Best Italian Restaurant in Lawrence

Seth Smiley

This was my second trip here. The food is pretty good. I had the tortellini ala vodka and a Caesar salad. Both were done very well. I also had a pineapple Italian cream soda but I wasn't super fond of that. It's a little pricey imo for the caliber of the food they serve. All in all it's a decent place to dine. Be ... advised that it's best to have a reservation on Friday and Saturday nights as it can get pretty busy. Read More

Ben

Our server Grace was awesome! She was so kind and charismatic. I got the grilled cheese, crab cakes, cinnamon Italian cream soda, and cajun penne. They were so tasty and the atmosphere was alive.

John Peter Furst

I was visiting Kansas from Georgia for both business and pleasure last week. I decided to take my folks out for dinner at the Basil Leaf as I had never been to their new location before. The experience was phenomenal. I had the tortellini carbonara with a very nice Chardonnay, along with meatballs as an appetizer, ... and tiramisu for dessert. The whole meal was absolutely delicious (of course, I couldn't finish it, but I had glorious leftovers for the next day). However, we also had the utmost pleasure to be served by the lovely and charming lady named Autumn. She was personable, she was fun, she was witty, she was very knowledgeable and had some great suggestions for both cuisine and beverage, and honestly she was the one who really made the experience grand. We have always loved the food at this place, and we have eaten at the Basil Leaf since its gas station days. But this experience was probably one of the best, and I believe that Autumn made it that way. I am very impressed with her, and I was very blessed with her. I hope that when I return to Kansas again and decide to come back to the Basil Leaf, I have the privilege of working with her again. And hopefully by that point she will have either a substantial raise or she will own the place. Thank you very much, Autumn, and God bless you! Read More

Dana Nelson

Never have any complaints when I come here. Food is rich and yummy without being too pretentious. Quiet atmosphere and attentive staff. I live in Johnson Viunty and it’s worth the drive to have something that’s not a chain.