Basil in Dublin

18/11/2024: Food was delicious, very authentic. Service was kind and quick. Delightful dinner experience.

18/11/2024: We recently stopped by this Italian restaurant for lunch while attending an event at the 3Arena. The space is small but cozy, offering an authentic Italian atmosphere that feels inviting at first glance. Upon arrival, the chef greeted us with “Table for two?” but quickly followed with, “Do you have a reservation?” in a rather abrupt manner. Given that the restaurant was nearly empty at the time—just one other table that left shortly after we sat down—it felt unnecessary. Even during our visit, only about four more tables filled up, leaving us puzzled as to why reservations seemed such a priority. The food was a mix of highs and lows. The bruschetta featured unusually large chunks of tomato, which wasn’t what we’d typically expect from Italian-style bruschetta, leaving us a little underwhelmed. Traditionally, bruschetta is topped with finely diced tomatoes to ensure a harmonious blend of flavours and ease of eating, so this deviation felt off. The pizza was tasty but overly juicy and runny, making it difficult to eat without spilling the toppings. While Neapolitan pizzas can have a soft and slightly moist centre due to fresh ingredients, this one crossed the line into excessive. It didn’t align with traditional Italian pizza preparation or even photos we’d seen in other reviews, which made it a bit disappointing. The service was prompt, though the staff carried an air of rudeness that was hard to overlook. Despite arriving soaked from a downpour, we were dressed smartly and made an effort to be polite, so the attitude felt uncalled for. Overall, while the food wasn’t bad, the service and atmosphere left much to be desired. Unfortunately, this experience didn’t leave us inclined to return.