Sweet Basil Bistro

Every plate has real italian style and delicious as well. Portobello mushroom is so amazing and I like my custom pasta. It is really good to drink coffee too. They have alived flowers on the table and background music is good ! Amazingly authentic and professional service. I would like to hire her if I own my restaurant :) Thanks for all this great experience in Big bear. Me and my husband said it it the best restaurant in Bigbear area. I am for sure! Even the price is reasonable

(I had never been to this, the original Sweet Basil bistro but I have visited the old owners Sweet Basil bistro in Palm desert a handful of times and it's never disappointed.) ....Now on to the Sweet Basil bistro, Big Bear lake. We made a reservation as it was Sunday night on Labor Day weekend. The service was excellent and the atmosphere is cozy and charming. The cocktails were good but nothing that would stand out. 4 stars. The food however left much to be desired. The calamari appetizer we ordered was probably the worst I've ever had and it was approximately 4 to 1 breading to squid ratio and over cooked. It was borderline inedible and my wife who loves calamari took one bite and bowed out. 1 star for the calamari. The salads served around us were beautiful so we ordered a large Caesar. Our salad was disappointing in presentation and quality and I give it 3 1/2 stars. Perhaps could be blamed on someone trying to help in the kitchen. Our lobster ravioli arrived with the cheese so burnt and crisp you couldn't cut it with a fork but the sauce and flavor and ingredients were quite tasty. I give it 3 1/2 Stars. It was quite busy and maybe they were overwhelmed or perhaps their principal chef was ill or out of town. To be fair we will give it another go on a less busy weekend in Big Bear and provide an updated review later.

We had the branzino and blackened salmon with paper planes. The food was very good. Surpassed our expectations. Fresh red pepper tapenade on top of the branzino. The staff was great about hosting us on the busy and stressful 4th of July.

My wife got the Lasagna Bolognese and I got linguine with creamy Alfredo sauce and blackened chicken. We both thought it was the best we had ever had. It was seriously so good. The atmosphere was great (especially since we were lucky enough to have been seated by the window) and our server, David, was outstanding. But, omg, the food. Wow

Another 5 star review for you! We came here with a party of 8 and were a little hesitant at first due to the quaint size. Reading the reviews, we gave it a chance and we're totally thrilled! The food was excellent, service was like at a fine dining establishment, and before we knew it the place was packed. The locals know what they have here... Being from "down the hill" in Beaumont, I'd make the drive just to have dinner here again. Its just 45 minutes after all! Thanks for a great dinner! Pictured is the linguine vongole.

HIDDEN GEM in Big Bear A charming Italian Bistro located within walking distance of Big Bear's downtown Village. The food was phenomenal!! So flavorful and balanced! If only there was smell-o-vision…Absolutely impressed and exceeded my expectations! What we tried: Sautéed Crab Cakes Fried Calamari Fried Cheese Ravioli Garlic Cheese Bread Sizzling Garlic Shrimp Salad Spaghetti with Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce Linguine with Clams