Basilico in Bracebridge

8 Mahaffy Ct Unit 2, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2A6, Canada

★★★★☆
(225 reviews)
Categories: Italian restaurant Bar Event venue Pizza restaurant

About

Take-out or Dine in, Experience one of Muskoka's gems at Basilico. We are a casual Italian restaurant with a touch of refinement nestled within a 200-year-old historical Inn. Indulge in top-notch steaks, artisanal pasta, gourmet pizzas, and more. Our charming ambiance and delicious offerings make Basilico the perfect destination for any occasion.

Website
basilico.ca
Address
8 Mahaffy Ct Unit 2, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2A6, Canada
Plus Code
2MQR+M2 Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
12–8:30 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
12–8:30 PM
Saturday
12–8:30 PM
Sunday
12–8:30 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fireplace Live music
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Happy-hour food Healthy options Organic dishes Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Reviews

4.2
★★★★☆
225 reviews

Most Mentioned

patio (40) server (11) river (8) pub (7) calamari (7) seafood linguine (6) anniversary (6) salmon (6) weather (5) mushroom ravioli (5)
5 stars
153
4 stars
20
3 stars
16
2 stars
12
1 stars
24
★★★★★
December 18, 2024

Came in to grab takeout to bring back to our room. The gentleman that took my order was very nice. The food was very good.

★★★★
November 15, 2024

A fantastic spot for Italian food in Bracebridge! We loved their mocktails and especially loved their roasted red pepper dip with garlic bread. Their server was very sweet as she helped us with all our needs and remembered us from a cafe where we sat across each other. The only opportunities for improvement are the pizza and it is not accessible for people in wheelchairs or babies in strollers. For the pizza, the biggest flaw was the quality of the wheat/bread. It became extremely hard by the time it got to our table. Regarding the accessibility, this is a big opportunity because there are stairs or steps from the entrance till the time one gets to their table. I had to carry my son’s stroller for a long time. Apart from that, a great spot for a meal and drinks for sure!

November 13, 2024

Very disappointing pizzas (we ordered 10). They were extremely small, the dough tasted like bread, and they were overcooked. Completely overpriced for such poor quality.

★★★★★
October 26, 2024

Basilico Italian Restaurant is a gem for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine with a perfect ambiance to match. The food is excellent, with classic dishes executed with great flavor and freshness. Each plate feels thoughtfully prepared, from the handmade pastas to the fresh seafood options. Located in a scenic spot, the restaurant boasts a fantastic view of the water, adding a lovely touch to the dining experience. The outdoor patio is beautifully set up, making it the ideal place to dine during the warmer months of summer and early fall. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal with friends or family while taking in the serene waterfront view. Highly recommend for both the food and the unbeatable ambiance!

★★★★★
October 14, 2024

Everything we ordered tastes great and didn’t take long to come out. The waitress was busy since it was Saturday night. But she was as attentive as possible. It would be nice to include a kids menu. We had enough leftovers though to eat later.

★★★
October 8, 2024

Food was quite average and, as seems to be the pattern these days, prices have gone up substantially without any improvement in the quality of food or the service offered. Super expensive and limited wine list (another pattern we're forced to suffer). The seafood linguine was decent and the diabola pizza was fine. Convenient if you're staying at the hotel but I wasn't wowed in the slightest, despite the $200 dinner bill. Won't be rushing back.

★★★★★
September 28, 2024

We went here out of convenience because it was part of our hotel (Inn at the Falls). We were glad we did! The food was fantastic, great service and had a great bottle of wine with our meal. The patio is amazing! Multi-tiered and surrounded and integrated with trees, with a view of the river. So glad we went here.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

I treated my partner for her 33rd birthday surprise. The food was amazing. The waitress (glasses with red-eyes hair) was friendly and personable. Weather allowed us to enjoy the scenic views and enjoy the outdoors with our dinner. Will be coming back!

★★★★★
December 7, 2024

We had our first anniversary dinner here, very romantic place with great ambience, michelle was very sweet and dealt so nicely!!

★★★★★
November 21, 2024

Best Brussel sprouts and fries ever! Love the venue and cozy atmosphere with the fireplace Kid-friendliness: My son loved his burger and fries. Not a fry left on his plate

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 21, 2024

The food was so tasty - perfect after a day of hiking in Algonquin! The Pumpkin Spice Creme Brule was a delicious spin on a classic dessert! Our server was helpful and friendly. Just a great experience!

November 21, 2024

OMG...not italian food for sure. The Basilico chef ,should go to Cotto88 in Bradford , and experienced real Italian food. I choose the seafood linguini,and my gosh , the mussels were cold, the scallops were the same size of my finger nails. We all left very disappointed

★★★★
November 21, 2024

Beautiful location and a romantic atmosphere, a perfect place to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. Food was tasty and the service was excellent.

★★★
October 21, 2024

First off - it was a lovely outdoor patio setting on the side of the river. Late in the season so lots of leaves. It was fairly busy when we arrived during their early dinner rush. We had high hopes for what seems to be the only authentic fine dining Italian restaurant in the area. This was our first time visiting and ordered our usual Italian restaurant faves. Chicken Marsala and Seafood pasta. The meal came fairly quickly. The chicken was heavily breaded with a very salty southern fried flavour. It tasted like a frozen pre-made chicken filet that was deep fried. It was topped with a Marsala sauce that was more like gravy and mini mushrooms, on top of plain lumpy mashed potatoes, and plenty of broccolini. I ve had Chicken Marsala in many Italian restaurants and have never seen it served with breading. The seafood pasta was a generous portion and had a mixture of small scallops, mussels, and grilled shrimp. The pasta was tossed in a very bland cream sauce and was dried out in spots as if it had been sitting under the heat lamp prior to serving. The impression was that they were breaking in new staff as it was not what you would consider traditional fine dining service. Overall it was disappointing for the price point. Not their best night.

Local Guide
October 21, 2024

Wow way understaffed. Over half an hour and still didnt even get our drinks and apps. Not the servers fault they were all hustling. Management need to help at times like that. Sorry wont be back . I heard food was good Im sure staffing is an issue but there is no way these poor servers could handle what was in the restaurant. Everyone was waiting for something. From drinks to the check please . We had to leave after 45 mins . Im sure they wont miss us . But needed to put it out there .

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

We sat in the outdoor patio overlooking the Muskoka River. The view at night was beautiful and peaceful. The steak was cooked to perfection ( medium rare), the Caesar salad was generous and fresh, and the Chianti was fine. The dining experience was romantic and satisfying.

Local Guide
October 21, 2024

Wow... We came in the place is empty and they say we need a reservation I have a feeling its because we are Jewish but here are pictures just to show you how full they were

★★★★★
October 21, 2024

Hard to find a place to eat gluten free, I appreciate their menu Dietary restrictions: gluten and dairy free friendly :) Food : 5/5 |

★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

Service needs to improve.

★★★★★
October 21, 2024

We had our 41aniversary , very nice place , definitely come back Vegetarian options: Eggplant parmigiana Parking: Definitely

October 21, 2024

Food was not great. Had the special which you would think would be the best dish for the night but it was terrible. Not cooked properly. Service was mediocre. Had to remind them to bring half my dinner . And it wasnt even busy. Service

★★★★★
October 21, 2024

Fantastic companion to the amazing Inn at the Falls hotel. The food is incredible. The staff are helpful and kind. The location is so warm and inviting. Whenever we are in Bracebridge its where we eat and stay.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Wonderful setting, and good food at a reasonable price.

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Great patio, friendly service and food was excellent!

Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Great atmosphere and great service! Unfortunately the food is NOT greatly made or freshly prepared. The mushroom ravioli is from costco, the chicken is the same chicken from the hot table at Independent Grocer and they dont know what a rare steak.

★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Underwhelming food. Not bad, but not fitting to the reputation or location. Beautiful building and view, incredible service

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Love everything!!! The ambiance the food and the staff are amazing!

★★★
September 21, 2024

We took a friend out for her 65th Birthday & the dinner was a disappointment. The patio was unkept, leaves & branches all over & felt dirty. Our poor waitress was doing the best she could but was run off her feet as she was the only server on the bottom level of the patio with the occasional help with someone running food out or to fill up water glasses. We didn t get her full attention & after 2 hours we left without dessert & coffee as we could see we would be awhile trying to get it. Salad came with peppers when requested none, the spaghetti was cold & had to be sent back, 3 meals came & then we waited for the 4th meal to come. No offer of pepper, salt or cheese we had to ask for it. Our bill was almost $250.00 with our tip, we expected more. We felt it was on the level of a chain roadhouse.

★★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Came here for our last night in Muskoka. It took us 10 minutes to get seated while we waited on the Muskoka chairs. I had to unfortunately remind the staff to seat us and they did once asked. The steak was cooked well done when asked medium rare. The burger for my son was charred and completely crispy. The servers are kind (I had Keira). Overall a little disappointed with a $188 bill that wasnt up to par.

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Four of us did the Muskoka River cruise, then had the absolute privilege of enjoying a beautiful dinner at the Basilico. We sat outside under a shaded tree with the most gorgeous view. Our server Ian was outstanding. He was kind and professional, and went above and beyond to ensure an amazing evening. The only slight downside was the seafood linguine was a little light on the sauce. The pizza s were out of this world. Purely a joyous experience. Both of us couples will be more than happy to make the long drive back to Bracebridge to dine at the Basilica again very soon. Strongly recommend to anyone wanting a fine dining experience at an absolute perfect location.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Very good service, thank you, Ian! The pizza was really delicious.

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Fantastic night on the Patio. Atmosphere beautiful. Ian was an exceptional host and server. Food was great!! Very much enjoyed

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Wonderful dinner and lovely atmosphere. Excellent service from Ian. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Excellent food and the waiter is very kind

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

We had dinner at Basilico last night and I would highly recommend this restaurant. The service and the food was 5 star. We had a friend with multiple allergies and the chef worked with her to make her a delicious meal . Will definitely return Dietary restrictions: My friend is allergic to wheat and corn. A sauce was made for her pork without these 2 ingredients. We were very impressed

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Amazing food and amazing service every time!

★★★★★
September 21, 2024

Great food! The back patio is fabulous; highly recommend enjoying drinks or a meal in this space when open. Interior has a nice cozy, cave-like setting, almost as if the restaurant was carved into a rock face. Could be very nice for a private event. Dietary restrictions: Staff and Chef will accommodate Parking: Free parking at the end of the Street Kid-friendliness: No Wheelchair accessibility: None

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

We had a great lunch! The food was amazing, they have plant based options and a beautiful view in the patio. Highly recommend! Vegetarian options: A few great vegan/vegetarian options! Dietary restrictions: A few great vegan/vegetarian options. Gluten free pizza crust was also great!

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

I had dinner here with my husband this past Valentines, the ambience was romantic and the service was amazing- the homemade tiramisu was divine

August 21, 2024

What can I say ate there tonight. wouldnt go back in a hurry. From start to finish it was terrible service, unfortunately Im not one to complain at a restaurant but on this occasion i feel the need to now. Ordered a bottle of red to the table and the waitress snapped the cork in the bottle. Assuming she would replace it.... she did not. We ordered the bruschetta to start which came out burnt, we hadnt even finished our starter to our mains been rushed out and put on the table, my partner ordered caesar salad with chicken ($9 add on) which was unbelievably dry/inedible. I ordered the seafood linguine to my dissapointment the mussel shells wasnt intact and I was eating bits of shell throughout most my meal. And to top it off hadnt even asked for the bill to it been in my opinion rudely put in the middle of the table mid conversation and the waitress knocking over half a bottle of red wine on what was a white shirt, linen shorts and trainers. The waitress did apologies, and knock %15 off the bill.. which didnt even cover the cost of the wine that now resides on my ruined clothes... excellent night ruined by a restaurant who again in my opinion was rushing to get us out so they could close. Highly disappointed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Parking was easy and close by. We chose to have dinner out on the patio. It was a treat with a beautiful view and nice evening breeze by the river. Ian was our server. He was attentive and in tune with his customers needs,showing up at the right time. We ordered Brussels to start. They were fantastic. Followed by a salmon dinner and an eggplant parmesan. Portions generous and were good. We followed up with a chocolate lava cake that was delicious. Definitely would recommend and would return again. All round a pleasant evening.

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Was GREAT but pizza is better at night Kid-friendliness: Yay good kid menue Food : 5/5 |

August 21, 2024

We tried to have lunch today. They continued to walk past us without saying anything. When I asked they said we are busy seating other guests. However, we were the only ones there waiting the entire time. When the waitress walked past us again for the 3rd time, I politely asked who they were seating since we were the only ones waiting. She responded Im busy with the people seated. There were four tables of 2-4 people! The four of us told her to have a nice day! They obviously didnt want to serve the four of us!

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Great food and a fabulous patio overlooking the river. The service was really good and our server was very attentive. Parking: Parking was good

Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Writing this review while I watch my server talk to another couple for the past 10 minutes now while I wait for my bill. Said server also allowed this couple to smoke on the patio and allowed them to bring their 2 dogs with them. Very unenjoyable experience here. Was good until the smoking started. Food... Pretty decent for a flat bread pizza and salad. Service, started good. Very quickly went down hill. P.s. still waiting for the server. Shes still chatting.

★★★★
August 21, 2024

It was ok...slow service...neighboring table had a Therapy Dog...NOT a Service dog...not only with them but sitting on a chair at the table...inside the restaurant...not cool...

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Cant beat the view or the service here. Went for dinner last night and were greeted and served right away. Had the best table and loved just relaxing and having a beer. Beer selection was great, the IPA was lovely. Ordered the mushroom ravioli and spaghetti and the portions were massive, prices extremely reasonable for being a finer dining restaurant. The garlic bread starter was so good, I forgot to breathe while scarfing it down. Will definitely be back

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Excellent food and service! We very much enjoyed a quiet dinner here, overlooking the water. We hope to come again!

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Great food and staff.

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Absolutely wonderful food, good vegetarian and gluten free options. The Eggplant Parmesan panini was delicious! Friendly staff too! Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian options - salads, pizzas, paninis.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Nice view and the food is amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

We so enjoyed an evening out for dinner on the Basilico patio (with our dog) yesterday. The food was superb - salmon (cooked to specified perfection) and seafood pasta. The musical entertainment was very enjoyable and oh, what a view! Servers were attentive, friendly and helpful. A very fine evening!

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Great service, thank you Natasha. Food was tasty and enjoyed a nice meal with family on a rainy day. Perfect spot for cottager s and looks like a nice place to stay. Will be back in the fall.

July 21, 2024

We dined there once this year in April for my wifes birthday night out. Unfortunately we did not enjoy our experience, and we re not going back. My food was cold when it came out, and my wifes entre came out 20 mins after mine. I ordered seafood linguine for my entre that night and it came out with spaghetti noodles and it tasted like it came out of a can. Extremely bland. My wife ordered the salmon and when it did get to the table it was not good. We both tried it and it was extremely over cooked and very fishy tasting. Neither of us have ever had salmon like that before. We sent it back, and did not want a replacement. The crème brule desert my wife ordered was overcooked and had a curdled texture to it. We did order pizza that night and that was very good, it was the best part of our meal I would say. We felt for the price of everything on the menu that the execution of the food would be more on par with other restaurants in the area similarly priced. Like tall trees, crossroads, dock of the bay. These are all places we have frequently dined with. Also my wife wrote a review afterwards and never heard anything back from it. I truly hope my feedback helps, its honestly something we hope helps improve the restaurant scene in bracebridge as we both feel the area needs more options to go to locally. Especially with a location like this that actually has a beautiful water view of the wharf and a nice patio. Something that is extremely lacking in bracebridge. Don t go!

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Great food and friendly service in a quiet, lovely setting. Able to accommodate vegans. Stayed for a few glasses of wine to soak up the atmosphere and prolong the experience. Already booked a return trip.

★★★★
July 21, 2024

This place is a hidden gem. All the staff was very friendly. I have two small kids and they were absolutely amazing and kind and patient With them, the recommendations that our server made fit my pallet perfectly I ordered the Special veal with polenta Was cooked Perfectly.

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

We had a party of 12 and the dinner was amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

food is amazing,, and my children loved it.

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Inn at the Falls was great! Love the atmosphere and service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

Very nice place. We came on Canada day and stayed at the patio. The food was great, the service was very friendly and nice and the location/view was amazing.

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Vegetarian options: Very good Food

★★★
July 21, 2024

Short staffed but friendly we were not in a hurry anyway food was good but appetizer spinach dip was awesome made reservation for a birthday as per booking requests which are not recognized but they do not even give a coffee !!! .. I would come back but only for a couple apps and a bottle of vino!!! Great view and cozy atmosphere!!!

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Had a family birthday dinner on the patio, food atmosphere and service was fabulous!

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Beautiful setting by the river. Delicious lunch! We even saw a deer grazing nearby. Thank you!!

★★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

The food was subpar for the price and if they are aiming for being an Italian restaurant they miss the mark. Not saying don t go here just don t expect it to be mind blowing like other restaurants in the area that deliver on their ethnic cuisine

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Parking: Lots of parking Food

★★★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

The place has nice atmosphere, and friendly staff, but the food was just ok. Some dishes were pretty good, but the drinks felt a bit watered down, the calamari had very little taste. Pizza was pretty good though.

June 21, 2024

The sous vide pork shoulder was inedible. It was dry and tough as shoe leather. The server was nice but the manager did next to nothing to remove the charge from the bill even though I only could stomach one bite. As a local trying this restuarant for the first and last time, I was very disappointed. I will not go back and would not recommend this restuarant to anyone looking for a good meal

★★★
June 21, 2024

We went there for dinner with my wife yesterday. The atmosphere and staff were really nice but the food was inconsistent to say the least. My wife s salmon was good but my chicken scallopini was just terrible. The chicken was grossly over done and the prosciutto on it was more like burned bacon. Very far from Italian food.

June 21, 2024

Came here exhausted with our newborn and the waitresses were insensitive and nosy ...asked if we liked being parents? We were not impolite just not in the mood to be chatty, the food was really poor quality as well. Steak was completely overcooked and the seafood linguine made me feel ill. The patio is cute, they had a different menu last summer and it was a lot better.

★★★★★
June 21, 2024

I had the pleasure to host a Fathers Day brunch for 20 family members. Every aspect of the event was exceptional. The service, the venue and the food were outstanding. Also from a planning perspective, the team made it very easy and they instilled a great deal of confidence that the execution would be perfect. I highly recommend the Inn ( including Kennedy and Natasha) and look forward to hosting another event. In the interim I will be a loyal fan of the Inn and the restaurant.

★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

It was a lovely spot with a view. The food and the service was excellent.

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

Amazing food beautiful staff.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Had the short ribs ,.to die for or from lol . Brussel sprout appetizer was amazing . Butternut squash soup lovely . Anniversary dinner too full for dessert , they complimentary gave us a tiramisu cheese cake to take home. Patron here since 1981 many different owners . Service and food has never been better.

★★
May 21, 2024

Came here expecting really yummy Italian food! Left feeling sick the chicken in both the carbonara and the gnocchi were extremely salty, dry and tough. Our waitress was very friendly although we felt like we were getting ignored sometimes. Water re fills took forever and same with food. I can sympathize if it was jam packed but the restaurant was practically empty. If you re looking for a restaurant in bracebridge, try somewhere else! For the price, this experience was not nice.

★★★★★
April 21, 2024

Great little spot, went in the winter very cozy vibe and the pizza was tasty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Kinda hidden gem. Great food and service. I bet the patio is great in the summer. Corn and bacon chowder was excellent

★★
April 21, 2024

The service was awesome! However the food was really lacking. My main came out 20 minutes after my husband s, the salmon wasn t eatable and was very fishy tasting and overdone. The server had removed the dish from our bill already due to the timing issue but ultimately couldn t even eat it. The seafood linguine my husband had was also bland and lacked flavour. Our calamari and crème brûlée were also very overcooked. The price charged does not match the quality of food, much better restaurants in Muskoka at that price point.

★★★★★
March 21, 2024

Always a fantastic meal. Natasha is a great asset to Basilico. Food

★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Not what we expected. I reserved a table with a candle since it was our anniversary. It was nice sitting beside the fire place but it was not so cool sitting beside the bar with the music loud behind us. There also was no candle for us. The meal we ordered was lukewarm and very salty. Dessert was great but waited for 15 min to arrive. Coffee was not hot and way too strong for a de-coffee. Very disappointed with our order and the atmosphere. Waitress was friendly.

★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Service was attentive. Food (Carbonara & Chicken Scallopini) was mediocre at best, almost bland. Appetizer and entree could have been hotter. Only 5 Italian wines in their extensive wine cellar. Atmosphere is definitely casual pub like. No hint of Italian except for the name and menu. Overall dining experience did not satisfy even the most discerning palate. On the way home bought some spumoni ice-cream for dessert.

★★★
February 21, 2024

The atmosphere was cozy and the waiter provided good service. Unfortunately the pizza we had was bland and unappetizing. Also the tea we ordered was luke warm. Some other dishes in our party were on the cool side as well.

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

All 4 entrees arrived cold despite the restaurant being almost empty. The appetizers came out fast, hot, and delicious but we waited a long time for the cold entrees. Food

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Amazing service and food exeptional as always

December 21, 2023

I really didn t enjoy this place. My boyfriend and I came here for food on a trip. My boyfriend ordered a Stirloin steak and asked for it Medium Well. The steak was RARE. There were also very little people at the time so it s not like it was too busy to note down our order. The waitress who served us was not very nice and just said That s really bad when we mentioned that this steak was nothing like we ordered. I would not come here again.