Basil Leaf Cafe - Chicago

Recommend: the pasta dishes were great, really enjoyed the linguine carbonara and the tortellini prosciutto. Also, would recommend the bees knees cocktail. I wa... read more Recommend: the pasta dishes were great, really enjoyed the linguine carbonara and the tortellini prosciutto. Also, would recommend the bees knees cocktail. I was was looking forward to try the braised octopus appetizer but unfortunately after trying it cannot recommend something about the flavour did not go well for it, I think the sauce was to thin and acidic, maybe for my party's taste.The service was nice, the vibe overall was okay inside, feel like needs a bit of refreshment. Overall though I enjoyed most of my meal and drink and will be back to try other dishes.

Solid selection of reasonably priced pasta and filling appetizers. An extremely fresh Pesto was a particularly standout along with the steaming dinner rolls. If... read more Solid selection of reasonably priced pasta and filling appetizers. An extremely fresh Pesto was a particularly standout along with the steaming dinner rolls. If dining outdoors during the summer, beware of spiders.Vegetarian options: Solid mushroom pasta

I had my wallet stolen while dining in this establishment and the owner did absolutely nothing to remedy the situation. paid for an over priced meal, had my bel... read more I had my wallet stolen while dining in this establishment and the owner did absolutely nothing to remedy the situation. paid for an over priced meal, had my belongings stolen, and never even apologized or said sorry. Do Not Go here.

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... read more 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! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Meal type: Dinner

If you’re looking for a cozy spot with exceptional Italian cuisine in Lincoln Park, Basil Leaf Café hits the mark. We had welcoming staff and felt “invited” fro... read more If you’re looking for a cozy spot with exceptional Italian cuisine in Lincoln Park, Basil Leaf Café hits the mark. We had welcoming staff and felt “invited” from the start. We started with Lamp Pops and they were spectacular – a perfect balance of lemon and herbs and a light touch. If you like lamb, you will LOVE it. For my main course, I had Chicken Vesuvio, and wow—so tender and flavorful. Their gluten-free pasta options were also a huge plus for my hubby, and they're done right—he didn’t feel like he was sacrificing a thing. The real showstopper? The Tiramisu. Light, creamy and perfectly layered (though it could have used a little more liqueur for my taste). It’s honestly one of the best I’ve had in the city and I’m a third generation Chicago Italian-American. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and the staff clearly care about the food and the experience. Basil Leaf delivers on all fronts. Highly recommend! This place has all the charm of a family-run trattoria with the quality of fine dining. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Recommendation for vegetarians: Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings: Clearly labelled vegetarian dishes