Basil Leaf Cafe

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…

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Editor's Tips

What to Drink:: The 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 Go:: Reservations 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.

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User Reviews (10)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Love this place, good bread, nice atmosphere, recent remodel with a sleek but welcoming bar area.” “The service in this restaurant was superb, the food was moderately priced, and atmosphere was relaxed and simple.”
dessert	100.0% positive	“The deserts are also fabulous.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“Love this place, good bread, nice atmosphere, recent remodel with a sleek but welcoming bar area.” “Great place to hang out and read a good book, or sip some wine from the house list.”
food quality	100.0% positive	“The service in this restaurant was superb, the food was moderately priced, and atmosphere was relaxed and simple.” “Everything from the complimentary Bruschetta when you are seated to the fresh fruit water adds the extra touch that makes this dinning experience one you'll remember.” “Love this place, good bread, nice atmosphere, recent remodel with a sleek but welcoming bar area.” “Try the grilled vegetable pasta - excellent.” “There is amazing food ( i would particularly recommend the butternut squash soup and the gnocci with sun-dried tomatoes) and great service.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“servers are attentive and know the menu.”
overall	100.0% positive	“great date place” “My favorite italian restaurant as of last weekend.”
service	100.0% positive	“servers are attentive and know the menu.” “There is amazing food ( i would particularly recommend the butternut squash soup and the gnocci with sun-dried tomatoes) and great service.” “The service in this restaurant was superb, the food was moderately priced, and atmosphere was relaxed and simple.” “The wait staff is impeccably trained - which is a very pleasant surprise considering the very reasonable prices.” “Best italian I ever had, very friendly service.”
value	100.0% positive	“The wait staff is impeccably trained - which is a very pleasant surprise considering the very reasonable prices.”

02/01/10

Great place

by AnnaRuth at Citysearch

I have been a regular at the Bas Leaf Cafe for years--ever since I can remeber, really. There is amazing food ( i would particularly recommend the butternut squash soup and the gnocci with sun-dried tomatoes) and great service. I have almost never had to wait for a table. My father knows the owner and he is a very nice gentleman. The deserts are also fabulous. They are smll enough so that you are not too full or overwhelmed after eating them but big enough to split betwen two people.

Pros: Very good food and great atmosphere
Cons: Menu does not vary very often.

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07/27/08

Best italian I ever had, very friendly service.

by Jennifertttt at Citysearch

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.

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05/21/06

great date place

by majohnson77 at Citysearch

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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05/17/04

Simple but good

by djuang1 at Citysearch

Basil Leaf Cafe is an exceptional Italian restaurant in the Lincoln Park area. The service in this restaurant was superb, the food was moderately priced, and atmosphere was relaxed and simple.

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06/12/02

Excellent

by ewalkzibm at Citysearch

Basil Leaf is easily one of the best finds in Lincoln Park. Everything from the complimentary Bruschetta when you are seated to the fresh fruit water adds the extra touch that makes this dinning experience one you'll remember. The wait staff is impeccably trained - which is a very pleasant surprise considering the very reasonable prices. Try the grilled vegetable pasta - excellent. The outdoor seating is one of the best in chicago.

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Basil Leaf Cafe

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What People Are Saying About Basil Leaf Cafe

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Editor's Tips

02/01/10

Great place

by AnnaRuth at Citysearch

07/27/08

Best italian I ever had, very friendly service.

by Jennifertttt at Citysearch

05/21/06

great date place

by majohnson77 at Citysearch

05/17/04

Simple but good

by djuang1 at Citysearch

06/12/02

Excellent

by ewalkzibm at Citysearch

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