Sweet Basil Bistro — Restaurant in Big Bear Lake

My fiancé and I recently traveled to Big Bear specifically to check out this charming little Italian restaurant, and it has quickly become one of our favorites! From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the stage for a delightful dining experience. The owner, Allison, is a true gem, radiating passion for her craft and making every guest feel like part of the family.

The standout aspect of this eatery has to be the exceptional customer service. Ryan and Megan are fantastic servers who provide attentive, friendly service while ensuring you feel welcome and cared for. They’re always ready to recommend dishes and make great conversation, enhancing the overall experience.

Now, let's talk about the food! The pasta dishes at this spot are nothing short of amazing. Each dish is made with fresh ingredients, and you can truly taste the love and dedication in every bite. Whether you're opting for their rich, flavorful marinara or the creamy Alfredo, each pasta dish is a work of art.

But it doesn’t stop there! If you’re looking for a cozy drink to complement your meal, you must try their house mix for a hot toddy. It’s phenomenal! Perfectly balanced and warming, it is the ideal way to unwind after a long day.

This hidden gem offers not only amazing food but also an exceptional dining experience. Our delightful visit was well worth the trip to Big Bear, and I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Allison's restaurant for a taste of Italy that will leave you craving more. You won’t be...

This is a 100 out of 10 on everything! A home run! This is my first time eating at Sweet Basil Bistro and all I can say is "AMAZING!" From the minute you walk in you are made to feel at home. The service is perfect in every way. It's like you are family and made to feel welcome. Then the food comes, WOW!It's heaven on earth. The chicken Alfredo is homemade and the best in the world and I've eaten it in 27 different countries so that says a lot. They have the best choice of wine. The whites are terrific my favorite is their house, Merlo. Bread is fresh, all you can eat. The owner is the most amazing person I've ever met! She knows how to make you feel welcome. The hostess, chef, waiter, and staff are fantastic. Big Bear has many places to eat but Sweet Basil Bistro is hands down the best on this mountain by far. They do take walk-ins if it's not busy but I recommend making a reservation because it's popular for a reason. Call ahead for sure. Make sure you order dessert, because that menu is to die for! Chocolate mouse cake, Gelato, so many choices, but I loved the terramasue. It's mostly Italian but has a great seafood menu and more. Lunch, dinner, dessert, wine, and more. A wonderful atmosphere. A family place but very romantic also. A great place for a first date, engagement, reception, birthdays, and more. Thank you, Ali and the staff at Sweet Basil Bistro for making my birthday the best...

(I had never been to this, the original Sweet Basil bistro but I have visited the old owners Sweet Basil bistro in Palm desert a handful of times and it's never disappointed.) ....Now on to the Sweet Basil bistro, Big Bear lake. We made a reservation as it was Sunday night on Labor Day weekend. The service was excellent and the atmosphere is cozy and charming. The cocktails were good but nothing that would stand out. 4 stars. The food however left much to be desired. The calamari appetizer we ordered was probably the worst I've ever had and it was approximately 4 to 1 breading to squid ratio and over cooked. It was borderline inedible and my wife who loves calamari took one bite and bowed out. 1 star for the calamari. The salads served around us were beautiful so we ordered a large Caesar. Our salad was disappointing in presentation and quality and I give it 3 1/2 stars. Perhaps could be blamed on someone trying to help in the kitchen. Our lobster ravioli arrived with the cheese so burnt and crisp you couldn't cut it with a fork but the sauce and flavor and ingredients were quite tasty. I give it 3 1/2 Stars. It was quite busy and maybe they were overwhelmed or perhaps their principal chef was ill or out of town. To be fair we will give it another go on a less busy weekend in Big Bear and provide an updated...