+1 515-225-8111
Located in the heart of Clive, Iowa, Cool Basil Clive offers an exceptional culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. This inviting restaurant at 1250 86th St seamlessly blends authentic Asian dishes with generous portions and attentive service, making it a go-to destination for both casual lunches and intimate date nights.
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the warm, relaxed ambiance that perfectly complements the bold and nuanced tastes on the menu. Whether you’re craving the playful zest of the Dynamite Roll or the comforting richness of Panang Curry, each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and a passion for authentic flavor profiles. The Orange Chicken and General TSO's Chicken deliver crispy, tangy satisfaction, while the Drunken Noodle and L-Pad Thai balance fragrant herbs and spices with just the right amount of heat.
Seafood lovers will particularly appreciate the Baked Prawns with Glass Noodles, where juicy prawns mingle with garlicky soy sauce and the delicate aroma of ginger, celery, and cilantro. For noodle soup enthusiasts, the Braised Beef Noodle Soup offers a warming, slightly spicy experience enhanced by ground peanuts and fresh basil. And don’t miss the Fortune Cookies and Thai Fortune Rolls, perfect treats that add a bit of delightful fun to your meal.
One of the standout features of Cool Basil is its ability to cater thoughtfully to diners’ preferences. From including silverware with your to-go order (upon request) to making sure every service detail feels personal, this spot prioritizes customer satisfaction. Regular guests rave about the generous portions—many leaving with a to-go box packed full of delicious leftovers—an indication of both quality and value.
Real customer experiences cement Cool Basil’s reputation as a beloved neighborhood gem. Tina Hawley-Grimes shared a heartfelt experience of dining solo with attentive service and excellent food that made her visit special. Dev Padavath praises the vibrant ambiance that sets the scene for a perfect date night, alongside standout dishes like the yellow curry. Janella Limbo highlights fresh, refreshing seafood rolls that are elevated by flavorful sauces, along with favorites like BBQ pork fried rice and a crispy chicken special. Meanwhile, ruben rascon recommends the crab Rangoon and calamari appetizers for their immense flavor and generous portions.
Whether you’re exploring Asian cuisines for the first time or seeking a reliable spot to satisfy your cravings for Thai, Chinese, or Japanese food, Cool Basil Clive delivers an authentic experience marked by bold tastes, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful escape that leaves you eager for your next visit.
I was solo for lunch today, and it was my first time dining at Cool Basil. The food was excellent! My waitress was very attentive & kind. It was a delightful visit.
Great spot for Asian food. The quantities here are always generous and a lot of times leave with a to go box. The food is great, and they seem to have greatly improved since their snafu with the food inspector. They have a lot of options in their menu and everyone will definitely be able to find something they like. I really loved the yellow curry and the ambiance here is perfect for a date night!
My husband and I love the seafood fresh rolls from cool basil. They’re so refreshing and the seafood just kicks it up a notch with their three sauces My top three dishes to get here are the bbq pork fried rice, larb, and I actually enjoyed their crispy chicken special. I want to try their pork belly next. The curries are not that special to me. They’re not bad they just don’t stand out if that makes sense. The steak flat noodles is good if there was more sauce to bring the umami. I will say their fried rice is just so smoky I love it. The pad kra pao is also very good.
Delightful restaurant with a multi cultural menu is sure to please everyone in your party. The portions are immense and flavorful. The staff always attentive and polite. Highly recommend the crab Rangoon and calamari appetizers.