Basil Leaf Cafe
DOWPete · 322 Google reviewsBasil Leaf Cafe — reliable italian in Lincoln Park that keeps people coming back. The bartender knows what they're doing. Friendly team that sets the tone, and vegetarian-friendly. Meena Beena: "The chicken was tender and juicy and I didn't need to add any salt to the pasta dish" [patio]
What 558 diners keep saying
What 558 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Awesome experience here. Got seated outside because we had the puppers with us. The drinks were beautiful and bread + oil (mixed PERFECTLY) caprese appetizer was great and the butternut ravioli was fantastic, and our waiter was so sweet and attentive with good recommendations. Would eat here again !!”
“Great food, great service, awesome patio and great prices. A must go!”
“Excellent date spot. Service was great. Calamari was yummy. The chicken piccata was very colorful and fresh. Highly recommend finishing with an affogato - perfect dessert for a perfect evening, will be coming back!! (We sat by the window because we like to people watch the busy street, but if you have any hearing problems or want a slightly quieter meal, anywhere besides the open window is fine)”
“This is a wonderful restaurant!!! From the moment my family and I walked in, we were greeted and shown to a table. They immediately served warm rolls with butter and herbs. They were excellent! As for the dishes, we started with the squid rings; they were tender and delicious with the sauce, which was just the right amount of spicy. My New York steak was perfectly fried, just as I asked for. We also had the pasta Carbonara – it couldn't be better anywhere! And finally, the lasagna – so juicy and tender, mmmmm, incredibly delicious! All the dishes were the perfect temperature. Everything was fresh. The staff was very pleasant and polite, and we were treated with great attention. They also packed any leftovers we had in small boxes, as the portions were large. I'm delighted and highly recommend it!”
“Great food, great cocktails, great atmosphere and great service. Loved the fried artichoke hearts and everything our server recommended was delicious.”
“If I walked past this place once, I’ve walked past 100 times. Basil Leaf is a fav of our neighbors so we wanted to try it with them. The atmosphere is welcoming, spacious and clean. It’s very relaxing and not at all loud. We enjoyed a window table. But honestly, there isn’t a bad table in the place. The entire staff was attentive and friendly. You must start off with the hot rolls and herbed olive oil. It is an amazing way to wake up your tastebuds. The food was well timed between courses allowing us time to visit. To top it off, it was cooked to perfection. From the fish to lasagne, all were bursting with flavor. My fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli was the best I’ve ever had. The chicken was tender and flavorful. I like cooked veggies and the broccoli did not disappoint. Beautiful smaller bite sized pieces mixed in the pasta and exactly the right amount of sauce. We were able to enjoy a yummy dessert because it was just the right size so it didn’t cost an arm and leg or wasn’t enough for 6 people. This fettuccine dish is my favorite so I am definitely returning!”
“Some of the best pasta I’ve ever had! The bread with olive oil and basil dip was also great. The service and atmosphere was top notch. I would highly recommend this spot if you are in or around the Lincoln Park area.”
“Exquisite in every way. Our server, bartender and helper were so nice, helpful and quick to assist us. Food was awesome, everything.!!!!!!!!”
“Food is wonderful. Very clean the service is great and the staff is friendly. Moderately priced for Chicago.”
“Server was very attentive. Food was fantastic, and didn’t take too long to come out. Loved the goat cheese appetizer & linguine with meatballs”
“Incredible gluten free pasta, arguably some of the best I’ve ever had! Wonderful dog friendly patio too.”
“I was with a large group that happened to pop in to escape the rain. We ended up staying all afternoon at the bar. Onur was our bartender and was amazing. He was so hospitable and provided great service, not to mention amazing drinks! Highly recommend Basil Leaf and Onur!”
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