Osteria Basilico

1. The restaurant opens directly onto the street. Since we couldn’t find a seat at the front tables of the restaurant, they put a table in front of other closed businesses to serve us. The service wasn’t very fast. To be honest, they sometimes forgot about us because we were a little far away, but we really enjoyed everything we ate.

2. Reasonable food with the usual level of service. Family enjoyed their meals. There was some confusion about inside seating on the ground level. Comfy basement level seems to open at 6:30 while earlier guests mostly hope for an empty seat outside.

3. It’s been over a decade since I last stepped through the doors of Osteria Basilica. I’m grateful it’s still here, just as it was. The atmosphere is undeniable. The Italian owner, short and smartly dressed, stands by the kitchen entrance, barking commands at his servers, bartenders, and cooks every thirty seconds, like a ship’s captain whose crew is always adjusting the rigging.

   Once I tune him out, the sounds of West London take over—chatter, laughter, the clinking of glasses. Every table is packed, people leaning in close, a glass of Chianti in hand or a forkful of food suspended in the air. The place has a worn warmth, the tables, doors, and walls all marked by time. On warm nights, the windows are open and the tables along Kensington Park Road are full. Occasionally, the faint whiff of a cigarette drifts by, nostalgic rather than offensive.

   The menu—white paper tucked in a plastic binder—looks thrown together in a rush. It’s not fancy, but there’s plenty to choose from. The food, true to the name Osteria Basilica, which means wine and simple food near the church, is basic but comforting, like something Grandma might make, not the slick plates you’d get from Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay. But that’s the charm. This is the place for a family meal, a down-to-earth date, or an evening with friends. It’s not trying to be something else.

4. Great place for the last minute dinner. Went late at night and was seated immediately.
   Dog friendly place with a great team.
   Steak was perfect so the wine pairing suggestion by the waiter.
   On the highly recommended list

5. Cozy Italian restaurant in a nice area with several bars, restaurants, and near the market. Good food, especially the parmigiana di melanzane. The rations are huge, and the pasta is the usual highlight – the seasonal pumpkin ravioli was very appreciated. The kitchen seems to be open all day.

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