The Basilico: Italian & South Asian Cuisine — Restaurant in Clarington

First time visiting the restaurant and was excited to try a fusion menu. The waiter was pleasant and accommodating in the beginning but as the restaurant became busier, we noticed it took a while for the entrees to arrive and we had to ask for the bill by flagging him down. He did return quickly with the bill thankfully. While waiting for our entrees, we had focaccia bread and it was warm, fresh, and tasty. The menu had quite a variety of Italian and Indian dishes plus standard fare, like wings and steak. The prices were standard for most independent restaurants. I ordered the lasagne and my partner ordered the parmigiana chicken. As we waited, I noticed the pizza and Indian dishes brought out for a large party sitting close to us. The portions were huge and the presentation looked great! So my expectations were fairly high,plus the pictures online indicated what I had just witnessed with my own eyes. My lasagne ended up being was overcooked pasta with meat sauce, not sure if cheese and vegetables were in it because I didn’t see any. The tomato sauce was fresh, but the lasagne portion was underwhelming considering what I have had at other establishments. It was more sauce than anything else. The chicken portion for the parmigiana was similar to one you get in a Stoffers frozen meal, and he said it was overcooked and dry. The side pasta dish was spaghetti noodles with tomato sauce and he said it was “meh”. We didn’t partake in dessert but I would guess it’s good because they have it brought in from elsewhere, which is standard practice. The atmosphere consists of mostly booths, which is amazing and the music wasn’t blaring so loud that I couldn’t hear my partner across the table. It was contemporary pop songs done with strings instruments. Very good choice 👍. I think I will try this location again but only because I saw what other patrons ordered and know now that pizza and Indian choices are tastier and have beautiful presentation. We just won’t be rushing back there anytime soon. The Yardbird down the street has much better food, service and portions. Sorry,no pictures of our meals to back it up. I think we will go elsewhere like Scaddabush if we...

When we arrived at the restaurant as a party of four the one and only waitress was speaking to another table at length so it took some time to be seated. Once seated she gave us menus and said she would bring us waters (only two arrived). We ordered and it took quite some time. Asking for an additional drink took more time, two more waters took more time and while I personally ordered chicken biryani my additional order of garlic naan came after everyone in my party had all of their dish and had begun eating and I was many spoons into mine as well. The decor of this restaurant is beautiful and it does remind me of an upscale Italian restaurant or wine bar...however don't be fooled while it looks good the food is nothing to write home about. My husband ordered butter chicken and his cousin curry goat both portions were small with option of rice OR naan/paratha for $23. As I mentioned I ordered chicken biryani and an extra side of garlic naan for $24 again the portion was small. At the end of the meal the owner came to greet us recognizing our cousin as a frequent patron to the restaurant. He asked how was the food to which the cousin and my husband said it was good and I replied it was ok the biryani was a bit dry for my liking. To my shock he replied "It's supposed to be dry and no one has ever told me that before". To which I said well I'm sorry to be the first. I do not appreciate the attitude and I certainly don't appreciate being manspland how biryani is made by a man who thinks he knows more then I, the person who ate the dry briyani. A simple "I'm sorry to hear" or "I'll pass it on to our chefs" would have been great. As I've read through the reviews before adding my own I've come to conclude I don't know who is microwaving the frozen pizzas or putting these dishes together with lackluster flavor so I'm not sure who he would tell my polite thoughts about the food to anyway. To conclude if you want small overpriced portions of bland/dry food served in a slow manner (over 1.5 hours) with a side of owner who can't take a constructive review this is the place for you! If not save yourself the time, money and energy and go enjoy a meal...

We visited The Basilico in Bowmanville and had a great time. This is a fine dining experience with a great atmosphere and friendly staff.

We were greeted immediately upon entering and did not have a wait. The dining room was spacious and the decor was upscale and high-end. This would be a great place for a date or a classy dinner to impress your in-laws. Our waitress brought menus and offered us ice cold water to begin. The drink menu was plentiful with many options. The food menu was small and clearly specialized.

While waiting for our food, a basket of fresh-made focaccia bread was brought to the table. Let me tell you, it was so delicious.

Our food was ready quite quickly. I had the butter chicken and naan bread. The portion size was perfect and I left satisfied. The food was delicious. The butter chicken was perfectly seasoned and was really good. I was a little surprised that it wasn't served with rice but it honestly wasn't needed. The naan was so good and was perfect for dipping in the sauce.

Although we passed on dessert, it wasn't because of a lack of options. We simply didn't have any room left after our meals. I am looking forward to trying the tiramisu or the sticky toffee pudding on our next visit.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of chatting with our waitress and one of the owners. What an awesome conversation we had. The owner asked us about our experience and shared the story of opening the business.

I would highly recommend that you give The Basilico a visit. The great atmosphere, amazing food and wonderful staff made this a perfect...