Basilico Ristorante Italiano

Tucked away in the Evora building on the northwest corner, Basilico Ristorante Italiano can be a bit tricky to find on your first visit. But once discovered, it offers a modern and inviting atmosphere that makes the search worth it. On a Thursday afternoon during happy hour, it wasn’t particularly busy, but I was told the place fills up as the evening progresses.

The restaurant boasts a nice open-air reflective pool next to the patio seating, which creates a serene and enjoyable outdoor dining experience. The setting is clean, sleek, and modern, with a wall that opens up to the bar, creating an open-air vibe. Sunshades effectively shield the space from the bright western sun as it sets, adding to the comfort.

Curious about the most popular items on the happy hour menu, I asked the bartender for recommendations. I started with the Fiore Di Fiamma, a vodka and elderflower martini served with a beautiful edible flower. Not only was it visually appealing, but it was also tasty and refreshing—and at $9 during happy hour (regularly $16), it felt like a great deal.

For food, I ordered the Cavatelli pasta with sausage ragu. Priced at $15, it was flavorful but the portion was small, leaving me wanting more. To satisfy my hunger, I followed up with the Pizza Margherita, which was large, delicious, and more than made up for the light pasta dish. The pizza’s crust was perfectly cooked, and the fresh ingredients elevated it beyond the usual margherita pizza.

I couldn’t resist trying another cocktail, so I opted for the Fuma E Spezie, a mezcal and aperitif cocktail served with a large clear ice cube. I love cocktails with high-quality ice, and this drink was not only beautifully presented but also smoky and spicy, a perfect pairing for the food.

If you visit later in the week, you’ll be treated to live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after happy hour, adding another layer of ambiance to the already inviting setting.

Overall, Basilico offers a stylish, modern setting with tasty cocktails and a mix of smaller and more filling food options. While the Cavatelli left me a bit hungry, the Margherita pizza and exceptional cocktails more than made up for it. For those seeking an upscale yet relaxing spot for happy hour, Basilico is definitely worth checking out.