Le Basilic Addis — Restaurant in Addis Ababa

Disappointing Experience – Poor Communication and Billing Confusion

I placed an order over the phone and mentioned I would call back shortly to confirm an additional dish. On my second call, I spoke with a different staff member who said she’d add the item and send the bill and payment details in advance, since I was arranging my own rider (as theirs was unavailable).

After about 10 minutes with no update, I tried calling again but realised the restaurant’s phone was on 'Do Not Disturb'—calls wouldn’t go through. When they finally called to say the food was ready, I again requested the bill, which came higher than expected.

Despite several more attempts, I couldn’t reach anyone by phone. My rider attempted to speak to the staff in person but was passed around without resolution. When I eventually reached the initial staff member again, she responded in an accusatory tone, insisting I had duplicated my order and needed to pay for it. After some back and forth, she agreed to correct the bill; but 20 minutes later, I still hadn’t received the amended version, and the phone remained unreachable.

This was a frustrating and unprofessional experience. I hope the management addresses the communication and billing issues to improve...

Le Basilic is this little Italian restaurant somewhere behind Dreamliner Hotel. They have a starter that is a salad with a cheese that has no name ... an invention by the owner. This soft white cheese of no name is part mozzarella, part camembert, part cream, and just so delicious. It paired beautifully with the arugula and cherry tomato salad and focacia bread. This no-name cheese is simply inspired! It made the dining experience worthwhile. The pizza was really Italian; that puffy, bloated thin crust, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. The lasagna was good but not wow. It had a certain sweet herb (anise perhaps) that didn't belong. I prefer my savory to be savory, not sweet. The pasta bolognese was too al dente, too salty, too acidic ... a bit of cream would have balanced it. Next time, will...

Le Basilic. Italian heaven, basically. Their pasta? Oh. Their pesto? Ohhh. It’s so good it doesn’t even feel legal. Their pizza? Perfection. Their prosciutto? Another level entirely. Burrata? Honestly, life-changing. I could eat here every day until I die and never get tired of it. Everything just hits.

They’ve got this little ice cream shop next door, too. Most of it is just okay, but their pistachio ice cream? Unreal. There’s also this lime or lemon flavor can’t tell which, don’t care, it’s amazing either way.

Take your girlfriend. Take your wife (separately, obviously). Just… don’t bring too many people. I’m trying to keep this place from getting too crowded, but it’s so good I have to at least...