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Sweet Basil Bistro, Big Bear Lake, CA

Sweet Basil Bistro

4.6
4.6
362 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Sweet Basil Bistro is Big Bear's original Italian Bistro, family owned and operated for more than 17 years. Located within walking distance of Big Bear's downtown Village, Sweet Basil Bistro offers lunch, dinner, wine, craft cocktails and more, in an intimate atmosphere. Join us for a date night or family celebration, or just treat yourself.

Our menu includes pastas with homemade sauces, salads, steaks, seafood dishes, appetizers, homemade desserts and so much more. All of our meals and sauces are prepared in house.

Online ordering for pickup and takeout are available at SweetBasilBistro.net

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch and Dinner Menus Wed–Fri 11:00–14:00 Sat, Sun 11:00–14:30 Dinner Menu Wed–Fri 15:30–20:30 Sat, Sun 14:30–20:30
  • Phone number
    (909) 866-9212
  • Website
    https://sweetbasilbistro.net/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Alison Faust
  • Location
    40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
  • Area
    Big Bear Lake
  • Cross Street
    Below the Bowling Barn. Big Bear Blvd between Lynn Road & Bonanza Trail
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Public transit
    Jazzy Bear Ride Service - Local company, great customer service, more reliable than Uber or Lyft in our town - 909-375-6779 *Big Bear has a free Trolley! Check their website for times and availability! https://www.mountaintransit.org/routes-schedule/
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Sweet Basil Bistro's menu was last updated 2025-03-14.

Lunch

Available 11 - 2 pm Wednesday - Sunday | On Baguette, Ciabatta or Whole Grain Seeded Ciabatta Choice of Mista or Pasta Salad Or over Mista salad - No bread or side

  • Portobello Panini US$19.00

    Sliced portobello, Gruyere, Italian roasted tomato, greens, garlie aioli

    • Chicken Parm US$20.00

      Hand breaded breast, Parmesan & Mozzarella, tomato basil sauce, pesto aioli

      • Grilled Chicken Panini US$19.00

        Grilled chicken, roasted tomato, Parmesan, greens, chipotle aioli

        • The French Dip US$20.00

          Roast beef, Gruyere, grilled onions, horseradish aioli & au jus

          • Caprese US$19.00

            Fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, pesto aioli, balsamic tar

            • Hot Ham & Cheese US$18.00

              Applewood ham, gruyere cheese, garlic aioli

              • Cup of Homemade Soup in place of salad US$5.00

                +$5

                • Vegan Garlie Aioli US$1.00

                  +$1

                  • Vegan Parmesan US$2.00

                    +$2

                    Last updated: 16 January 2025

                    What 362 people are saying

                    Sweet Basil Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                    Overall ratings and reviews

                    Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                    4.6
                    4.6 based on recent ratings
                    • 4.6Food
                    • 4.6Service
                    • 4.4Ambience
                    • 4.4Value

                    Noise • Moderate

                    Loved For

                    • Inland Empire

                      Best Overall

                    • Inland Empire

                      Great for fine wines

                    Review summary

                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                    Sweet Basil Bistro is a "hidden jewel" in Big Bear, offering "delicious food" and "friendly service." It's a cozy and intimate spot where reservations are recommended due to its popularity. Diners rave about the "lobster lasagna," "Italian meatloaf," and their "impeccable service." A must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers!

                    362 Reviews

                    1. María José VIP

                      Mexico City79 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 21 February 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      Delicioso todo! Las pastas, la carne, ensalada todo perfecto nos encantó

                      Is this helpful?

                    2. jessica

                      Phoenix1 review

                      3.0

                      Dined on 15 February 2025

                      1. Overall 3
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 3
                      4. Ambience 3
                      The food was great, but the servers were extremely pushy. We went on Valentine’s Day and I realize they were busy that day, but we were rushed to order (she said she would give us one more minute and then she needed our order). If they explained when we checked in or if a time restriction was mentioned when booking the reservation, I wouldn’t have minded. But I did not appreciate the rude way she basically told us to hurry up, after we were seated and still trying to decide.

                      Is this helpful?

                    3. Jesus

                      San Diego1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 14 February 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      Great food, great service. Sally's pasta dish was exceptional

                      Is this helpful?

                    4. maria

                      Los Angeles1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 14 February 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      I had the Polenta ( cornmeal) and Shrimp. It was excellent!! My husband enjoyed the Lasagna Bolognese. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. I found the calamari too dry for my taste but my husband liked the crunchiness. I love this Bistro.

                      Is this helpful?

                    5. Michele VIP

                      Las Vegas44 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 14 February 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 4
                      Great home made style food. The artichoke is yummy! We will be back!

                      Is this helpful?

                    6. Katie

                      Jackson Hole1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 12 January 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 4
                      Came to this place because every other place had 0 reservations on a Saturday. SO HAPPY this was the case. My bf and I were SO surprised to see how amazing everything was. The food was authentic, well priced, and DELICIOUS. David was a fantastic waiter! He was kind, funny, and attentive. Will be coming here on all my Big Bear trips in the future!!

                      Is this helpful?

                    7. Dawn

                      San Diego1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 5 January 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      Once a year we come up to big bear for my daughters birthday and she always wants to eat here. The food here is always amazing and the staff is always so friendly. Would definitely recommend to anyone that love Italian food.

                      Is this helpful?

                    8. wes

                      Los Angeles1 review

                      5.0

                      Dined on 5 January 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 4
                      The food and service was very good! I would highly recommend going here but make sure you book a table, the restaurant is small so it fills up fast.

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                    9. Bonnie VIP

                      Los Angeles17 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 4 January 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 5
                      Food is consistently delicious. I always make sure I get a Sweet Basil fix when we are up the mountain!

                      Is this helpful?

                    10. Joseph

                      Los Angeles44 reviews

                      5.0

                      Dined on 4 January 2025

                      1. Overall 5
                      2. Food 5
                      3. Service 5
                      4. Ambience 4
                      Always a great evening. Food and service terrific at a good value.

                      Is this helpful?

                    FAQs

                    Sweet Basil Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (909) 866-9212.

                    Sweet Basil Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 362 OpenTable diners.

                    Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                    Make a booking

                    2 people
                    19:00
                    Booked 18 times today

                    Order delivery or takeout

                    Google Map for Sweet Basil Bistro

                    40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

                    Additional information

                    • Cross Street
                      Below the Bowling Barn. Big Bear Blvd between Lynn Road & Bonanza Trail
                    • Area
                      Big Bear Lake
                    • Hours of Operation
                      Lunch and Dinner Menus Wed–Fri 11:00–14:00 Sat, Sun 11:00–14:30 Dinner Menu Wed–Fri 15:30–20:30 Sat, Sun 14:30–20:30
                    • Price
                      $31 to $50
                    • Cuisines
                      Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
                    • Dining style
                      Casual Dining
                    • Dress code
                      Casual Dress
                    • Parking details
                      Private Lot
                    • Public transit
                      Jazzy Bear Ride Service - Local company, great customer service, more reliable than Uber or Lyft in our town - 909-375-6779 *Big Bear has a free Trolley! Check their website for times and availability! https://www.mountaintransit.org/routes-schedule/
                    • Payment Options
                      AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                    • Executive Chef
                      Alison Faust
                    • Additional
                      Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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