Basilico Blu

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Fantastic food, but the service seriously let the experience down. I’m giving this restaurant 3 stars overall because, while the food was genuinely 5-star, the service was among the poorest I’ve experienced in a restaurant. We had booked a table over the phone in advance. When we arrived at the agreed time, there was apparently no record of our reservation. We were asked whether we had booked online, and when we explained that the “Book Online” button simply directs you to their telephone number — which is exactly how we made the reservation — there wasn’t much of an explanation. We weren’t entirely surprised, given that their reservation system appeared to consist of a sticky note on the wall by the door. To their credit, they did manage to find us a table. I was happy enough with it, although my friends weren’t particularly impressed with its location or the fact that it hadn’t been properly set up for four people. Things initially started well. Our first server was friendly enough, and we ordered our drinks, appetisers and mains fairly quickly. The drinks and appetisers arrived promptly, which was great. We did, however, have to ask for additional cutlery, as there were only two sets provided for our party of four. When we were sharing starters, we also had to ask for small plates, which were eventually brought over. The real problems began after our appetisers were cleared. Our original server disappeared, and from that point onwards it genuinely felt as though our table had ceased to exist. We were chatting and enjoying ourselves, but eventually realised that we had been waiting around 45 minutes for our mains. This was particularly frustrating because we had an activity booked after dinner and were conscious of the time. At the same time, I had finished my drink and repeatedly tried to get the attention of one of the waitresses walking past our table. I tried making eye contact, raising my hand and even calling out, but was repeatedly ignored. Eventually one of the servers stopped — with her back to me — and I had to speak loudly enough that several other tables turned around to see what was happening. When I asked about our food, I was simply told that it would be “right out” because the kitchen was backed up. That explanation might have been more convincing if the restaurant had actually been busy. By this point, there were only a couple of other tables occupied, and most of them already had their food. Our food did eventually arrive very quickly after that conversation, which unfortunately left me wondering whether it had actually been sitting under the heat lamp for some time. And considering how long we had been waiting, it would have been nice to have some communication from the staff rather than having to chase someone down ourselves. I also managed to order another drink when our food arrived, but the server seemed genuinely bewildered that I expected her to know what I had previously ordered — despite having taken the order herself — and didn’t appear to think to check the ticket. I eventually got the drink, but by this point the overall experience had become quite frustrating. Because of the service, we decided to ask for the bill while we were still halfway through our mains. And then, somewhat unbelievably given the experience we’d just had, we were presented with the card machine and asked whether we wanted to leave a tip. To be clear, the food itself was excellent. Everything we ate was genuinely delicious, and based purely on the food, I would happily recommend this restaurant. Unfortunately, good food can only carry an experience so far. I’m also not convinced the kitchen was entirely to blame for the delays — the bigger issue appeared to be the front-of-house service and the complete lack of attention to our table. I’d absolutely come back for the food, but I sincerely hope the service improves because there is a very good restaurant underneath what was, unfortunately, a really poor dining experience.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Came here late last night with my boyfriend. Had the best time with the sweetest service and staff, special shoutout to Nayomi. The food was impressive with massive portions of both the pasta and the dessert, made our last night in Plymouth extremely special. Thank you so much for a great time!”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Our experience at Basilico Blue was a good one. The staff were attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was very relaxed. Some of the decor and sitting could do with a bit of love, but otherwise it was a comfortable environment. Our food was mostly great. We had the grilled chicken which was tender and juicy, packed with flavour. The sides of salad and chips were not anything special, but the portion size was great. For dessert we had the tiramisu and mango sorbet. My tiramisu was quite runny but the sorbet was fine. We paid £32 for 2 dishes each which was very good value for money. I would definitely visit this place again.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Location is perfect, unless you want to drive. Food was well seasoned and tasty. I was there mid week, so not as busy as a weekend. Judjing by the quality of the food, i would suggest booking on a weekend. Service was great. Food was very afforable, and amazing!”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Stumbled on this place on a walk along the Barbican and I'm so glad we did. The frontage is gorgeous, hanging flowers everywhere and the doors were folded right back so the whole place was open to the street, which made it feel really inviting on a warm evening. Inside is small but cosy, lots of fairy lights, flowers hanging from the ceiling and flags strung up which gave it a nice buzzy feel. It was busy but we still got a table without much of a wait. Had the prawn linguine and it was seriously good - proper generous amount of prawns, sauce had a good kick of tomato and garlic without being too heavy, and it came with a big side salad that was fresh, not just an afterthought like some places do. Portions were decent too, not one of those places where you're still hungry after. Service was friendly and the pace felt right, not rushed. Prices felt fair for the quality and location too, right on the Barbican where you'd expect to pay a bit more for less. Would happily go back next time we're in Plymouth. Good spot if you want something a bit more special without it being stuffy.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “We've just had a delicious meal. The staff, Erin and her female colleague (sorry, I didn't catch her name), were so welcoming, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their job and the menu. We four had different meals, that were all delicious. Served piping hot, presented with flair in hot plates. I can honestly say that, we had a wonderful evening at the restaurant, and will certainly return. Erin and her colleague are a credit to themselves, the food...wow, the chef should be applauded. Thank you for making our evening special.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “Lovely service, the waitress was really friendly. The food was pretty good and great value for money, however the restaurant has a pretty basic decor but it was lovely and clean so couldn’t fault it. My only suggestion would be some background music as when we were there it was very quiet and this would create a nice atmosphere. Overall this is a great Italian alternative to The Pasta Bar next door. Definitely would return.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “The best carbonara I've ever eaten so far 😍😍 Impeccable service, and I would like to emphasise the graciousness, education and friendliness of the attendant in serving me at all times with a huge smile. 🥰🥰 Amazing food, Amazing experience!!! 100%”

• G

  Google user

  ·9 months ago

  “First time visiting, food was amazing, especially my Pepper Chicken with Sauted Vegetables & Potatoes. Great service too, all the staff were really friendly and had a nice chat with them, will definitely be back! Thank you”

• G

  Google user

  ·10 months ago

  “My girlfriend and I had such a great time at Basilico Blue, and we would absolutely come back again. As soon as we walked in, we noticed how nice the restaurant looked. The decorations were beautiful and made the place feel warm and relaxed, which really added to the experience. Our waitress Isla was honestly amazing. She was lovely the whole time, caring, friendly, and very professional. She made no mistakes at all, checked in on us at the right moments, and made us feel really well looked after. You can tell she genuinely cares about her job. The food was brilliant. My girlfriend had the creamy salmon and avocado pasta and she loved it. It was really flavourful and perfectly done. I had the garlic chicken, and the kitchen was very accommodating. It was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. Everything came out quickly, both the food and the drinks, which was great without ever feeling rushed. Overall, Basilico Blue is a really good restaurant with great food, fast service, and a lovely atmosphere. Isla was a big part of what made the experience so good, and she is a real credit to the place. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it five stars.”

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