Paterson, NJ 07503
- Opened: 2002
- Cost: $$
- Credit Cards: All Major
- Alcohol: None
- Parking: Street
- Take Out: Yes

September 3, 2012
Review
A mainstay of Paterson’s Middle Eastern Restaurant row on Main Street, Al Basha is a comfortable, slightly upscale option for Lebanese fare.
We visited for a midweek lunch. The hummus alone, spectacularly creamy and rich, is worth a visit. While the pita alongside is served in a bag (not homemade), in this neighborhood even store-bought pita are a step above. Al Basha is the perfect place to try a variety of meze, or small plates. We enjoyed the “stuffed” falafel, nice and spicy; and the kibe, ground meat fritters, here mixed with walnuts. The beef shawarma sandwich is also very good, with nicely flavored meat wrapped in a thin pita.
Al Basha’s full menu includes meat platters, salads and seafood. The large dining room is kept fairly dark, with a television tuned to an Arabic station. Service is efficient, but the restaurant was more or less empty when we visited.
Hot mint tea is a nice way to end any meal at Al Basha.
Links
I’ve been going to Al Basha for takeout several times recently and it looks like Al Basha has stepped up their game on the pita bread. Instead of the generic-brand pita bread that’s available in your local chain supermarket, they have been serving a thicker-version of pita bread that appears to be locally made and is very addictive.