This cozy Lincoln Park date spot specializes in original, flavorful pasta plates.

The Scene
The Basil Leaf's dining room is small and haphazardly decorated in a European country style. Every sizzle from the kitchen is audible, and the place buzzes nightly with dating couples and gathering families. Servers are cheery and attentive.

The Food
Dozens of creative pasta dishes are the draw here. Original sauces include Alfredo and basil oil, but also pesto, dill, clam, soy ginger and creamy gorgonzola, teamed with everything from prosciutto and scallions to salmon and asparagus. Fettuccine with crabmeat and peas hits its mark, with a lovely interplay of lemon and dill in the light, creamy sauce. Butternut squash ravioli boasts a subtly sweet center, chunks of garlic and richly sauteed spinach. Sauteed calamari appetizer can be tough and underdone--stick with chunks of rustic bread until meals arrive. Finish up with triple chocolate cheesecake, smooth up top with crunchy chocolate crust below.