The Violet Basil - Stevens Point

WOW! Hidden gem here in Stevens Point! Fresh traditional Italian pizza recipes. Might be too authentic for pizza boy Portnoy to rate highly but we will definitely be back! PS the Tiramisu and Cannolli are next level incredible.

So we ordered the MARGHERITA CLASSICO with San Marzano crushed napoli sauce/slow roasted tomatoes/fresh mozzarella/parmigiano-reggiano/basil/e.v.o.o to go. I was told it would be ready in 20 minutes. I arrived at the 16 minute mark. My pie was ready, I paid for it and off I went. I noticed the bottom of the box was not hot, not even warm so I know this pie was ready to go much earlier. So if you order to go, I 'd say maybe get there in half the time if you want it hot or warm even. A 4 minute drive home and we were ready for the Margherita Classico. Their web site states Cooking pizzas like they have in Naples Italy for thousands of years! Using a wood fired oven exceeding temperatures of 850 degrees. We will also be offering Neapolitan cuisine with a culinary twist. We will be using Imported staples from Naples such as San Marzano tomatoes, balsamic vinegars and 00 tipo flour along with various cured meats right from Italy. Of course, Wisconsin cheeses will be used on all are pizzas along with locally sourced produce! Expect fresh and quality with every bite!!! We opened the box and I was shocked (see photo). Crust had severe burn marks on the outter rim, and tasted bad. The middle was a total mess, tastless sauce, cheese was very skimpy, and seasoning was dry chopped herbs. When we grabbed a piece it was limp and soggy, uneatable. I managed two bites and my wife refused to eat it. We threw it out! WHAT HAPPENED?! When the place first opened we have a great experience and great food. Not so much now! I 'm sure eating in will deliver a warmer pie but this was not what we expected. Atmosphere... well they still have the dancing iciles hanging from the front facade, of purple and white. You walk in and the first thing you see is a big display case like if you walked into a pastry shop. I feel like I 'm getting food yes, but I don 't feel like I 'm in a resturant. The pay station has no counter space and has cords mis-managed and when you sign you charge slip, you are on about a 4 x 4 clear spot right next to the register. I wish them well but I won 't be back for quite awhile.Parking: Ample parking.

I got the chicken fettuccine alfredo because our waiter recommended it; He is having it catered in at his wedding and he did not disappoint! 10/10 would drink this sauce if I could AND the chef makes his noodles fresh every morning. ??? I just can’t believe this place even exists in our little town. I would travel across the country for this real, authentic Italian food. And don’t even get me started on our pizza.. just WOW!

We just picked up a pizza and a Caesar salad from the Violet Basil to go, and it was beyond our expectations. Super fresh salad and the pizza was awesome. Fresh ingredients, great sauce and a great crust. We will be back, sooner than later! This is a special place that we are lucky to have here in town!

What a hidden gem in the middle Wisconsin among endless fried food and burger restaurants. Amazing authentic Italian pizza with fresh mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce. The dough was to perfection. The gnocchi was fresh and not frozen or from a box. The mushroom mixture with the gnocchi was delicious. The berry tiramisu was light and delicious. Nice change from the coffee version. Don't let the gas station location deter you. The atmosphere and service was wonderful. Listening to Italian music while eating set the mood. Well worth getting off the highway and driving the distance versus eating at a chain restaurant.