BASIL Restaurant & Be High lounge — Restaurant in Ko Pha Ngan

Koh Phangan has a way of attracting great talents and this restaurant exemplifies the kind of excellence you can find on the island. Based on the restaurant's name, I was expecting Italian or Thai food when I walked in. I was pleasantly surprised to find Eastern European fare on the menu. Everything, starting with the exquisite food and cool vibe and ending with the very entertaining owner, is pure magic here!

This is the kind of establishment where you will be treated like family. Not only will they make sure you are well fed, but you'll be amused with sparkling humor and sleight of hand service that seems like a magic trick. Speaking of which, real wizardry takes place in the kitchen. I've never had borsht as good as my mother's or dared to try Ukrainian salo. Not only was this borscht the perfect taste of home, I couldn't believe the quality of the mouth-watering strips of perfectly seasoned fatback. It made me wish I'd tried it years ago, but I doubt it would have been as elevated as the dish I had here.

Basil is worth the trip from wherever you're staying...

I had been looking forward to my first visit here. The social media ads are good. The photos are good, but... I was the only customer yet I was not even greeted with a hello by the lone waitress,I'm unsure if someone in her family had died or this was just her usual demeanor she was on the phone all the time. A bald bloke was there, but he ignored me. The beer was far from cold. I had to go to the miserable girl for any service. The food was very disappointing. I felt unwelcome. I didn't finish either, dish, not that the waitress asked if I'd like it. Massive disappointment As a chef and restratuer I can honestly say it's my worst experience on kopanghan and I...

We went there for lunch, finally!!! And we did not make a mistake!!! :)) food is suuuuuper yummy... We had the octopus, tuna tartar and langostins and mango salad and some pickles... Soooo nice all of them!!! Tasted great and super healthy!!

Also met Marina and her husband who made sure we felt super welcomed!! Told us the story of the restaurant and they just opened it... As in only very few months running!!

I can see they will be successful with the food, and the service they offer!...