Basant Modern Indian Restaurant

Fried chicken appetizer and lamb sheekh kabob were fantastic.

We went on a snowy Friday night and it was packed, vibrant, and full of life! The food was superb! We had a great waiter and everything came out warm too! Love this neighborhood gem!

Great food but the service is mediocre at best. Our server kept giving wrong dishes to our table. Martinis were luke warm. When asked about cocktail options, she stared blank at us.

Appetizers were great. The Rogan Josh was just ok. Duck Basant was soooooo disappointing. For a $40 seared duck breast entree, I was expected 2 things. 1, a whole breast. 2, a properly seared breast. We got 3 small strips, and a soggy mess. It was just poorly prepared and clearly cooked on a cold pan. Our server was nice but I had a big issue. She came and asked if we liked the entrees and I said the duck is not what I expected and I was disappointed. I told her that the menu says it is seared and this was soggy. I had taken 2 bites at this point. She just said “oh I'm sorry.” Didn't offer to get a new breast, make it again, get me something else. Nothing. She walked away and I was left thinking “ok I guess I have to eat this.” I ate it because it seemed I was forced to. My friend also ordered it and hardly touched it. Just bad and especially disappointing because the apps were good. Not sure if I'd come again.

Taste was certainly there but felt like each of the mains was just a bowl of sauce with very limited amount of protein (whether it was chicken or paneer or lamb). Cocktails were tasty but not strong at all.

I've been to Basant a few times, and this was the most underwhelming. Two nits that dampened the experience: the hostess at the front was distracted on her phone constantly for over an hour and a half. That's really just not a good look when the rest of the house is working on servicing the tables (everyone else was great). Second, I denoted a birthday celebration when RSVPing. At this price point, particularly in Chicago, the customary restaurant etiquette I've observed is when a note is left in the reservation, a complimentary dessert is included. That is not the case at Basant. Food was great as always, but these two nits could be improved upon.

It was a below average experience dining in the restaurant. The only thing which was good is the courtesy of the attendant. The servings for starters were very small. For e.g. 1. Chicken Malai Kebab - two and a half pieces per plate 2. Lamb Sheekh Kebab - one piece per plate 3. None of the meet was soft (as it should be in kebab's) The main course was equally disappointing. Everything had a tangy or sour taste. Felt like all the curries had some added Soya sauce (there is a possibility that I am mis judging the sauce here). We ordered 1. Butter Chicken - The pieces of chicken were tough, the quantity was decent. 2. Lamb Roganjosh - The meat was cooked well, but the taste was sour and of course the lamb meat was of a very mature lamb. This is not the meat with which the Roganjosh is made. 3. Dal - This was also sour. They provided ample amount of rice accompanied with the curry. The naan were good and non-chewy. I do not think I would visit here again. It was the first and the last time for me. No where close to a good Indian food.

Basant never disappoints. The food is fabulous and our server Saturday night knew every ingredient in every cocktail. She was astounding! Can't wait to go back!

Basant was a fabulous surprise!
Great decor & vibe. Maybe dim the lights a tad is my only note. Izzy & crew were very attentive and knowledgeable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Basant is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants! I'm a fan of the nice mix on their menu of more traditional North Indian dishes you'd expect to see at an Indian restaurant and more modern and progressive options (it wasn't on the menu this time but the lamb shank I've had here is *chef's kiss*.) I've been here a few times this year alone, and every time we've had a wonderful meal and good experience. This time we came in to enjoy the special Diwali menu, and the dishes we ordered really hit the mark. I was sad that the one item I really wanted (Raj Kachori) was sold out by the time we got to Saturday evening, which was a disappointment, as it's one of my personal favorite dishes. Service was also a little slower than usual this time—it took a while for us to get our drinks and our food—but I did appreciate that our server kept us updated about the delays and we could see how busy they were. Overall though, just like the many other times I've been here, it's been a wonderful evening!

Service was so attentive. Flavors of the tandoor were insanely good. Drink selection was extensive and justifies a return visit. Diwali celebration made the dining room have a special vibe. I'll definitely be back.

After a miscommunication over the phone for a pick up order and realized one of the items I ordered was missing - I spoke with the manager on the phone and he made sure that I receive the food I ordered. Since I do not live in the neighborhood and was not able to return to the restaurant for pick up, the manager was able to have the missing item delivered to my apartment at no extra charge. A+ service and will return!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Basant is my favorite Indian food in the city. The food, service, and ambiance is impeccable. Shoutout to Sloan for being the best server around!

Great food and interesting menu that seems to be updated since my last visit over a year ago. Cocktails are great. We are vegetarian so started with three starters and a then one main course and Gulab Jamison Cheesecake for dessert which honestly remembered tasting much better the last time I ordered it. Overall, great place and I would definitely be eating here again.

Warm welcoming; Friendly staff. Bar tender was very knowledgable and made me a killer old fashioned. Food was amazing, I got the lamb Rogan Josh and chicken tikka and wow. Very flavorful, perfect amount of spice. Can’t wait to come back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5