Basil's Restaurant
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: (612) 376-7404
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Daily 6:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Basil's Restaurant – by Donna Tabbert Long
In Short
With herb-filled flower boxes and tables overlooking IDS Crystal Court's fountain below, Basil's balcony is like dining outside--inside. When winter winds howl, downtown corporate types fill the place. Choice tables are on the terrace, but the clubby dining room with salmon and sage tones offers good window seats, too. The large menu features huge portions of wild rice chowder, Gruyere-topped steak sandwiches and Cajun pasta. For dessert, there's berry-topped cheesecake and tiramisu.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe terrace tables were used in "Mary Tyler Moore." See where else Mary Richards lived and played and tossed her hat in the air.
Know Before You GoBasil's terrace can be reserved for special events and groups. Call for details and reservations.
User Reviews for Basil's Restaurant
03/15/2007 Posted by meesh427
I went to lunch with a co-worker and was not impressed by the food or service. I ordered the thin grilled sirloin steak. I ordered it medium temperature and it came to me well done. Well done steak is a travesty in my book. It didn't even taste like steak. Absolutely awful! I would have complained but the waitress never bothered to come back to the table to ask how our food tasted. She didn't come back until we were finished. The warm fingerling potato salad that came with the steak was good but not enough to make my meal worth the $19 I was charged for a lunch entree.
Pros: Terrace seating is great
Cons: Food is expensive and not that great
03/05/2007 Posted by mcfoodie12
It had been a long time since I'd last been to Basil's. I wasn't expecting much. However, we were treated to a lovely meal, with reasonably-priced wine and good service. Thumbs up to Herb, who seemed to be waiting on numerious tables, yet was fun and knowledgeable. The shrimp potstickers, tuna and orange/ginger salad appetizer was terrific. Our friends ordered the wild rice soup and enjoyed it very much. They also enjoyed the duck entree. I and a friend ordered the marlin, which was served with a seaweed/radish salad. I initially sent the marlin back because when it arrived at the table, was dry as a bone. No flake or moisture left at all. Herb apologized and swiftly took my fish back. The replacement that arrived was succulent, flaky and worked well with the soy/cream sauce. My husband was disappointed with the quality of his ribeye, but otherwise enjoyed the wine, presentation, ambience and service. Our party of six agreed we'd like to return to Basil's.
Pros: Creative dishes, tasty sauces
Cons: Can be difficult to find entrance
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