Osteria Basilico — Restaurant in London

I've been here last night with my girlfriend and friend Of mine, I've never felt so not welcoming in a place like they made us feel. We order starter first, which was brought to us after a while and the table wasn't even set up. Then we order a "Fiorentina", that's how they call it but not what it is and what you pay for. So I'm from Tuscany and clearly know what looks and taste like, so I spoke with the waiter that probably was the only honest person who take the responsibility to tell us the truth that obviously it wasn't a proper one, but it's a Scottish meat. Then we asked to talk to the Manager because the price is insanely high (50£) for the quality of that meat. So when she came kept telling and arguing with us that was a real Fiorentina, not knowing that the waiter already told us the truth and in front of everyone she made us feel that we were crazy, she didn't apologise or anything at all instead in the rudest way she said "I can't do nothing for you guys" and seemed also bothered. After all, possibly mad at him, she's gone straight to the waiter, who thank god was the only honest with us, and on customers watching blamed him to being clear. Guys I've never seen something like that. This place doesn't make a proper Italian food not all on the Menu at least. As returning customers I can say that they don't care about it, the are NOT welcoming and the management is absolutely the worse in this area. Train your managers to take the responsibility, to face customers and treat them with...

It’s been over a decade since I last stepped through the doors of Osteria Basilica. I’m grateful it’s still here, just as it was. The atmosphere is undeniable. The Italian owner, short and smartly dressed, stands by the kitchen entrance, barking commands at his servers, bartenders, and cooks every thirty seconds, like a ship’s captain whose crew is always adjusting the rigging.

Once I tune him out, the sounds of West London take over—chatter, laughter, the clinking of glasses. Every table is packed, people leaning in close, a glass of Chianti in hand or a forkful of food suspended in the air. The place has a worn warmth, the tables, doors, and walls all marked by time. On warm nights, the windows are open and the tables along Kensington Park Road are full. Occasionally, the faint whiff of a cigarette drifts by, nostalgic rather than offensive.

The menu—white paper tucked in a plastic binder—looks thrown together in a rush. It’s not fancy, but there’s plenty to choose from. The food, true to the name Osteria Basilica, which means wine and simple food near the church, is basic but comforting, like something Grandma might make, not the slick plates you'd get from Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay. But that’s the charm. This is the place for a family meal, a down-to-earth date, or an evening with friends. It’s not trying to be...

Sadly after many years of coming here (15) it’s time to say good bye. The manager (Gustavo) is very rude (always has been but now is exceptionally rude) despite knowing us for many years he looked like he wanted to hit me because I asked if we could sit outside. We did in the end.

He looks at customers like they are scum. Never seen a manager destroying value in this way.

Onto the food. The tuna tartare was off. They replaced it with something else. The food was very late. No apology.

The pizza very good. But service so bad you don’t enjoy it.

This place needs to be bought out and replaced with welcoming people and top food. They represent the worst of Italy in terms of service and smile. If you put this place in any other part of london it would epically fail. Its location is why they are always booked.

I would avoid this place until management are changed and the waiters all removed with kind welcoming staff. Anyone looking to own and build a top restaurant I suggest you make an offer and put these people out of their misery and create something special. If you don’t I will. Location...