Basil Cafe

Thai Restaurant $$ 4.7 (466)


Basil Cafe is a highly rated restaurant that offers an authentic Thai and Lao dining experience, with fresh ingredients and a clean, cozy ambiance. While the quality of food receives high praise, inconsistencies in service have been noted by some. Overall, this cafe seems to capture the essence of traditional Southeast Asian flavors, making it a favorite among regular patrons.

Overall:

4.5

(384 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.3


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (651) 493-2893

Address: 585 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" While I enjoyed the food at Basil Cafe, I did not find the authenticity as prevalent as others described. My vegetable pho felt more like Americanized comfort food than a traditional Vietnamese experience. The broth was good, yet it lacked complexity. The service was pleasant, and the cafe was bright and inviting, which could make me return for a simple meal but it wasn’t exactly what I was seeking. " (*Curated Review*)

" I stumbled into Basil Cafe purely by chance and left more than satisfied. The green curry I had was delightful and came with a generous portion. The staff was warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. I also enjoyed the environment; it felt homey and relaxed. Everything we ordered was brought out efficiently, making it a great option for a quick and delicious meal. I can't wait to come back and explore more of the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" Basil Cafe sure lived up to its reputation! I went there for lunch and ordered the crispy chicken rice. The texture was amazing, and it was cooked to perfection, served with ginger rice which had a delightful zing. The servers were polite and attentive, and the environment felt clean and inviting. One thing I noticed was the freshness of everything; far better compared to other places nearby. Will be adding this to my favorites list! " (*Curated Review*)

" We've been coming here for years now! Every time we try something new, we are always impressed. My favorite is their Khao Mun Gai, it never disappoints. The drinks, especially the fresh fruit milks, are a treat. The dining area is small yet charming; it feels like a hidden gem in the neighborhood. Service can vary, but often it’s attentive and friendly. Looking forward to my next visit in a couple of weeks! " (*Curated Review*)

" My friends and I chose Basil Cafe for our dinner, and it quickly became a go-to spot! The food was generally delicious, especially the red curry which packed a flavorful punch! However, the service was inconsistent – we had to wait longer than expected for our orders to come out. Nevertheless, the cheerful environment made up for it, and I’m definitely heading back soon, perhaps with a reservation to beat the crowds. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (374)

" You would think after so many glowing reviews, I would've had an incredible experience. Alas, my takeout order was muddled; I got the wrong item twice before settling for something else. The green curry was decent, but I felt it wasn't authentic enough compared to other Thai places I’ve visited. The portion size was reasonable but I was just left feeling disappointed after such high expectations. Still, the cafe has its charm, so maybe the dine-in experience is better. " (*Curated Review*)

" After hearing a lot of buzz about Basil Cafe, I finally decided to try it. Unfortunately, my experience was not as wonderful as I had hoped. The beef pho was alright, but I've had better from other places, and it lacked the robust flavor I expected. I also found the prices a bit high considering the portion size – honestly felt it was lacking. The service was friendly though, and the place was clean. Maybe I'll give it another try later on. " (*Curated Review*)

More reviews not shown...

Have been to Basil Cafe? Share your experience with other people!

Please enter at least 15 characters.
no selection

Top rated nearby

DeGidio's Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.6

(2109 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.5

Address: 425 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

Cossettas
Italian Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.4

(9122 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.1

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

3.9

Address: 211 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

Maison Darras
French Restaurant $$

Overall:

5.0

(53 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

5.0

Address: 401 Robert St N #205, St Paul, MN 55101, USA

El Burrito Mercado
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

4.6

(4004 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.3

Address: 175 Cesar Chavez St, St Paul, MN 55107, USA

Mama's Pizza
Italian Restaurant $

Overall:

4.6

(1714 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.6

Address: 961 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117, USA

El Rancherito Food Truck
Mexican Restaurant

Overall:

4.8

(41 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.7

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.8

Address: 2421 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113, USA

Carnitas don Tacho
Restaurant

Overall:

4.6

(352 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.2

Address: 1193 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130, USA

Boca Chica | Restaurante Mexicano y Cantina
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.5

(2137 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.1

Address: 11 Cesar Chavez St, St Paul, MN 55107, USA

Peking Garden
Chinese Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.6

(1201 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.2

Address: 394 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103, USA

Los Ocampo Restaurant & Bar
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.5

(960 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.7

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.2

Address: 615 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103, USA