ZipPicks Awards
Best Indian in Lakeview
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Lakeview
Master Critic Review
Basant Modern Indian
8.3
A North Center dining room that reworks familiar Indian favorites with a modern, chef-driven touch and a strong cocktail-forward night-out rhythm. Order best by anchoring the table with one chaat-style starter, one tandoor/bread moment, and two mains that contrast creamy and smoky.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom kulcha, Sweet potato chaat, Eggplant bharta
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Modern Indian cooking that hits classic flavors with tighter technique and polish.
Who should go: Date nights and groups who like sharing mains
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Sweet potato chaat, mushroom kulcha, eggplant bharta
Insider tip: Balance the order: one chaat + one bread + two contrasting mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby side streets; availability drops after 6pm, so plan a few extra minutes or consider a short rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy with music and chatter, but you can still hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; at weekday dinner, minimal wait if you arrive early
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several strong vegetarian mains and starters are core to the menu, not afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some dishes can be prepared vegan if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many curries and grilled dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm bread substitutions with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it hits the sweet spot between impressive and approachable, with shareable plates and cocktails that naturally spark conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and prime dinner hours are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning—better for teens who enjoy bolder flavors than for younger kids expecting mild or simplified dishes.
Best For
Better for: Modern Indian presentations, cocktail-forward dining, and a polished night-out feel compared to more traditional neighborhood Indian spots.
Skip if: You want classic, no-frills Indian comfort food or a quiet, budget-friendly family dinner.