We dine out but also cook at home often so we appreciate good quality food. We really enjoyed our night at Basilico. It has that old school Italian charm that we love and the food is authentic. Our server, John, was very attentive and jocular which added to the night. My Italian husband is in love with the veal masala and said it is the best he's ever had (he's had a lot). The pacing was perfect (not too fast/slow), it made us feel like we were in an Italian village. All of our courses were delicious (I had risotto) including the baked clams we had to begin. Swing in this neighborhood spot, you won't be sorry. We will definitely be back!
(4)
M G.
It's raining outside and I go to pick my order up and I get home and the Italian sausage is missing . I know when I placed the order I told the girl on the phone Italian sausage . I call when I get home and I notice that it's missing and all I get is a sorry and click . Thanks next time you can drive in the pouring rain and waste your time . Why even bother to call . The owner then called me to apologize and he is a very nice person . 4 stars for the owner for caring about his business . Thank you for taking the time to call me and make sure service is great . :)
(4)
Shelby V.
Great service! My boyfriend was so thirsty, he kept downing his glass of water right after they filled it. Eventually we asked for a full pitcher and they obliged. Very nice. I ordered pollo buena vista, which was chicken topped with eggplant, mozz, and artichoke hearts. It was delicious and a huge portions. My boyfriend had the chicken parm which also looked and tasted delicious. We had the meat and cheese platter for an appetizer, I definitely recommend it. Overall, great experience, great food. I would happily go back.
(4)
Anthony M.
I love places like this...everywhere you look there are giant chains...serving up food with no love. I love the single locations that have stood the test of time...hidden in a strip mall...in fact you have probably driven by Basilico and not even seen it. The food here is amazing. I find myself dinning here when clients fly into Chicago and they want to eat a meal near their hotel. They always love going here...in fact some will request to go here when they fly in now. This place has a special place in my heart because this is where we found the name of our little girl...actually I found it and my wife loved it. I can not beleive I got to pick the name...that never happens for a guy! The food here is amazing...classic Italian food...I love the Chicken Parm...I always seem to get it...the best part is that there is so much I usually have left overs for the next day. All of the soups are really good too. My wife loves the creamy garlic dressing here...you know that one you use to get at weddings back in the 80's...I must admit that it is really good and is very hard to find now...most restaurants have gone to ranch for there creamy selection...I really am not a fan of ranch dressing. The friend Calamari to start with is also really good. Just classic Italian dishes done right...none of that fancy Italian fusion food. I am getting hungry just typing this review...I need to go and get some Italian right now!!!
(5)
James G.
Great family stlyle meal good service excellent fish. And pasta good wine proportions
(5)
Julian C.
Came in for dinner with parents at 5p on a Saturday. I love the atmosphere, very comfortable traditional Italian look to it. We ate the calamari genovese appetizer, zuppa de mare, veal braciole, and lasagna bolengese. All were incredible. Dessert was homemade tiramisu which was to die for. The service is spot on, charming and quick. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jessica L.
I don't come here often, but when I do I am never disappointed. The food is always creative, piping hot and the service is friendly. I am a fan of linguine with clam sauce and it is always excellent - no gritty clams or weird fishy tastes. Wine is always delicious and their house vinegarette is out of this world.
(5)
Jay V.
If you like really flavorful Italian eats then this is your place. It is a "joint", but the food is awesome. I have taken many business people there and they always ask to go back the next time they are in town. It's only a few miles from the Rosemont Expo center, but you never have to wait for a table. This is not a place to go if you want high end environment, but if you like good food this is for you!
(4)
Adam S.
Went to this place with a big group for work. We had the appetizer platter. I was a fan of the calamari and clams. For my entree I had the veal with capers in a white wine sauce which was good, but not the best I've had. This place is fairly pricey, but it is fairly authentic and is convenient to O'Hare.
(4)
Crystal W.
My family and I have been coming to Basilico for a number of years. Whenever asked for a good local italian spot we have always recommended Basilico. After my most recent experiance (last night) I have to say I am not only disappointed but also embarrassed for ever having recommend this restaurant to myfriends and family. My cousin ordered pasta carbonara. To say the pasta was undercooked would be generous; it was still crunchy! When we told our waiter he acted like he thought we were lying. My other cousin ordered chicken parm. After the first few bites we realized the chicken was raw...literally raw!!!! Once again the waiter gave no apology eventhough he could clearly see for himself that the chicken was raw. After all these mistakes our table was still charged for our meals. We waited for over 15 minutes to speak with management but we were ignored. All in all I will no longer be dining at Basilico in fear of food poisoning and/or salmonella. I will no longer recommend this restaurant to anyone. I actually strongly encourage people to try Vince's on lawerence and Harlem or Pasta de Arte on Milwaukee.
(1)
Kay L.
My husband & I came here with another couple two weeks ago when it was snowing heavily, didn't want to travel far so thought this would be a good option for some quality neighborhood Italian food. Well turns out I should've opened a box of pasta & some bottled sauce at home & saved the trip out. The menu is overpriced for the generic quality and small portions of pasta they served us. Very disappointed & we won't be back.
(1)
Anthony F.
Very good food, we were really caught off guard but saw the yelp reviews and stopped in due to traffic. We were both very pleasntly suprised and will be going back.
(4)
Will H.
Seriously one of my favorite Italian restaurants anywhere. Yes I agree its in a little bit of a weird location and I've definitely eaten in the "hallway" before and they could invest a little bit in newer decorations, but when all is said and done, its almost entirely about the food for me. Every dish is prepared with detail and flavor. I've been on multiple occasions and had many dishes and I recommend literally everything. Lasagna, pasta is always cooked a little al-dente the way I love and believe the pasta should be cooked. They have amazing stuffed Gnocchi. But for me I am in love with all of their veal options. So many restaurants just don't have such an interesting offering. My favorite for sure is the veal and prosciutto rolled with cheese with marsala and mushrooms. These guys are always friendly and attentive and I recommend this place for anyone looking for a solid meal while at the Convention Center.
(5)
Dominick C.
You'd think that a place called Basilico would have authentic italian food. It was! Too authentic... The food was delicious, the wine tasty and fruity, and the dessert sweet and creamy. But the people-- I did not realize it was an old people's hang out. Basilico's is Maude's and Ethel's favorite place to gossip about Eugene and Blanche. Of course, they're from Sicily. I'd definitely come back, but maybe around 8:00 after the regulars go to bed.
(4)
D. C.
Weird location and service, but good food. Definitely try not to sit by and/or facing the window looking out into the hall. I thought nothing of it when I sat down, but all I really ever saw of the interior was walking in and the occasional glance behind me to see if any other tables had been subjected to being forced to wear a bib. Nope, lucky us... *sigh* Had the Pasta Rapido which was surprisingly flavorful and light for what it was: garlic, olive oil, and dried chilies. There were definitely plenty of chilies (I picked out something like 1/2 cup worth of large slices), so it can get pretty fiery. The pasta used seemed fresh to me--completely different texture and subtle eggy flavor you don't find with the dried stuff. I'd go back, especially for that pasta, but I still prefer Vince's.
(3)
Tim C.
A staple for our crowd when we travel into Chicago on business and stay by the airport. Very good pasta selections and friendly service.
(4)
Robert P.
Family Italian dining at its best. All of the food is fresh and the service is wonderful. If you're hungry and in the neighborhood don't miss out on this one.
(5)
A F.
This is, easily, a 4-star food experience. The house-made pastas - especially the 8-finger cavatelli - are sublime. But as good as the food (and service) can be, this is one of the most off-putting locations I've ever seen. Essentially a defunct retail-office mall-ish setting that's been badly converted to a kind of medical/immigration services facility, with a seemingly permanent under-construction distressed building front. Completely, thoroughly depressing. Yet I return, regularly, for the best authentic Italian in the area.
(3)
Nilda L.
Had a Groupon and decided to check it out. Good service, however the food was blah. My husband I a commented how tasteless the sauce in my special Farfalle Paisano was. My husband's dish, another special, portobello and chicken look so unappetizing that I didn't want to touch it.I think Corner Bakery does better pasta if I had to describe how boring and bland it was. I'm sticking to Fiorenza on Harlem for my Italian cravings. I should also add that I didn't like the bread either.
(2)
John S.
We found this place by accident years ago and don't frequent it often enough. It's definitely hidden away in a weird shopping center but the good thing to start is it has a huge parking lot. We ate here again a few weeks ago. All I can say is great food ,huge portions and excellent attentive service. I had salmon and the piece was cooked to perfection and surprisingly large . 3 out of our 4 took home left overs. The prices were very reasonable too - around $85 for 4 entrees and 4 soft drinks. I wish I knew our servers name but he's been here for years and went out of his way to make sure things were all right when there was a small misunderstanding about my sides. I've been here about 10 times and they have always done their best to make it a good experience. Also I want to add they were constantly refilling our drinks and water without us having to ask which is always nice.
(5)
Margaret P. F.
My favorite Italian Restaurant. Always excellent food, wine and service. Chicken Basilico, lasagne, sea bass franchese, spaghetti and Meatballs, tortellini ala panna, penne with spinach and ricotta, rigatoni with broccoli, amen, everything on their menu is excellent,
(5)
Dave J.
Mrs. and I stopped in for late dinner the other night. This is a nicely decorated restaurant with a nice, comfy, homey feel to it. Check out the ceilings...the tiles are painted in different themes. We sat under a painting of a clown. There's a TV at either end of the restaurant, so if the game is on, you'll be able to watch. Photos of local and national celebrities adorned the entrance of the restaurant, located in a strip mall. Sinatra dined here. Tommy LaSorda dined here. And Channel 7 veteran reporter Hugh Hill dined here too. Service is very pleasant and professional. My iced tea glass was always full and the friendly waiter checked in on us frequently to see if we needed anything. The food was tremendous, in both quality and in portions. I was also impressed with the variety of pasta and veal dishes offered on the menu. We started off with calamari, but the not the traditional and typical fried kind. The Calamari Genovese was lightly breaded, grilled, and topped off with a white wine and buttery garlic sauce. A side of lemon wedges and marinara accompanied the BOWLFUL of goodness. This appetizer could easily serve 4 people. We had the leftovers packaged to go. The meals come with soup or salad. Mrs. had the minestrone, and I had the soup of the day...cream of chicken with rice, which was OUTSTANDING. Mrs. ordered linguine with white clam sauce and was very satisfied. Again, a huge portion...could easily feed 4. She had the leftovers packaged to go. I opted for the Saltimbocca alla Romana...veal with proscuitto and mozzarella cheese on cooked spinach. DELICIOUS! And again, a huge portion...yes, leftovers were packaged to go. After all that food, the waiter, I think half-jokingly, asked if we wanted dessert. Nope. Maybe next time. And there will be a next time for us as we were both impressed with the quality, and QUANTITY of the food, and the excellent and friendly service.
(4)
Brian B.
Basilico has always had good food. That's why I go there. They could work on a few things though. #1 When I do takeout, it always seems like the person that brings me my food is jonesing for a tip. It's take out. I don't leave a tip. Sorry. #2 For as long as he's been there, Franco is a rude waiter. He always seems like he's a rush. He doesn't come back and ask if the food is good or not. He frankly doesn't seem to care.
(3)
Patrick R.
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for Italian American comfort food. I grew up on the northwest side and have been to all of the neighborhood spots. I live close to Taylor street and Grand/ Ogden and have eaten at every place in the area. I first went to Basilico a little over a year ago with my fiance and her parents. I liked it then, since I have been there 2 or 3 more times and it has sunk in that this is my favorite place for this genre of Italian American food. I know I should try more dishes, but it is hard for me to order something different once I find a dish I love. My benchmark of a good Italian American restaurant is chicken parm. Basilicos has the best! I have tried bites of the lasagna, which my mother-in- law swears by. Everything else looks good! Service is fine, I tend to side with if I don't notice the service my drink stays full I'm happy, sometimes overly attentive service interupts conversation so this was good. Prices are very reasonable. I brought a friend for lunch recently and he was laughing at the quirky location in a suburban strip mall, but once you get into the dimly lit fairly dated restaurant you're transformed to a neighborhood place in the bugalow belt, huge difference from the raised ranches of Lawrence and Cumberland.
(5)
Robyn C.
I lived across the street from this place in a little apartment years before I got married. It's located in a strip mall, and you'd never guess it was there. It served some of the absolutely best Italian food, but that neighborhood is known for that cuisine. It's also the safest neighborhood in the city; it's home to a lot of cops and firemen because they have to live in Chicago. As a throwback to the old days, I had my husband take me for dinner there before the David Gilmour show at the Rosemont Theatre. The food was just as fantastic as ever. We spoke to the waitress, and I told her how I hadn't been there since the earth cooled but the food was still phenomenal. She informed me that they've had the same chef for 25 years -- even before I started my sojourns -- and that's why the food quality was so consistent. Seek this place out. Listen to Dino sing and smile at the signed pictures of Sinatra, Jay Leno, Tommy LaSorda and others who have eaten here. If you are in the mood for the full fatty, ask them to make you the turkey tetrazzini (they will, even if it's not on the menu that night). Loosen your belt, sit back and enjoy.
(5)
Jennifer J.
The food is good enough but nothing spectacular. I had fettucine alfredo which was tasty but about the same as other's I've had. The think I didn't like about it was that the next day when I warmed up my left overs, the sauce did not separate. In my experience, a real, homemade alfredo sauce separates when reheated. This leads me to believe it's a bottled sauce and not homemade or fresh. The service was standard. No one was going out of their way to ensure the guests were enjoying their dinner. And the tv in the restaurant was playing a kung fu film with subtitles. Ah, nothing says "mangia" like a good ol' roundhouse kick to the head! It's a little pricey for the quality of the food and there's better options in the area. If you want good food with great service, then I highly recommend Three Olives which is located in the shopping center right next door to Basilico.
(2)
Mark H.
I have frequent business meetings in the Ohare area and often bring the people to Basilico for a "not too fancy" but always good italian dinner. People who come to Chicago should be treated to a neighborhood experience and this is the place. It is in a windowless old strip mall setting that this resturaunt and some government office shares. I hope this does not turn you off because the first appetizer that you get the smile will be on your face. Very nice veal and pasta dishes. Actually, the seafood including light fish is exceptional made delicious by the nice light sauce. Did I mention the bread? Dont be tempted to fill up on the bread and appetizers because the meal will be sure to impress.
(4)
Vince H.
It was good. But I don't think it can compare to Da Luciano's which is just down the street. I've tried them both. The one advantage it does have though is there is lots of room.
(3)
steve c.
The restaurant is located in a weird spot. Really good Italian food. Great for a date. Nice banquet rooms for a outing. Good selection.
(4)
Jen M.
I first went to lunch here several months ago with my boss and coworkers. My boss is Italian, and knows all the great spots for real Italian food. The restaurant is very clean with a great layout for a small dining room. The service was very attentive and friendly. We had the calamari appetizer, which was served with this light lemon/white wine/garlic concoction. Could not have been better. I had eggplant parmesan, which was massive, delicious, and affordable. I went there months later with my husband and sister and they both enjoyed their food and experience!
(4)
Mike O.
I came here since we had a gift certificate to this place and it's been sitting unused for too long. I got excited since I saw a lot of great reviews posted about this place. And yes, the food is good, very good in fact. But I see this restaurant leading a conflicted existence, trying to decide whether it will be the fancy Italian dining place or the kind of Italian place you can go to drink a few beers and watch a football game in progress. Basilico is located inside of a small indoor mall called the Cumberland Business Center, alongside "Application Support" for immigrants and some medical offices. As you walk in the mall doors, a sign reminds immigrants their place is to the left, not in the direction of the restaurant. So my wife and I walk inside Basilico and we're not sure if we came in the right way. There's a wine rack, a little podium with a list of reservations, and a picture of Frank Sinatra on the wall. Little 2-person tables line the walls outside in the hallway of the mall. And across from where we came in, located in a separate, mall kiosk-sized room, even more unused but ready tables. I assume all this is Basilico too, in case someone wants to capture the essence of a mall dining experience. After about a minute, someone finally greeted us and led us to a table. This place was not busy at all thought we came at 6 PM on a Sunday and The Phoenix Restaurant just down the street looked packed. I sat down at a booth with a great view of their large-screen TV, showing the final minute of the Bears-Giants game. A man in a Bears cap sat alone at a table next to us, facing AWAY from the TV as if he already knew the outcome. Looking up at the ceiling, you can see various artworks used as ceiling tiles. Even more Italian food-related art adorns the walls in the hallway to the bathrooms. A lit-up traffic light hangs in the hallway, seemingly out of place amidst the other art. We waited a little before we got our drinks (mostly ice in a glass) and a loaf of hot Italian bread. The bread was a bit crusty, but something about its freshness and flavor made me eat just about the entire loaf. The posted special was lobster ravioli, and I was certain to try it, seeing another Yelper's recommendation for it. My wife ordered chicken parmesian. The lobster ravioli was excellent, covered in a creamy tomato sauce. Each pasta piece was colored with orange and green stripes, with a flavorful lobster filling inside. Even after I finished, I kept dipping my bread in the great creamy sauce since it was too good to waste. The chicken parmesian was downright massive, enough to feed 2 people. The chicken had a juicy flavor to it, topped with a marinara sauce, plus a small plate of mostaccioli on the side. Once we got our food, we were set free from any more service from our waiter. We got no drink refills, and my wife wanted some crushed red pepper for the chicken and a side dish of more marinara to add. I was finished with my dinner by the time the waiter returned. He got the marinara too late, so we had a little container in which to bring it home. And even the check was complicated. I gave him our gift certificate and he asked if we're paying in cash. I said yes, thinking it would be easier. He went away for another 10 minutes, then returned with the final total, adjusted for the gift certificate. We were puzzled by why it took so long. In conclusion, Basilico offers good food, but they fall short of the fancy Italian dining experience that you're paying for.
(3)
Dominic R.
was taken here last night for dinner.........and had no idea where i was going. but we all pull up and it's actually in a "strip mall". I couldnt find the door.......then realize you have to walk into this "mall like entrance" to get into the place. the restaurant itself was small, but it was crowded! always have to start off with warm bread and oil and cheese! awesome! I decided to have the "Lobster Ravioli". Never heard of it, but it sounded different! That was awesome! served in Vodka cream sauce..........it was very very good! I would recommend trying it! The rest of the menu looked good.....and I think I'll be back! The only negative was the poor water refills. Had to always flag down our waiter to refill the water, that isn't his job. Overall, a good meal.......give it a shot if you are in the area!
(4)
Tiara Lynn A.
A hidden gem, especially for River Grove, home of the dull family restaurant. I've eaten here several times and everything has been phenomenal. Their vodka sauce is the best around, the calamari is always tasty, the eggplant is tender and flavorful, the chicken is unbelievable. Now if we can only talk the grandmother into coming here instead of always going to The Loon....
(5)
Mike M.
Authentic! Authentic! Authentic! Prompt service and excellent food. I had the Linguini with Calamari in Red Sauce. Calamari are fresh and tender. Smelled amazing with a slight brinyness. Linguini was perfectly cooked and the sauce was slightly tangy and full of flavor. I'll be back the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Cristina P.
Super authentic. I judge an Italian place by their sauce ( gravy) and this place was spot on. They were out of my 2 choices of wine so the waiter threw in a free appetizer to apologize. The portions were plentiful and very tasty.
(3)
R T.
Food is amazing!!!! One of the best Italian restaurants around. Great service and you can't pass up the warm bread.
(5)
April W.
This place was better than okay for a family night out. The menu is large so there is something for everyone. Our service was SLOW. I had the veal saltimbocca and while it was good, it is hard for me to ever get a veal dish as good as Sabatinos,my favorite. The silverware was cheap and the setting was quite odd. But overall a good meal. Skip the desserts, they are all pre made and ordered in and weren't very good at all.
(3)
Joe B.
We made reservations for a Christmas Eve dinner at Basilico. Prior experiences were less than impressive but it had been a couple of years since our last visit so we thought we would try them again to see if any improvement had taken place. We were hopeful based on the current reviews but our hopes were quickly dashed. Service was slow and our waiter seemed disinterested. He didn't bother to mention any specials. When asked to describe the "Basilico" sauce choice, he responded "tomatoes". That's it. Gee thanks for the help. I guess everyone should have surmised that was the answer. It was slow to get our meal and drinks were slow to be refilled. I did observe the table next to us which was seated a few minutes after us had a different waiter and they seemed to receive better service so perhaps our waiter was the underperformer of the litter. The food was basic and the pasta dishes were unremarkable. My wife and I had pasta dishes while my Mom had the eggplant which she said was good. We also had the antipasto as an appetizer. That was a huge disappointment--some cold cuts which were fatty and poorly presented. One last observation. The condition of the bathrooms can often be a harbinger of how the restaurant is maintained. My Mom, who is rarely critical of anything, commented the bathrooms were filthy. One wonders how well they maintain their kitchen after seeing that. You'd be much better off heading to another restaurant in the Norridge area. I won't be back.
(2)
Sue D.
The food was excellent. We ordered a to go order that took a little longer than we expected. They might have been short handed. Will be back next time we are in the area.
(4)
Jim M.
Everything on the menu is good. Always above average experience. For being in a strip mall you'd think it wasn't going to be as good as it is. Decor is a little dated though and the chairs are old banquet style.
(4)
George P.
It's kind of dumpy inside and the prices are a little higher then they should be. It's ok. The food is decent. Just check your utensils. Every single time I've gone there the forks and knives were dirty or had remnants of prior meals. Clean up the place a little and I would give it 4 stars. For God sakes get one can of paint and freshen up the place jeez.
(3)
Jess F.
I absolutely love this place! Great food, great service and great prices. They have it all! They have great Calamari and Chicken parmesan! Pasta is excellent, with a great sauce. I would highly recommend Basilico to anyone I know. And the food is always consistent, unlike some restaurants. Never had a bad experience! Keep up the good work Basilico!
(5)
Paige A.
What a wonderful little place! I came here for a business get together and sat out in the little foyer area with my party for privacy. This place is in a strip mall, so you don't really go there for ambience, but the food is amazing! Very authentic Italian. The owner came out and chatted with us for a while and he was very kind and gracious. He even treated us to after-dinner drinks on the house. From what I understand, he was the original owner, but sold the place to someone who had it for about six years. The place went downhill in quality, but the original owner bought the restaurant back and is now working to restore its image. I can definitely recommend giving it a try if you love good Italian food. The calamari with marinara is some of the best I've ever had anywhere in the world (and I've been around a fair bit of it). I had the gnocchi and marinara (because I just couldn't get enough of the marinara) and it was outstanding. One in my party had the salmon, and if it's on the menu next time, I'm definitely ordering it. Huge piece of salmon, cooked perfectly. Another in my party got chicken parm and it was so big it filled the entire plate. He's a good-sized guy and could only finish 2/3 of it. And the quality is as good as the quantity is large. I'm looking forward to coming back here with the family. (Note: I would normally knock off a star due to the ambience/setting, but I'm giving five because the food and the service is amazing, and because I'd love to see the owner win back any customers that may have left during the previous owner's tenure.)
(5)
Mitchell I.
My dad likes this place for its Americanized italian food. It is just ok. We shared the calamari salad and the antipasto. The calamari was well cooked, not rubbery. The only item was good on the antipasto plate was the reggiano cheese. I had their version of creamy carbonera. It was just ok. Nothing special. Next time in Chicago, I will push for somewhere else to eat.
(3)
Bruce L.
Wow. Everything you want in a restaurant. Greeted immediately and seated. Waiter was knowledgeable and friendly and gave us just the right amount of time. Manager stopped by and talked to us a while. Food was excellent. Chicken Parmigiana is unbelievably good. Great specials. Excellent deserts and prices are reasonable. Cozy atmosphere with some old country Italian music in the background. Manager thanked us for coming and We can't wait to go back
(5)
Brandy E.
This place was nothing what I expected and so wonderful. Our waitress Margie has worked here for 28 years and she's a very special lady, friendly, helpful and has the best suggestions. They keep fresh baked bread and garlic olive oil on your table- heavenly. We had the Calamari Genovese, Different than any calamari We had ever eaten, it's hard to describe but tender and flavorful with a side of marinara -wonderful. My husband had the shrimp & scallops with pasta- the shrimp was large, tender and tasty as was the scallops. Margie told me her favorite was the Filet Mignon with mushrooms in Marcella sauce and it would melt in your mouth! She didn't lie, oh my goodness every bite would melt in your mouth! It came with potatoes that were again tasty and different than I'd ever eaten. I almost forgot the salad... We asked for blue cheese dressing and expected a creamy blue cheese and boy were we surprised... The dressing was a homemade Italian dressing with blue cheese and it was the best blue cheese dressing we'd ever eaten. We passed this place up because it was in a shopping like center thinking it might be a cheap not so great place and boy were we surprised. I'm glad we looked at the yelp app and tried it. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good Italian meal. Everyone was super nice and the food was amazing!
(5)
Vicky G.
Basilico Ristorante is a neighborhood, Italian joint I've frequented for many years. They always possess quick and friendly service and tasty, classic Italian American dishes that are both a comfort for the mind and belly. My party of 8 started off with pizza bread (which wasn't on the menu, but they were ready to prepare it especially for us), baked clams, and the calamari genovese. Each was cooked to perfection and a delight for everyone at the table. I enjoyed the chicken tortellini soup next, which was also very flavorful. For my main entree, I enjoyed cheese ravioli with meat sauce. Though normally I go for something a bit fancier, I was in the good for some "good gravy" and noodles. I finished the plate along with the two extra meatballs I ordered. Overall, this restaurants delivers a killer bowl of pasta and has a really wonderful staff to boot. If you miss out on Basilico Ristorante, then you are missing out on something special.
(5)
Joe B.
Awesome food and service!! We showed up on mothers day with a party of ten and the service and food was fantastic! Mark our server was right on point with everything and i will def return. Great authentic Italian food! Highly recommended!
(5)
Dave M.
They have some of the best Italian food in the area! I love the chicken Vesuvio that's prepared with a half- baked chicken, but their Risotto, veal, and chicken Marsala are also great. I have a hard time making a choice every time I decide to eat her, but I've never had a bad dinner. So, if you're craving some great Italian fare at reasonable prices, then check-out Basilico Ristorante in Norridge, IL. You won't be disappointed!
(4)
Jerry H.
After so many years, still getting better. The ceiling has back lighted artwork of Italy and a solt background of italian music can be heard. The Veal Parmigiana is fantastic, and the Zuppa di Mare ,linguine with clams, mussels, shrimp & calamari in Marinara the greatest. Both are large servings and as good as good can be. Service is excellent, nice wine list, good prices, parking is large lot free. I suggest calling first , why wait.
Stopped in on a work trip with a few colleagues the food was ok. Nothing special. Some of my colleagues were happy with their food others hated it. Definitely not 4 stars in an awesome food city like Chicago
(2)
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Address :4701 N Cumberland Ave
Norridge, IL, 60706
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Amy T.
We dine out but also cook at home often so we appreciate good quality food. We really enjoyed our night at Basilico. It has that old school Italian charm that we love and the food is authentic. Our server, John, was very attentive and jocular which added to the night. My Italian husband is in love with the veal masala and said it is the best he's ever had (he's had a lot). The pacing was perfect (not too fast/slow), it made us feel like we were in an Italian village. All of our courses were delicious (I had risotto) including the baked clams we had to begin. Swing in this neighborhood spot, you won't be sorry. We will definitely be back!
(4)M G.
It's raining outside and I go to pick my order up and I get home and the Italian sausage is missing . I know when I placed the order I told the girl on the phone Italian sausage . I call when I get home and I notice that it's missing and all I get is a sorry and click . Thanks next time you can drive in the pouring rain and waste your time . Why even bother to call . The owner then called me to apologize and he is a very nice person . 4 stars for the owner for caring about his business . Thank you for taking the time to call me and make sure service is great . :)
(4)Shelby V.
Great service! My boyfriend was so thirsty, he kept downing his glass of water right after they filled it. Eventually we asked for a full pitcher and they obliged. Very nice. I ordered pollo buena vista, which was chicken topped with eggplant, mozz, and artichoke hearts. It was delicious and a huge portions. My boyfriend had the chicken parm which also looked and tasted delicious. We had the meat and cheese platter for an appetizer, I definitely recommend it. Overall, great experience, great food. I would happily go back.
(4)Anthony M.
I love places like this...everywhere you look there are giant chains...serving up food with no love. I love the single locations that have stood the test of time...hidden in a strip mall...in fact you have probably driven by Basilico and not even seen it. The food here is amazing. I find myself dinning here when clients fly into Chicago and they want to eat a meal near their hotel. They always love going here...in fact some will request to go here when they fly in now. This place has a special place in my heart because this is where we found the name of our little girl...actually I found it and my wife loved it. I can not beleive I got to pick the name...that never happens for a guy! The food here is amazing...classic Italian food...I love the Chicken Parm...I always seem to get it...the best part is that there is so much I usually have left overs for the next day. All of the soups are really good too. My wife loves the creamy garlic dressing here...you know that one you use to get at weddings back in the 80's...I must admit that it is really good and is very hard to find now...most restaurants have gone to ranch for there creamy selection...I really am not a fan of ranch dressing. The friend Calamari to start with is also really good. Just classic Italian dishes done right...none of that fancy Italian fusion food. I am getting hungry just typing this review...I need to go and get some Italian right now!!!
(5)James G.
Great family stlyle meal good service excellent fish. And pasta good wine proportions
(5)Julian C.
Came in for dinner with parents at 5p on a Saturday. I love the atmosphere, very comfortable traditional Italian look to it. We ate the calamari genovese appetizer, zuppa de mare, veal braciole, and lasagna bolengese. All were incredible. Dessert was homemade tiramisu which was to die for. The service is spot on, charming and quick. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Jessica L.
I don't come here often, but when I do I am never disappointed. The food is always creative, piping hot and the service is friendly. I am a fan of linguine with clam sauce and it is always excellent - no gritty clams or weird fishy tastes. Wine is always delicious and their house vinegarette is out of this world.
(5)Jay V.
If you like really flavorful Italian eats then this is your place. It is a "joint", but the food is awesome. I have taken many business people there and they always ask to go back the next time they are in town. It's only a few miles from the Rosemont Expo center, but you never have to wait for a table. This is not a place to go if you want high end environment, but if you like good food this is for you!
(4)Adam S.
Went to this place with a big group for work. We had the appetizer platter. I was a fan of the calamari and clams. For my entree I had the veal with capers in a white wine sauce which was good, but not the best I've had. This place is fairly pricey, but it is fairly authentic and is convenient to O'Hare.
(4)Crystal W.
My family and I have been coming to Basilico for a number of years. Whenever asked for a good local italian spot we have always recommended Basilico. After my most recent experiance (last night) I have to say I am not only disappointed but also embarrassed for ever having recommend this restaurant to myfriends and family. My cousin ordered pasta carbonara. To say the pasta was undercooked would be generous; it was still crunchy! When we told our waiter he acted like he thought we were lying. My other cousin ordered chicken parm. After the first few bites we realized the chicken was raw...literally raw!!!! Once again the waiter gave no apology eventhough he could clearly see for himself that the chicken was raw. After all these mistakes our table was still charged for our meals. We waited for over 15 minutes to speak with management but we were ignored. All in all I will no longer be dining at Basilico in fear of food poisoning and/or salmonella. I will no longer recommend this restaurant to anyone. I actually strongly encourage people to try Vince's on lawerence and Harlem or Pasta de Arte on Milwaukee.
(1)Kay L.
My husband & I came here with another couple two weeks ago when it was snowing heavily, didn't want to travel far so thought this would be a good option for some quality neighborhood Italian food. Well turns out I should've opened a box of pasta & some bottled sauce at home & saved the trip out. The menu is overpriced for the generic quality and small portions of pasta they served us. Very disappointed & we won't be back.
(1)Anthony F.
Very good food, we were really caught off guard but saw the yelp reviews and stopped in due to traffic. We were both very pleasntly suprised and will be going back.
(4)Will H.
Seriously one of my favorite Italian restaurants anywhere. Yes I agree its in a little bit of a weird location and I've definitely eaten in the "hallway" before and they could invest a little bit in newer decorations, but when all is said and done, its almost entirely about the food for me. Every dish is prepared with detail and flavor. I've been on multiple occasions and had many dishes and I recommend literally everything. Lasagna, pasta is always cooked a little al-dente the way I love and believe the pasta should be cooked. They have amazing stuffed Gnocchi. But for me I am in love with all of their veal options. So many restaurants just don't have such an interesting offering. My favorite for sure is the veal and prosciutto rolled with cheese with marsala and mushrooms. These guys are always friendly and attentive and I recommend this place for anyone looking for a solid meal while at the Convention Center.
(5)Dominick C.
You'd think that a place called Basilico would have authentic italian food. It was! Too authentic... The food was delicious, the wine tasty and fruity, and the dessert sweet and creamy. But the people-- I did not realize it was an old people's hang out. Basilico's is Maude's and Ethel's favorite place to gossip about Eugene and Blanche. Of course, they're from Sicily. I'd definitely come back, but maybe around 8:00 after the regulars go to bed.
(4)D. C.
Weird location and service, but good food. Definitely try not to sit by and/or facing the window looking out into the hall. I thought nothing of it when I sat down, but all I really ever saw of the interior was walking in and the occasional glance behind me to see if any other tables had been subjected to being forced to wear a bib. Nope, lucky us... *sigh* Had the Pasta Rapido which was surprisingly flavorful and light for what it was: garlic, olive oil, and dried chilies. There were definitely plenty of chilies (I picked out something like 1/2 cup worth of large slices), so it can get pretty fiery. The pasta used seemed fresh to me--completely different texture and subtle eggy flavor you don't find with the dried stuff. I'd go back, especially for that pasta, but I still prefer Vince's.
(3)Tim C.
A staple for our crowd when we travel into Chicago on business and stay by the airport. Very good pasta selections and friendly service.
(4)Robert P.
Family Italian dining at its best. All of the food is fresh and the service is wonderful. If you're hungry and in the neighborhood don't miss out on this one.
(5)A F.
This is, easily, a 4-star food experience. The house-made pastas - especially the 8-finger cavatelli - are sublime. But as good as the food (and service) can be, this is one of the most off-putting locations I've ever seen. Essentially a defunct retail-office mall-ish setting that's been badly converted to a kind of medical/immigration services facility, with a seemingly permanent under-construction distressed building front. Completely, thoroughly depressing. Yet I return, regularly, for the best authentic Italian in the area.
(3)Nilda L.
Had a Groupon and decided to check it out. Good service, however the food was blah. My husband I a commented how tasteless the sauce in my special Farfalle Paisano was. My husband's dish, another special, portobello and chicken look so unappetizing that I didn't want to touch it.I think Corner Bakery does better pasta if I had to describe how boring and bland it was. I'm sticking to Fiorenza on Harlem for my Italian cravings. I should also add that I didn't like the bread either.
(2)John S.
We found this place by accident years ago and don't frequent it often enough. It's definitely hidden away in a weird shopping center but the good thing to start is it has a huge parking lot. We ate here again a few weeks ago. All I can say is great food ,huge portions and excellent attentive service. I had salmon and the piece was cooked to perfection and surprisingly large . 3 out of our 4 took home left overs. The prices were very reasonable too - around $85 for 4 entrees and 4 soft drinks. I wish I knew our servers name but he's been here for years and went out of his way to make sure things were all right when there was a small misunderstanding about my sides. I've been here about 10 times and they have always done their best to make it a good experience. Also I want to add they were constantly refilling our drinks and water without us having to ask which is always nice.
(5)Margaret P. F.
My favorite Italian Restaurant. Always excellent food, wine and service. Chicken Basilico, lasagne, sea bass franchese, spaghetti and Meatballs, tortellini ala panna, penne with spinach and ricotta, rigatoni with broccoli, amen, everything on their menu is excellent,
(5)Dave J.
Mrs. and I stopped in for late dinner the other night. This is a nicely decorated restaurant with a nice, comfy, homey feel to it. Check out the ceilings...the tiles are painted in different themes. We sat under a painting of a clown. There's a TV at either end of the restaurant, so if the game is on, you'll be able to watch. Photos of local and national celebrities adorned the entrance of the restaurant, located in a strip mall. Sinatra dined here. Tommy LaSorda dined here. And Channel 7 veteran reporter Hugh Hill dined here too. Service is very pleasant and professional. My iced tea glass was always full and the friendly waiter checked in on us frequently to see if we needed anything. The food was tremendous, in both quality and in portions. I was also impressed with the variety of pasta and veal dishes offered on the menu. We started off with calamari, but the not the traditional and typical fried kind. The Calamari Genovese was lightly breaded, grilled, and topped off with a white wine and buttery garlic sauce. A side of lemon wedges and marinara accompanied the BOWLFUL of goodness. This appetizer could easily serve 4 people. We had the leftovers packaged to go. The meals come with soup or salad. Mrs. had the minestrone, and I had the soup of the day...cream of chicken with rice, which was OUTSTANDING. Mrs. ordered linguine with white clam sauce and was very satisfied. Again, a huge portion...could easily feed 4. She had the leftovers packaged to go. I opted for the Saltimbocca alla Romana...veal with proscuitto and mozzarella cheese on cooked spinach. DELICIOUS! And again, a huge portion...yes, leftovers were packaged to go. After all that food, the waiter, I think half-jokingly, asked if we wanted dessert. Nope. Maybe next time. And there will be a next time for us as we were both impressed with the quality, and QUANTITY of the food, and the excellent and friendly service.
(4)Brian B.
Basilico has always had good food. That's why I go there. They could work on a few things though. #1 When I do takeout, it always seems like the person that brings me my food is jonesing for a tip. It's take out. I don't leave a tip. Sorry. #2 For as long as he's been there, Franco is a rude waiter. He always seems like he's a rush. He doesn't come back and ask if the food is good or not. He frankly doesn't seem to care.
(3)Patrick R.
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for Italian American comfort food. I grew up on the northwest side and have been to all of the neighborhood spots. I live close to Taylor street and Grand/ Ogden and have eaten at every place in the area. I first went to Basilico a little over a year ago with my fiance and her parents. I liked it then, since I have been there 2 or 3 more times and it has sunk in that this is my favorite place for this genre of Italian American food. I know I should try more dishes, but it is hard for me to order something different once I find a dish I love. My benchmark of a good Italian American restaurant is chicken parm. Basilicos has the best! I have tried bites of the lasagna, which my mother-in- law swears by. Everything else looks good! Service is fine, I tend to side with if I don't notice the service my drink stays full I'm happy, sometimes overly attentive service interupts conversation so this was good. Prices are very reasonable. I brought a friend for lunch recently and he was laughing at the quirky location in a suburban strip mall, but once you get into the dimly lit fairly dated restaurant you're transformed to a neighborhood place in the bugalow belt, huge difference from the raised ranches of Lawrence and Cumberland.
(5)Robyn C.
I lived across the street from this place in a little apartment years before I got married. It's located in a strip mall, and you'd never guess it was there. It served some of the absolutely best Italian food, but that neighborhood is known for that cuisine. It's also the safest neighborhood in the city; it's home to a lot of cops and firemen because they have to live in Chicago. As a throwback to the old days, I had my husband take me for dinner there before the David Gilmour show at the Rosemont Theatre. The food was just as fantastic as ever. We spoke to the waitress, and I told her how I hadn't been there since the earth cooled but the food was still phenomenal. She informed me that they've had the same chef for 25 years -- even before I started my sojourns -- and that's why the food quality was so consistent. Seek this place out. Listen to Dino sing and smile at the signed pictures of Sinatra, Jay Leno, Tommy LaSorda and others who have eaten here. If you are in the mood for the full fatty, ask them to make you the turkey tetrazzini (they will, even if it's not on the menu that night). Loosen your belt, sit back and enjoy.
(5)Jennifer J.
The food is good enough but nothing spectacular. I had fettucine alfredo which was tasty but about the same as other's I've had. The think I didn't like about it was that the next day when I warmed up my left overs, the sauce did not separate. In my experience, a real, homemade alfredo sauce separates when reheated. This leads me to believe it's a bottled sauce and not homemade or fresh. The service was standard. No one was going out of their way to ensure the guests were enjoying their dinner. And the tv in the restaurant was playing a kung fu film with subtitles. Ah, nothing says "mangia" like a good ol' roundhouse kick to the head! It's a little pricey for the quality of the food and there's better options in the area. If you want good food with great service, then I highly recommend Three Olives which is located in the shopping center right next door to Basilico.
(2)Mark H.
I have frequent business meetings in the Ohare area and often bring the people to Basilico for a "not too fancy" but always good italian dinner. People who come to Chicago should be treated to a neighborhood experience and this is the place. It is in a windowless old strip mall setting that this resturaunt and some government office shares. I hope this does not turn you off because the first appetizer that you get the smile will be on your face. Very nice veal and pasta dishes. Actually, the seafood including light fish is exceptional made delicious by the nice light sauce. Did I mention the bread? Dont be tempted to fill up on the bread and appetizers because the meal will be sure to impress.
(4)Vince H.
It was good. But I don't think it can compare to Da Luciano's which is just down the street. I've tried them both. The one advantage it does have though is there is lots of room.
(3)steve c.
The restaurant is located in a weird spot. Really good Italian food. Great for a date. Nice banquet rooms for a outing. Good selection.
(4)Jen M.
I first went to lunch here several months ago with my boss and coworkers. My boss is Italian, and knows all the great spots for real Italian food. The restaurant is very clean with a great layout for a small dining room. The service was very attentive and friendly. We had the calamari appetizer, which was served with this light lemon/white wine/garlic concoction. Could not have been better. I had eggplant parmesan, which was massive, delicious, and affordable. I went there months later with my husband and sister and they both enjoyed their food and experience!
(4)Mike O.
I came here since we had a gift certificate to this place and it's been sitting unused for too long. I got excited since I saw a lot of great reviews posted about this place. And yes, the food is good, very good in fact. But I see this restaurant leading a conflicted existence, trying to decide whether it will be the fancy Italian dining place or the kind of Italian place you can go to drink a few beers and watch a football game in progress. Basilico is located inside of a small indoor mall called the Cumberland Business Center, alongside "Application Support" for immigrants and some medical offices. As you walk in the mall doors, a sign reminds immigrants their place is to the left, not in the direction of the restaurant. So my wife and I walk inside Basilico and we're not sure if we came in the right way. There's a wine rack, a little podium with a list of reservations, and a picture of Frank Sinatra on the wall. Little 2-person tables line the walls outside in the hallway of the mall. And across from where we came in, located in a separate, mall kiosk-sized room, even more unused but ready tables. I assume all this is Basilico too, in case someone wants to capture the essence of a mall dining experience. After about a minute, someone finally greeted us and led us to a table. This place was not busy at all thought we came at 6 PM on a Sunday and The Phoenix Restaurant just down the street looked packed. I sat down at a booth with a great view of their large-screen TV, showing the final minute of the Bears-Giants game. A man in a Bears cap sat alone at a table next to us, facing AWAY from the TV as if he already knew the outcome. Looking up at the ceiling, you can see various artworks used as ceiling tiles. Even more Italian food-related art adorns the walls in the hallway to the bathrooms. A lit-up traffic light hangs in the hallway, seemingly out of place amidst the other art. We waited a little before we got our drinks (mostly ice in a glass) and a loaf of hot Italian bread. The bread was a bit crusty, but something about its freshness and flavor made me eat just about the entire loaf. The posted special was lobster ravioli, and I was certain to try it, seeing another Yelper's recommendation for it. My wife ordered chicken parmesian. The lobster ravioli was excellent, covered in a creamy tomato sauce. Each pasta piece was colored with orange and green stripes, with a flavorful lobster filling inside. Even after I finished, I kept dipping my bread in the great creamy sauce since it was too good to waste. The chicken parmesian was downright massive, enough to feed 2 people. The chicken had a juicy flavor to it, topped with a marinara sauce, plus a small plate of mostaccioli on the side. Once we got our food, we were set free from any more service from our waiter. We got no drink refills, and my wife wanted some crushed red pepper for the chicken and a side dish of more marinara to add. I was finished with my dinner by the time the waiter returned. He got the marinara too late, so we had a little container in which to bring it home. And even the check was complicated. I gave him our gift certificate and he asked if we're paying in cash. I said yes, thinking it would be easier. He went away for another 10 minutes, then returned with the final total, adjusted for the gift certificate. We were puzzled by why it took so long. In conclusion, Basilico offers good food, but they fall short of the fancy Italian dining experience that you're paying for.
(3)Dominic R.
was taken here last night for dinner.........and had no idea where i was going. but we all pull up and it's actually in a "strip mall". I couldnt find the door.......then realize you have to walk into this "mall like entrance" to get into the place. the restaurant itself was small, but it was crowded! always have to start off with warm bread and oil and cheese! awesome! I decided to have the "Lobster Ravioli". Never heard of it, but it sounded different! That was awesome! served in Vodka cream sauce..........it was very very good! I would recommend trying it! The rest of the menu looked good.....and I think I'll be back! The only negative was the poor water refills. Had to always flag down our waiter to refill the water, that isn't his job. Overall, a good meal.......give it a shot if you are in the area!
(4)Tiara Lynn A.
A hidden gem, especially for River Grove, home of the dull family restaurant. I've eaten here several times and everything has been phenomenal. Their vodka sauce is the best around, the calamari is always tasty, the eggplant is tender and flavorful, the chicken is unbelievable. Now if we can only talk the grandmother into coming here instead of always going to The Loon....
(5)Mike M.
Authentic! Authentic! Authentic! Prompt service and excellent food. I had the Linguini with Calamari in Red Sauce. Calamari are fresh and tender. Smelled amazing with a slight brinyness. Linguini was perfectly cooked and the sauce was slightly tangy and full of flavor. I'll be back the next time I'm in town.
(4)Cristina P.
Super authentic. I judge an Italian place by their sauce ( gravy) and this place was spot on. They were out of my 2 choices of wine so the waiter threw in a free appetizer to apologize. The portions were plentiful and very tasty.
(3)R T.
Food is amazing!!!! One of the best Italian restaurants around. Great service and you can't pass up the warm bread.
(5)April W.
This place was better than okay for a family night out. The menu is large so there is something for everyone. Our service was SLOW. I had the veal saltimbocca and while it was good, it is hard for me to ever get a veal dish as good as Sabatinos,my favorite. The silverware was cheap and the setting was quite odd. But overall a good meal. Skip the desserts, they are all pre made and ordered in and weren't very good at all.
(3)Joe B.
We made reservations for a Christmas Eve dinner at Basilico. Prior experiences were less than impressive but it had been a couple of years since our last visit so we thought we would try them again to see if any improvement had taken place. We were hopeful based on the current reviews but our hopes were quickly dashed. Service was slow and our waiter seemed disinterested. He didn't bother to mention any specials. When asked to describe the "Basilico" sauce choice, he responded "tomatoes". That's it. Gee thanks for the help. I guess everyone should have surmised that was the answer. It was slow to get our meal and drinks were slow to be refilled. I did observe the table next to us which was seated a few minutes after us had a different waiter and they seemed to receive better service so perhaps our waiter was the underperformer of the litter. The food was basic and the pasta dishes were unremarkable. My wife and I had pasta dishes while my Mom had the eggplant which she said was good. We also had the antipasto as an appetizer. That was a huge disappointment--some cold cuts which were fatty and poorly presented. One last observation. The condition of the bathrooms can often be a harbinger of how the restaurant is maintained. My Mom, who is rarely critical of anything, commented the bathrooms were filthy. One wonders how well they maintain their kitchen after seeing that. You'd be much better off heading to another restaurant in the Norridge area. I won't be back.
(2)Sue D.
The food was excellent. We ordered a to go order that took a little longer than we expected. They might have been short handed. Will be back next time we are in the area.
(4)Jim M.
Everything on the menu is good. Always above average experience. For being in a strip mall you'd think it wasn't going to be as good as it is. Decor is a little dated though and the chairs are old banquet style.
(4)George P.
It's kind of dumpy inside and the prices are a little higher then they should be. It's ok. The food is decent. Just check your utensils. Every single time I've gone there the forks and knives were dirty or had remnants of prior meals. Clean up the place a little and I would give it 4 stars. For God sakes get one can of paint and freshen up the place jeez.
(3)Jess F.
I absolutely love this place! Great food, great service and great prices. They have it all! They have great Calamari and Chicken parmesan! Pasta is excellent, with a great sauce. I would highly recommend Basilico to anyone I know. And the food is always consistent, unlike some restaurants. Never had a bad experience! Keep up the good work Basilico!
(5)Paige A.
What a wonderful little place! I came here for a business get together and sat out in the little foyer area with my party for privacy. This place is in a strip mall, so you don't really go there for ambience, but the food is amazing! Very authentic Italian. The owner came out and chatted with us for a while and he was very kind and gracious. He even treated us to after-dinner drinks on the house. From what I understand, he was the original owner, but sold the place to someone who had it for about six years. The place went downhill in quality, but the original owner bought the restaurant back and is now working to restore its image. I can definitely recommend giving it a try if you love good Italian food. The calamari with marinara is some of the best I've ever had anywhere in the world (and I've been around a fair bit of it). I had the gnocchi and marinara (because I just couldn't get enough of the marinara) and it was outstanding. One in my party had the salmon, and if it's on the menu next time, I'm definitely ordering it. Huge piece of salmon, cooked perfectly. Another in my party got chicken parm and it was so big it filled the entire plate. He's a good-sized guy and could only finish 2/3 of it. And the quality is as good as the quantity is large. I'm looking forward to coming back here with the family. (Note: I would normally knock off a star due to the ambience/setting, but I'm giving five because the food and the service is amazing, and because I'd love to see the owner win back any customers that may have left during the previous owner's tenure.)
(5)Mitchell I.
My dad likes this place for its Americanized italian food. It is just ok. We shared the calamari salad and the antipasto. The calamari was well cooked, not rubbery. The only item was good on the antipasto plate was the reggiano cheese. I had their version of creamy carbonera. It was just ok. Nothing special. Next time in Chicago, I will push for somewhere else to eat.
(3)Bruce L.
Wow. Everything you want in a restaurant. Greeted immediately and seated. Waiter was knowledgeable and friendly and gave us just the right amount of time. Manager stopped by and talked to us a while. Food was excellent. Chicken Parmigiana is unbelievably good. Great specials. Excellent deserts and prices are reasonable. Cozy atmosphere with some old country Italian music in the background. Manager thanked us for coming and We can't wait to go back
(5)Brandy E.
This place was nothing what I expected and so wonderful. Our waitress Margie has worked here for 28 years and she's a very special lady, friendly, helpful and has the best suggestions. They keep fresh baked bread and garlic olive oil on your table- heavenly. We had the Calamari Genovese, Different than any calamari We had ever eaten, it's hard to describe but tender and flavorful with a side of marinara -wonderful. My husband had the shrimp & scallops with pasta- the shrimp was large, tender and tasty as was the scallops. Margie told me her favorite was the Filet Mignon with mushrooms in Marcella sauce and it would melt in your mouth! She didn't lie, oh my goodness every bite would melt in your mouth! It came with potatoes that were again tasty and different than I'd ever eaten. I almost forgot the salad... We asked for blue cheese dressing and expected a creamy blue cheese and boy were we surprised... The dressing was a homemade Italian dressing with blue cheese and it was the best blue cheese dressing we'd ever eaten. We passed this place up because it was in a shopping like center thinking it might be a cheap not so great place and boy were we surprised. I'm glad we looked at the yelp app and tried it. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good Italian meal. Everyone was super nice and the food was amazing!
(5)Vicky G.
Basilico Ristorante is a neighborhood, Italian joint I've frequented for many years. They always possess quick and friendly service and tasty, classic Italian American dishes that are both a comfort for the mind and belly. My party of 8 started off with pizza bread (which wasn't on the menu, but they were ready to prepare it especially for us), baked clams, and the calamari genovese. Each was cooked to perfection and a delight for everyone at the table. I enjoyed the chicken tortellini soup next, which was also very flavorful. For my main entree, I enjoyed cheese ravioli with meat sauce. Though normally I go for something a bit fancier, I was in the good for some "good gravy" and noodles. I finished the plate along with the two extra meatballs I ordered. Overall, this restaurants delivers a killer bowl of pasta and has a really wonderful staff to boot. If you miss out on Basilico Ristorante, then you are missing out on something special.
(5)Joe B.
Awesome food and service!! We showed up on mothers day with a party of ten and the service and food was fantastic! Mark our server was right on point with everything and i will def return. Great authentic Italian food! Highly recommended!
(5)Dave M.
They have some of the best Italian food in the area! I love the chicken Vesuvio that's prepared with a half- baked chicken, but their Risotto, veal, and chicken Marsala are also great. I have a hard time making a choice every time I decide to eat her, but I've never had a bad dinner. So, if you're craving some great Italian fare at reasonable prices, then check-out Basilico Ristorante in Norridge, IL. You won't be disappointed!
(4)Jerry H.
After so many years, still getting better. The ceiling has back lighted artwork of Italy and a solt background of italian music can be heard. The Veal Parmigiana is fantastic, and the Zuppa di Mare ,linguine with clams, mussels, shrimp & calamari in Marinara the greatest. Both are large servings and as good as good can be. Service is excellent, nice wine list, good prices, parking is large lot free. I suggest calling first , why wait.
(5)Logan S.
Parking lot is still bleak, though that's not the restaurant's fault. ;-) Since Mom's 89th birthday dinner here was a hit with our small group of six, I decided to throw her 90th celebration here, as well. Basilico hit the ball out of the park again, on a lovely party for thirty people. We were seated at four round tables in the front section, which gave us a bit of privacy and made it easy for guests to move around without disturbing everyone else in the restaurant. Excellent bruschetta and calamari were offered to everyone as they arrived and drinks came promptly and often. Everyone was impressed with the pretty Christmas décor and the side table that was set up for the birthday cake, gifts and floral arrangements people brought for Mom. Our waiter, John. did not disappoint. He handled EVERYTHING, arranging the cake, the little gift bags for the guests, and the floral gifts. He relieved us of the helium balloons and quickly tied them to several chairs, effectively marking off the party area without being obnoxious to the other diners in the restaurant. I remarked I was worried about something and his reply was, "You're here now; let me handle everything else." And he did. I can't say enough about the care and thought Raphael put into the planning of the event, from menu suggestions to concern for Mom's comfort and mobility. Trust his suggestions; he knows exactly what he's doing! And our waiter, John, is a rare professional. He made everything run smoothly throughout the evening. The crew was efficient and personable (I'm still getting compliments, three weeks later.) The food was excellent, the sweet little baby cannoli were great and somehow the cake was magically cut and dispensed to each guest. Perfect. Mom proclaimed it her "best birthday ever". I've thrown a few parties in my time, but I'd have to say this WAS the best birthday ever. Thank you, Basilico!!
(5)Arun V.
Stopped in on a work trip with a few colleagues the food was ok. Nothing special. Some of my colleagues were happy with their food others hated it. Definitely not 4 stars in an awesome food city like Chicago
(2)