The Basil Leaf Cafe

I was surprised to see some negative reviews for Basil Leaf Cafe as I've eaten there several times over the past many years and have always had great food and a good experience! Our server tonight was very personable and attentive without being overbearing. He had great suggestions for us and was very knowledgeable about the menu. Service was prompt without feeling rushed. The portions as Basil Leaf are huge! Happy to have leftovers for another meal this week. I had the chicken cordon bleu tortellini and thought it was delicious. Lots of great flavor and loved the crispy chicken! My only critique of the menu would be that it's quite pasta heavy -- lots of carbs. It would be nice to have some non-pasta entrees to choose from. Love the newer (not sure when the move happened) location on Mass St! Much larger space and less awkward.

it was yummy, went w my cousins & aunt. server was nicei got the chicken gyro, thai tea was good

Good food and friendly service. The ambiance was warm and welcoming. I will visit again the next time I am in the area.

Gargantuan portions. Dishes range from slightly off to spot-on. Pastas are reliable, I'm especially attached to the Tortellini Cordon Bleu (there's a cultural mix). They omitted an old standby, Lemon chicken tenders with risotto (cooked right) from the current menu. An approachable, affordable wine list, classic decor, and typically good service.

I don't get the negative feedback. Honestly, our wait staff was attentive, engaging, and knowledgeable of the food. Our food was served piping hot. My wife had the basil penne Mac and cheese and I had the lobster ravioli. Both dishes were amazing. They had a wide variety of cocktails to choose from and the drinks we had were all good. Make a reservation when you go, and you'll be just fine.

This excellent Italian restaurant has moved from 9th St. to downtown Lawrence. The dining room on 9th St was too small and the parking awkward. The new downtown dining room is a tremendous improvement, and parking is easy on the nearby parking lots on Vermont St.We got too appetizers, the Antipasto Crostini and the Brussel Sprouts. Both were excellent. We then both got the Seared Salmon, which was excellent with an innovative preparation. We were there on a Saturday. We were told that the salmon arrived on Friday frozen. We were very happy with the quality of the salmon and the preparation. The service was outstanding.Unfortunately they do not have whole grain pasta or cauliflower pasta. We live in west Lawrence and easily can get both of those alternatives at restaurants in west Lawrence, including Spin, J. Wilson's, and Morningstar's. We asked why they do not have whole grain pasta or cauliflower pasta. We were told they are difficult for the restaurant to acquire and are not popular, so would not be ordered by the customers at the restaurant. We don't understand that, since they are easily available and popular in west Lawrence and are available at every supermarket in Lawrence. It is difficult to understand why not available or popular downtown.We were there during happy hour, so benefited from the discount on the house wines by the glass. Wednesday is "wine Wednesday," providing bottles of wine at large discounts. All of the tables are two tops, but they push some of them together to produce 4 tops.

Went to dinner here last weekend for my birthday and we invited another couple as well. I got the Penne Abbruzi and my husband got the Chicken Breast. My meal was dry and the meatballs dryer. My husband's meal was overcooked, the burnt looking veggies were hidden under the overcooked chicken and really small for the $28. price tag. The presentation was also unappealing. Our guests meals were pretty much the same. After dinner we ordered deconstructed cannolis and tiramisu. The Tiramisu was the best part of our meal. Our waitress was the best part of our evening. Sadly we won't be returning.

After a great girls' night at BLC, I wanted to take my family there, so we made a res for Sunday brunch. We were immediately seated by Grace, who turned out to be the best server I've encountered in several months. Ask for her when you book!We ordered the calamari for app- it was fantastic! Salty, crispy, fresh & accompanied by scrumptious housemade marinara. My spritzer was lovely- the syrup was well crafted and the strength was perfect. I was so excited for my entree...It looked so enticing! I took pics (see attached). I salivated; I loooove spaghetti carbonara. I make it at home, regularly.And then, after breaking open the lovely yolk, I tried to pull and twirl a bite of pasta. It was dry. There was some semblance of sauce, but it had congealed and came off in clumps. The peas were mealy (suspect having been reheated after cooking). The bacon was cooked well, not crispy, but on a 1-10 flavor scale, the bacon was a 2. How can bacon be made bland?! Grace came to check on our table; I asked for salt and she returned with both salt & pepper. I added a generous portion, but the dish remained bland overall. One of my sons ordered the chicken and waffles, and liked it, although he was confused about why the chicken was so sweet. My other son ordered a meatball sub & fries, which he enjoyed. My husband ordered caesar salad with shrimp, and commented that the salad was rather soggy- I saw a few brown-edged leaves as he was eating- the parm shreds looked good.I ate about 1/4 of my entree, and was going to leave the rest of it (which is out of character for me, since I'm a leftovers guru), but my bacon/waffle-ordering son said he'd eat it at home.I really, really looked for and expected a great meal & experience at BLC, but only came away with disappointment & a nearly full leftover container of food I don't want to eat. I hope all who read this, if you go, get to enjoy Grace's service and a better meal than I had.I won't be back.

The food was just ok and definitely not worth what they charged. Be advised that if you want to share a meal they charge a plate splitting fee even if you are buying appetizers.

So I've tested the fettuccine with chicken a few times and I would say.. it's just okay. Every time it has been BLAND. I hope Basil Leaf will one day learn to add more flavor their fettuccine and chicken. Please.Other than that, the service is nice and restaurant has a nice vibe.Oh, and bring back the Basil Leaf burger. That was the best dish they had until they took it off their menu. Odd decision, in my opinion.