• Opened: 2002
• Cost: $$
• Credit Cards: All Major
• Alcohol: None
• Parking: Street
• Take Out: Yes

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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.

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