Basque Norte — Restaurant in Chico

Basque Notre's marinade (which can be found in basically any grocery store) is decent and is what they are known for. I discovered they were a local chico restaurant and have wanted to try them for many years. Finally got around to doing so.

I like the concept of service style and the service staff was friendly and helpful. Each person orders their own entree. Steaks are decent and were cooked fine. All sides are served family style, which is great. I enjoy a good family style service.

The sides however, were very disappointing. You start with the most acidic "tomato soup", which has no other flavor than tomato puree. As well as a very basic romain lettuce salad with house dressing. You can have it refilled as much as you want from what I recall. But the initial bowl is basically a 1 or 2 person side salad size. The beans they make are extremely bland and the potatoes are also devoid of flavor and if I remember correctly, they are steamed. The green beans they serve are classic cut frozen green beans. Nothing wrong with frozen green beans and steamed potatoes. I just don't expect them on a $40-50 plate. How about some hericot verts green beans at least.

The one positive I can say, was the bartender did make great drinks. So keep that guy going.

Over all this place was disappointing. Food is very overpriced for what you are getting. Very under seasoned. I expected much higher quality ingredients for the plate cost charged.

Go to 5th Street if you want a good steak. Much better quality with a similar...

My friends have asked me, "Why haven't you reviewed Basque Norte?" I tell them the same thing... "Why continue to detail perfection?" It's now time. After suffering through 2 bouts of COVID19, I NEEDED an outstanding meal to get my taste buds back on track. Date night and reservations for 2. My wife started off with a Sangria, and I ordered an Old Fashioned (best in town) then made our way to the menu to choose our entree. 1st course was the Tomato & Garlic Bisque, which was sheer perfection and full of tomato puree and garlic chunks. 2nd course was the salad, pasta, and beans... ALL perfectly prepared and full of flavor, especially the beans which included spicy sausage. The pasta had plenty of butter and seasoning to ensure nothing went home. 3rd course consisted of the seasoned green beans and potatoes. We did ask for a second round of the green beans, as they were THAT GOOD. Main Course was next. My wife ordered the Ribeye (rare), and I ordered the Lamb Chops (rare). To even speak ill of the preparation/seasonings/ and cooking would be blasphemy. Fresh garlic butter was piled on my chops, and Her steak was prepared better than just about ANY steakhouse in Chico can provide. This is THE place to take a date, your spouse, or a party just for the Tapas. Pricey... but SO worth it!! There's not enough high praise to give this restaurant, the servers, bartenders, or owner. Just eat here once for the truth!! Did I forget the free small bowl of ice cream? Enjoy......

I was really excited to try this place but unfortunately was super disappointed by the food, which is not cheap due to their courses style. To be clear, the restaurant itself was fine and the service was excellent. I’m not sure if it was just an off day for the chef since it has so many good reviews or if it’s just not my taste.

Course 1: garlic tomato soup: I love garlic and I love tomato soups, but both me and my date found this inedible. I thought maybe would be better with bread, it wasn’t.

Course 2: salad, fava beans and angel hair pasta with (I think) garlic oil on it: salad dressing wasn’t great, but this is probably what I ate the most of. Beans were fine, but I don’t usually just eat beans by itself. The pasta was overcooked and since it was just in a light oil had no flavor.

Main course: we both got chicken piccata, the chicken was overcooked (better over than under at least) but had decent flavor. This course comes with red potato’s and green beans- which I didn’t try after the first couple courses.

Complimentary vanilla ice cream- small portion, good ice cream, this was the highlight of the meal for sure.

Overall I’m not sure I would go back to try again, but would like to reiterate the service and atmosphere was excellent and with as many good reviews as they have, it could’ve just been an...