Philadelphia’s Gorgeous “White People Food” – Bastia

🌟 Bastia Address: 1401 E Susquehanna Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 📍 Ambiance & Service Bastia nails a warm, refined vibe—cozy enough for intimate dates, yet elegant enough for birthday celebrations. The service is attentive without being overbearing: staff explain dishes thoroughly, check in at just the right pace, and even remember small preferences. A fun little detail? The hand soap in the restroom is Le Labo Santal 33—a luxe touch that adds to the overall polished feel 😃. Food Highlights (Detailed Breakdown) Complimentary Starter You’ll get 3 types of house bread to start, served with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. The bread is fresh—crusty on the outside, soft inside—and pairs perfectly with the fruity, peppery olive oil. It’s a simple start, but sets the tone for the meal. Star Appetizers - 🍎 Honeycrisp Apples with Tomme, Lonzu, Tarragon & Honey: Sweet-savory perfection—this dish is an absolute “forever favorite.” Crisp, juicy Honeycrisp apple slices are paired with nutty tomme cheese, salty-cured lonzu (a dry-cured pork similar to prosciutto), fresh tarragon, and a drizzle of floral honey. The flavors balance each other flawlessly: the apple’s sweetness cuts through the richness of the cheese and pork, while the tarragon adds a subtle herbal kick. I could easily eat three plates of this alone! Price: $18 - 🧀 Pomelo & Blood Orange with Burrata, Hazelnuts & Dark Chocolate: A vibrant, fresh twist on classic burrata. Segments of sweet-tart pomelo and bright blood orange mix with creamy burrata, crunchy toasted hazelnut pieces, and shavings of dark chocolate. The burrata has a mild, distinctive “cheesy funk” (unlike the more mild versions you find at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods)—it’s subtle, but if you’re sensitive to tangy cheese, proceed with caution. For us, though, that slight funk added depth, and the chocolate + citrus combo made every bite feel exciting. Price: $21 - 🐟 Hiramasa Crudo with Oro Blanco Grapefruit, Mandarin, Pistachio & Nigella: Freshness is the name of the game here. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth hiramasa (yellowtail) is tossed with segments of sweet oro blanco grapefruit and juicy mandarin, then sprinkled with crunchy pistachios and tiny nigella seeds (which add a subtle, earthy nuttiness). The dressing is light—bright and citrusy, never overpowering—letting the fish’s quality shine. This was our favorite appetizer; we scraped the plate clean! Price: $24 Main Course - 🍝 Fazzoletti with Duck Confit, Gooseberries & Pomegranate: “Fazzoletti” means “handkerchiefs” in Italian—apt, since the pasta is thin, wide, and ruffled like a linen handkerchief. The pasta itself is al dente (chewy with a slight bite)—if you prefer softer pasta, this might not be your pick, but the texture works well with the rich filling. Tender, shredded duck confit (slow-cooked until juicy and flavorful) mixes with tart-sweet gooseberries and bursts of pomegranate arils. The pomegranate is a genius addition: every time you bite into a juicy aril, it cuts through the duck’s richness, keeping the dish from feeling heavy. Price: $29 Dessert - 🍦 Affogato (Citrus, Coffee & Vanilla Ice Cream): A creative take on the classic affogato. Smooth vanilla ice cream is infused with subtle citrus notes (you can even spot tiny bits of orange zest) and topped with a pour of strong, aromatic espresso. The citrus adds a bright, fresh layer to the traditional coffee-ice cream combo—we’re huge affogato fans, and this might be our new favorite version. Price: $10 Sweet Farewell Touch After paying the bill, the restaurant gives one fresh orange per person—a cute, thoughtful gesture that feels like a little “thank you” to end the meal. It’s small, but it makes the experience feel personal. Pro Tip Portions are on the smaller side (designed for sharing and savoring). For two people, we recommend ordering 4 dishes total (2-3 appetizers + 1 main + 1 dessert) to leave full but not stuffed. Overall, Bastia is a standout for dates, birthdays, or any special occasion—great food, lovely ambiance, and thoughtful details. Highly recommend! #Philadelphia #PhillyDateNight #PhillyBirthdaySpot #PhillyFrenchRestaurant #MediterraneanRestaurant #PhillyEats #PhillyFoodie