Bâlehoo

Acqua. As I entered this popular bar, it occurred to me that I was probably the last person in Basel to go there. In fact, my first visit was just this past week - and at 12 noon no less. No, I wasn’t on a mid-day bender. I was there for lunch: some of the best – and most reasonable - Italian food in Basel.

Well-known as one of the coolest bars around town, this hipster hangout also rates high with some local foodies. As I learned, it’s great for weekday lunch, where the quick and tasty menu (appetizer plate w/salad, bruschetta, hard-boiled egg and ham, followed by your choice of pasta with meat or vegetarian sauce) is served up quick and prompt. You can be in and out in less than an hour, giving you time to linger over their excellent espresso at the end of the meal. And the price won’t hurt: CHF 20 prix fix! The coffee isn’t included, but a carafe of house wine and sparkling water are (and for those of you with hearty appetites, the price also includes free refills on pasta). All this, plus Acqua’s romantically industrial (”ro-dustrial”? “in-mantic”?) atmosphere? Hard to beat.

If lunch isn’t your scene, swing by Acqua for dinner. Whether you are a devoted carnivore or prefer fishier fare, Acqua has something for you. With their four-course menu (appetizer, pasta, main course, dessert), you can select from the daily Mare (sea) or Terra (land) menu - and just ask if you’d like to mix and match. Highlights included a fresh and delicious grilled fish platter, a rarity in our little land-locked nation, and steak that was nicely cooked and not-too-huge, allowing room for their tasty desserts. Salad and potatoes are served up family style as part of your meal. Again, the price is right (approximately CHF 60 per person for food), and at dinner the already warm ambience is downright hot; low lighting and wads of candles make you want to linger at that table for hours.

Finally, wine buffs take note: the small, but quality, wine selection provides some great deals. When I was there, I spotted a few (super) Super Tuscans that could be had at unbeatable – eg, lower than Basel retailer - prices.

So, whether you’ve been for drinks or never been at all, it is time to give Acqua’s food a try. And make sure to make a reservation – because Acqua’s menu might be new to me, but the secret is clearly already out and tables are hard to come by.

Acqua Osteria
Binningerstrasse 14
4051 Basel
Phone +41 61 271 63 00
Fax +41 61 283 00 71
www.acquabasilea.ch