Basil and Co Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in Canterbury

Took a stroll along the sea front before deciding on finding somewhere to have Sunday lunch. Walked the length of the high street before deciding to eat at Basil & Co. Lovely looking restaurant with a small yet delightful looking menu. We were pleasantly greeted and a table found for us. We hadn’t made a reservation, but would do in future since it did end up being quite busy. The staff were very polite and attentive. The specials were explained and drinks promptly brought over. They have a nice little selection of wine. The Chianti was particularly good. We opted for a starter from the specials menu and the rib eye Sunday roast. The pork wellington starter was delicious as were the three musketeers (selection of bread with varying toppings). We felt the bread starter was a little on the large side. I’d have been happy with half the portion, but we understand everybody’s appetite is different. The pork wellington was delicious with a sort of ratatouille accompaniment. The Sunday lunch was one of the best we’ve had at a restaurant in a very long time. Everything on the plate was cooked to perfection. The carrots were delicious, the broccoli was nice and tender, with the right amount of bite and the asparagus was absolutely delicious. The parsnip felt like a delicious treat, too. There was just the right amount of everything. Gravy was to die for and of course the potatoes were beautifully cooked. The only thing I can possibly complain about was that the rib eye was a steak and not from a rib roast. Because of this I would probably have the Pork Belly next time. I prefer to have thin slices of a roasting joint of beef with my Sunday lunch. It felt like too much meat on the plate. That said, the meat was cooked to perfection. We were so full we couldn’t manage dessert, but I have no doubt they would have been as delicious. We’ll definitely be revisiting in the near future. Thank you to the staff and chef for a lovely Sunday...

As we only live around the corner we were so excited when an Italian bistro opened. Nowadays "Italian" syle eaterys aren't hard to find but Basil & Co is the real authentic deal. The pasta dishes here are the best I've experienced in the UK in terms of freshness/flavour and varied selection and easily have all the magic of anything I've had in Italy. Lofty praise you're thinking as you raise a sceptical eyebrow but trust me, every time it's a shining example of how amazing pasta can and should be. The breakfasts are fantastic and there's everything from coffee and pastries to never greasy cooked options if you're hankering for something more substantial. My other half is a celiac (allergic to gluten) and they always have just as brilliant options for her where she doesn't feel like she's having to compromise....including bread and pasta! If you're a veggie or vegan don't worry, they got you too. The chef Sammy is an artist and his food exhibits all the passion and love that you're told goes into Italian food. Don't even get me started on the lemon drizzle cake....oooff! The atmosphere is always chill and never pretentious and despite being intimate in size, you're never rushed out the door to make way for the next hungry foodie. The service from Hannah is always spot on and nothing is too much trouble. You're always presented with a smile and if you fancy it, a friendly chat. Basil & Co is a welcome shining example of how great a small independent eatery can be and they're leading the charge of the culinary change that is happening in Herne Bay. Now excuse me while I go nurse this food baby rubs...

Woah, what an absolute delight. I had never heard of it as I live the other side of Kent but some friend suggested it for lunch and I was happy to try it.

It's a really small restaurant so we had to book, but it was pretty empty on Friday afternoon. The waiter/chef/owner gave us a lovely welcome and made us comfortable.

The menu had plenty of variety, and though there were lots of recognisable dishes but everything read with its own unique twist and sounded delicious. I went for the croque monsieur and chips. He asked if I wanted bolognese on the chips (which wasn't a menu option) and I immediately said yes. My friend also couldnt quite decide, and he was again happy to tailor the dish to her liking. He also explained a few dishes (which the menu also did a very good job at) and was just really nice, and supportive without being in your face.

The food came out and it looked fab. We loved every bite and I can't belive they made such a good job of what is essentially a ham and cheese toastie! The owner was always on hand, but never lurking or pestering, he just made for a nice, casual environment.

After a lovely meal he offered the dessert menu which changes weekly. I am not a dessert sort of guy buy I got one as everyone else was having one. I forgot what it was called as soon as he said it, but it was a type of icecream with a gooey centre. It was bloody perfect. I have never raved about (fancy) ice cream before but it deserves a special sort of praise I have now promised to take my partner there ASAP as it is worth every single penny. Well...