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hidraulica pizza
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Il Basilico

Il Basilico

Destination: Nosara

Mayday! Mayday! The beach vacation pizza craving is sinking in. Rally the troops and head over to Il Basilico Restaurant, where a potpourri of pizza, pasta, fresh seafood and drinks are ready to save the day.

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There's plenty of craving-saving pie to go around, Il Basilico's large 12-inch gluten-free or traditional crust pizzas are baked in an electric oven, cut into eight big slices, each beholding equal amounts of toppings — local vegetables, fresh herbs, Italian meats and cheeses.

All of the 14 signature pizzas are crowd pleasers; one of the most popular is the Hidraulica (hydraulic), $13, tomato sauce, sundried tomatoes, basil and mozzarella on mozzarella cheese-stuffed crust. Three cheers to cheese-stuffed crust!

Speaking of cheers, Il Basilico mixes magnificent drinks. The caipirinhas and mojitos, $5, are super fun, and make you explore the menu: focaccias, fresh local seafood, 13 different pastas, beef or chicken specialties and salads.

Vacationers and locals flock to the local seafood in tuna Carpaccio, $8, olive oil, lemon, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, black olives, and Mar y Monte (Surf and Turf) gnocchi, $12, tomato-cream sauce, asparagus, baby shrimp, and fresh tomato. Then there's that whole dessert thing – which, let's face it, everyone should partake in: warm baked brownie and ice cream, tiramisu or bananas flambé, $5.

Ambiance

One of the most popular gathering places in Playa Guiones, there's a high percentage chance that you'll recognize at least two people you saw earlier in the day on the beach unwinding in the restaurant and bar — especially on live music Thursdays.

Service

Owner Alexander Cabalceta López (Chandy) makes sure the pizza is on a platter heading your way right after it's out of the oven.

Price

Appetizers: $7-$12; Entrees: $10-$18; Drinks $5; Delivery service fee in Nosara area $6

Hours

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Noon – 10 p.m. (Jan.-April)

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Il Basilico in Pictures