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.
Dining Style: Fine Dining Price: $30 and under Parking: Street Parking Cross Street: 5th Street
"I absolutely love the Basin! Every time we walk in, everyone, including the owner, makes us feel like part of the family. The drinks are amazing and the food is even better!"
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/13/2010
(review submitted 03/18/2010)
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Review 2 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The food was outstanding. My boyfriend had the sturgeon and said it was the best piece of fish he has ever eaten. He is a diver and we eat A LOT of seafood - so that was quite a compliment. The sauce they served with the oysters on the half shell was also quite delicious - a little spicy but not overpowering. I had the crab ravioli's which was served with the most wonderful red sauce and golden beets. The service was great and our waiter was very knowledgeable. We also enjoyed their fabulous cheese selection and wine - so we will definitely be back."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/12/2010
(review submitted 03/17/2010)
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Review 3 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"We had a really good time at the Basin... Once our waiter started coming by! He was very attentive right when we sat down, but since we didn't know what we wanted to drink yet, he left, and we had to wait quite a while to get him back. Once he took our orders, however, everything moved very smoothly, and the food was very good."
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/14/2010
(review submitted 03/17/2010)
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Review 4 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"FANTASTIC place. Will definitely come again!"
Special Features: special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/12/2010
(review submitted 03/16/2010)
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Review 5 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"This was the second time I had been to the Basin, and I must say that second time's a charm in this case. The first time I went, they had only been open a couple months and it seemed that there were still issues to be ironed out in the service and overall flow of dining there as well as a bit of unevenness in the fare. This was totally changed this last visit and I would recommend the Basin at this time.
I had the short ribs as my main entree and it was a superb dish with de-boned short ribs served on a bed of polenta. The meat was tender and well seasoned with tons of sauce/gravy. The polenta was nicely done and helped get the last of the rib juices. A "don't miss" item.
The wine and tapas were great, too! Don't miss this place!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/11/2010
(review submitted 03/15/2010)
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Review 6 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Fair)
"Not as good as previous visits; pasta insipid, sauces not vibrant."
Food
(Fair)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/25/2010
(review submitted 03/02/2010)
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Review 7 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"We had a great dinner here! The food is as good as the service. Be sure to order cheese from the cheese cart for dessert!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/20/2010
(review submitted 02/25/2010)
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Review 8 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Our favorite date is Wine Tasting at Uncorked and Dinner at The Basin. Being joined by good friends only makes the whole night better. As usual the night went off without a hitch. Table was ready when we walked in, server was attentive and informative, food was delightful and plentiful, wine and conversation flowed. Prawn appetizer amazing, Mushroom Rigatoni fabulous, Beet salad was refreshing. Miss being able to bring in a bottle from Uncorked for gratis corkage but overall very happy with The Basin."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/20/2010
(review submitted 02/24/2010)
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Review 9 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"I love The Basin! They offer a diverse menu & delicious food. Their specials, from what I've tried on several different visits, have all been outstanding!!! Another plus is that they offer 1/2 sizes on almost all their dishes...though I didn't see it advertised anywhere. I found that out from a reviewer on Yelp. That's even another big plus because their full size dishes, for me, are just too much. Half size was perfect AND I'm able to order more to try like their salads.
They definitely could use a better dessert menu though, especially for special occasions like Valentine's Day. The dessert menu is just BLAH & BORING. Definitely need more exciting desserts there.
I always look forward to returning to The Basin :)."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/24/2010)
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Review 10 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Just a note: the area we were seated at was energetic, but there was an option to sit in a quieter room - which might be more romantic for some.."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/24/2010)
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Review 11 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Gumbo is the best I've had and I'm from Louisiana!! Ambiance is splendid with a casual flair. Definitely check it out."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/21/2010)
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Review 12 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"This place always feels so cozy upon entering both the bar and the main seating area. The people always treat you like you are an appreciated repeat customer. Service is excellent. The back room is their "overflow" room or used for groups so it feels alittle more sterile. For atmosphere, always use the main room. The place is great and is a standard for us."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/19/2010)
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Review 13 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Had an excellent Valentines Dinner with awesome wine."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/18/2010)
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Review 14 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"I like places which provide a heightened food experience without trying to be snobby. The basin was a perfect fit for us. We were seated immediately and the hostess provided us with some wine/champagne recommendations. My wife did not want anything alcoholic and I settled for an Australian shiraz which was one of the best wines I had tasted in a long time. Considering that we were vegetarian we were afraid that we might be limited in choice.We had a lentil soup which was fabulous followed by beet salad/house salad and arrabiata and exotic mushroom rigatoni.The hostess finally got us a complimentary rum cake (as it was our anniversary) and we got another desert.All in all great food and some of the best service I have encountered in a while."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/09/2010
(review submitted 02/13/2010)
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Review 15 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"We had a very nice experience at The Basin last Friday evening. We had to wait about 10-15 minutes, despite our reservation, but it was in an effort to get us a better table, which made it okay. We each had a salad for starters (warm spinach and beurg), both of which were very simple, but very tasty. I had the flank steak and pomme frites and my wife had one of the "small" plate pizzas. Both entrees were great - the pizza was more than enough for an entree, by the way. I would caution against the reviews that raved about the pomme frites, though. They were okay, not great, but just okay. The restaurant is nicely decorated, if a little dated, and cozy. We will definitely return."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/05/2010
(review submitted 02/09/2010)
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Review 16 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Excellent American Cuisine. Quiet , Laid back atmosphere with excellent service. They have a great selection of wines and cheeses. They even have a bar you can sit at for a nice relaxing moment after work."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/02/2010
(review submitted 02/06/2010)
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Review 17 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Amazing as always. Got my standard...wild mushroom rigatoni and of course it was fantastic. Hubby got the skirt steak, and that was equally as impressive. Tender and juicy, great marinade. The pommes frites are ADDICTIVE. Highly recommend this restaurant."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/28/2010
(review submitted 02/02/2010)
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Review 18 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Were promptly seated, as we had a reservation. Service with a smile...our server Chris was very friendly and attentive. Started with a cocktail, martini, which was shaken perfectly with pante negra (?) and truffle frites....both delicious. Ordered the seafood Soup for the Soul, which is similar to cioppino (not as much variety). Delicious broth with a well-balanced aroma, including shrimp and sea bass. Portion was a bit small for the high price....$28 seafood soup. Spouse had the skirt steak with broccoli (omitted potatoes) and I loved the flavor. He enjoyed it, but would have preferred a thicker cut (I did encourage him to order the NY). Was impressed they recognized our special occasion with a delightful dessert lighted with a candle."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/29/2010
(review submitted 02/02/2010)
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Review 19 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Took my wife for her birthday. Service was great. Food was great. I brought some cupcakes from a bakery for them to bring out, but they included a desert of their own for free (The Chocolate Bomb, it was excellent). Not the quietest restaurant (mainly because it is busy), but great atmosphere for a special occasion or romantic night out."
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/28/2010
(review submitted 02/01/2010)
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Review 20 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The service at The Basin is always top notch. If you are a frequent diner you already know the staff takes pride in remembering you and making each visit personal to you and your guests. Special requests are no problem."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/24/2010
(review submitted 01/28/2010)
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Review 21 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Good)
"Service was very slow. We sat down at 7:30 and didn't even get our salads until 9:00 pm. Seating is very close, which makes for a noisy environment. Portions are not that big."
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/17/2009
(review submitted 01/12/2010)
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Review 22 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Great food and ambiance! A real gem in Saratoga."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/11/2009
(review submitted 01/05/2010)
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Review 23 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Excellent food. We look forward to going again."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/04/2010)
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Review 24 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Good food and good service.Lamb shank was excellent."
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/04/2010)
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Review 25 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Had the cod special. Probably the best fish dish I ever had."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/24/2009
(review submitted 12/28/2009)
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Review 26 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Poor)
"My wife and I were very hopeful that this restaurant would be good. Unfortunately, the service was so bad that it overshadowed everything else. Our waiter had no personality, had a hard time explaining dishes, and completely forgot about us after bringing us our entrees. We kept trying to get our waiter's attention, but to no avail. I finally had to ask the bus boy to bring us our check, and still it did not arrive for 15 more minutes. Completely unforgiveable.
The food was just ok. The starters are the best part of the menu and I suggest limiting your meal to the small plates and the salads. We went on a saturday night and it appears that this place gets really hopping after 8 if you're into the "see and be seen" thing."
Special Features: hot spot
Food
(Fair)
Ambiance
(Fair)
Service
(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/19/2009
(review submitted 12/24/2009)
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Review 27 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Overall, a great experience and we will return because of the excellent food, nice ambiance, good service, and the environmentally-friendly values. The mushroom and sea bass from New Zealand were excellent. We especially highly respect the shared values of organic food, wine and sustainably-caught seafood. We understand the challenge between healthy (no/low mercury), sustainable and local seafood for a lower carbon footprint--but keep researching and trying."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/10/2009
(review submitted 12/16/2009)
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Review 28 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"good food, good wine, warm, friendly and inviting!"
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/05/2009
(review submitted 12/09/2009)
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Review 29 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"My wife and I had a great experience dinning at this restaurant. The good and service were superb."
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/05/2009
(review submitted 12/09/2009)
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Review 30 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The Basin in Saratoga was a great find as we were looking for someplace quiet for conversation as well as superb food. We were greeted immediately and led to a quiet corner table for two which was perfect. The waiter approached and let us know the day's specials as well as their cheese specialties. He suggested cheese plates and an accompanying wine that were a terrific combination as an appetizer. We then selected and shared both the sea bass and the wild mushroom rigatoni. Both dishes were wonderful! We would have had dessert but we were too full. We will definitely return!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/05/2009
(review submitted 12/09/2009)
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Review 31 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Nice menu with variety. Love the cheese table options. Excellent service."
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/22/2009
(review submitted 12/05/2009)
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Review 32 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Would recommend this restaurant. Looking forward to our next visit."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/28/2009
(review submitted 12/02/2009)
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Review 33 for The Basin
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We've been to The Basin a half dozen times and have always been impressed with the freshness of their ingredients as well as the style with which the dishes are cooked. However, Saturday night they took it to another level. My wife and daughter both had wonderful pasta dishes. Our son had the winter chicken dish (also one of my favorites.) I had the beef stew special.
Normally, I would pass on something so basic as beef stew, but I was rewarded for the risk. Possibly one of the very best beef dishes I've had anywhere. What the chef did with that sauce was amazing."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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