive tapas, Basso is dedicated to delivering a high level of culinary excellence that has made it a favorite in the Connecticut dining scene for years.

This overview should provide Connecticut locals with the essential information about what makes Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar an essential visit, focusing on its unique culinary style, inviting ambiance, and comprehensive service options.

Introduction / Overview

Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, a beloved establishment, has cultivated a reputation in the Westport area of Fairfield County by offering an exceptional fusion of Mediterranean and Latin flavors. Chef Renato Donzelli, known for his creativity and natural talent, brings a personal touch to the menu, combining the robust, comforting elements of Spanish and Italian cuisine with the bright, dynamic influences of Latin America. This creative approach results in dishes that are rich in flavor and tradition, yet presented with a modern flair. The atmosphere is designed to be cozy, romantic, and upscale, providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal. The concept goes beyond food; as a dedicated Wine Bar, Basso also boasts a great wine list and is known for its skillfully crafted cocktails, including popular choices like the espresso martini. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick, delicious lunch or planning a long, celebratory dinner, Basso is designed to be a charming and inviting local locale for the Connecticut community. It represents the best of local dining where the culinary tradition is continuously revived and presented for the contemporary palate.

Location and Accessibility

Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar is conveniently situated in a bustling part of Westport, Connecticut, making it easily accessible for residents across Fairfield County and beyond. You can find this highly-regarded eatery at the following location: 33 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA. This central positioning ensures it's a practical choice for those meeting friends or family from various parts of the region.

Accessibility is a key priority at Basso, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and designated wheelchair-accessible seating. For those arriving by car, the restaurant provides both a free parking lot and free street parking options nearby, making your visit as stress-free as possible. Its location in the heart of Westport also places it near other local attractions, allowing you to easily build an evening around your dining experience.

Services Offered

Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar provides a wide range of services and dining options tailored to meet various local needs, from an intimate dinner to a large celebration.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience in the cozy, romantic, and upscale atmosphere with table service. Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations to secure your seating.
• Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Convenient options for enjoying Basso’s cuisine at home.
• Delivery and No-Contact Delivery: For maximum convenience, Basso offers delivery service directly to your location.
• Catering: Specializing in catering services, Basso allows customers to order trays of their favorite dishes, though 24-hour notice is required before pick-up or delivery for catering orders.
• Private Dining Room: A dedicated space available for events, parties, and private gatherings.
• Dining Options: The menu supports Brunch, Lunch (including a popular 2- or 3-course Lunch Special, the "Bite of the Day"), Dinner, and Dessert.
• Bar Service: A full Bar onsite, offering alcohol, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and a highly praised wine list. Happy hour food and drinks are also available.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed, specifically in the outdoor seating area.
• Payment Options: Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted for smooth transactions.

Features / Highlights

Basso is celebrated for a multitude of features that elevate it beyond a standard local eatery, making it a favorite for Connecticut locals seeking quality and atmosphere.

• Unique Menu Fusion: The core highlight is the award-winning culinary style of Chef Renato Donzelli, blending Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (Italian/Spanish) traditions with South American (Venezuelan/Latin) flair.
• Exceptional Food & Drink Offerings: Known for great cocktails (especially the Espresso Martini), an extensive wine list, and superb coffee and dessert (Churros and Lava Cake are customer favorites).
• Signature Dishes: Highly recommended dishes include the traditional Paella Mixta for Two, the Galician-style Pulpo A La Gallega (octopus), the Basso Salad with candied walnuts and grapes, homemade Gnocchi with creamy shiitake mushroom sauce, and the Hanger Steak served with house-made chimichurri.
• Neapolitan Wood-Fired Pizza: The menu includes authentic Neapolitan pizza, such as Pizza Margherita and The Stallion Pizza (with Spanish chorizo), cooked in a wood-fired oven.
• Dietary Accommodations: The menu includes numerous healthy, organic, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free (GF) options, with staff ready to assist with modifications.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The ambiance is described as romantic, cozy, trendy, and upscale, attracting a diverse crowd including families, groups, solo diners, and the LGBTQ+ community. It’s particularly popular for date nights.
• Entertainment: Enjoy a delightful meal complemented by live music, adding to the vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
• Service Quality: Patrons consistently highlight the fast, attentive, and knowledgeable service, ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience.

Contact Information (address, phone)

For Connecticut diners looking to plan a visit or place an order, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar can be reached using the following information. Reservations, particularly for dinner, are strongly recommended to ensure seating.

Address: 33 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA

Phone: (203) 354-6566 or +1 203-354-6566

What is Worth Choosing

What truly sets Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar apart and makes it worth choosing for those in the Connecticut region is the marriage of authentic Mediterranean and Latin flavors. It's not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. Chef Donzelli's Venezuelan background infuses classic Italian and Spanish dishes with unexpected, delicious depth and spice—evident in dishes like the Paella Mixta, Empanadas, and Potatoes Brava. The sheer variety of the menu, encompassing small plates (tapas) like Pulpo A La Gallega, hearty entrees like Hanger Steak Entree, and classic Neapolitan pizzas, ensures there is something to satisfy every craving. The availability of diverse dietary options, including numerous gluten-free and vegetarian choices, makes it an inclusive spot for any group. Furthermore, the dedication to providing excellent hospitality, a great wine list, and a romantic, cozy setting, particularly enhanced by live music, makes Basso an ideal choice for a special celebration or just a superior night out. For a taste of the Mediterranean with a compelling, vibrant Latin twist in Westport, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar is a top recommendation for Connecticut food enthusiasts.

Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar

33 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880, USA