Dessert is a must at Basilic
Dessert trio
Had a great time!
Beef Bourguignon
John Dory fish. Exquisite
Seasonal salad was a piece of art! Most amazing salad I've ever had.
Balboa
Desert trio the raspberry mint was my favorite but the creme brulee and chocolate bar was also fantastic
Veal with a delicious mushroom sauce that you will want to dip your bread in
Duck breast oh so yummy
Creme Brulee sampler was perfection on a plate
outside
Crab salad
Local sea bass
Tasty wine
outside
interior
Duck breast with a blueberry lavender port wine reduction. So good I could cry!
dessert, food
drink
Prix fixe dessert! Creme brulee, lemon tart, and strawberry ice cream. Delicious!
Nan L.
Oct 27, 2024
we've lived in orange county 13 years and finally made it to this wonderful restaurant on balboa islandwe both ordered the pre-fixed dinner menu; 5 courses including a soup, salad, fish, meat and dessert. i don't know if what they serve changes daily or not, but we had salmon and bourguignon, and everything was delicious, was plated beautifully and portioned just right!to be clear, other restaurants might sell you three times the amount of a dish for the same price, but when something is done right, you really don't need very much of it at alla great place to celebrate a special occasion :) thank you for the wonderful meal and service -- we will be back again!// on reservations + availabilityit's a fairly small and intimate restaurant, so we made reservations (phone only) on tuesday for right when they open the following saturday @ 5pm. they only had outdoor seating available for the 2 of us, but 3 other 2 tops were available for walk up this night
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Cindy T.
Dec 15, 2024
Went here for a Friday date night. Did al fresco due to limited seating inside. The prix fixe menu was nice. The sauces that accompanied the entrees elevated the courses. With the cold night, the soupy dishes were quite comforting. The dessert trio was good, although we thought one of them was a little dry. Service was quick and efficient. Street parking is decent, but I can see how it could be difficult on a busier night.
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Lathy O.
Sep 25, 2024
Basilic Restaurant may not catch your eye as you stroll along Marine Avenue on Balboa Island, but for locals, it's a hidden gem that embodies French-Swiss Cuisine charm. The restaurant may be small, but its heart is big. It's a 5-course tasting experience, so definitely come hungry. This quaint eatery is the kind of place where romance fills the air, whether you're cozied up in one of their fur-draped outdoor seats or enveloped by the intimate vibe inside. Small, yet full of character, the space makes you feel like you've been whisked away to the French countryside.Nestled in the heart of Balboa Island, parking is a breeze--you can find spots right on Marine Ave or in the nearby local streets. Sitting outside, you'll get the best of both worlds: excellent food and wine with a front-row seat to the tourist scene, watching people pass by as you savor your meal.We started our evening with two glasses of white wine, perfectly paired with a few delicious appetizers. The night was just beginning, though. Soon we moved on to red wine, a beautiful complement to my rack of lamb. It was cooked to perfection--so good, I found myself savoring every last bit until all that remained were the bare bones.And just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, we indulged in a fresh seasonal mixed berry dish, which was the perfect light finish to a decadent meal. The flavors were delicate yet bursting with the natural sweetness of the berries that rounded out the experience beautifully.If you're looking for a romantic, cozy escape where the food and wine transport you to Europe, Basilic is your spot. The service, ambiance, and exquisite cuisine make it a treasure you'll want to return to, time and time again.Just make sure you make reservations if you don't want to wait long and want guaranteed seating. They have limited seats, and the space is really small, so it's a good idea to book in advance. They're often booked out months ahead, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this gem.
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Jean R.
Feb 9, 2025
the restaurant is like been back in France, with very exquisite food and wine. But the warm of people offering the most amazing culinary experience. Keep it up! Basilic you are a jewel in Balboa Island!
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Rita H.
Mar 2, 2024
Everything we ordered was tres bon! The restaurant is cozy and quaint and the service is very personalized. Definitely worth a visit if you're near or around the Balboa Island/ Newport area! The presentation of each dish was carefully and artistically plated. I'd also like to add that the baguette was the perfect vessel to soak up the sauces in our dishes so make sure to order a basket. If that isn't a testament to how delicious and flavorful the dishes were, I don't know what is! The only downfall here is parking is limited as are the number of tables so make sure to snag a reservation early!
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Anh V.
Mar 26, 2024
This is an every occasion place and a special occasion place. It is on Balboa Island so if you want the 5:30pm reservation while all of the construction is going on then know you may park a five minute walk away. Otherwise, spots open up at the 7pm seating. It's small and cozy so make sure that you have reservations. My go to appetizers are the French Onion soup and the Crab salad. Otherwise the duck and the lamb are my main favorites. The desserts are lovely but I sometimes prefer to do a house salad as my dessert. If I get here early, I like to stop into the boutiques around there. Two thumbs up!
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Jo P.
Jan 25, 2025
Just a lovely cozy place!!! Love going back on special occasions. Words cannot describe how amazing the food is! The taste and plating hit all senses! The chef is kind and caring enough to come out to check on the clients.This is a special secret place I would love to gate-keep but that's not right.. so.. enjoy!!!! We had the seasonal salad w shaved root vegetables etc. Rack of Lamb. Steak. Seasonal dessert.. Apple Tart(?). (a must!!!)@the owner..Having a lap dog next table sure was not a good experience. What about my allergies? Plus, it's in the dining hall where you have all people eating....
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Philip T.
Feb 12, 2025
Quaint, intimate bistro on Balboa Island. Swiss and French food is top notch h. Service is impeccable! An enjoyable time was had by all.
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Claudia M.
Jan 4, 2025
Lecker! Absolute fantastic place! Great ambiance, fantastic service and outstanding fresh and perfectly prepared food. Portions are perfect size and the presentation is thoughtful . True Swiss Restaurant. Everything is just right prepared and the quality of food is top notch. I'd say it's one of the best if not the best Restaurant we have been to in OC ! It shows the chef cares and is involved start to finish.I bet you there is no plate leaving his kitchen without his blessing. This place is a hidden gem.
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Brad S.
Jan 24, 2025
Really enjoy the ambience and great food. It's a go to neighborhood spot for My Wife and I.
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