"Italian Cuisine" Restaurants in Basel
Because the real "Chez Donati" is being renovated, a temporary location has been created on Barfüsserplatz - above the "Brötlibar", which still provides uncomplicated snacks. Things are dignified here. Tables set in white, uniformed waiters. It would be unimaginable for anyone to sit around unobserved for even a minute. Regulars are greeted with a handshake and no one has to wait for wine recommendations. We start with Ferrari rosé, fine Bürli and good olive oil. The menu is dominated by classics. Gazpacho with San Marzano tomatoes, Parma ham with melon, sea bream for two. Our vitello tonnato is impeccably seasoned, the sauce is easily enough to soak the bread in. Seppie e piselli are almost a creative flight of fancy: The mixture of finely chopped and meticulously cooked strips of cuttlefish and peas is expertly seasoned and the epitome of a summery Italian dish. The maître does not advise against the requested Vermentino, but recommends an Apulian blend of Fiano and Chardonnay from Pietrabianca, while at the next table, despite the mild outside temperatures, a bottle of strong red wine is opened. That's right, why wait for winter with Amarone and Vino Nobile? The menu is well-stocked anyway, and the wines by the glass range from Lageder's Pinot Grigio to Prunotto's Barbaresco. The highlight of the Donati spectacle, however, is the dessert trolley, which you can let yourself be tempted by. We try strawberries and tiramisu, the first aromatic, the second quite sweet. Just like it used to be.
Regulars will still feel right at home. The spacious dining room; the beautiful garden; the Stübli, which some locals say is the most beautiful in the city: everything is still there. Last year, long-time landlord Adriano Giordano announced that he would be stepping down in 2024, after which many things remained up in the air, but now the "Mägd" is back, this time under the management of Alexandre Kaden. As lively as ever - even at lunchtime. We had made a reservation and realized that this was a good idea. The place was buzzing, which didn't stop the waiter from quickly asking for food and drink requests. But what to have? Polpo alla griglia or the homemade ravioli? Risotto or parmigiana? The delicate Casalinga style of cooking was maintained and the quality was not lacking. The bread was good. The tagliatelle (homemade) with salsiccia was too. Of course we ordered trippa as a main course because we already knew them from the old "Mägd". They were nice and fluffy, but suffered from overly timid seasoning - and the potatoes would certainly have benefited from an extra minute or two of cooking time. Not tragic, especially as the tiramisu was nice and light and not too sweet and we also enjoyed the wine list. The Barbera d'Asti from Pescaja arrived quickly after we had reminded the service representative and was poured comme il faut from the bottle at the table. There was also Kerner from the Eisack Valley and Sassicaia from Tuscany. So nothing stands in the way of a glorious future for "Mägd 2.0". Only the farewell should be practiced again. The fact that guests can just walk out like that would never have happened in the past.
The former waterworks, furnished with exquisite furniture, has a special atmosphere, also thanks to the large terrace. Italian food is served: from antipasti to homemade pasta, fish and meat to dolce, there is something for every taste and appetite.
Aroma serves food just like in Rome, "A Roma". Whether it's carbonara - without diced ham and cream, of course -, amatriciana or saltimbocca, it tastes delicious and just like in the Eternal City. There are also some specialities from other regions of the country.
Gatto Nero serves Italian classics, freshly cooked and without frills. A small menu with pasta, antipasti and desserts, accompanied by good wines. Outside on the terrace, you can relax and watch the colourful hustle and bustle of the Matthäus quarter.
A simple Italian bistro away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Barfüssergasse. The menu here remains true to its roots: antipasti, homemade pasta, risotto and pannacotta - down-to-earth and pleasantly price-conscious. No frills, just everyday flavours on the plate.
Da Gianni serves authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish ambience in the historic Nordbahnhof railway station. With a focus on homemade pasta, fresh ingredients and warm service, the restaurant offers a real slice of Italy in Basel. Ideal for enjoyable hours.
Dine in the tower of the former Warteck brewery with industrial charm. Creative cuisine meets vegan variety - cauliflower steak, tamari aubergine or Don's Burger show how enjoyable sustainability tastes. The highlight: the summer terrace with a view of the Rhine.
They love Naples, the Italian restaurateurs at Artigiano in Basel. That's why they bake their Neapolitan pizza fresh in a stone oven according to a secret family recipe. Authentic, light and full of flavour, served in a lively atmosphere in the city centre.
Ramazzotti is a busy, cheerful place - almost like a trattoria in an Italian piazza. The pizza comes out of the stone oven, the base is crispy and the toppings are always fresh. A well-stocked selection of wines rounds off the positive overall picture perfectly.
Diners at La Perla are served Neapolitan-style pizza - with long dough, an airy crust and the best mozzarella. The restaurant looks simple, but the quality is no coincidence. There is also a surprisingly well-stocked wine list with a focus on Belpaese.