All of my previous visits have been amazing as for the food. Only once or twice have had to ask for a manager. We dealt with a young girl who stated she was the manager. Well, in my experience of being a past owner of a restaurant I have never known the help to be allowed to drink while on shift. I am very disappointed that twice my family and I have been in and for a majority of the evening the manager has sat either at the bar or with a group of people drinking. Needless to say last night they were very loud. In New York state that is an easy way to lose your liquor license. read more

Definitely a solid 4, the waitress was attentive though for a lunch service the food came out rather slowly (I wasn't in a rush, this didn't bother me). Any place that serves bread gets a gold star in my book, and it was warm and crusty! The Utica greens were delicious, I was between them and the stuffed hot cherry peppers, but when I learned that they were stuffed with eggplant, I went with the greens! I got the chicken riggies for my entree and they were good, though the sauce was a little thinner than I'm used to, and the pasta would have used another minute boiling. Note: if you like your greens and riggies spicy, make sure to emphasize that when you ask for them hot (you have the option of mild/medium/hot) we got both items hot and neither were that spicy! read more

Great service and extensive menus. I treated myself to the Hot Antipasto platter ... it was surprisingly great ! Even my platonic date who is GF navigated around the menus and found something yummy ! read more

Last minute stop for dinner. Janine makes a top notch Grey Goose La Grande Fizz. Excellent!! The Utica Greens are savory and spicy. Gorgonzola Filet was mouthwatering tender. We will be coming back with the family for sure. read more

This is a tough one to review. The night started off with circling the parking lot for a space as the place was packed. Not to worry said my friend, "I made reservations". We walk in to find several groups waiting so my friend says, "I have a reservation!" We are told that they are getting the table ready so we wait and watch all the other groups already waiting get seated and after a follow-up where we are once again told they are getting the table ready, we are seated. Our table was in the middle of an extremely noisy room! I don't recall it ever being so loud when this place was Galveston's or Fresno's so I don't know what they did but loud it was! We were served water immediately and told our server would be right over. After a bit of a wait she arrived to tell us the "specials", turns out there was only one. We ordered a bottle of wine which took some time to arrive, finally ordered and then waited, and waited for salads. After another wait, entrees arrived. Mine was called Chicken Piedmontese and was delicious as was my husband's steak. Our dining companions were not as impressed with the Chicken Battista (chicken w/ Utica greens) or the Haddock Marinara. For my food, I would have given 3 starts bordering on 4 as it was really good but the rest of the experience was so "meh" that I can't even give them a "3". Not sure how long they have been at this location but it certainly seems like there are a lot of kinks to be worked out. read more

Very underwhelming. I had heard such good things about this place from people whom I respect so I was looking forward to a good lunch. My first impression was of a dull, gloomy, long cave. Where we were seated, the leather bench was torn badly and repaired carelessly and inadequately with tape. It looked as though they simply couldn't be bothered, plus it's unhygienic to have a gaping opening. A real health hazard. Salad and soup I could have made myself. Boring and bland. Generic. My Carbonara was super salty to the point of ineditability with what looked more like ham then bacon and far too much of it. The actual pasta was nice but I just couldn't get past the salt. The Penne Marinara had a weak, thin, bland sauce, not seasoned at all. All in all, a very disappointing experience. Yet another hope for a real Italian restaurant bites the dust! When are we going to get some authenticity here in CNY in stead of these quasi Italian places? Anyone can throw pasta in a pan. I want something authentically Italian that I can't do. The search continues. Music also too loud. read more

Our first time here with friends. We were impressed. We had reservations for 5:00 and were seated promptly. Jessica was taking care of us and she was great. The best Utica Greens I have ever had, not too wet or mushy. It was excellent! Food was fresh, came out on time and we loved it all! We had Calamari, rigatoni with vodka sauce, baked eggplant, 14oz strip steak, Caesar shrimp salad. It was all excellent and we will be back. read more

I have been to Basil Leaf twice and my experience for both times was great! I had the rigatoni with vodka sauce and it was delicious. Portions are enormous but who could complain about that? The server we had the second time was fast and very friendly. She even treated us with tiramisu which was extremely nice of her. The bill came out to be around $35 which is not very expensive at all for dinner for two. Overall, my experience was wonderful and I will more than likely come back again. The restaurant had such an elegant atmosphere so I would definitely recommend this place to have a nice dinner. read more

We arrived at 6:00pm to find out that one of the guys who answered the phone to take our reservation had forgotten to write it in the book after he wrote it on separate piece of paper. So once the name was spoken her remembered the call and quickly wrote it in the book. When we finally got seated we had drinks at the table and had bread, and then we ordered dinner. And we waited and hour goes by still no dinner. Salad comes 1/2 hr goes by finally 2 of the 5 dinners come out. Then we wait some more for the rest 2 more come out then finally the last meal. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and asked if they could add chicken. They did but it wasn't even a whole breast and the pasta amount was very small for the price of $18. Though the taste was very good. I ordered a long Island Iced tea as a drink and when we got the check I was charged $16 for that one drink. Wow! I have never paid that much for a drink before and I never will again! With this type of pricing and horribly slow service, I won't be coming back ever again. read more

Basil Leaf Ristorante - The small amount of chicken and noodles for $18.00 - Italian Near Me - Mattydale, New York

My husband went with some business colleagues recently and said he had a good experience, so we decided to try them again, for lunch. The food was spectacular this time (the Caprese salad was the best I've ever had anywhere), and the waitress was terrific. I rescind my previous review completely. I can't wait to go back. read more

I hope their food is good because their service isn't. Ordered take out. Asked for 2 Caesar salads. Said they don't have them. Said I could get Caesar dressing if I wanted. Forgot to tell me that was $5 extra. While waiting, tried twice to pay. Told each time it would be a few seconds. Gave up. Told the order would take 30 minutes. It took 58 minutes. Just annoyed. read more

A four star is generous. Food is good but just a step up from average. The ambience however is cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Service was average. Read several reviews of slow service. My experience has been average rate of speed for this style of establishment. read more

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I ordered the Chicken Battista, which is basically breaded chicken topped with utica greens. I phoned in and went to pick up the order. The girl on the phone told me that it'll be ready in 30 mins, and went there right on the dot at 30 mins. From there the experience went downhill. Walked in, told the hostess I'm picking up an order, told me to head straight to the bar, and no one was there, stand there for good 5 to 10 mins before anyone acknowledge me, granted there were multiple waitresses passed by me. After I finally get to talk to a waitress, she told me that the order is almost ready. I mean, how long does it take to make breaded chicken with utica greens? From the time I called in to the waitress acknowledging me, that's 40 mins already. Waited for another 5 mins for them to bring out my order. Now the food, I've had utica greens in a few different places, and this is probably my worst experience. It's extremely salty, and I asked for medium heat/spiciness level, and it had no heat at all. I would have given this a 1 star review if it wasn't for the batter on the chicken was actually pretty decent. I might still consider to make a trip there with some of my co-workers who think this place is okay. After all, everyone deserves a 2nd chance. read more

Was trying to go to the Clam Bar that we found on Yelp with great reviews but instead happened onto this patio. The waitress Kat was super nice and welcoming so we decided to eat here instead...I really wish we hadn't. So, the reason for the 1 star is how the manager and owner dealt with a major screw up on their end. I ordered the Romano Shrimp & Scallop with gluten free pasta. Here is the screw up. They didn't add butter, garlic and/or sun-dried tomatoes. Instead they sent out my plate just tasting like spent pasta water. The bartender even could see the he watered down crap that was in the bottom of my bowl. It was literally the worst tasting pasta I've had in my life and that is including top ramen. Then, the manager came out and said that I screwed up by not telling them how to make my pasta sauce gluten free. She said they left out butter, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. The shrimp was also over cooked and I never got my Romano cheese, even after pointing it out. The manager attitude towards the situation was short sighted & it sounded like she was taking direction from the owner who wouldn't come out himself knowing that he made this gross concoction of pasta water and over cooked shrimp..I can't say I blame him. He's a crappy cook and a short sighted restaurant owner that let someone pay $19 for his mistake... read more

I went here for lunch with 6 others and I thought it was a nice place. The staff were all nice and very attentive. The portions were pretty large for lunch and everyone enjoyed their meals. I'm not really sure why previous reviews were so negative because we all really enjoyed it. read more

Basil Leaf Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Mattydale, New York

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First time at this restaurant- it was fantastic/ my husband said he thought the Chicken Riggies were the best he'd had- and we are from Utica where they originated! I had the Veal Piedmontese- the best I've found since having it the first time in Utica 30 years ago- hard to find on most menu's. Service was great- our waitress was fun. I see they also have Utica greens- glad Syracuse gets a taste of our local foods -I think the review I saw from 7 years ago should be removed because it was not true now! I highly recommend and will share it with my friends coming to Syracuse in the fall! read more

I had wanted to try this place for a while and finally got there. Sorry to say seriously underwhelmed. Everything took forever - from drinks to soup to entrees. They were busy but not packed. The chicken pastina soup was well flavored but not what one would expect. Mostly broth and vegetables with very little chicken or pasta. We got our dinner an hour and a half after we arrived. And it was ok, not great. The veal dish I ordered had way too much prosciutto and was therefore very salty. I couldn't even taste the veal through all the salt and garlic. The best part of the meal was the crusty bread. And that's great because we needed something to eat during the wait for our meals. I don't feel the need to return here. read more

My husband and I tried this place about two months ago. The food is decent, but the service and atmosphere were not all that great. As an interracial couple we felt stared at and did not get the same attention as the other clients around us. Two days ago, we went there by accident (we planned on going to the neighbor and somehow entered their patio...) and felt the same exact way. Good wine, and decent food but service really underwhelming. The staff made us feel unwelcome a second time... read more

This is a nice place to get a semi-fancy dinner. I ordered the cheese ravioli after we split calamari. It was good. The thing that got me though was the expense of the meal. But our waitress was amazing and super accommodating. I'll be back I'm sure, it was worth the visit. read more

My first visit!! Amazing experience!! Filet Gorgonzola worth every penny!! Service at the bar is amazing!! Very friendly people. Spoke with the Chef and he is very pleasant! I will be back when I'm back in Syracuse!! read more

Basil Leaf Ristorante - Filet Gorgonzola!! Amazing!! - Italian Near Me - Mattydale, New York

We went back this Friday night for another shot! There was only one bartender working the outside bar and she was excellent and very attentive! read more

This was one of the worst " Italian " restaurants I've ever been to. I went there a few years back and ordered the fettuccine Alfredo. It was soupy and the noodles were over cooked. I don't know weather to recommend it as I haven't been there in a few years. read more

Enjoyed a wonderful Birthday dinner there...Food and service were excellent. One of the best Italian restaurants in town! read more

Basil Leaf Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Mattydale, New York

Sat inside on a hot Saturday evening. Incredibly poor service started when the bartender (?owner) was too busy texting with her back to me to take my drink order. That really set the tone for our experience. Wait staff service was slow - perhaps understaffed? Bread served was less than ordinary. I'd expect more from an Italian restaurant, and olive oil would've been a welcome addition. Food was very good otherwise. Had mussels and a seafood with pasta. Also meatballs. Of note, went to outside bar after dinner and service was wonderful. Good food or not, I'm in no hurry to go back. read more

Every time I've been here, the service has been absolutely terrible. The food isn't good enough to even make up for the rudeness and lack of attention. Will not be returning here and will discourage all I know from coming here. read more

The food was so BLAND. They claim everything is homemade, but when I went to order the cheese ravioli they informed me they were out of at least three homemade dishes, including the ravioli. I ended up getting the Manicotti which had NO flavor, and was so mushy and gross that I barely ate it. Four out of the six people at our table were completely dissatisfied with their meals, and it took an hour and a half for our food to come. After our salads, we didn't see our waitress for roughly 30 minutes, and when she did come, I tried to order a beer, and she walked away from the table, and then got upset at ME when I had to raise my voice for a beer I had been waiting 30 minutes for. The only bright spots were the dessert and the appetizers, as well as the prices. If you want a bland meal, poor service and a long wait, then this is the place for you. read more

Great quiet dinner on NYE. We started with the fried Calamari. It was lightly breaded with a nice marinara sauce, plenty for 2-3 to share. The chicken pastina soup was full of chicken, veggies, and pastina, almost a meal in itself. They did serve me veal parm instead of chicken parmesan and I don't eat veal, but with the tasty sauce on it I couldn't really tell. Ate some of it before the waitress came around for me to ask. She had ordered the chicken but they gave her the veal. I'm picky about eating sauce that I don't make, but the sauce here is very good. The manager promptly removed my dinner from our check. Very nice and classy of them. The food is very good, so I'm not sure why the rating is not four or more stars, but recommend you give it a try. read more

Too pricey for the fare. I like the calamari usually, but this last time at lunch it was chewy and overdone. They sat us next to a baby shower (15 minutes after opening on a Saturday and it was right next to the pos system and entrance to the kitchen, so naturally we heard all of the waitresses conversations, etc. Professionalism leaves something to be desired, especially at the prices you are paying. Canales on 57 is cheaper and better in my opinion. The good: Tortellini Carbonara is a heart attack on a cheesy plate and is delicious. We'll be back, but not very often. read more

Just enjoyed a nice lunch. My haddock was one of the best I have had as was the chicken francese. Our waitress brought me a fresh cup of coffee not pouring the new on top of the old. A delightful experience. read more

This restaurant was terrible. Kitchen was unwilling to make any substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions. Even easy suggestions such as using different sauces on the pasta dishes. As a vegetarian there are absolutely no options for an Entry. Much better options in the city to enjoy a meal. read more

Overpriced, don't get your moneys worth. Still hungry after we left, spent $100. Chicken parm barely had any chicken. Clam dinner had nothing in it. Do not recommend. Raised price on steaks without telling us, not on menu. read more

Been eating here for years... even at their old location on Main St in the village. Never had a bad meal or service. The shimp scampi is to die for! Weekends can be busy - so make a reservation! read more

We had a party of 10 and half of us enjoyed the food. There was a fan above our table that was so fast that it moved the placemats on the table. We asked several times to turn it down or off but were ignored. Went to use the restroom and both had an out of order sign on the door. Had to go across the street in order to go to the bathroom. When we walked across the parking lot the owner was peeing by his truck. Service was awful. Wind from the fan cooled our food down by time everyone got theirs to eat. Out of beer on tap. read more

Absolutely awful service. First time experience and we were very disappointed. Bathrooms were out of order and had to go across the street to go the bathroom. read more

So disappointed in my service tonight. Placed a to go order at 5:54 tonight and was told 40-45 minutes. Arrived to the restaurant at 6:40 and instantly knew something was wrong with my order. The bartender asked me while I was sitting 15 feet away if I was picking up lasagna. I said no I ordered 2 Riggies and 2 Chicken Piedmontese. I was told it would be 10 minutes. After 20 minutes of waiting a woman came over and apologized and said the cook was behind on Togo orders. She offered a dessert. I told her it was my daughters birthday and I had family home waiting. While I sat there for a half hour not one person picked up a Togo order. Only one person came in to be seated. A half hour later I get my food, paid my 82 dollars and left. I get a slice of cheesecake to compensate them making a mistake. On my daughters birthday!!!! So disappointed. It took over an HOUR from when I placed my hour! No money off my bill...a free slice of cheesecake. I will NEVER go back there again. Horrible service. read more

Up here for vacation, met Rudy the owner an an Italian Bakery and told us about his place. It was the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Everyone needs to stop in for dinner and drinks. read more

The service started out good, but then the server went MIA. The person filling our water was very attentive and he boxed up our dinners when we were done. We then waited half an hour for the server to bring us our check and was told to take our time, we didn't want to take our time because we had been waiting for so long already. Finally, after another 15 minutes she came back with our card. The food was mediocre at best, they seem to have one flavor, garlic, it was overkill.The kitchen staff kept coming out to flirt with the bartenders, maybe that was why the meals took so long to come out? Won't be going back. read more

This is the perfect place for a family night out, if you don't like your family very much. Our night of culinary mediocrity began with the house calamari. What these latex rings lacked in flavor, they made up for in disappointment. Perhaps, they were honoring their neighbor, Midas tires, with this appetizer. To cleanse our pallet we ordered coffee, conveniently their machine was incapacitated...by what? I'm not sure. My boyfriend ordered the tortellini carbonara, the flavor of the dish told a story. The main characters were a carton of heavy cream and iodized salt. I ordered the linguine with clam sauce. I'm afraid that was a misprint on the menu, what I received was butter soup topped with spaghetti and clams in their shell. On a positive note the serving sizes were impressive, resemblant of something you would bring to a family reunion pot-luck. At upwards of 20 dollars a dish, that may be a good way to get your money's worth with all the leftovers you will take home. To conclude with a positive, the servers seemed to be chipper and attentive. read more

Basil Leaf Ristorante - Linguine with clam sauce - Italian Near Me - Mattydale, New York

Visited a friend who recommended the Basil Leaf - so glad she did! Had a fantastic tomato mozzarella appetizer that was so fresh and yummy. Interesting pasta fagioli soup, chicken broth based but very tasty. Hubs had Tortellini Carbonara, I had Veal Rollatini and friend had Seafood Linguini - all were just delicious! Service was great, friendly and efficient. Highly recommend, hope we get to visit again someday! read more

I went with a party of 5. We were seated a 4 with an awkward 5 seat. We ordered app. They were good. About 40 min later, we were told that the kitchen wasn't allowing the waitress to make salads but as soon as they were allowing that we would get our salad. (My pet peeve is employees telling customers their problems). Salads came out, nothing that needed all the drama. Another 20 minutes, 2 entrees came out and then another 10 minutes the remaining 3. (The original 2 were cold by then) No sides came out. The food was good. When we asked for our sides, they came out. It turned out to be a much longer evening so no dessert. It's a shame the kitchen and the staff can't get along because the food is good, but it's not worth a 2 hour meal. read more