Great place. 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.…

This cozy Lincoln Park date spot specializes in original, flavorful pasta plates.. 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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great date place. 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.…