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✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Hours
| Tuesday | 12–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–9 PM |
| Friday | 12–9 PM |
| Saturday | 12–9 PM |
| Sunday | 4–8 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 413 Lake Ave, St James, NY 11780
Phone: (631) 862-4444
Website: https://www.basilcaferestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Diane Reilly
This restaurant is a gem. The owner is a wonderful, kind, professional. I am shocked to read the 2 poor reviews. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but a professional approach to issues would be only met with professionalism. The owner would never mistreat a customer let alone any one. Highly recommend this restaurant
… moreJacqueline Rooney
My husband and I have been going to Basil Cafe since it first opened nine years ago, and it is by far our favorite restaurant. The food, atmosphere and service are AMAZING and this most recent visit reminded us exactly why we keep going back.
I had gallbladder surgery a couple of weeks ago and felt apprehensive about eating out due to dietary restrictions. I called ahead to ask about specific menu items and how they were prepared, and the staff could not have been more kind or accommodating. Our waiter, Logan, was very attentive, and the owner and chef, Ray, was incredibly understanding and went out of his way to ensure everything I ordered would be safe and perfect. The food was delicious (as always), and the genuine care and compassion shown made this experience incredibly reassuring and meaningful. We are so grateful that this beautiful restaurant is in our little town and we will continue to support Basil Cafe wholeheartedly.
… moreI had gallbladder surgery a couple of weeks ago and felt apprehensive about eating out due to dietary restrictions. I called ahead to ask about specific menu items and how they were prepared, and the staff could not have been more kind or accommodating. Our waiter, Logan, was very attentive, and the owner and chef, Ray, was incredibly understanding and went out of his way to ensure everything I ordered would be safe and perfect. The food was delicious (as always), and the genuine care and compassion shown made this experience incredibly reassuring and meaningful. We are so grateful that this beautiful restaurant is in our little town and we will continue to support Basil Cafe wholeheartedly.
Nicole Rotondi
Always an EXCELLENT experience here. But I must say, I just had the most incredible meal tonight…. the watermelon and cucumber salad with a zesty lime dressing, then the lamb shank with eggplant (pictured) and jeweled rice on the side, and finally the poached pear over rice pudding.
To say this was one of my favorite meals from start to finish, is an understatement.
The waitress Corrine was soooooo sweet and accomodating, the other servers very attentive as well. I sat on the back deck which is very charming and beautiful, except for the occasional bee, which is hard to avoid with outside dining.
10 stars, everything here is 10 stars!!!
… moreTo say this was one of my favorite meals from start to finish, is an understatement.
The waitress Corrine was soooooo sweet and accomodating, the other servers very attentive as well. I sat on the back deck which is very charming and beautiful, except for the occasional bee, which is hard to avoid with outside dining.
10 stars, everything here is 10 stars!!!
JV Young
Another perfect dining experience.
The food was amazing as usual, everyone loved what they ordered.
From the appetizers to dessert, everything came out in a timely manner and was delicious. The entrees were perfectly seasoned, the recommended jeweled rice was fantastic and complimented each dish nicely. The eggplant and bbq chicken apps were prepared just right, not heavy but tasty.
There was also the Chocolate Bread Pudding and Baklava that were amazing.
Water glasses were constantly filled, and we brought our own wine which they uncorked for us.
Pretty much ate everything.
Always a great dining experience at this little gem of a restaurant.
11/9/2024
Back again for a birthday dinner! We were a party of 8, and if you’ve ever been to Basil you know it’s not a very big place. They had another 8-top seated, and by 6:30 or so it was full. All seats and tables were taken, but the service and atmosphere seemed to thrive on that. The Lamb Shank was amazing, my Duck could have been more on the rare-medium side, but it was still very tasty and soft. The Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Mediterranean Sea Bass, Pork Loin (!), Koobideh, all fantastic.
The other guests were conversational, wine was shared, and they all even greeted me a happy birthday.
Logan, our server, was on top of things and didn’t miss a beat. We had no room for dessert, but we enjoyed everything. I love this place.
… moreThe food was amazing as usual, everyone loved what they ordered.
From the appetizers to dessert, everything came out in a timely manner and was delicious. The entrees were perfectly seasoned, the recommended jeweled rice was fantastic and complimented each dish nicely. The eggplant and bbq chicken apps were prepared just right, not heavy but tasty.
There was also the Chocolate Bread Pudding and Baklava that were amazing.
Water glasses were constantly filled, and we brought our own wine which they uncorked for us.
Pretty much ate everything.
Always a great dining experience at this little gem of a restaurant.
11/9/2024
Back again for a birthday dinner! We were a party of 8, and if you’ve ever been to Basil you know it’s not a very big place. They had another 8-top seated, and by 6:30 or so it was full. All seats and tables were taken, but the service and atmosphere seemed to thrive on that. The Lamb Shank was amazing, my Duck could have been more on the rare-medium side, but it was still very tasty and soft. The Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Mediterranean Sea Bass, Pork Loin (!), Koobideh, all fantastic.
The other guests were conversational, wine was shared, and they all even greeted me a happy birthday.
Logan, our server, was on top of things and didn’t miss a beat. We had no room for dessert, but we enjoyed everything. I love this place.
Kevin Corey
A Hidden Gem in St. James – Persian Perfection!
My girlfriend and I recently visited Basil Cafe, and it instantly became one of our favorite date night spots. This cozy, quaint Persian restaurant is BYOB, so we brought a couple of High Noons to keep things light and fun.
We kicked off the night with the Spicy Chicken Spinach Flatbread — highly recommend. It’s the perfect appetizer for two, just enough to get your taste buds dancing without spoiling your appetite.
For our main course, we ordered the Mixed Koobideh and the NY Strip, both grilled to perfection and packed with flavor. But the real star of the show? The Basmati rice. Fluffy, fragrant, and absolutely essential, don’t skip it.
The service was warm and attentive, making us feel right at home. While there’s only street parking, it’s a small price to pay for such a delightful experience.
All in all, Basil Cafe delivers big on flavor, hospitality, and charm. We’ll absolutely be back.
… moreMy girlfriend and I recently visited Basil Cafe, and it instantly became one of our favorite date night spots. This cozy, quaint Persian restaurant is BYOB, so we brought a couple of High Noons to keep things light and fun.
We kicked off the night with the Spicy Chicken Spinach Flatbread — highly recommend. It’s the perfect appetizer for two, just enough to get your taste buds dancing without spoiling your appetite.
For our main course, we ordered the Mixed Koobideh and the NY Strip, both grilled to perfection and packed with flavor. But the real star of the show? The Basmati rice. Fluffy, fragrant, and absolutely essential, don’t skip it.
The service was warm and attentive, making us feel right at home. While there’s only street parking, it’s a small price to pay for such a delightful experience.
All in all, Basil Cafe delivers big on flavor, hospitality, and charm. We’ll absolutely be back.
Arash
Basil is a true gem. I didn’t expect to find such exquisite Persian cuisine in a small town in Long Island, but Reza does not just make very delicious Persian kebobs, but he makes them using high quality ingredients. His cuisine is not the ordinary bazaar food, but the fine dinner Iranian hosts cook for their most revered guests. The restaurant has a cozy homey atmosphere, befitting such a host. Just as a side note, they don’t serve alcohol but you can BYOB.
… moreLinda McCarthy
Upon some recommendations we went to Basil for my birthday lunch. We had the special salad of the day & it was just ok & not a generous portion. I had the wild caught grilled salmon in lemon butter with potatoes & vegetables. The small portion of salmon was a bit overcooked – not my favorite. While the potatoes were tasty the vegetables tasted frozen @ best. The portions were small. My husband’s steak was a much more generous portion & cooked well but he felt the same about the sides. Overall it was a mediocre meal & a one & out for us. I expected more for the high prices.
… moreMary Ann Chidichimo
I had my daughter’s bridal shower at Basil. The outdoor deck was the perfect venue. People raved about the food and the service was excellent.
Chef Ray and his wife, Ari were amazing to work with. They treated us like family.
… moreChef Ray and his wife, Ari were amazing to work with. They treated us like family.
Pat K
My family has been at this restaurant several times. We’ve never been disappointed. The food is delicious, served hot, and it’s been delicious.
… moreEdward greenberg
Unprofessional, disrespectful manager and poor quality food.
Do yourself a favor and do NOT order from this restaurant. It’s absolutely not worth the headache. The food is a disaster, and the manager’s behavior is even worse.
The kabobs were completely dry, and the rice was just as bad—plain and dried out. There was no tomato, onion, butter, sumac, bread, or utensils—nothing. Just dry kabob and dry rice.
When I called the restaurant to address the issue, the owner told me he would write down my name to ensure they don’t accept orders from me in the future. Lol.
If you’re craving Persian food, there are plenty of much better options on Long Island, NY.
… moreDo yourself a favor and do NOT order from this restaurant. It’s absolutely not worth the headache. The food is a disaster, and the manager’s behavior is even worse.
The kabobs were completely dry, and the rice was just as bad—plain and dried out. There was no tomato, onion, butter, sumac, bread, or utensils—nothing. Just dry kabob and dry rice.
When I called the restaurant to address the issue, the owner told me he would write down my name to ensure they don’t accept orders from me in the future. Lol.
If you’re craving Persian food, there are plenty of much better options on Long Island, NY.