The Basil Leaf Café

They get an extra star because drinks are cheaper than most places downtown. The food is couple notches below Olive Garden. Halfway through eating my chicken Alfredo the sauce seized up and became inedible. Service was very warm and our server was attentive and very nice. I want to love this place because the prices are reasonable and the staff is great, but I would I would prefer a frozen dinner

I first found the basil leaf cafe in 2020 when it was on 9th Street. It quickly became my favorite restaurant, the vibe was chill and intimate, the food was amazing, and the wait staff was super friendly. I was thrilled that it survived covid!

Last week I went to eat at their new location on mass street and it broke my heart. The food is still very good, but the new place is loud and overly bright. The vibe is far more snooty and aloof, and much of the staff seemed as if customers were an inconvenience. Also the prices are higher, I'm sure to support the new location.

Overall, I may get take out because it is great food, but this is no longer my favorite date night restaurant. Once 5 stars, now only 3.

Ate at Basil Leaf when I was in town visiting my daughter. Love what they have done with the place, seems to be a great date night restaurant. Staff was pleasant and our server Grace was very attentive and very helpful with making tasty selections!

Edit-1: The restaurant replied to my comment, that's certainly admirable. I decided to give them another shot sometime soon because they replied. Will post another personal, honest review then.

We went to the new location for dinner. Be careful, this is not an authentic Italian eatery. Your Google search of "Basil Leaf" will show some information about this place and you will read "affordable italian cuisine made from scratch"! Italian food CAN actually be affordable, but Basil Leaf's prices are too high for the quality of food they serve. We ordered Shrimp Scampi and Creamy Basil Chicken, each for $19! TOO SALTY! I don't know what the cook is thinking, but you use this much salt only to hide the poor taste of your dish. The bread that comes along pasta is NOT FRESH, it's similar to a pizza joint's breadstick! We also ordered Calamari, it was also TOO SALTY!
The nice server asks you "how's everything tasting" and I feel like it's rude to say all of this to her, which is not her fault but there it is...
I wish I could say more. I know it won't change much, but I don't think I will be back. I honestly cook better pasta at home myself.
The new sign outside is nice.
The restrooms are ... I think the QT on 9th and Iowa has better restrooms.
All the servers seem nice, they rush and walk too fast, I don't know why, the place wasn't half full. I felt like I had to rush with my food.
You know what's funny, I bet some other person thought that same pasta tasted delicious on the same day. Oh well, this is just my opinion.
One positive comment of this place, you go on to their website, they don't advertise "Italian", so I commend them for that.
I write this because I wish we could have a proper Italian place in Lawrence... If you know a place, let me know.

Went to to basil leave the other day for a couple of drinks and a bite. The food came out quickly and tasted great. Our server Grace was very helpful and attentive to our table, safe to say I’ll go back for more.

I ate dinner here a couple night ago and I really enjoyed my dish. It was a welcoming environment and my waitress Grace was polite and respectful. Overall a great experience! Definitely would recommend eating here.

I wish there was less than one star. I have tried this restaurant multiple times and each time it gets worse. The food tastes bland. The management doesn’t seem to care or accept feedback, very rude. The only positive was a young bartender named Lake,? You are in a small town and relationship and customer service goes along ways. Go anywhere else!!!

My family and I had the pleasure of enjoying the wonderful food from this restaurant yesterday. My server Grace recommended the lemon chicken tenders and I ate every last bite. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to my family and friends!

Loved Basil Leaf! Elaine was our sweet server and made sure we were taken care of. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect. Thanks for a great meal!

Such fast service! The line was out the door when we showed up and we got a table in less than 20 minutes! Not to mention, Emily was such a sweet & accommodating server, and recommended the tastiest drinks.