Basilic

Basilic is an Italian-leaning restaurant at 19 Amir Temur Avenue in Tashkent's Mirobod District, with a European menu and live music in the evening. Set on the main avenue of Uzbekistan's capital, it offers a change of pace for visitors after several days of plov and shashlik, and it sits at the upper end of the price scale for the city, with a $$$ rating.

The kitchen is built around Italian staples. Homemade pasta is the signature, and wood-fired pizza and the grilled fish of the day broaden the choice for diners who want something lighter or more European. Main plates cost roughly 90,000-220,000 UZS, about $7.50-18, which is modest by international standards but premium locally. The beverage list follows the European format, though specific wine details are not confirmed.

The dining room is more polished than the typical Tashkent family restaurant. Evenings are the highlight, as live music sets a lively but not overwhelming tone, and the crowd mixes business diners, couples and groups of friends. Smart-casual dress fits the room, although no formal code is documented. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 24:00, so it serves lunch, dinner and late meals.

Reservations are worth making for Friday and Saturday evenings, when live music draws the largest crowds. The contact number is +998 71 233 99 05. At lunch and on weekday evenings, tables are generally easier to secure.

The Amir Temur Avenue address places Basilic in the heart of the city, within reach of the main hotels, Amir Timur Square and the Mirobod business district. It suits visitors who want a relaxed European-style dinner, a business meal, or an evening with music in central Tashkent.