The Basil Leaf Cafe is a small, unique, locally owned cafe that offers affordable, delicious, Italian food. The Basil Leaf Cafe is proud to have built a loyal following in the Lawrence community. We are excited to continue the tradition of amazing food and provide great service as we continue to grow our locally owned restaurant.
Quaint neighborhood bar & eatery offering sizable Italian plates in an unpretentious atmosphere. Based on 713 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ Delivery
Address:
801 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: (785) 856-0459
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Sunday | 4–10 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
4–10 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 4–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4–10 PM |
| Friday | 4–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4–10 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comexploretock.com
Reviews
State Of Kansass
My new go to for Italian food! Perfect for date night! The waitress greeted us lovely genuine smile.
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Liz R
I give four stars because overall it was a great time, there a just a few ways I think their food could be better. All things considered though, with good service, nice interior, and great location, I’d go again.
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JC Majors
Basil’s design is sleek and modern with an industrial feel. We had a sweet server who checked on us frequently — maybe a little too much for us to enjoy the atmosphere in peace. I got the Basil Chicken (formerly called the Lemon Basil Chicken), which was honestly pretty bland. The sauce might have been over-reduced, as the white wine flavors were absent from the dish. I’d also take time to brine the chicken some hours in advance. I tried my dining partner’s Fettuccine Alfredo, and that was fantastic!
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Carson M
I like to try and put in reviews when I really can to help other people have an honest opinion. About a restaurant they might eat at. I ordered their Fettuccine Alfredo with add on $3 chicken and my mom and I split the meal and it still the same amount if we would have not split it. We also paid $2 extra when the lady asked if we wanted it plated separately and an extra breadstick.
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V Rod
I don’t understand the high ratings for this “Italian” restaurant. The menu selection is pitiful. I had the shrimp scampi and couldn’t even taste any butter. Nothing but frozen shrimp in a bath of broth with undercooked pasta. Luckily I ate at the bar and Jadin was delightful. This is probably the best you’ll be able to find in these parts. Olive Garden is much better, and that’s sad.
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Lama Alfakhr
Last night was my first visit and I had a wonderful experience here. Our server was great. The food was perfect. Friendly staff. definitely would love to come back here sometime. Thank you!
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Michael Moon
New location for long time Lawrence Italian restaurant. Ordered appetizers and drinks. Outstanding. Will come back again
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Melinda R. Fischer
The Basil Leaf Café is one of my favorite restaurants in Lawrence. The atmosphere is inviting, intimate, warm, and cozy — a good place for a date or a meal with family and friends. Every dish I have tried there is delicious — my favorite is the Tortellini Cordon Bleu. Garlic shrimp pasta is also very good. I think there is a lemon caper shrimp pasta too — different from the garlic shrimp — that I would recommend too. The bartenders know what they are doing — mix the drinks just right. The few signature cocktails and specialty cocktails (offered for a limited time) that I have tried have been quite delightful, creative, and always very well made. I highly recommend The Basil Leaf Café.
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MARJ S
Everything was great, especially the ravioli – I loved it!
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jimmy shinn
My wife and I went here on a random date night, and we were both extremely satisfied with our visit. The food was amazing, the staff were pleasant and very polite, and the atmosphere was great! I will definitely be back.
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