Welcome to Basil Cafe Restaurant
At Basil Cafe Restaurant, we pride ourselves on delivering an authentic dining experience that beautifully marries Persian and Mediterranean cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Saint James, our cozy eatery offers a warm ambiance perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners. From our Spicy Chicken Spinach Flatbread to succulent Filet Mignon and aromatic lamb dishes, each plate is crafted with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Our commitment to exceptional service ensures that every visit feels special. Join us to savor unforgettable culinary delights, and discover why Basil Cafe is a cherished gem in the community, where every meal tells a story.
- 413 Lake Ave Saint James, NY 11780 United States Hotline: (631) 862-4444
Welcome to Basil Cafe Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the quaint town of Saint James, New York. Specializing in a delightful fusion of Persian/Iranian and Mediterranean cuisines, as well as an exquisite selection of seafood, Basil Cafe is more than just a dining spot; it’s an experience. Located at 413 Lake Ave, this cozy establishment provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate dinner or a celebratory gathering.
The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, making it a great venue for families, friends, and couples alike. Inside, the ambiance strikes a balance between lively and intimate, with moderate noise levels, outdoor seating options, and beautifully crafted decor. Diners appreciate the attentive service, often noting how the staff treat each guest with care and friendliness.
As for the food, the menu is a delightful exploration of flavors. From the Spicy Chicken Spinach Flatbread to the tender Lamb Kebob, every dish exemplifies the culinary mastery behind Basil Cafe. Customers rave about the Shrimp Skewers drizzled with sweet chili mango sauce and the rich Hummus served with crisp vegetables, making these appetizers a must-try.
- Appetizers: Highlights include the BBQ Chicken Flatbread and the Sautéed Eggplant, both showcasing the restaurant's commitment to fresh and flavorful ingredients.
- Salads: The Citrus Spinach Salad is a refreshing option, featuring quinoa and walnuts, while the Greek Salad boasts robust flavors with fresh feta and kalamata olives.
- Main Courses: Signature dishes like the Filet Mignon and Rack of Lamb promise to excite the palate, with each bite enveloped in rich sauces and expertly prepared sides.
For dessert, diners can indulge in the delightful Chocolate Lava Cake or the house specialty Bread Pudding, which have garnered rave reviews for their heavenly textures and flavors.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, given its popularity and intimate space. Diners like Patricia C. and Joann M. have celebrated special occasions here, praising the thoughtful setup and impeccable service provided by owner Ray and his dedicated team.
With a vibrant mix of Mediterranean spices and Persian traditions, Basil Cafe Restaurant is not just about eating; it's about experiencing the joy of flavorful food in a cozy setting. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a place to catch up with friends, Basil Cafe is an exceptional choice. Don’t miss out on this culinary treasure; your taste buds will thank you!

Lovely intimate setting. Fast courteous service. Delicious menu. Prices reasonable. Reservations a must as it is a very small restaurant.

Off the chart delish. Incredible service. Very friendly. The blackened chicken pasta is delightful. Apps and dessert also spectacular. A must visit!

Great restaurant with Intimate setting and Amazing service. Finally some very good Mediterranean food with great veg options. Both Desert bread pudding and chocolate lava cake was cherry on the top. Our sever was so good too. He recommended us food options and everything was great.

I celebrated my 70th birthday at Basil Café and words cannot express how great everything turned out. We were 14 on a Saturday afternoon and Ray, the owner, made us a beautiful table. Nicole and Ray were our servers and their attention to small details was easily seen. My friends and family loved everything that was served. Thank you, Basil Café for making my 70th birthday and exceptional day! ...Jo Magri

Absolutely adorable, homey, warm, and cozy inside. Small, quiet, and intimate, it's a great spot for dates. Staff was so friendly. Food was outstanding. The chicken stuffed with pomegranate was absolutely phenomenal, so many flavors in their jeweled rice as well. Persian food is amazing that way. And the chocolate lava cake was lava'ing. Highly recommend this hidden gem!

Great food... It would have been better if the food was hot upon delivery... Just had to microwave... otherwise food was yuuummmy!

Was greeted by name by a man at the front who seemed like he could have been the manager or owner. We called 30 mins earlier for a reservation and I gave him my name. The place was cozy and quaint. Nicole came over right away to greet us and a man came and gave us water quickly. It was BYOB and they opened our wine for us and poured it right away. The food was delicious... but I have had better lamb skewers. Some of the pieces of lamb were hard to cut and were a little chewy.... but I felt that the review was more a 4.7 so still had to give it five stars. Everything else in this place was great.

Deliciousness at its finest. The Basil Cafe was one stop at St.James that we did not want to miss and it did not disappoint. The appetizers shrimp and watermelon salad not only looked good presentation wise but they were outstandingly tasty at which point we were eager for the main course. The Persian dish Saltani was just excellent, it was prepared just right, juicy and delicious. The vibe inside was as wonderful as the outside, where we were able to really enjoy the delicious cuisine surrounded by natural atmosphere, soft music, and great company. It is truly a wonderful experience and a unforgettable atmosphere. We highly recommend this spot if you are looking for a great meal and incredible atmosphere. Thank you Basil Cafe.

Last night. 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. 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.