April 28, 2025

Va Bene Pasta Deli in Makati: Superb Fresh Pasta Creations

Fresh handmade pasta has a different flavor-it’s tender, silky, and has its own eggy flavor that dry packing pasta doesn’t stand a chance against. There is something wonderful about its texture and freshness: it makes even the simplest pasta dishes something incredibly special. If you ever want to taste any pasta, Va Bene Pasta Deli is the best choice where fresh pasta is made daily with love and passion, truly delivering Italian flavors to your plate!

Black Ink Tagliolini / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Located on the second floor of a gas station in Dasmariñas Village, is where you are to find this restaurant that serves pasta that’s as fresh and authentically Italian as it gets. Va Bene Pasta Deli, a family-owned business, whips out traditional Italian cuisine prepared by Italian Chef and owner Massimo Veronesi.

After finishing hotel school in Gardone “Lago Di Garda,” he trained in several restaurants in Milan, Verona, Tuscany, and Bologna, Dubai, and even the US. He was head chef of Mi Piace at The Peninsula Manila. Recognized as one of the best chefs in several competitions, he and her wife Carolyn moved to Manila and decided to put up their own restaurant. His knowledge in Italian cuisine—especially those of Verona, Tuscany, Bologna, and Milan—really shines through each dish served at Va Bene.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

The pasta they offer here is very different from other restaurants because of its exquisite and chewy texture. That being said, their homemade pasta has become a favorite not only among locals, but also expats, vloggers, and Italian food fans.

When you bite into their Ricotta Eggplant Tortellini (Php 590), they fill your mouth up with lots of them all at once, and then they go down very easily because inside you will find a great mix of ricotta cheese and slow-roasted eggplant inside their signature fresh pasta. They are bathed in an Arrabbiata sauce that’s both spicy and tangy, amped by fresh basil and generous shavings of Parmesan.

Riccota Eggplant Tortellini / IMAGE from Va Bene Pasta Deli

For seafood lovers, their Black Ink Tagliolini (Php 590) can never be skipped. It’s a delight made up of squid-ink pasta dressed in mussels, shrimp, squid, and clams. This specialty is dipped in lively marinara sauce softened by a light touch of tomato cream for a deep yet fresh flavor. The black pasta adds a salted hint that goes so well with the sweetness of the seafood.

Simple, yet sumptious, Va Bene’s Linguini Pomodoro with Stracciatella (Php 580) is made from house-made linguini tossed in a rich pomodoro sauce made from fresh tomatoes and basil and quality olive oil. The pasta is deliciously al dente, lavishly coated in this tangy, slight sweet sauce. A quintessential Italian comfort food that tastes like a nonna’s (Italian for grandmother) hug on a plate!

Linguini Pomodoro / IMAGE from Va Bene Pasta Deli

Aside from fresh pasta creations, they have various selections of appetizers, pizzas, entrees, and desserts.

The Polipo Octopus Carpaccio (Php 650) is a light and elegant starter made of thinly sliced octopus that pairs really well with arugula, semi-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan on top of everything. All completed with bright lemon dressing that brings vivacity into every mouthful.

Polipo Octopus Carpaccio / IMAGE from Va Bene Pasta Deli

Va Bene’s Prosciutto Pizza is a combination of thinly sliced prosciutto and crunchy arugula on a bed of gooey, melted cheese. The crust is perfect outside and chewy inside, and every bite is a wonderful contrast of salty, creamy, and peppery flavors.

Proscuitto Pizza / IMAGE from Va Bene Pasta Deli

For entrees, try their Gorgonzola Polenta with Braised Veal Cheeks (Php 890): tender morsels of meat soaked in a deeply flavored sauce served on a creamy, cheesy bed of polenta. Just with fresh herbs and mushrooms, this dish is rustic Italian cooking at its best: absolutely perfect for anyone who longs for those rich, soulful flavors!

Gorgonzola Polenta with Braised Veal Cheeks / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Apart from the restaurant, they also have their own deli where they sell various Italian products. They also offer delivery services within Metro Manila, and also accepts catering services and private functions. They also have another branch in BGC so if you’re just nearby the area, drop by their resto and enjoy their much-loved pasta and other Italian dishes!

Poppette Italian Meatballs / IMAGE from Philippine Primer