Basi Italia
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 294-7383
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Buttles Avenue
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-10pm, Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Basi Italia – by Tracy Zollinger Turner
The Scene
Located on a tiny side street in the Short North, Basi Italia is so small that it's easy to overlook. But plenty of local foodies have sniffed out the stylishly cozy spot, and it is regularly packed to its 26-diner capacity. The intimate, table-filled dining room gives every patron space for elbows and purses, but not much else. Everyone else's conversation is the soundtrack for your meal.
The Food
The cuisine is adventuresome and affordable. You get your first sense of the kitchen's willingness to experiment with fresh appetizers like prosciutto and melon, or the carpaccio of tuna. While the low cost of the grilled "ciotollo" steak draws raves, its blackened taste isn't nearly as special or interesting as the other entrees on the menu, including the rigatoni Salumerie, with a wild and surprisingly tasty tomato, raisins, fennel, sausage and pine nut sauce.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThere is little or no room to wait for a table; calling ahead for reservations is an absolute must.
User Reviews for Basi Italia
03/26/2008 Posted by search4food
If you like glorified spaghetti (ground lamb with red sauce and pasta) or steak that tastes like liver, and paying high prices, then this place is for you! There were 4 in our party, and only one person liked what they chose. He let me try the duck, and I wasn't wishing I had ordered it after I tasted it--and I love duck. My friend ordered the “steak.” She couldn't give it away, nor could she eat it. It was rare and she asked for medium. It had a very strong flavor of liver. The place is compact, so half of the restaurant gets seated by the door, and got reminded of the 20 degree weather each time the door was opened. There was no place to put my feet, except for the round table foot. Unfortunately, it was also the same and only place for my husband to put his feet. He could not move back because he was right up to the occupied chair behind him. The table rocked back and forth too. Absolutely NOT worth the money. We will not be visiting Basi-Italia again, nor would we recommend it.
Pros: lightened our wallets considerably
Cons: overpriced, overrated
01/04/2008 Posted by docproc
For starters, I should tell you that we live in Cincinnati, not Columbus--so a visit to Basi Italia involves a two-hour drive and sometimes an overnight stay. We have made that investment several times because Basi is THAT GOOD. Yes, it's small--but that's what makes it charming and unique. Owners John and Trish have created a memorable locale and dining experience. I can honestly say that we've never had a dish we didn't love--you simply can't go wrong here. The mustard-crusted trout, the boneless half chicken, the braised pork cheeks (don't let the name throw you), the to-die-for chocolate cake...the list goes on and on. We have always had excellent and helpful service and have never felt rushed. Simply put, this is our favorite restaurant.
Pros: Everything. This is our favorite restaurant.
Cons: Not a one.
Users Like You Also Viewed
Trattoria Roma
1447 Grandview Ave
Columbus, OH 43212
La Tavola
33 Beech Ridge Dr
Powell, OH 43065
