CHECK IT OUT: Va Bene Pasta Deli

Va Bene Pasta Deli makes gas station dining chic. Click for more.

Va Bene Pasta Deli
2/F Petron Gas Station Dasmariñas Village,
Pasay Road cor. EDSA, Makati City
Tel. No. 556-9442, (0917)345-6869
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

(SPOT.ph) Gas stations are usually meant for pit stops rather than dining destinations but Va Bene Pasta Deli proves otherwise. Located at the Petron gas station along EDSA Makati corner Dasmariñas Village, this cozy neighborhood haunt has been making waves as a not-so-secret spot churning out authentic Italian eats.

At helm is Va Bene’s owner Chef Massimo Veronesi, a former chef of Peninsula Manila’s Mi Piace. The restaurant is a husband-and-wife affair, which started out as a pick-up point for Chef Massimo’s home-made pasta and sauces. Now, the restaurant is often packed to the rafters and booked for private parties, thanks to word of mouth and social media fame.

"We’re very grateful [for the buzz]," shares Carolyn Veronesi, Chef Massimo’s wife, who is also hands-on with the business. "We try not to turn anyone away and it’s okay to call in advance orders if you don’t like waiting a long time for the food." It’s easy to see why people are flocking to Va Bene: The pasta has a springy and firm al dente quality, the flavors in the ravioli don’t scream but linger subtly in your mouth, and the desserts are simple yet satisfying. "We use only the freshest ingredients," Chef Massimo adds.

If you’re a first-time visitor, Chef Massimo recommends getting the Black Ink Home made Spaghetti (P350), the Ricotta Pumpkin Ravioli (P370), and ending with the Marinated Strawberries with Balsamico (P180) and Home made Profiteroles (P140). You can also ask Chef Massimo to prepare basic pasta sauces, which are not on the menu such as carbonara (cream or raw-egg based) or arrabiatta. Plus, they won’t mind if you bring your own bottle of wine. "We won’t charge you for corkage," Carolyn promises. "But we also have Italian deli products [sourced in Italy and from our suppliers], aside from the pasta and sauces which you can take home."

Photos by Trixie Zabal and from Va Bene Pasta Deli