Al-Basha Quick Serve

Middle Eastern restaurant · Paterson

Al-Basha Quick Serve

Middle Eastern restaurant · Paterson

1

1076 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503

Photos

Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null
Al-Basha Quick Serve by null

Highlights

A cozy, low-key spot in NJ serving delicious Middle Eastern and Lebanese fare, perfect for dine-in or takeout, with a kids' menu to boot.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

1076 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503 Get directions

albashausa.com
@eatalbasha

$$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

1076 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503 Get directions

+1 973 345 3700
albashausa.com
@eatalbasha

$$ · Menu

Features

dine in
wifi
payment credit card
reservations
Tap to pay
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"Sleek fast-casual branch of the famous Al-Basha restaurant, with a long counter and touch-screens for ordering. Menu includes falafels rolled in laffa, hummus with fava beans, cheese bureks, and minty frozen lemonade." - Robert Sietsema

Where to Eat in Paterson, New Jersey - Eater NY
View Postcard for Al-Basha Quick Serve

Energyzer Bunny

Google
Casual , delicious and fresh … I stop by to while driving around and I wasn’t disappointed. I got the meat platter for 2 , the falafel platter and the mint lemonade and boy ohhh boy . I was impressed by the warm of the pita , the delicious and fresh vegetables and spread and the tasty meat .

Jane Sh

Google
The atmosphere is great with a beautiful interior and a beautiful tree in the middle of the restaurant. Nice music is playing and it is clean inside. It is very nice to sit with family or friends. The menu is interactive, you make your own order. Self-service here. Of the dishes, I liked the kubbe, mint lemonade, mango strawberry lemonade, muhammara, chicken kebab sandwich. Unfortunately, the molokhiya and fattoush salad were a little oversalted. We also received a lot of freshly baked pita bread for lunch.

Saja

Google
First of all we waited for long time like 20 mins or more just for 3 dishes then it turned out that they put it for pickup while we were waiting in the small dining area inside! Second the faba beens was missing salt and lemon then the guy brought us the seasoning and the rest to customize it they way we want that was nice of him but from the beginning it should be having them. The Ejjeh was smelling eggy. The atmosphere was nice, clean and cozy!

Sirisha Lanka

Google
I have never tasted such a great Lebanon food in USA . This place is must try when you are in NJ. They have both dine in only as well togo only. At togo there is good space to sit and eat . Very hygienic place and tasty food

Francis Rahul

Google
The food here is very good . I got the mix platter and a half chicken platter and both tasted very fresh. The mixed platter came with assortment of meats which were tender and succulent. The half chicken was also good but lacked a little bit of flavor .

sandy lee

Google
I ordered catering from here for 25 guests. They packed more than plenty food, and everything was so tasty and warm (freshly cooked the packed for a 11:00am pickup). Guests enjoyed very much! I’m so happy I ordered from here and will definitely consider for the next occasion! Mix Mashawi and Grilled Whole Chickens were perfect for a birthday lunch celebration! Thank you!

Sam Dayeh

Google
Seriously?! I have been a long time customer and supported Al Basha since its founding in 1998. Even previously ordered $1500+ catering for corporate functions. Unfortunately something was different today. Instead of the normally generous chunks of kabobs, they skimped down to half the size (see photo). I hope this was a one off event, and not one that would chase once loyal customers like me away. If its a new portioning business decision, there's time to reverse it and regain the trust of customers like me. I love Al Basha and I'm writing this bad review to save it!

Des KF

Google
Decided to get lunch at this spot. The order was called in. When I arrived I found parking on the street nearby. I walked in and went to the counter. The food was ready. I ordered the half chicken. I paid and left. When I dug in, the food was actually good. I enjoyed the hummus as well that I got. All in all, it was a decent experience.

Wei H.

Yelp
Great food: flavorful and good portion. We ordered the mix combo for 2 people, definitely enough portions and more. Service was great. We didn't have reservation, waited maybe 10-15mins. But I definitely recommend reservations , this place is packed!! Very upscale decor inside. Chic and elegant. The staff is very very attentive. I'll absolutely come back for more.

Nehal A.

Yelp
Finally got a chance to visit the renowned kebab place in Paterson. We went in for a Sunday lunch around noon. They have valet parking for $15, but I preferred doing street parking nearby. The place was already full, though we were lucky to get a table within 5 minutes. The restaurant appears to be small but later I realized they have a huge section in the back. Very modern, gorgeous interior. The menu has breakfast items, appetizers and entrees. We ordered the mix mashawi that came with grilled filet mignon, kofta, chicken and shwarma kebabs. We got complementary salad, rice and bread with the dish. Also got side of yogurt and chili sauce. They cook the meat after the order so it does take some time. But I had a delight feasting on that giant platter of kebabs. Kofta was my favorite, followed by shwarma and filet mignon. The filet mignon got little extra grilled. The service was excellent. The staff were super attentive. Helped us with packing left overs. Gratuity of 18% is automatically added to the check. Overall we had a great lunch, and we are looking forward to our next meal here.

Aya E.

Yelp
Ordered: Mix Mashawi for 1 (~$26): signature char grilled kofta kebab, shish kebab, chicken kebab, and shawarma, with rice and toum Falafel Platter Appetizer (~$14): 6-piece falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, and tabouleh Sambousek (~$12) Mint Lemonade (~$7) Aya's take: Oh my goodness; it's been a while since I've been to Al Basha but it's even better than I remember. We stopped by around 5:30pm on a Saturday and they had a wait; luckily, the parties in front of us were all waiting for larger tables so we were seated right away as a party of 2. I started off with their Mint Lemonade which is one of the best ones I've had at any Middle Eastern restaurant. It's not too sweet, not too sour, and the mint makes every sip so refreshing. The Falafel Platter Appetizer was great for sharing as it included a nice assortment of starters. Definitely worth it! The Sambousek blew me away! They were crispy, crunchy, and bubbly. The meat filling was savory, lightly seasoned, and had great flavor. It paired well with the other appetizers we got. The Mix Mashawi for 1 was exceptional. The quality of each meat was top tier, and everything was juicy, and well-seasoned. Such an incredible meal and truly some of the best Middle Eastern food you can find in NJ!

Marlene C.

Yelp
Al-basha is a must try for every Nj resident! An absolute favorite! the portions are huge & i absolutely love the fresh warm pita! Also the service is great and they always check in tip: try the mint lemonade it's DELICIOUS!!

Manasa A.

Yelp
Wonderful restaurant. Loved everything we ate here.Sauted lamb with onions was the favorite. Service was great. Mint lemonade was amazing. It gets busy pretty often and there is a wait. They have valet parking.Street parking is difficult to find.

Emma G.

Yelp
I decided to start my month firmly at the top of the food chain. Al-Basha is about a 12-minute drive from my HQ, so I decided to give it a shot for a solo lunch adventure yesterday. Aside from a literal burning car by the Boston Market on 46, it was an uneventful journey, a few blocks off the highway and easy to locate in a really interesting foodie neighborhood. The parking situation is pretty atrocious. You're relying on street parking in a very busy area and the only nearby business parking is for an extremely popular Turkish bakery around the corner that's unlikely to have any open spots. I ended up having to park on the block behind Al-Basha on Knickerbocker Ave, so just be aware this may take a few minutes. To their credit, Al-Basha was legitimately hopping when I strolled in around 1:20pm. I took a gamble and didn't make a reservation, which easily could have been an issue here but thankfully they were able to get me in after a five-minute wait. You could also tell throughout the meal that they were well staffed and prepared for the lunch rush; there were servers and other staff constantly shuttling about with food and cleaning supplies. Impressive operation. I'd studied the menu beforehand and decided to go with the cheese borak app and the mix mashawi entree, along with a mint lemonade. I can see why so many other customers had the lemonade; I was a LITTLE apprehensive of a green drink that leaves residue on a glass (I always assume it's going to taste like kale or something) but this was really refreshing with just the right amount of tart and sweetness. It's pretty unusual for me to get Middle Eastern food so I tried to play it safe but also get items that seemed pretty popular. The cheese borak, based on taste and texture, was essentially the love child of a mozzarella stick and a taquito, with the cheese-like interior gooier than I would have assumed, with some seasoning. Really delicious and would get that again. The mix mashawi was really interesting and overall something I liked. It's four different types of meat presented in kabob style on a plate, more or less, with a side of rice. The lamb to me was the star - very tender and flavorful, and was the only meat I actually finished in the restaurant. The filet mignon was just okay for me, a little too tough, but the chicken helped cancel that one out. A touch dry but had unique seasoning on it. I've had shawarma before and it's just something I'm lukewarm on; I'm not a huge Mediterranean fan and it always gives off gyro vibes to me. But everything was well cooked and presented, and the serving size is huge. I got the option for one person but coupled with the app ended up still needing to bring about a quarter of the food home, which is sufficient for another meal. I was stuffed for the rest of the day. The service was really good in the sense that I had multiple people stop by my table regularly, and I never felt like an outsider at a place where I could easily stick out like a sore thumb (to be fair, there were a few other dining parties that were clearly not of Middle Eastern descent either). Everyone was very welcoming and accommodating. I'm not sure if it's because of the way it's prepared, but it took a solid half hour for the mix mashawi to show up, which is a bit long in my view especially for lunch but there may not be a choice in that regard. I'd definitely come back but given the price point? I think this is a better option for dinner, and I'd bring at least one other person if I were getting the mix mashawi again - even with the high quality food and service, it's tough to justify (with tip) a $50+ meal.

Sheila G.

Yelp
Love to support this Palestinian restaurant I've been going to for about 8yrs now. The food is delicious and authentic, confirmed by my Palestinian friends and you can tell by who eats there. The servers were extremely nice and super helpful answering questions. I went with a group of friends so we were able to try a few things. I tried their famous mint lemonade, a must have! And then we also tried the mango & I believe my friend got the passion fruit sparkling soda, okay but I would skip next time and get more mint lemonade haha Their hummus is so creamy, tastes like there's cream in there! In my opinion their baba ganoush used to be better, I'll skip next time. Falafel was crazy, nicely seasoned and delicious. We shared the meat platter which came with a variety of things including chicken, shawarma and filet mignon and side of rice and salad. Everything was cooked & seasoned perfectly and so good. The server convinced us to try the pistachio ice cream which I'm glad we did, it was so yummy! This was my first time at this location and it's beautiful, can't wait to bring my mom & sister

Grace W.

Yelp
Where has this been my entire life!! Absolutely amazing experience! Where to begin... restaurant is beautifully decorated. Staff is super attentive and food comes out extremely quickly considering how packed it was in a Sunday evening. Food is ... some of the most delicious I have had in a very long time. I am actually happy it's not that close to my house or I'd be their top costumer. We orders the samples appetizer and wow! Also ordered their meat samples for 4 and there was so much food we could not finish it, though we really tried. Warning, they are always packed. Parking is not the easiest as it's a really busy strip. They do have valet but with no spots around it wasn't working. Cannot wait to go back!

Bea R.

Yelp
Foodgasm. I was looking forward to trying more Middle Eastern cuisine and this was the type of meal that had me rolling my eyes and savoring everything that landed on my tastebuds. I'm dramatic! We came in on a Friday evening around 8pm as walk-ins for a table of 2 (I called earlier and they said they didn't take reservations). The restaurant was bustling and packed! Tons of big groups, lots of noise, and a continuous flow of traffic. Luckily, we only waited about 10 minutes or so for a table. Now onto the meal... For starters, we received complimentary pita bread, pickled vegetables, and a tomato & cucumber salad. We ordered falafel ($6 for 8 pieces) and baba ghanouj ($7). This was the best falafel I've ever had! The chickpeas were so light and crispy. I am a huge fan of eggplants so I absolutely LOVED the baba ghanouj. For our main dish, we ordered the Mix Mashawi for 2 ($48). The dish was a combination of char grilled signature meats- chicken kebab, filet mignon, kofta kebab, and shawarma. It also came with a plate of toasted jasmine rice and some kind of white sauce dip. Every single piece of meat was seasoned and cooked so well; my favorite was the shawarma! The only thing I didn't like was that the filet mignon was a bit chewy. What was really the icing on the cake was the MINT LEMONADE ($7)!! This drink was refreshing, sweet, and tarty all at once. I could have had 2 more of them. I really wanted to order their baklava for dessert but we were stuffed. Everything we ate was *CHEF'S KISS* The flavors were incredible and portion sizes were generous. I will 1000% be back to try more dishes! The service wasn't the greatest and was a bit chaotic... but we were enjoying our food and drinks so much that we didn't really mind. The servers aren't that attentive so you have to flag them down if you need anything. They are very kind though and always had a positive attitude amidst the busy restaurant. Just a few tips to end my review: 1.) They include the gratuity in the bill 2.) They don't serve alcohol and it's not BYOB 3.) They offer valet parking, but there is also street parking nearby 4.) They have another location on Main Street for pick-up/take-out only

Teresa T.

Yelp
This restaurant was on my list to try for the longest time ever and I finally made it out here. Restaurant was clean, modern and well ventilated. Service was prompt and efficient and the waiter suggested a warm mint tea for me. We ordered the mezze and meat platter. If you are 2 people, I think one order of the meat platter and the mezze will be sufficient unless you are large eaters . Food is fresh, flavorful and well prepared. The mint lemonade was refreshing and a great pairing with the food. This is the first of many future trips!

Monica D.

Yelp
When the best places to eat of the year came out and I saw this place, which is less than 10 minutes from my house was on it, I had to go. I went with a friend and we decided to get an appetizer and the mixed grill to be able to taste a little bit of a bunch and it was perfect. The spot is clean and beautiful. The service is very kind and attentive and the food was simply amazing. Definitely going back with more people to trying some more items.

Tatiana A.

Yelp
A must try! My friends and I visited on a Saturday (as a walk in) and were seated immediately. The staff was super friendly and helpful and the ambiance was modern, spacious and accommodating for families and Individuals. My friends and I ordered the Al-Basha Mezza that came with 8 different spreads, cheese borek, mix mashawi which comes with 4 different grilled proteins (comes with rice and pita bread), pistachio ice cream and you can't forget their famous mint lemonade. These dishes are perfect because it is family style and plentiful. The flavors are all delicious and I was truly happy to experience the flavors and ambiance. The ice cream was unique and super memorable because it was something I've never tasted but loved. You really cannot skip the lemonade either. They also have another location in Paterson that is take out as well as self serve with their kiosk. Street parking is available. Everything was delicious I cannot wait for my next visit.

Betty S.

Yelp
I always order takeout the food is delicious !! The Hummus is smooth creamy and fabulous!! The Hummus with the whole chickpeas is my absolute favorite...service is fast !! I highly recommend

Abila R.

Yelp
Wow !! This place exceeded my expectation. The interior was so beautiful. There's a huge tree right in the center of the restaurant. The entire place is decorated very minimally and gives an elevated clean woodsy vibe. We came in last minute, party of 15 without a reservation. The staff was quick and efficient even while having a full restaurant! They were awesome and attentive especially with the kids. The food was amazing!!! We started with the salad, hummus and baba ganoush. And also got the large platters for a party of 4 and party of 6. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. I have nothing bad to say about this place. Very family friendly and yummy ! I will be coming back here again. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Rosaly S.

Yelp
Party of 7 on Mother's day, was about a 20 minute wait. I really enjoyed this place! It aesthetically pleasing and the food was great! We got one of the family orders. Everything was rich of flavor! A little of everything, is exactly what we needed. Our server was kind and patient; I appreciate him explaining the dishes! I really enjoyed my time here! Very welcoming and even though it was a busy mother's day , we didn't feel rushed.

Bianca L.

Yelp
Delicious food and always fresh. I especially love the pita and hummus along with the chicken kebab with rice and Arabic salad. Yum!

Reyna N.

Yelp
OMG, we absolutely love @eatalbasha ! We have eaten in and ordered takeout many times, NEVER DISAPPOINTS! This restaurant is the BEST place to visit, if you want to try real Middle Eastern and Lebanese dishes. The food here is beyond GOOD, their flavors are exceptional, and their customer service/staff are extremely friendly and attentive. Even thou, they can be a little on the pricey side, their food portions are huge; You will definitely be taking leftovers home! Everything is FRESH and made to PERFECTION. Our dishes consist of: -Arabic Salad- the freshness and the colors are so vibrant. -Hummus- OMG, their hummus is out of this world! I can never eat any other hummus again. It was so fresh and nothing like the ones we buy in supermarkets. -Mix Mashawi for 2 w/Rice- the meats are juicy, flavorful and cooked to perfection. -Baklava w/Pistachio Ice Cream (SO GUD ) We highly recommend this place to all of our friends and family

Melissa R.

Yelp
Love love love his place! My second time here and it did not disappoint. The pita is warm and fresh, complimentary for the table with a side of veggies. For drinks we tried the mint lemonade which was delicious I love how herbaceous and refreshing it was. For starters, we tried the falafel and fried cauliflower- DELICIOUS. I especially loved the cauliflower but wish there was more of the creamy sauce. Falafel had good flavor and was perfectly crispy. For our main entree we did the platter for 2 and loved each meat except for the filet mignon - it was a bit too overcooked for our preference. The rice, perfectly cooked and delicious. The cucumber tomato salad is the perfect match for the dish as well. The first time I came here, I had the spread of dips and loved each one, so fresh and delicious. My son ordered a cheeseburger and liked it but I know next time he can't wait to dig into the platter with us. Service was decent, we did have to call them over a few times but otherwise welcoming and friendly. Ambience is chill but very nice modern restaurant I love the atmosphere and decor.

Glover F.

Yelp
This place is literally my favorite restaurant in NJ!! They have the BEST food ever, I didn't have this amazing food even back in Jordan!! Their lemon mint is just so fresh - I always ask them not to add sugar :) Hummus and falafel are super YUM! Not to mention the tabbouleh... beets salad with arugula... We always order the mixed grill for two (and if we go more than 2 people we order the one for four), I also don't like kebab that much so we ask them to substitute with either meat cubes or chicken, and salad instead of the fries, and they're always super accommodating and do it with a huge smile. Service is phenomenal and so quick. Sometimes when I call in advance I get to reserve a table, if you walk-in you'll have to wait a bit but it's not crazy long... It's an all-time favorite... if you want an authentic Palestinian food - this is your place to go!

Therese T.

Yelp
Unfortunately I've only had the absolute pleasure of going to Al-Basha twice now, but let me tell you, it does not disappoint. The only disappointment is when the experience ends and you have to roll yourself home because it was so good. Mezze's -- amazing, the meat -- slaps. One of my favorite parts of the meal is actually the rice because its just so buttery and delicious mmmm. I can't wait until I can go back. Thank you for an amazing meal!!

Natasha B.

Yelp
THE best Palestinian food in Jersey. Everything tastes amazing. The mint lemonade is a must. I travel from NY ever so often just to have Al basha. It's that good

Miriam I.

Yelp
I love this place!! Recently got on a list for top 100 restaurants in the country and honestly it's valid. This is an old Paterson staple. A Palestinian restaurant with huge portions of great food and great prices. The service is quick as they gotta keep up with tons of demand. My go to is always the mezza sampler and the mixed grill. The mixed grill feeds more than is listed. Between these two things i cover all my bases. I also ALWAYS have to get the mint lemonade which is fresh and refreshing. I also recently tried the fried cauliflower and fell in love if you need a vegetarian option! I would skip the fattoush. An absolute must try!!

Florence C.

Yelp
Al-Basha accommodated our last-minute reservation for 7 people at dinnertime on OpenTable via Google. When we arrived, it was packed with several people waiting for a table. Because of our reservation, we were seated within 10 minutes of waiting. Then, service was fast, flirty, and friendly. Their Mint Lemonade is a must! Then the Mezza which comes with a dizzying giant spread of very tasty options like hummus, babagnoush, muhammara, toum, plus way more is also a must. Their Beef and Lamb Kofta entree was so huge that it lasted me 2 big-ass meals. It came with rice, grilled veggies, and pita bread. With all of this great food, none of us had room for dessert. NOTES/TIPS: **Street parking in front is very difficult. On a parallel street, it's not bad. **Classy but casual feels.

Marvo A.

Yelp
They added 18 tip to my bill , and they charged 15 $ for vale parking, i eat better food in Turkish restaurants, i didn't like the taste of their food and for 2 people i paid almost 80$ , waiter was very nice

Adam S.

Yelp
I've been to their other al-basha location for a long time before it became a take-out only spot. This was my first time at the dine-in location. The ambiance is very nice, perfect for a date night or group setting. We went on a Saturday at 6pm and the wait was 45mins, first come first serve (no reservations). We were fortunate enough to find parking right in front of the restaurant, otherwise, we would've had to use their valet parking or drive around for parking. They provide you with fresh pita bread, however, I wish the bread would come out with the appetizers or meal, as it gets cold by the time you use it. We ordered the mezzeh appetizer platter which was perfect for everyone to dip from. The shawarma platter was good, however, it's more chopped meat than the thin sliced gyro meat that you would get off of a skewer. The rice was full of flavor. The mint lemonade was practically on everyone's table, must order. Highly recommend!

Latrice S.

Yelp
I can literally eat here everyday if I could. My favorite is their kofta Kebab platter, Arayaess, hummus, and their hummus with foul! I mean everything is delicious on the menu, even their specialty drinks and desserts! The restaurant has such a simplistic but rich ambience and service is always top notch!

Joe D.

Yelp
Wife received a Gift Certificate for this highly recommended restaurant. Not being familiar with Middle Eastern food, we brought along three members our Syrian part of the family. Oh my, what a GREAT experience! The restaurant, which we were told has been openned for about a year at its current location, is beautifully furnished in a modern decor - high ceiling, beautiful artwork, a big Olive Tree, stone tabletops, and nicely dressed and friendly wait staff. Our party of 5 each had a refreshingly delicious beverage, either the Mint Lemonade or the Peach Mango - SO, SO GOOD! We started off with the AL-Basha Mezza, a delicious assortment of spreadable concoctions, one better than the other, on fresh pita bread -YUM! Given our total satisfaction with ALL our appetizers, we wanted to try ALL their entrees. Perfectly suited to our wishes was the Mix Mashawi which included: Char Grilled Filet Mignon, Kofta Kebob, Chicken Kebab, Shawarma, and Rice. We ordered For 4 and had left over. All good but most especially the Filet and Chicken. When the waiter asked if we'd like coffee or dessert, my guests begged off but I said, "Hey, lets try all three!" Pistachio Ice Cream, Baklava, and a special milk pudding were sampled by all. We'll Be Back - For Sure! CAUTION: While I would NEVER park in a cross walk, I received a $55 parking ticket for parking "Within 25 feet of the cross walk". WHAT!!! We'll see what happens when I take this up in Clifton's "virtual court" in October.

Elsy L.

Yelp
I've been here so many times so this is a culmination of my experiences. This place is amazing- food, service, and ambiance combined. They have cultural murals and an olive tree prop in the restaurant giving insight into their culture. The service is always attentive and fast. All of the food is amazing here. They great you with pickled vegetable mix and their awesome pita bread. I've had the majority of their menu at this point. Drinks: -Mint Lime Drink: SO FRESH every time and combines perfectly with your meal!!! Appetizers: -Pita Bread: so fresh and Delicious!!!! Definitely pairs perfectly with absolutely everything! -Pickled veggie: pickled beautifully with olives and other veggies -Halloumi (fried cheese): deliciously cheesy goodness- one of my favorites to get -Falafel: A GO TO DISH. so AMAZING! Literally best. Falafel. I. Have. Ever. Had. -Arabic salad: so fresh and pairs perfectly with everything! -Hummus: THE GO TO DISH! If you thought you knew hummus this will blow any hummus you've had out of the water!! So CREAMY and DELICIOUS!!! -Baba ghanouj: (grilled eggplant spread) so amazing combined with everything! -Kibbeh: definitely so fresh *tip: grab a piece of falafel and bread, sandwich together and dip in hummus. You will not regret this combo. TASTE BUD HEAVEN* Main: -Mix Mashawi: (Char Grilled Filet Mignon, Kofta Kebab Chicken Kebab, Shawarma) the perfect course. *we usually substitute the shawarma with the chicken kabob* everything is beautifully seasoned and fresh. Usually their meats are tender but very rarely something may come out on the dryer end. Sides: -Rice: (Jasmine rice with toasted vermicelli noodles) loveeee!! So tasty and beautifully combines with everything!! -Fries: honestly pretty good fries and it also pairs well. Dipping sauces: -Hot Chili Sauce: fresh! perfect if you want that kick with your meat options -Garlic Yogurt Sauce: perfectly pairs well with the meat options! *tip: combine both with your meat and it's a flavor explosion* Dessert/wind down: -Mint Tea: honestly this tea is so amazing as a closing to your meal. It really helps you digest all the food you just devoured and is so tasty and refreshing. I recommend this spot 10/10. Literally none of my experiences there have ever been dull. The food and atmosphere are always on point!

Oi W.

Yelp
12/2/23 We heard on our local news that Paterson's restaurant week was ending Sunday so we went Saturday 12/2. Al Basha was chosen because we've never tried Palestinian cuisine. And restaurant week would be perfect time to try since there would be a discounted menu. We tried to make reservations but they do not take reservations on weekends. We at 4:30pm and hoped it would be before the dinner rush, wrong! Place was already packed and have a 30min wait list. We chose to wait. About 20mins later we were seated. They drop a basket of pita and some pickled vegetables while we looked over the menu. No special menu for restaurant week. The waitstaff was gone before we can ask.... Oh well we'll look over the menu and ask the waiter. No one came over for several minutes. I understand we were waiting on 1 person but usually you get to order a drink. We got the basket of pita and pickle vegetables but no glass of water... We had to flag someone down, who had to go get our waiter. When he came over we got sidetracked about the order that we forgot to ask about the restaurant week deal, oh well. We ordered the Fried Cauliflower, hot tea and Mint Lemonade. After a couple minutes, we decided to get the Kibbeh, and had a hard time flagging down a waiter. We finally got a hold of someone who put our order in. Fried Cauliflower - the tahini was under the cauliflower so the 1st few bites was just the fried cauliflower which was good. Until we unearthed the tahini and lemon sauce, then it was a whole other level of yumminess. Kibbeh - Not greasy. Flavorful stuffing of meat. Very good Mint Lemonade - it came after the apps... saw everyone had ordered it so I gave it a try. Just the right tartness with a hint of mint, and not overly sweet. On to the main course: Lamb Chops - hubby loved it. I don't really like lamb for the gaminess but this was delicious, hardly noticed it was lamb, that's cooking skill! Chicken Kebab - chicken was very dry, if it wasn't for the garlic paste, it would be tasteless.... I really wish I can have beef (digestion problems) because the kofta kebab looked amazing. Since I don't like lamb and can't have beef the only choice was chicken and it was not good... :( Falafel Platter - it's a side like rice or French fries, but our friend is vegetarian so he opted for the platter with a Beet Salad. Falafel was crispy outside and soft inside, Hummus was a creamy goodness, Baba Ghanouj was delicious, and Tebouleh was ok. Our friend shared some since I didn't enjoy my chicken. This was so good I ordered it to go. Beet Salad - our friend enjoyed the salad. I personally would never order it because of the walnuts (bleh lol) and the stick of feta cheese (this was odd to me as most restaurants crumble it in salads, also not a fan...) As you can see, the food was delicious so why only 3stars, well service was lacking.... Hubby spilled his tea so we used the paper napkin to wipe it. It meant that we were down 1 napkin. On his way to the bathroom he asked a waitstaff to bring us some napkins. No one came. We borrowed the napkin from our friend's place setting hoping that our waiter can bring another before he showed up, nope. Even when we ordered, we asked for napkins, food came and still none. We were done and still no napkins.... We paid our bill, which included 20% service fee, WTF! I understand restaurants charging for a party of 5+ but we were 3... you know what, we always tip 20% so we left it at that even though this time I would have only tipped 10-15% since service was really lacking. Remember I ordered a Falafel Platter togo. After paying and we all went to the bathroom, still no togo. About 10mins later, I had to wave both my arms to get someone's attention... he came I told him we were waiting for a togo. He goes and someone else came to ask what happened... :/. I repeat that we were still waiting on a togo. He goes into the kitchen and came right back with the togo bag.... So if I didn't say anything it would have just sat there in the kitchen... :/

Punga I.

Yelp
This is probably the last time we came. Their reservation system and seating process SUCKs!!!!!! Their answer: People love us. Well we did too but not anymore. We will go to other newer restaurants in Paterson that have better seating process.

Imad C.

Yelp
Their Chicken is not halal. I have been eating at Al Basha since the 90s and just recently they started buying their chicken from Noor Al Jabal which are well known to mechanically slaughter their birds instead of individually slaughtering by hand each bird by bird by a Muslim. I tried telling the owner but he wasn't listening to me.

Sid G.

Yelp
We got the mezza, but the bakdunsiah and hummus stole the show. Get an extra of each. The sambusek had a crisp yet light puffy dough covering it which made them amazing. This could be enough for two people. But I spared the delicious pita with a heavy heart to make room for the meat platter. The chicken kebob and the fillet mignon were well done yet very tender and juicy. The kofteh kebab and shawarma were also great. The semolina rice was well made and the kernels puffy, soft and satisfying to nibble on. There is a layer of roti below it that is drenched in meat sauces that is the secret steal. If food could make peace in the middle east, al-basha food would bring a 1000 years of it...

Ed G.

Yelp
The food here is amazing!!! The atmosphere and service was beyond fantastic, I highly recommend Al-Basha!

Constance A.

Yelp
Unfortunately when a place becomes successful, customer service takes a hit. My partner and I came here on a Saturday at 1pm. After placing our order, they then tell us the wait is 45 minutes. Like what! We asked for a refund since you could not wait 45 minutes. It was such an inconvenience. While waiting for the staff to figure out how to do the refund, there was a lady who was talking to one of the staff that she called in her order and was hoping it could be brought to her because she had two young kids in the car. The person who she spoke to told her no problem. But here she was inside the restaurant telling them she had been waiting an hour for her food and no one had brought out her order. So yeah, be prepared when you go. They seem to get a lot of delivery orders which is why they are so busy because there were many empty tables.

Miranda Doll C.

Yelp
Delicious home cooked. Clean food. If you're watching your weight, perfect place. Just an overall good place for hummus, bread, even espresso.

Yvonne C.

Yelp
This place is grrrrreeeeat!!! All around!!! Place. Location. Parking. Staff!! Property!! Food!! Service!! Go! Go! Go!!! I have been a Paterson resident for 10 years- have tried many of the restaurants - particularly Mediterranean - few a have disappointed. This is one that will never disappoints!! Hosts are on point- the tables are normally all full with families enjoying this delicious option in a decadent location!! The decor will blow you away and make you feel you're entering someone's home- warm and welcoming with lux!! Service - friendly and with a smile - and not overbearing either - there are some places that ask you if everything is ok every 3 minutes - keeping you from your company. Not the case here / very good soft skills!! The food- cannot say enough!' - delish. Fresh. Generous. Tasty and fulfilling- hope to leave you with enough intrigue- paving your path to this location - lol!! Whatever you end up ordering - you WILL be satisfied- everytime!! Buen provecho! Cheese Borek . Baba Ghanoush. Kofte Kebabs. Mix Meat Plate.

Ilana Z.

Yelp
This is our second time coming here. The decor is nice inside and the food is absolutely delicious. There is always a long wait time for dinner. The one negative is that they don't serve tap water and make you pay for each water bottle. I don't know any other restaurant that does this. We got the lentil soup which was amazing. So tasty and didn't even need the lemon. We also got the fried cauliflower which came on a bed of hummus, and the mixed appetizer sampler. I absolutely love all their dips and pitas. We got the mixed grilled for 6 since we had 6 people and it was tooooo much! We should've ordered a smaller portion but everything was tasty. Our favorite is the lamb kebab pieces. The rice is so buttery and warm. Definitely recommend!

Stephanie Y.

Yelp
A friend introduced me to this restaurant, and it has been one of our favorites ever since! My friends and I have been here multiple times. The food is always delicious, the ambiance is cozy and welcoming, and the service is excellent! I highly recommend the Hummus, Falafel Platter, and Mix Mashawi Grill for food. The Mint Lemonade they have is so refreshing. For dessert, we have gotten the Pistachi Ice Cream, and it's so rich and the perfect flavor!

Haylie B.

Yelp
The food is so good and so fresh! We had the mix grill, chicken kebab, AlBasha mezza plates, mint lemonade. Everything was absolutely delicious. Staff is very professional and friendly. Atmosphere, service, everything was amazing. Plenty of food for 2 people and we had to take half of it back home. I can't wait to go back.

Yasser H.

Yelp
By far one of the best Mediterranean foods I've had. They do take reservations Monday thru Friday only. Weekends is walk-ins only. We went on a Friday and had reservations. The place was packed at 6pm. Our family orders the following items: Mix grill platter 5/5. Assortment of multiple meats and some veggies. Kabobs we're delicious. Grilled chicken was very juicy and flavorful. Shawarma and fries 4/5. Shawarma was very good too, along with the French fries. Just the size of shawarma sandwich was smaller compared to other competitors. hummus. 5/5. Excellent. Topped with olive oil and garbanzo beans. Well presented. My pic came out blurry Falafels 5/5. Seasoned and fried to perfection. Salad. Mixed assortment and a great compliment to all the meats that were served. The mint lemonade was excellent also. A great thirst quencher on a scorching day. Service was excellent and ambiance was very nice also. We will definitely be back.

Nadia D.

Yelp
Today I called a take out order they said 30 minutes will be ready 30 minutes later went to pick up my order wasn't ready and I waited 1 hour while I was waiting for my order I saw that none of the workers wearing gloves They have more than 10 people working and touching food with no gloves We will not be going back because the food it went to the trash the minute I walked out

Kimberley W.

Yelp
I have driven past this place so many times. However, this time I'm so glad I stopped in for dinner. Al-Basha had sleek, modern decor. The food was absolutely delicious! Our server was attentive and explained the items on the menu. We will definitely be back. I have to do better with taking pictures before I dig into it. The hummus was soooo smooth and yummy! They gave great portions. So, I had more than enough to take home for leftovers.

Christina R.

Yelp
Their shawarma is bomb! We usually get the mix mashawi for two when we are 2 adults and 2 kids and it is very satisfying. We got it for take out last night and it was delicious! Comes with 4 koftas, 4 pieces of filet mignon, 4 pieces of chicken, and beef shawarma over a bed of rice or French fries if you choose. Very good amount for 4 people and we usually have leftovers too. I also really like their salad apps. And their bread is great! I always look forward to getting food from here!

Patrick M.

Yelp
At Al Basha Restaurant (Middle Eastern Cuisine) on Crooks Avenue in Paterson with Adam Ginnotti, visiting some old friends. Beautiful, contemporary, upscale (yet casual) restaurant with a friendly, welcoming, charming atmosphere. The food and service were noteworthy (and a special thanks to our host/server Yousef for helping to make this a memorable lunch experience). We both ordered the Mix Mashawi (Al Basha's Signature Dish-Char Grilled Kofta Kebab, Shish Kebab, Chicken Kebab, Shawarma). The meats were perfectly prepared and seasoned, moist, juicy, and losded with taste. It was a delicious choice, and one I would gladly make again. The pita bread (for dipping) tasted like it just came out of the oven, and the lemonade and Turkish coffee perfectly complimented the meal. Thank you Adam for the intro to a great family and a fantastic new restaurant.

Davis N.

Yelp
Can never go wrong with this platter, such an amazing deal for such great quality food.

Madeleine B.

Yelp
This place is INCREDIBLE. The falafel is my favorite, followed closely by the hummus. Could eat here every day.

Brian L.

Yelp
Fresh and yummy! Rice had nice flavor and chicken was seasoned nicely. Loved the pita and hummus

Elisa R.

Yelp
So thankful my friend told me about this place! The restaurant is beautiful and sooo big! I loved all the photos of Palestine on the wall. The food was phenomenal! We shared the falafel, rice/pilaf, cheese borek, baba-ghanouj, and pita and wow everything was sooo tasty! The mint lemonade was a big hitter too- you must try that when you go! I will 100% come back to this spot! Just a heads up- they get super busy and we went on a Friday, so it was a bit difficult finding parking. They do have valet that they offer out front, which is nice, but we were able to find parking after circling the block a few times.

Uzma Z.

Yelp
I love their hummus the grill meat is hit or miss . The service is ok . I think it's more over rated