Basilico Gosforth

Gosforth High Street has lots of restaurants, but one has been shrouded in mystery and we’d always passed it by. I only know two people that have been to Basilico and I felt it was time to give it a try. A quick look at the Basilico Menu by the front door and we were set.

Basilico Gosforth High Street

Basilico is located at the Town moor end of the high street (above Jump Shoes). This brings on the main reason it is so mysterious. As the unit is upstairs, you don’t really know what you’re going to get until you climb on in. Other restaurants on the High street are ground floor with large glass entrances. As we walked in from the cold this quirky light installation caught my eye. Vintage bulbs, with a brass steampunk creation. Still, none the wiser about the restaurants interior, as the stairs prevent a spy of the restaurant.

The Dining room is bright, light and not like a traditional Italian restaurant. The weather blue wooden cladding that lines a partition wall reminds me of the Caribbean. The tables were lined with white linen and set up like a posh restaurant. A handful of stained glass panels created interesting focal points. This little robin piece drew me in and seemed perfect for this time of year too.

Another nice touch that is missing from chain restaurants is a bread course / nibbles. As we were flicking through the menu, we were given this bread basket with warm bread and olives.

Basilico Menu

Cat spotted the “Special Menu” which had 3 courses for £14.95. I was all set for it, but then saw deep fried Brie on the normal menu. Something that I rarely have. If I’m going away from the Special menu I may as well have something totally different from the mains too then. I spotted the Ribeye on the Specials Board.

Basilico was about half full, but during our meal, the restaurant did fill up. The staff we very friendly and really helpful. They certainly were accommodating when I asked if I could photograph the place! We placed our orders and found that there was no Brie left. Which then made me question if I should have the Ribeye too. So switched to the specials Basilico Menu

Starters

Catherine’s choice of tomato and Basil soup was delicious.

The remaining three Hoopers all had Potato skins. It is a standard offering at an Italian restaurant and usually a safe choice. We were given a choice of garlic mayo or a spicy salsa. They were crispy and hot and… pretty much like potato skins.

Main Courses

Abigail chose a cheese and tomato pizza. We were offered this as a smaller version of her.

Imogen went for Salami Pizza as they didn’t have pepperoni.

My meal of choice and my favourite go-to meal at an Italian. Carbonara with fresh Tagliatelle pasta.

I forget what Catherine ordered now, but it was a tomato and meatball dish with an unusual pasta. Imogen thought it was chickpeas, I thought it was lentils, but it was tiny pasta balls.

Deserts

The kids went for Rich chocolate brownies.

Catherine had cheesecake.

I was persuaded into the Creme Brulee. I love anything custard.

Basilico Restaurant Review

Overall we loved it here. The price was very reasonable. The total bill for the 4 of us, with two bottles of red wine, came to £84, which seemed very reasonable. We really can’t fault the quality of the food, the house red was very drinkable. All waiting staff were very attentive and helpful. Which makes me wonder why this place wasn’t packed out. It’s like a secret dining spot that is hidden on the High Street.

Comparing this to other Italians on the High Street, I would safely say that this would be my first choice from now on. The downside is that it is at the far end of the High Street, but the High Street isn’t that long. As we were paying the bill the bonfire night fireworks lit up the sky, which being at first-floor level, we got a great view of them.