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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
8:00 pm
Booked 14 times today
  • 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

Additional information

  • Location
    40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
  • Phone number
    (909) 866-9212
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch and Dinner Menus Wed–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Menu Wed–Fri 3:30 pm–8:30 pm Sat, Sun 2:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Alison Faust
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct

Menu

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 USD 19.00

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

    • Chicken Parm USD 20.00

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

      • Grilled Chicken Panini USD 19.00

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

        • The French Dip USD 20.00

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

          • Caprese USD 19.00

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

            • Hot Ham & Cheese USD 18.00

              Applewood ham, gruyere cheese, garlic aioli

              • Cup of Homemade Soup in place of salad USD 5.00

                +$5

                • Vegan Garlie Aioli USD 1.00

                  +$1

                  • Vegan Parmesan USD 2.00

                    +$2

                    Last updated: 16 January 2025

                    What 362 people are saying

                    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

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                    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.

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                    3. 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.

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                    4. 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

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                    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!

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                    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!!

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                    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.

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                    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!

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                    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
                    8:00 pm
                    Booked 14 times today
                    Google Map for Sweet Basil Bistro

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

                    Additional information

                    • Phone number
                      (909) 866-9212
                    • Price
                      $31 to $50
                    • Cuisines
                      Italian, Bistro, Contemporary Italian
                    • Hours of Operation
                      Lunch and Dinner Menus Wed–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Menu Wed–Fri 3:30 pm–8:30 pm Sat, Sun 2:30 pm–8:30 pm
                    • Dress code
                      Casual Dress
                    • Parking details
                      Private Parking
                    • Payment Options
                      AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                    • Executive Chef
                      Alison Faust
                    • Delivery & takeout
                      Order direct
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