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Basa Reviews List
Basa
Nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard award for best new restaurant, Basa offers modern Vietnamese cuisine with a French infusion. The beverage program has been chosen to complement the cuisine including a well chosen wine list, seasonal cocktails, and beers from around the world.
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81 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 81 reviews
5 stars
(41)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(54)
- neighborhood gem(44)
- special occasion(25)
- romantic(17)
- hot spot(16)
- good for groups(7)
Basa Reviews List
Review 1 for Basa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
slipping
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Going down hill. Fair at best. I always enjoyed this neighborhood place but this time it lacked the attention to detail and food quality that has alsays brought me back."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
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Review 2 for Basa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Try to be little considerate
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were having dinner late and restaurant was almost empty, only 3 tables were occupied but we were given table in cramped place near other 2 tables who were very loud. We had to request to change table. I told person waiting table that we follow Hindu religion and we do not eat beef.I ordered salt and pepper prawns and when food came it did not look like prawn so on asking was told it was shaking beef. When I told waiter thats not my order he tells me he was not sure what I ordered as woman on table next to me was loud. I did not make a big deal but he never offered to change my food. I just had gravy with rice as we don't like to make a scene. Person waiting saw that I left all the meat but still came with bill charging for shaking beef."
Dined on 6/07/2013
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Review 3 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great First Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My daughter and I had dinner at Basa and enjoyed it thoroughly: the food was outstanding and the service was friendly and professional. I can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Basa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
No Food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We tried to order 3 different items on a menu of 25 and they were sold out!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 5 for Basa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always, a great dinner. Only flaw was the white asparagus, which was very strange in texture and lacking in flavor, but I didn't think it was due to bad prep so, in deference to my hosts, I didn't say anything. Everything else was excellent."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food, so so atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed the food and drink, they have a wonderful signiture jalapeño infuse gin cocktail. The atomosphere however left something to be desired. The resturant itself is somewhat dark and crowded. It is definitely a place to try at least once."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Basa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Dissapointing flavors
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been to Basa before and had some delicious food. I'm not sure if they have a new chef or what it is but the food was worse than if I were to go to a generic restaurant like PF Changs. There was absolutely no play on sweet and spicy to bring out the vietnamese flavors. Everything was just sweet. Please redo your menu and don't make your entrees so sweet. I was very dissapointed in the food as it was not worth the price we paid. I had recommended this restaurant before to everyone and I will not do so again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 8 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food, excellent service, good prices. What more could you ask?"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Basa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This place should be busier!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My hubby and I ate here on a Tuesday for our anniversary and had, pretty much, the whole restaurant to ourselves. Great for us but bad for the wait staff :( However, the food was excellent! We had the crab cake appetizer (a special), watercress salad (special), and we both had the shaking beef. It had been a few years since our last visit but we will not wait that long before eating here again. The server was attentive without being intrusive. For the service we received and the food we tasted, Basa should be busy every night of the week!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorites!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service. Only complaint is that the floors are sticky so you can actually hear your feet sticking as you walk. Also, there's an off-odor - maybe it's the clay pot entrees? I've had clay pot food that, for whatever reason, smelled terrible..."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We love BASA, but the noise
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love BASA, but the noise level is too high; it is difficult to carry on a conversation. We think that it is the concrete floors and that the tables are too close."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love the food and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the food and service. My only complaint was it got very noisy. Hard to talk and socialize. Other than that, excellent. We will certainly return again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
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Review 13 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The difficult thing to identify
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The difficult thing to identify about Basa is that there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. The food was great--I had the special of the day (short ribs) and my companion had the catfish hotpot--and the service was impeccable. Our server gave great recommendations and was extremely attentive. The thing is, it just wasn't worth what we paid for it. For a shared appetizer, two meals, two drinks, and a shared dessert, the total came to almost $100. On top of that, our waiter more than earned a generous tip, and so we were left feeling like we'd had a delightful meal, but one that wasn't truly satisfying.
Would I go again? On someone else's dime, yes. On my own, there are equally delicious restaurants that aren't so hard on the wallet."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love this place. The specials
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love this place. The specials are always delicious, and the appetizers are the best in Louisville!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 15 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Eat there with some regularity,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Eat there with some regularity, my guest this might was new to Basa.
Food was excellent as always."
Food was excellent as always."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, an excellent evening.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always, an excellent evening. The only caveat would be for diners who don't want a lot of noise-go early."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everyone was helpful, friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everyone was helpful, friendly and professional. We most appreciated personal recommendations allowing us to try some dishes we may have missed--specifically the curried muscles and side noodle dish!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Always delicious
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Basa is a consistently reliable experience. Service is attentive, polite and unobtrusive.
The food is always delicious. However, after years of going to Basa it would be nice if they would change their menu."
The food is always delicious. However, after years of going to Basa it would be nice if they would change their menu."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
At the top of our list of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"At the top of our list of favorites in Louisville"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
the scallops were delicious..the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the scallops were delicious..the prime rib was overcooked.
Overall..a little pricey"
Overall..a little pricey"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
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Review 21 for Basa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
There were 5 of us and the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There were 5 of us and the place was very noisy and parking was a pain in the rear end. This is not a cheap restaurant and I expect a lot and am willing to pay a lot for what I get but even the service wasn't up to par. Then the specials, it took forever for the waiter to read all of them. there were 3 per course. For gosh sake put it on paper if you have that many with that much detail. After a couple of minutes I pretty much forgot what he said. I have been here many times and on this visit I have to say the food wasn't as good as before. It was just OK and not something I would rave about like other trips. I guess service, parking and noise all played into a fair experience."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
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Review 22 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Basa is one of our Louisville
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Basa is one of our Louisville favorites. We have not had a bad experience at Basa since we first visited it some years back. We especially like the Japanese eggplant!!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I had a great time. All was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had a great time. All was awesome! Thank you"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Overall a great experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall a great experience. We had the diver scallops and the Shaking Beef. Both great choices + great martinis."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Basa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A surprise for vegetarians!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent service, menu and atmosphere. The waiter was exceptionally friendly. The vegetarian options are excellent at Basa. The eggplant dish, the tofu with spinach, as well as the chicken bowl (substituting tofu) are wonderful. Not known as a vegetarian restaurant, they have great options. At the bar, try the Bombay Heat cocktail... Very unique and delicious!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Louisville is becoming more
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Louisville is becoming more diverse with their cuisine and Basa is one of the best restaurant to display that global fare! The chefs are the best of the best and the menu is a great demonstration of their skills! If seafood is your thing, check out the scallops or if your vegetarian check out the eggplant dish - you will not be disappointed! We will go back and highly recommend it to everyone!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A wonderfully imaginative
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A wonderfully imaginative menu and a brilliant marriage of flavors and foods. There were three of us and we all ordered a different dish and shared and appetizer and it was all outstanding."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent time for party of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent time for party of eight. Not a bad meal or experience in the group."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 29 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Have been to BASA several
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have been to BASA several times. The food and service is always excellent!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Basa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed the food at Basa,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed the food at Basa, as we always do, but the noise level was almost unbearable. We could not converse with each other."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
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Review 31 for Basa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Basa is a great restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Basa is a great restaurant for a special night out. The food is very creative. They have the best Ahi Tuna dish in town. We love coming back to this restaurant."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Otherwise Excellent
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Because it was Valentine's Day, the joint was jammed. We were seated 20 minutes after our reservation time. The seating was crowded, and the restaurant is noisy. That said - the food was excellent. My date's crepe was better than my dish, shaking beef. But all in all, well-prepared and thoughtful. The service was otherwise excellent."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 33 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Basa
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is excellently prepared. Service was minimal. 5 servers for the total restaurant and the bartender was pulling double duty ( waiting and preparing drinks ). The quality of the food is diminished by the lack of consistent service. Also, tables near the bar are in a poor location as all wait staff runs food through here and bar patrons tend to stand around waiting for the 6 seats."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
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Review 34 for Basa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
All was good. Good experience,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"All was good. Good experience, only put not " not recommend" since my opinion food was good but not cost justified."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 35 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect spot for Valentine's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perfect spot for Valentine's Day . . . the occasion we were there for."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, hot spot
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Review 36 for Basa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, totally excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, totally excellent food, service, and ambience."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 37 for Basa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was good and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was good and service was great very helpful waiter since it was our first time."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Basa
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic