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The Basin Reviews List
The Basin
Fresh, delicious, and innovative American cuisine in a hip and comfortable setting. The Basin serves modern American fare utilizing farm-raised, hand picked fresh produce, international cheeses, and dry-aged meats. The wine list is as dynamic as it is diverse, including numerous selections from the Santa Cruz Mountains, rare French vintages and hard to find wines from around the globe. A full bar with over twenty signature martinis. In addition to the elegant main dining room, The Basin offers outdoor dining under a magnificent oak tree and a state of the art private dining room - the ideal setting for a business meeting, a presentation, or your next celebration! Dinner nightly from 5:00pm.
See more The Basin details
117 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 117 reviews
5 stars
(62)
4 stars
(41)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(73)
- fit for foodies(64)
- special occasion(54)
- romantic(37)
- notable wine list(32)
- great for outdoor dining(29)
The Basin Reviews List
Review 1 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always a great meal , great drinks and great service!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We Love the Basin! We like to go there yearly for our wedding anniversary. The menu and the food are Fantastic!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Welcome surprise
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I picked this place from the list on Open Table for a casual dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday. It more than met our expectations! First we were late due to traffic. I phoned and was cheerfully advised that our table would be waiting and not to rush. When we arrived we were immediately seated and attended to. While the menu was not large the service was friendly and prompt, the cuisine innovative and beautifully plated as well as delicious; our fish was cooked perfectly. We had brought our own bottle of champaigne so did not look at the wine list, nor at the dessert offerings. As we were enjoying coffee the waitress surprised us by presenting my friend with a dessert gratis! A spoonful each for the three of us. Just right!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First Time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Been meaning to go to The Basin for years and finally did for Mothers Day. The food was very good. The Paella was very tasty and the sea bass cooked to perfection. We order an appetizer "Spain something (?)" that turned out ot be the highlight. It caontained three types of aged meats, several types of olives, almonds and "Majone (sp?)" cheese that was excellent. Service was good, water glass continually filled and waiter was quite attentive. We'll be back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Basin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for fine dining and drinks. Andrew, the owner makes you feel like you are family."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Amazing service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great dinner at The Basin - the food was really good, but it was the service that made our experience exceptional. From the moment we walked in, and were warmly greeted, to most amazing waiter that helped us select food and wine, to the last moment when we were leaving, we felt special. Thank you!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic
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Review 7 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always very good food and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always very good food and service at The Basin. Fun, energetic atmosphere. The bartenders were great and the owner always makes you feel special."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A gem of a place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a great meal. Chris, our server, was so helpful. He split the mushroom entree into two appetizers. Delicious! Sat on the patio because the dining room was a little too loud. I will be back."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been going to The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been going to The Basin for over ten years, and always enjoy it."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This list is not correct,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This list is not correct, as we did not miss a reservation at Big Basin, but don't no
how to correct it.
how to correct it.
this is one of our favorite restaurants, that we also invite other couples to join us.
Love the trout, especially, and wine recommendations. Sometimes the other couple
makes the reservation..."
makes the reservation..."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
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Review 11 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a great meal. I had
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always a great meal. I had the crispy trout with kale. Trout was very good. Kale was ok. Maybe I'm just not a fan of kale. But the asparagus puree was delicious and warming on a cool evening. It was our anniversary and they brought us a wonderful molten chocolate cake to share."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I recently celebrated a big
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I recently celebrated a big birthday with my family at The Basin. I have been there a number of times with friends but this is the first time with my family including 3 grown kids and my daughter's fiancee. I have to say that every aspect of the evening met or exceeded our expectations. We're a family that shares bites with each other and this was no exception. The food was exceptional and the service was helpful and friendly. When I mentioned that I wanted to try Spanish wine the owner came by to help. I explained what I was looking for and a price range and the two recommended bottles of Rioja blends were ones that I'll be buying for myself in the future. This will likely be one of our go-to restaurant choices for special occasions."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First time to The Basin!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time to The Basin! Highly recommended by a friend. We were not disappointed...Service and food were above average...overall a great evening and will definitely return!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service, had a wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service, had a wonderful time."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
the waiter was rude and we
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"the waiter was rude and we had to request our drinks and food several times before it was brought. It was a Thursday night...so not particularly busy...a real disappointment and very overpriced."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2000
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 16 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Treat yourself!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is an absolutely rock-solid choice for any occasion where you want to impress; yourself, your date, your team, your client. Comfortable, attentive service, and outstanding food. Ordered the thick cut New York on my most recent visit and it was cooked perfectly (rare +) and delicious. Paired perfectly with great appetizers and a big Cabernet. Treat yourself and your friends!!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was fine however I did feel a bit pushed to get done"
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Basin is a friendly, relaxed place to enjoy excellent food. I highly recommend the Ice "Burger" salad and the grilled skirt steak "BBQ Style". And the best soup I've ever had is their gazpacho soup with almond which unfortunately is only seasonal. Out of this world. The owner Andrew is an excellent host."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently a joy - attentive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Consistently a joy - attentive service, tasty food, along with well paired wine offerings. Add to that a seating on the patio under the oak where it is easier than the main dining area (along with the bar) to engage in conversation with your dining partner(s) and you're set for an enjoyable evening. While many of the base menu items more than satisfy, I cannot recall having ever been letdown by one of their nightly specials."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 21 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was very good. Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good. Service seemed very good, but in our case was quite unattentive. From the time we ordered our dinner, our waiter did not come back to our table again until our plates were already cleared and he asked if we wanted to see a desert menu. After desert we had an extremely long wait to get the bill. It seemed our waiter had quite a few tables to tend to (probably too many), but we did notice he tended to the table just next to ours at least 4 or 5 times throughout our meal. The duck special was EXTREMELY good; the short ribs were mediocre. Great scene & layout too. We will write up our not so great experience with the service to being unlucky or picking a bad night, and we'll give The Basin another chance and be back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 22 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Waitress knows best.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time at the Basin. Friend recommended some dishes to try. The paella was one of the best things I've tasted in a while. My honey had the mushroom pasta and that was rich and creamy with a wonderful flavor. On our waitress' recommendation, I had the Rock fish special with two sauces over a bed of black rice. The fish was flakey and fabulous. Now on to wine... we asked our waitress to help with the pairing and she recommended a Spanish Sangiovese, it was perfect. Topping off the meal was this icecream made with an alcohol (can't remmember the name) but one word WOW!.
We will be back."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 23 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As I always write about The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As I always write about The Basin, never fails to deliver a great meal, friendly service, and quaint atmosphere. Once again the mushroom pasta can't be missed, awesome. My wife's trout with crispy skin, incredible. It's really one of those great neighborhood spots, that we're lucky to be near by. Recommend to anyone, great for a special occasions or just a nice but casual dinner out."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Decent restaurant with large
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Decent restaurant with large portions on some of the dishes. Drawback is that we were seated next to a large table filled with people talking about "business" all evening. They weren't very aware of their surroundings. Bear in mind, this was on Valentine's Day as well."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 25 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great staff, owner, food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great staff, owner, food, and service. My wife and I went to celebrate Valentine's Day, and had a wonderful dinner."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food and service were both
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were both pretty good. However the prices are VERY high. Not worth the extra price in my opinion."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 27 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was really good.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything was really good. We had a wonderful Valentines dinner there. The only thing we thought was the mushroom pasta dish (signature dish) forgot what it was called, was a little salty. Still good, just a little too much salt for my taste. The steak was to die for. So good."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service, ambiance and food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service, ambiance and food were fantastic!!Love The Basin!! We will be returning!!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 29 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lives up the the hype! Went
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lives up the the hype! Went there for Valentines Day. Fun cocktail list (had a Sazerac), inventive and delicious menu (hint: try the trout!), friendly wait staff and great ambiance."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We went for a Valentine's
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for a Valentine's Day dinner. It was a poor choice. The atmosphere was unrefined, with a baby crying literally at my wife's shoulder, a big TV staring us in the face, cold wind coming in the door, and people milling around a big bar. It is not a place to take a date. It is a neighborhood bar that families with small children can grab an expensive bite at. The food, while expensive, was only fair."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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Review 31 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great menu list...try the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great menu list...try the trout or some of the more signature dishes."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Stick with what you like.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was very good. Pleasant wait staff. My sea bass was not to my liking. I have had the trout there and should have stuck with that. The black rice was delicious but the bass was dry."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2008
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 33 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Basin is awesome
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The staff was super awesome. I brought my girlfriend there for dinner and made a note in the comments when I made the reservation. They gave us a nice, quiet corner table in the back room which was perfect. The server was very friendly, attentive. We just couldn't have asked for a better evening."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 34 for The Basin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Basin is our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Basin is our favorite local restaurant. Having dinner at a table or at the bar is equally enjoyable. Fresh local ingredients, excellent taste and presentation."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Basin
Based on the average of (83) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
14 out of 14 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic