I loved Basque on the night I went. The food was lovely, the waitress was attentive and the overall cost was well within reason! I had share plates with a friend & we both left feeling full and happy (we had a little wine too)
well, first time i was a noob and didn't really understand what a paella was, so i thought it was okay and my cocktail with smashed blueberries was great. year later came back, wow, this place sucks now, it's overly busy, you can't even get a waitress to help you, the sangria is horrible, and the food, disgusting.
its funny how places can change over time, or simply be experienced differently on separate occasions. such was so with me and basque. i ate lunch here in 2009 and it was fine, the paella tasted like paella (granted i was still making chicken tonight at home and feeling like an unrecognised macchiaveli of curry cuisine, that should give you an indication of my knowledge back then), the place was quiet and the waiter who served us was friendly, and that added some character to the restaurant. ate here again in 2011 for dinner and it was the opposite. the tapas was cold, chewy and wierd tasting, like some bizarre package of snack food you might find discounted at woolworths because nobody could either recognise it as edible or had the courage to buy it, the sangria was obviously cask wine and the service had clearly eaten some of the bad tapas and died of a heart attack because it didnt exist.
I enjoyed for breakfast a Fruit platter $9.50 - Fine Selection of Pears, Apples, Grapes, Melon, Pineapple, Honey and Rose
Jam. Friends enjoyed scrambled eggs. Enjoyable vegetarian options. Nice staff who know the area well. Nice place to be with a date or group of friends.
Approximate cost: $16
Had an online voucher, we thought the meal was very enjoyable, especially the meatballs, paella, sangria, and patatas.
Food was mostly bland and/or greasy - very disappointing. Service was patchy: for example, we were offered water only once. We seemed to be being served by everyone in the place, but no-one was really 'looking after' our table. Needs lots of work on all aspects of this business.
Recently came here with some girlfriends. Its a pretty nice place and the food was good - but not fantastic. We shared a paella (ok), calamari (fabulous), potatis bravis (avg) and an asparagus dish (nice but tiny). Also had the chocolate spanish donuts. On a warm night, its nice to sit outside and watch the Chapel st world go by while sipping on sangria!
Approximate cost: $20
The only good thing about this place is the decor. Was expected alot more. the Paella was bland and the food was pretty ordinary. A nice house wine but probably wouldnt go back
Approximate cost: $30
The place has a good atmosphere and is located around an area of Chapel St that I like. They have live music and a fairly authentic feel about the place. The part that lets its down is the food, its very average. I am assuming that people go there to eat so that is a big let down.
Approximate cost: $25
I've been to Basque a few times, in fact, have had 2 birthdays there in previous years. So you wouldn't be surprised in me saying it's one of my fav restaurants (or was anyways) I went there 2 saturdays ago with 2 friends. We got no service whatsoever! we had to go inside to ask for menus, ask for drinks, etc. The staff is amateur and slow. We didn't even bother trying food after a few apetizers, as they were so slow. Mind you, it was saturday lunchtime and there were only 4 or 5 tables with patrons. The staff was more interested in talking to themselves than to go out and serve us. Not sure what happened, maybe new owners, maybe new management. Maybe the place was never that good in the first place. Not sure.
Approximate cost: $25
This place is great if you're a fan of Spanish food. Their tapas menu is extensive and interesting (the potatas bravas with paprika and aoili particarly tasty), their meal selection smaller and good without being exciting (the paella is not for those, like me, who are of limited spice/pepper tolerance though it is tasty enough for them to keep trying to eat it) and their dessert delectable. Try the churros. Really, do. If, like me, you can't eat gluten, try and order just the little shot glass of dipping chocolate. Awesome. You'll feel hit by a chocolate truck, but a tasty chocolate truck. The drinks list is also extensive, featuring many spanish wines and cocktails. A little pricey and hard to get a table sometimes, this place is worth at least a try for a light lunch or supper.
Approximate cost: $25
