Basil Leaf Cafe
Chicago, IL 60614-2718
Phone: (773) 935-3388
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Arlington Place
- Directions:
- Bus 22 Clark to Fullerton
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm, Sun 11:30am-9:45pm
Editorial Review for Basil Leaf Cafe – by John Dugan
The Scene
The Basil Leaf's dining room is small and haphazardly decorated in a European country style. Every sizzle from the kitchen is audible, and the place buzzes nightly with dating couples and gathering families. Servers are cheery and attentive.
The Food
Dozens of creative pasta dishes are the draw here. Original sauces include Alfredo and basil oil, but also pesto, dill, clam, soy ginger and creamy gorgonzola, teamed with everything from prosciutto and scallions to salmon and asparagus. Fettuccine with crabmeat and peas hits its mark, with a lovely interplay of lemon and dill in the light, creamy sauce. Butternut squash ravioli boasts a subtly sweet center, chunks of garlic and richly sauteed spinach. Sauteed calamari appetizer can be tough and underdone--stick with chunks of rustic bread until meals arrive. Finish up with triple chocolate cheesecake, smooth up top with crunchy chocolate crust below.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe Basil Leaf comes up short in the wine department, charging a premium price for glasses of mainly everyday supermarket labels. Skip the vino and sip one of the beers, including Moretti, Bass and Amstel.
When to GoReservations are not accepted, and the cafe is jammed on weekend nights; try a weeknight or lunch to avoid a wait. In addition to the pastas, the lunch menu includes California-style sandwiches such as chicken avocado with sprouts and salads with berries and gorgonzola.
User Reviews for Basil Leaf Cafe
07/27/2008 Posted by Jennifertttt
My favorite italian restaurant as of last weekend. I've been there a few times and have never been disappointed.
Pros: Food, Ambience and service
Cons: long wait for food on busy nights but it's expected.
05/21/2006 Posted by majohnson77
Basil Leaf adds some creative to italian staples and always has great specials. I almost always order their specials which are always great. Service is much better than anything else i have ever seen at a moderately priced restaurants. servers are attentive and know the menu. complementary bruschetta is great as well.
Pros: great food, great service
Cons: long lines on weekend
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