I used to love Sweet Basil. When I was younger and couldn’t afford it too often, I would treat myself here on special occasions. I even had my bachelorette party at Sweet Basil, and when my parents visited after I got married, this was the first place I wanted to take them. Even after moving far away, I would make special trips just to eat here. It’s always been a place that felt special to me — great food, warm service, and a chef who used to come out and personally talk with guests.
My visit last weekend was heartbreakingly disappointing. I had an important guest visiting and wanted to treat them to a memorable meal, so I chose Sweet Basil over several other options, including some top spots in the North End. We ordered my all-time favorite rosemary chicken a dish I’ve loved for years including a couple other things, but it was so salty that we couldn’t eat more than a few bites. We returned it, and while the server did apologize and take it back, that was it. No one checked in afterward and the moment just felt completely brushed off.
For a restaurant that’s been such a special part of my life, this experience was genuinely disappointing. I never thought I’d leave Sweet Basil feeling this way.
Gregory Berry
First off, it's BYOB if you want wine or beer. Just a slight corking fee. Second, THE FOOD, it's all delicious. But it's made to order, so sit and enjoy your time with dining companions. Third, there are no reservations, so just be prepared to wait duing typically busy times.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rosemary Chicken, Putanesca, House Meatballs
Ann Luu
We had a terrible experience, the food was not good. Meatballs were chewy and tasteless, gnocchi was very heavy , and the duck tasted like wet rag! Do not come here. The waitress was very nice but other then that, I wouldn’t go back! My kids couldn’t eat the food - the only exception was the calamari and salad.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
E P
I have been there a couple of times. It was better but not any more. Food is heavy and new dishes not as good as the traditional ones. Host was very rude and waitress never checked on us. I am not sure i would go back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Shannon Adams
A fabulous and very popular restaurant for delicious, large Italian dishes. Don't miss the pesto and bread basket. BYO wine if you want to drink and there's no desert mebu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Max
Great dinner! Tried the Rosemary Chicken and the Shrimp Scampi. Very solid. Nice outside seating area. Our server Daphne was fantastic. BYOB is an interesting option and charging 10 dollars for corkage. Only major complaint is charging for bread and pesto accompaniments feels like im being nickel and dimed. Better off skipping for an alternative next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Lisa Castoldi
The food and service was very good.But you need to bring your own wine
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Robert Matthews
Really great great service. Great pesto with bread before the meal. Always a great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven Branfman
Owner and Chef David Becker delivers a creative menu with an Italian theme. His marinara sauce is delightful. The watermelon gazpacho is wonderful. Don't know what to order?? Close your eyes and throw a dart. Bullseye every time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aiden
Ate here with my girlfriend. Daphne was amazing and extremely kind and friendly. Got the chicken parm and shrimp scampi both amazing. Pesto was A+. All the staff were great and the vibes too.
Initially we got sat inside but made the crucial ask to be sat outside and it was magically. Thank you for the outstanding service!!!!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa
One of our favorite restaurants by far! Consistently great food and good service. Its delicious!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Hess
Great food but the service could have been better.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce, Mussels Andouille Escarole over Orecchiette with Fennel Saffron Broth
t lombardi
Really good service and great food. Hope they can obtain a liquor license at some point
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen C
If could give 10 stars I would! From the moment we entered the restaurant to the moment we left we had a perfect experience. Daphne’s hospitality, right on time assistance, and above and beyond customer service. Everyone who assisted us was on point with their customer service and the food was absolutely perfect. Fresh, from the bread and pesto to the raviolis, there wasn’t anything to fault! Thanks, Sweet Basil! Can’t wait to come back!
I used to love Sweet Basil. When I was younger and couldn’t afford it too often, I would treat myself here on special occasions. I even had my bachelorette party at Sweet Basil, and when my parents visited after I got married, this was the first place I wanted to take them. Even after moving far away, I would make special trips just to eat here. It’s always been a place that felt special to me — great food, warm service, and a chef who used to come out and personally talk with guests.
My visit last weekend was heartbreakingly disappointing. I had an important guest visiting and wanted to treat them to a memorable meal, so I chose Sweet Basil over several other options, including some top spots in the North End. We ordered my all-time favorite rosemary chicken a dish I’ve loved for years including a couple other things, but it was so salty that we couldn’t eat more than a few bites. We returned it, and while the server did apologize and take it back, that was it. No one checked in afterward and the moment just felt completely brushed off.
For a restaurant that’s been such a special part of my life, this experience was genuinely disappointing. I never thought I’d leave Sweet Basil feeling this way.
First off, it's BYOB if you want wine or beer. Just a slight corking fee.
Second, THE FOOD, it's all delicious. But it's made to order, so sit and enjoy your time with dining companions.
Third, there are no reservations, so just be prepared to wait duing typically busy times.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rosemary Chicken, Putanesca, House Meatballs
We had a terrible experience, the food was not good. Meatballs were chewy and tasteless, gnocchi was very heavy , and the duck tasted like wet rag! Do not come here. The waitress was very nice but other then that, I wouldn’t go back! My kids couldn’t eat the food - the only exception was the calamari and salad.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
I have been there a couple of times. It was better but not any more. Food is heavy and new dishes not as good as the traditional ones. Host was very rude and waitress never checked on us. I am not sure i would go back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
A fabulous and very popular restaurant for delicious, large Italian dishes. Don't miss the pesto and bread basket. BYO wine if you want to drink and there's no desert mebu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great dinner! Tried the Rosemary Chicken and the Shrimp Scampi. Very solid. Nice outside seating area. Our server Daphne was fantastic. BYOB is an interesting option and charging 10 dollars for corkage. Only major complaint is charging for bread and pesto accompaniments feels like im being nickel and dimed. Better off skipping for an alternative next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
The food and service was very good.But you need to bring your own wine
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Really great great service. Great pesto with bread before the meal. Always a great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Owner and Chef David Becker delivers a creative menu with an Italian theme. His marinara sauce is delightful. The watermelon gazpacho is wonderful. Don't know what to order?? Close your eyes and throw a dart. Bullseye every time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ate here with my girlfriend. Daphne was amazing and extremely kind and friendly. Got the chicken parm and shrimp scampi both amazing. Pesto was A+. All the staff were great and the vibes too.
Restaurantji Recommends
Initially we got sat inside but made the crucial ask to be sat outside and it was magically. Thank you for the outstanding service!!!!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of our favorite restaurants by far! Consistently great food and good service. Its delicious!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food but the service could have been better.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce, Mussels Andouille Escarole over Orecchiette with Fennel Saffron Broth
Really good service and great food. Hope they can obtain a liquor license at some point
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If could give 10 stars I would! From the moment we entered the restaurant to the moment we left we had a perfect experience. Daphne’s hospitality, right on time assistance, and above and beyond customer service. Everyone who assisted us was on point with their customer service and the food was absolutely perfect. Fresh, from the bread and pesto to the raviolis, there wasn’t anything to fault! Thanks, Sweet Basil! Can’t wait to come back!
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