The Basin
Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 867-1906
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Fifth Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- American Food 2005, Bar Scene 2005, Date Spot 2005
- Hours:
- Daily 5pm-11pm
Message from The Basin
No shortcuts just great food, drinks and atmosphere
- Check out our menu..
- Martini and wine bar
- Atomic Lounge
Paid advertisement by The Basin.
Editorial Review for The Basin – by Lily Fu
The Scene
Despite crisp white tablecloths and dimmed lighting, the atmosphere of the restaurant is decidedly casual. Middle-aged couples and families dine at elegant wooden tables, high tables lining the wall or out on the oak tree-shaded patio. An L-shaped bar hosts singles who linger over specialty martinis. Servers provide friendly, attentive service without pretension.
The Food
Start off with the fried crispy croquetas--breadcrumbed balls of chicken and jamon serrano drizzled with a zesty marinara sauce. Meat dishes are moderately sized, but offer prime cuts. The tender lamb sirloin is accented by a colorful melange of fava beans, carrots, asparagus and chunky tomato salsa. For pasta lovers, the wild mushroom rigatoni is tossed in a buttery cream sauce of trumpet mushrooms, marsala and truffle oil. Save room for the bananas foster--slices of banana swimming in a sticky sweet brandy sauce, served alongside a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe restaurant is right by the Mountain Winery, so enjoy dinner before you head out to a concert.
What to DrinkThe martini bar offers over 20 signature libations. For a cocktail with Spanish flair, try the icy cool Flamenco--Bombay Sapphire gin garnished with a spicy orange twist.
The ExtrasThe Atomic Lounge, the private dining room at the Basin, seats up to 30 and can be reserved for a quiet dinner for two, a power meeting or any celebration.
User Reviews for The Basin
06/08/2008 Posted by acsmith67
This past Saturday evening (6/7/08) I held a private 50th anniversary dinner for 23 in The Basin's warmly-lit private back room. I arranged the whole party from Los Angeles with owner Andrew whose kindness and attention to detail were evident from his emails. I told Andrew we would have 18, and at dinner time we had 5 extra people -- without hesitating, our main waiter Bruno snapped up another two tables, fit them into the room, and seated us without ever losing his smile or patience. Custom menus were printed for our party, delighting the guests of honor. The food reminded me of the authentic flavors of Spain I'd enjoyed only a year ago: Croquetas, jamon serrano, olives, warmed nuts, and Spanish cheese started our adventure. I had the cream-free carrot-ginger soup and a savory line-caught Sea Bass with perfect texture and lovely plating. The steaks ordered by some of the guests are the thickest I've ever seen, and I've been to Ruth Chris, folks. These were better. The Dungeoness crab pasta had a little kick, perfect with the red wine being served. Exacting standards of flavor from the chef were balanced for everyone all around -- a true symphony. The food arrived quickly, the wines were outstanding, and Andrew and Bruno's leadership of the team helping with our party made the evening a night to remember for the rest of our lives. Hats off to this unassuming five-star gem, worthy of a visit from the folks at Michelin.
Pros: Psychic staff, passionate chefs, led by a great owner
Cons: parking is tricky -- maybe a valet would help?
05/06/2008 Posted by whalematch
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