The Basin

Looking for a truly unique dining experience some where south of SF? The Basin is the place for you! The attention to detail and heart felt love for the restaurant can be seen in every little thing. The service is tremendous, attentive and knowledgeable staff do not over whelm you. The cocktail list is varied and has some new twists on usual favorites. Where to start with the food! Only the single best and freshest ingredients go into every dish there. There is no dish that is not simply an excellent choice. Fresh local seafood! The best choicest cuts of meat! All of this in an environment that is welcoming and makes you feel a part of the family. To top it all off is a dynamic wine list that has had more attention and care given to it then most places will put into a lifetime of operation. Pros: Atmosphere, AMAZING FOOD, Great Wine List more

I got there at 7PM, with seven of my best friends, to be greeted by Andrew and his other wait staff in the most professional manner. The area where we sat was decorated beautifully with candles and they had two bottles of my favorite champange already chilling. We started off with oysters from Tamales Bay and they were the best oysters I've ever had. Then we had seven other dishes paired with wine, all amazing. They included salmon, butternut squash soup, excellent cheeses, clams, and more! The ambience and service was exceptional. They really showed us girls a great time with great food! I highly recommend experiencing THE BASIN! more

This is a great little spot for dinner. The service was friendly from the moment we walked in the door. Our waitress was friendly without being intrusive. She noticed that is was my birthday and without even asking brought us a truely wonderful chocolate cake with a warm gooey center with a candle on the plate! It made the dinner even more special! Also their martini's are really great if your looking for something out of the ordinary. Pros: Great Service, Great Food, Caual Setting Cons: Small Restaruant more

The buzz at The Basin is, in itself, welcoming. Proprietor, Andrew Welch personally greets each guest, and the fun and palate pampering begins. My friends and I first sampled the fare after a 15 minute wait to be seated, and it was well worth the short delay! Make reservations, or drop by and enjoy. The capable and attentive staff pays attention with respect; the menu offers a blend of familiar and exotic influences, and each and every ingredient is obviously the freshest. The Basin offers an established repertoire of favorite dishes, as well as a delicious variety of evolving cuisines. Tantalizing appetizers, delectable entrees, and scrumptious desserts are consistent choices, and make celebrating with a group, or, as I often do, dining and relaxing solo, a real treat. For quality food and preparation, and the atmosphere of a casually elegant supper club, The Basin provides an unmatched celebration of dining. more

Folks, Please do not consider any comments from someone who thinks parmesan cheese goes on paella (8/04)! The great thing about Andrew Welch's restaurant is that upscale comfort is what Andrew and his knowledgable staff excel at. Yes, upscale and comfortable. The Basin is a perfect example of what makes Northern California so great. Beside organically growing most of his spring and summer produce, Andrew only uses purveyors who are keenly aware of what is available at the present time whether it be fresh wild salmon and dungeness crab caught near Half Moon Bay or mushrooms picked locally in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Andrew and his staff use their great talents to create a seasonal experience that is not readily available in most restaurants. Combined with an exceptional wine list from all around the globe, the Basin's Mediterranean and Asian influences always have me wanting more! Pros: diverse wine list, accomodating staff, friendly, neighborly more

I think the Basin is an awesome place for just about anyone. Not only is the staff friendly and helpful, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It is one of my favorite places to go and think that you will agree. The food is over-the-top and their selection of wines is epic. Not only do they have amazing cheeses to accompany your wine, but the menu will please any type of appetite. The menu is sure to have something for everyone and they are more than happy to accommodate anyone. I can't say enough positive things about this place. more

The Basin-turned me into a food snob and I am very grateful to them for that! Pros: Outstanding! more

I recently visited California (from Philadelphia) and had the pleasure of dining at this fine restaurant. The food was excellent, service was impeccable, etc. The menu offers an array of selections to please anyone's palate. The owner, chef, wait staff, and everyone associated with The Basin earn the highest rating possible. more

Andrew Welch's restaurant, The Basin, has set a standard for incredible and consistent seasonal gourmet fare in the Bay Area. This unpretentious, yet casually elegant location in tawny Saratoga has never disappointed me or anyone who I have dined with at the restaurant. Andrew's insistance on fresh, seasonal produce and seafood is always demonstrated in the simple, yet innovative menu offerings that span the globe for culinary influences. The staff at The Basin continually strives to please the varied clientele with a friendly demeanor and a very good knowledge of food and wine. The nice thing about The Basin is that you can make it as casual or as formal as you would like. Your experience will be the same; it will be fun and incredibly delicious! Pros: casual, yet upscale, friendly staff, great wine list more

One of the few Sebastian of the south bay. A great place to go after a hard day at work. The ambience and staff are great. Food is excellent and the bartending staff makes unique and special drinks. Reward yourself and try it out. Regulars already know it and keep coming back. Take a date and treat your friend to a nice evening. For businesses, use the atomic room for post staff meetings. more

The Basin has never ceased to satisfy us. Always great food, service and atmosphere. Andrew is fantastic with wine suggestions. Their latest cocktails-The Creamsicle and The Mango-Majito Martini are awsome. We sometimes go just for their Chocolate Bomb dessert. Saratoga is lucky to have them. They accomodated us for an early dinner on Mother's Day, we sat on the patio and had a great time with our children. Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Great Bar more

I always enjoy a visit to The Basin. The food is great, the wine list is extensive and has a good price spread. The staff is always great... Andrew, Alice, Nick, Michael always provide TOP service and ambience. more

The staff has their act together. Water glasses filled as soon as we sat down. Napkins immediately replaced with a new one if someone got up from the table. Warm,friendly service...The decor is very cool,tasteful, yet with a twist. The atmosphere is ideal for any situation. They really do have good martinis and an interesting cocktail menu. The food is very good and has a lot of bold and interesting flavor - chilled canteloupe soup with mint oil...oooh ahhhhh yummmm. This is a winner! Pros: service, food, atmosphere Cons: price more

The Basin is by far the best restaurant in the south valley. If you haven't tried it out yet, don't hesitate. It matches up (and in many cases) beats the best restaraunts in Palo Alto and SF...Incredible fresh food, service but an atmosphere that is casual rather than stuck up... Pros: Incredible food, Service, Atmosphere more