The Basil Leaf Cafe

Location ISN"T everything! First impression is an Italian restaurant in a gas station?!? Just you watch the amazement come over your face as you indulge in that first bite of pure bliss in food form. Enough said. Tip: This is a small operation that can get very busy, be prepared to wait BUT IT IS WORTH IT!!!!

Love this place they have a creative menu that changes seasonally. The food is packed with flavor and made with love. Atmosphere is what you would expect in a gas station but the food will shatter expectations, fresh innovative and delicious and did I mention they have great soups and amazing desserts.IN A GAS STATION!!!

Can't wait to go back.good food and friendly staff.

Lawrence has been lacking original Italian food for quite some time now. While the Basil Leaf seems to still have a few kinks to work out (all styrofoam serving, salads that skimped on veggies, non-homemade pasta or breadsticks) they do have a distinct taste and I would definitely recommend trying it out! Our meals were inexpensive- 28$ total for each of us to get a meal, drink, soup or salad, and breadsticks. The dishes both had great flavor. I had a creamy vegetarian spaghetti with a spicy tomato undertone, and also tried the house tortellini with andouille sausage and bacon. Both dishes were large creamy portions ;we both had enough for a leftover meal. The service was super fast and they were all very friendly. The chef came out to make sure everything was great and it was! This place deserves to have your business instead of some of the swanky and unoriginal Italian places around Lawrence.