Basilico Italiano — Restaurant in Concord

Restaurant Week is cause for celebration! Basilico is on the list and one that I've had on my list for a good long while to try. I should tell you we didn't order off of the Restaurant Week menu while we were there, but their offerings were amazing. They just didn't have the salad and dessert I wanted. Even ordering individually, we came out just as well or better by ordering individually.

When we arrived, the place was packed. They seated us right next to the singer for the night, and I was apprehensive. I was concerned that it would be too much, I wouldn't be able to hear my partner and frankly lots of different noises at once is distracting. And it did get a tiny bit much at times, with customers coming up to sing with the singer, but this place had such a family vibe I didn't even mind, and actually enjoyed it! We all sang happy birthday to 3 different people that night, and you could see in their faces they loved it.

Our server was great! She earned her money too, because this place was full! She took our drink orders quickly and checked on us frequently. Other servers jumped in when necessary to help, too. Love that family atmosphere.

They bring you complimentary rolls with marinara sauce to begin your meal. These might have been my favorite part of the meal! They are just amazing! Warm, crusty on the outside but so tender inside. They are dusted with Parmesan cheese which makes them just a little bit salty. A perfect foil for that tangy marinara sauce.

We both had the Wedge salad. I don't know what it is about the wedge, but I love its simplicity. This was a great example of a Wedge, not too much blue cheese, plenty of bacon, very fresh. On this occasion my wedge of lettuce did have the core still in it, but I swiftly removed the offending piece and proceeded to enjoy.

Our entrees were just amazing. My Chicken Marsala was so tender and juicy! I asked for a little side of the marinara to eat my noodles with and mixed with that sweet Marsala sauce for a perfect bite! My friend had the linguine with clams and it was equally delicious!

Even though we were so stuffed we ordered the famous zeppoli. This fried dough with powdered sugar sprinkled on top comes with two dipping sauces: chocolate and caramel. It was so darn good, people were looking and pointing and the table next to us asked us what it was! I gave her one to try and she ordered one for her table, too. It was just a comforting delight.

This restaurant is high on atmosphere and fun and the food is really great, solid Italian fare. I know...

Third tries a charm? Unfortunately no. The family visited Basilico’s this evening for the third time. We attempt our best to give local establishments the benefit of the doubt as we firmly believe in and support local businesses. However Basiloco did not meet expectations nor deliver on the quality their price point would warrant at other establishments. Overall service was good and prompt. However the food quality lacked and was not what we would consider true Italian food. It’s a fine alternative to Olive Garden, but certainly not a true to roots Italian restaurant, especially for the price. I had ordered the short rib ravioli special, my wife ordered the clam linguine, and our daughter got the chicken fingers. We had an appetizer of fried calamari. I also ordered a side of the fettuccine Alfredo. While the ravioli was decent, the filling was rather bland and lacking any real flavor beyond a basic pot roast. The clam linguine was extremely salty and was sent back after a few bites, yet we were still charged for it - big customer service no-no. Our daughter’s chicken fingers were nothing more than what appeared to be store-bought/breaded chicken and the “fresh fruit” side seemed to be just a Dole fruit cup and syrup in a small bowl. We ordered the fried calamari as an appetizer and it was cooked to the point of being very rubbery. The fettuccine Alfredo had a sauce that was very heavy on the flour and not representative of a quality dish, with the pasta being over cooked.

I hope that the owner takes this review as it is intended - an ask to up their game and food quality to bring it up to level their price demands while doing Italian cuisine a true service. The atmosphere is great and the service overall good. However the food leaves a bit to be desired. There is great potential with this establishment and our hopes are that steps are taken to improve the overall quality of the food. A great family-owned Italian restaurant is a blessing and something our community would benefit from. I encourage the owner to take an audit of their food and focus on real, homemade, and high quality Italian cuisine as opposed to simply making the most cost effective meals. Quality will always drive value and patronage. Do this Italian from the northeast a solid and make food that any true Italian grandmother would be proud to serve her family, as opposed to just focusing on margins. People will see the passion, care, and quality and keep coming back for more.

Our...

Listen up, paisanos! I’ve been hunting down real deal NY-style Italian grub in Charlotte ever since I relocated two years ago. Let me tell ya, it’s been a wild ride. Many places yap about having “the best” NY-style Italian, but they wouldn’t know a good meatball if it smacked ‘em in the face. My taste buds don’t lie, so buckle up for the lowdown on Basilico Italiano.

Rolling up to this joint, the garlic aroma hit me like a subway train – bada bing, bada boom! I strut in, stomach growling, eyes bigger than my plate. First up, the famed meatballs. Holy cannoli, it’s like they’ve been pinched straight from Nona’s kitchen – tender, seasoned to perfection, not your average meat wad. Pro tip: snag a garlic knot and craft yourself a mini meatball hero. You’re welcome.

Then comes the Sunday special – lasagna so good it’ll make you weep tears of joy. We’re talking eight layers of cheesy, meaty, pasta-laden bliss. It’s like a hug from an Italian grandma you never knew you needed.

The sides? Fuhgeddaboudit! Penne with vodka sauce so creamy and flavorful, you’d think they’ve got a secret agent in Italy. And that eggplant parmigiana? It’s a symphony of crispy eggplant, gooey mozzarella, and heavenly sauce, nestled on a bed of spaghetti.

Let’s gab about the ambiance. The place is cozy, with a swanky bar smack in the middle. Sure, it’s a bit dark with those gray walls and black ceiling, but who needs sunshine when you’ve got mood lighting and a plate of pasta? And the tunes? Classic Italian-American crooners serenading you while you dine – mamma mia!

Service? Top-notch. Haley, our waitress, was on point – quick, friendly, and knew when to check in without being a nuisance. A real gem!

Now, the highlight? That lasagna and the godsent meatball. Best in Charlotte, hands down – and only available on Sundays, so mark your calendars.

I’m already plotting my next visit. They’ve got live music, catering (hello, office parties!), and leftovers that taste like a piece of heaven. If only it were closer, I’d be a regular like Tony at...