il basilico

Bar & Restaurant
menubook a table
What are your opening hours?

Our kitchen operates during the following hours

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 17:00 – 21:00

  • Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 14:30 and 17:00 – 22:00

Please note that tables are booked based on a two and a half hour sitting.

How can I make a reservation?

You can book a table by calling us at 01234 309566 or by using our online booking system.

Do you accommodate large parties or special events?

Yes, we welcome large parties and special events. For groups of six or more, a pre-order is required. Please contact us directly to discuss your event and any specific requirements

Are customers allowed to bring their own food or cakes?

We kindly ask that customers do not bring any food not prepared on our premises, including birthday cakes.

Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, our menu includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Please inform your server of any dietary preferences or restrictions, and we will be happy to accommodate you.

about us

Incredible Italian food

Family-run Restaurant

We are a small, family-run restaurant dedicated to providing incredible Italian dishes, all lovingly prepared by our passionate chef Alex, who brings 10 years of experience running busy kitchens across Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Locally Sourced

Our menu has a variety of sensational dishes built around fresh seasonal produce, sourced from local suppliers and specialist Italian importers.

Bubbly Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Il Basilico is bubbly, perfectly managing the balance for all occasions, from romantic meals, and business lunches to party occasions and large family gatherings!

happy customers

Testimonials

Posted on Google Google
Mariana Plazynska profile picture
Mariana Plazynska
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dear Restaurant Manager, I am writing to make a complaint about our experience at your restaurant yesterday. When we made our reservation, we were clearly informed that we had two and a half hours for our table. However, after only around two hours, the waiting staff started telling us that we were running out of time and repeatedly gave us the impression that we needed to leave. The way this was communicated to us felt very uncomfortable and quite aggressive. This was especially embarrassing because we had guests with us and were celebrating a birthday. We were also disappointed by the way our birthday cake was handled. We brought a cake with us for the birthday person, which was kept packaged and was only opened at our table. We were told that this should be the last time we bring a cake because it may contain allergens that could affect other customers. We understand the importance of food allergies and safety, but the cake remained at our table and was not offered to or shared with other customers. We were also not informed of any such policy when making the booking. In fact, we have previously brought a cake to your restaurant and have seen other customers do the same without any issue. If there is a policy regarding bringing outside food or cakes into the restaurant, we believe this should be clearly communicated to customers at the time of booking or before their visit, rather than being addressed in this way during a celebration. Overall, the experience was very disappointing. We came to your restaurant to enjoy a meal and celebrate a special occasion with our guests, but the attitude of the staff made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. I would appreciate it if you could look into what happened and explain why we were treated this way, particularly when we had booked the table for two and a half hours. I hope you will take this feedback seriously, as we have previously had good experiences at your restaurant and were therefore particularly disappointed by this visit.
Posted on Google Google
Colin Mitchell profile picture
Colin Mitchell
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A delicious meal with attentive service
Posted on Google Google
Andrea Bostan profile picture
Andrea Bostan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Food fresh and delicious,amazing costumer’s service.thank you
Posted on Google Google
Tina Chisnell profile picture
Tina Chisnell
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We came here twice during our holiday. Absolutely delicious food, friendly, lovely staff. I highly recommend the seafood risotto - they definitely provide a generous serving of seafood. Thank you very much.
Posted on Google Google
Mark Chisnell profile picture
Mark Chisnell
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We were holidaying nearby and came here on our first night. We loved it so much we came back on our last night, having tried several other restaurants in the area in the meantime. This was the best in Bedford, love it.
Posted on Google Google
Jenni Mason profile picture
Jenni Mason
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Always the most fabulous food and service, thank you 😘
Posted on Google Google
Sarah Bewick (Stamp Addicts) profile picture
Sarah Bewick (Stamp Addicts)
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent food, very tasty and beautifully presented. Would definitely recommend
Posted on Google Google
Erin Ferris profile picture
Erin Ferris
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great food, really nice atmosphere, very friendly, will be coming again for very reasonably priced food! Thanks so much! 😁
Posted on Google Google
Fiona Finlay profile picture
Fiona Finlay
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After visiting just once, we decided that this restaurant would be the ideal place for our pre-wedding meal. We placed a booking for 21 people on a Friday evening. We had to pre-order which was fine with everyone. The restaurant was busy, but the staff coped admirably and remained polite and friendly at all times. The food was delicious!!!! Everyone at the meal enjoyed their food. The serving sizes were good, and the food was hot. We had a lovely time and it was a great way to kick-start our wedding weekend. Thank you!!
We visited last night ahead of a comedy show in the Corn Exchange and were absolutely amazed by the quality of the food and service. Despite us only having a limited window before the show we were served promptly but without feeling rushed at all. The food was excellent quality and huge portions. Fantastic wine list too – we only wish we could have stayed for dessert. Highly recommended.
SunJunkieMk

What an absolute find! Fabulous.

Another memorable dining and outstanding customer service experienced at this family run restaurant. The quality of dishes and customer service is what foodie dreams are made of. Pizza, lasagne, pan-fried chicken and Spaghetti alla Carbonara, chocolate fondant and choc brownie, all faultless. The atmosphere was busy and engaging, tables set well apart. Our 20 year son, chose to celebrate his birthday and once again, Il Basilica were Fantastico! Compliments to the outstanding chef and front of house.
Badpagga

Love, love, love this Italian restaurant!

Had a late Sunday lunch. Second visit here and every bit as good on the return. Beautiful fresh cooked Italian food and the best straciatella ice cream I have ever had. The staff are fab too. If you haven’t been yet … go !
Frigfrot

Fantastic Delicious Lunch

careers

Send your CV to info@ilbasilico.co and we’ll get back to you.

careers

We’re hiring a Chef!

Experience in pizza and pasta making is essential.
Pay: £13.50–£14.50/hour based on experience.
Send your CV to info@ilbasilico.co and we’ll get back to you.

get in touch

Contact us

11 + 14 =

01234 309566

call us

Opening hours for kitchen:

Tuesday-Thursday:
17:00-21:00

Friday -Saturday:

12:00-14:30

17:00-22:00

 

*Tables booked are based on a two hour and a half  sitting.
**Customers are not permitted to bring any food that have not been prepared on our premises, including birthday cakes.
***For a party of 6+ people a pre-order is required. Please fill out our pre-order form here.