The pita bread is my favorite. It's hot, fluffy, and delicious. I also love the mint lemonade. Overall, good food and ambience.

Food is amazing--the flavor, the portions, the consistency!! And the service 10 out of 10!

We happily wait over 1.5hrs (on a busy night) because once you are seated you know you're in for a treat. The service is always kind and they are very efficient. They also have great recs and are able to customize some items like the platters as well. The mix platter is what we usually get along with a few apps. The value is insane for the variety you get. They also have the best falafels and pita hands down (stay fresh and soft just the way they serve it even once you take it home). We also love their lamp chops. In terms of drinks and dessert, the mint lemonade has been a fav and the pistachio ice cream was also a dream even though we were too full. We always recommend this place to our friends and have taken different sets of friend groups here. We have also ordered them via delivery apps, and it was the same quality and value (which was surprisingly refreshing). You just have to warm it up unfortunately, because it is food that is best enjoyed when hot. read more

I was in the area and looking to get a falafel platter. I found the business on yelp but couldn't find the full menu online so I called. Luckily I asked for them to confirm the address because the pickup location is different from their eat in location. It was hard to find parking in the area so I went around the block a couple times until double parking. When I went inside, I went to the wrong section and nobody helped me. After watching people come in, I realized I had to go pay and then show receipt to the people who packed up the food. The falafel & rice were very good, but this seemed very plain & overpriced. I was also very disappointed by the single use plastic. It's no coincide that the streets of Paterson are covered with trash. read more

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We came in a group of 4 and ordered the Mix Mashawi platter which had filet mignon, chicken kebab, kofta kebab, and beef shawarma slices. The flavors across the board were really good. The kofta and shawarma especially hit. The filet mignon and chicken were cooked a bit past where they should've been so the filet got tough once it cooled down and the chicken was on the dry side, but the seasoning was definitely there. The hummus with shawarma on top was excellent, and the fresh baked pita was some of the best we've had. The Mint Lemonade is a must-order! It's easily one of the best we've tried anywhere. One thing to watch out for: they automatically add 18% gratuity for parties of 4, but the receipt still shows an open tip line as if gratuity wasn't already included. If you're not carefully reading the itemized breakdown, you could easily double tip without realizing it. The food is worth coming back for, but make sure to check your bill before you sign. read more

Al-Basha - Hummus - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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This Middle Eastern spot has been on my list for a while, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The Crooks Ave location is dine in, while the takeout spot is just about four minutes down the street. Parking is mainly street parking, but they do offer valet which honestly helps because oh my god, this place was PACKED. Even with how busy it was though, the service never lacked; everyone was super attentive and on top of everything. The sparkling mango drink was mind blowing, I literally got two because it was that good, but the mint lemonade was also really refreshing. We started with the hummus platter for the table and it was so fresh, light, flavorful, and honestly one of the best starters to share. Then we got the meat platter and it was a LOT of food, but everything paired together perfectly. The meats with the jasmine rice and fresh salad were such a good combination. Overall, every dish felt well balanced and flavorful, definitely a spot worth coming back to!! read more

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Truly one of the best middle eastern restaurants I've tried. The food, portions, service, atmosphere, and cleanliness were all top tier. Got the Al basha mezza and mix mashawi for two, and it was enough for us to be fully stuffed AND for each of us to take home another full meal. Their pita was so good we were already starting to get full from just that and the mezza spread alone. The meats were so full of flavor, juicy, and tender. Cooked to perfection! The waitstaff was very attentive even though it was busy. They don't take reservations on the weekends so be prepared to wait outside. But it's definitely worth the wait. read more

Al-Basha - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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We've been going to Al Basha take out for years. I have amassed an embarrassing pile of their containers in my cabinets. We finally visited the sit down restaurant. First they bring out these puffy pita breads with veggie pickles. The take out ones are deflated so that was a nice surprise. The veggie pickles were fresh, not like the take out ones which are too pungent. We got their famous hummus but with an addition of diced lamb. It tasted same as the take out version and you need some kind of dip with all those pita breads. Also ordered a fried eggplant salad, which was great but be prepared for oiliness. For main, we got a lamb chop platter and a chicken kabob platter. Unlike the take out platter, you only have rice or fries option, but no dips. So that's a bit disappointing because I like the 3 dips you can get with your platter. The meat was all great, juicy and tender. The platter also came with a small Arabic salad. One thing I was surprised by was how large the restaurant is. The space is deep and there are 3 dining areas. Overall, friendly and efficient service. Next time, I plan to try their mint lemonade. Street parking seems plenty but I wasn't there when it was busy. read more

Thought this spot was pretty good! Things I liked: the garlic sauce, free pita and pickled veg, mixed mashawi grill was pretty good! The filet in the mixed grill was definitely dry. Also didn't love the arayes, I wouldn't order them from here again. Don't love that they don't offer a tap option seemed like just bottled water. My partner got the mint lemonade and it was good. It's a blended drink. We got seated after only a 10 min wait went on a Monday at 7. read more

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First time trying Middle Eastern food and it was a great experience recommend to anyone looking looking for Mediterranean cuisine

Absolutely delicious Palestinian food! The mezza platter is an absolute must. We went to the takeout location which had a considerable amount of seating. The service was absolutely excellent and we're given these Palestinian sodas to try. I do recommend double checking your order prior to leaving since I've had an item missing in two separate instances. read more

Al-Basha - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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I'm thinking it was their off day. I was so excited to try this spot since the one on main st in Paterson has been so good for so many years. This place is always packed!! I went with a friend during the week around 6pm. Wasn't busy inside and the service was lacking! The mint lemonade was excellent. We ordered the al basha mezza and nothing was great not even the hummus which was so unusual because this is one of the things they are known for. Everything was decent. We ordered the mix mashawi which i believe EVERYBODY orders. Well the chicken i thought was very good. Everything else seemed again just decent at best. The service and food just didn't exceeed my expectations. read more

Food here is amazing with good portions. I came here on a Friday night and it was packed. The Al Basha mezza which is their mixed spread is great for someone wanting to try all the different dips they have. We immediately got pita when we sat down, they do come around and refill your pita bread for free. I came here with a group of 5 and al basha mezza and mix mashawari for 4 was enough to feed all of us and was left stuffed. The presentation of the mixed meat was the star of the show and was absolutely delicious with the rice, salad and garlic sauce they provided with it. I also recommend ordering the limona drink, majority of the table around us ordered it as well. Service can be a bit better, it was hard to get a hold of our waiter but other than that, great spot! read more

Al-Basha - Mezze - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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Great fresh food. Love this place and their mint lemonade is one of the best . I also enjoy the Hummus and mix mashawi is the plate we Share as a family read more

Service was quick for a Friday night without reservations. We got seated 5 minutes after arriving around 6 for four people. Our food came quickly , and our waiter was decent. Had the mix mashawi and it was decent nothing extraordinary. The rice was good was tasty... the filet and chicken were okay nothing too memorable. Good ambiance looks upscale but can be for casual dining read more

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Food was DELICIOUS and service was amazing. We shared everything, no negative comments everything was spectacular. I ordered the chicken and it was not dry at all. It came with a garlic sauce as well which was kind of like a Tzatziki / Greek yogurt, paired amazingly. My friend got the kofta and it was mouthwatering. Best beef shawarma I've tasted so far as well. read more

Al-Basha - Chicken kebab, Hummus, Beef Shawarma, Kofta, Arabic Salad, Pita - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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The portions here are huge, so come hungry. The place is beautifully decorated, and it's very popular. Try to get reservations or be ready to wait. The staff was nice. I was there with a friend and they did not hover around us. The hummus was very creamy and the mix platter for two was way too big for 2 people. The food was delicious. We made room for the baklava, which was on point. Not too sweet and one portion is meant for sharing. Will definitely try again. read more

Solid spot for Palestinian food in nj. Came here for a party of 2 and ordered the Al basha mezze which is a sampler of all sorts of dips, it's a good way to try variety of their delicious dips and comes with complimentary pita. We also ordered the mix for 1 and all of this was good enough and we were left full. The only downside was they didn't have tap water, only bottled water and it was hard to find parking around the area or you can do valet parking. Overall service was nice and quick with our foods. Definitely a place I would come back for. read more

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Best service in all of the US by far for a middle restaurant. Great ambiance and the food is just phenomenal. All reasonably priced and delish options. Loved the service the most and will recommend anyone to go there just one complaint which is parking. I feel like this is an issue for many restaurants in the Jersey area! read more

Al-Basha - Mixed grill for 1 - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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THE GOOD ---------------- + Middle Eastern food at its very finest! ++++ Complimentary pita bread and Starter Arabic (Cucumber Tomato) Salad - Was a perfect way to start the meal. The bread was nice and warm and the salad was super fresh, however, the bread does not come with any dips or sauces, so make sure to order one from the menu's list of spreads. ++++ Mix Mashawi (for 2) - Was super duper flavorful and the meats (Filet Mignon, Chicken Kebab, Kofta Kebab, Shawarma ) were very tender! Typically, Chicken Kebob meat can be dry, but it was really good here. The portion was huge too - so big that we only ate half of it and brough the rest home. The Jasmine Rice was spot on too. ++++ Mint Lemonade - I have 2 words for this - GET IT! The drink is so refreshing and addictive. ++++ Sparkling Mango - Was good and was like a Mango seltzer, but I preferred the Mint Lemonade more. ++++ Pistachio Ice Cream - Possibly the very, very, very BEST pistachio ice cream I've ever had. The ice cream was creamy and the pistachio flavor was strong, but it was sooooo good. THE NOT SO GOOD ---------------------------- - 18% gratuity was automatically applied to our bill ... for 2 people? I read about this and, like others, am a little baffled at why it's automatically applied. - No private parking lot. All customers must park on the surrounding residential streets. MIXED THOUGHTS --------------------------- = Service was up and down. ++++ Food arrived fairly quickly. ---- Our waiter was pretty on point and cordial, BUT we were never checked on to see how things were and we never were provided water. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS -------------------------------------- = It was busy even on the Monday afternoon of New Year's week. The restaurant wasn't jam packed by any means and there were still tables, but they had a steady stream of customers. CONCLUSION -------------------- = Yes, Al-Basha comes with a monstrosity of foodie hype, but, make no mistake about it, the grilled meats here are undoubtedly the real deal!! Are they the cream of the crop? Having grown up in NYC, and being spoiled by the list of world class options to choose from, it is hard to say if they are up, up there. However, we would DEFINITELY come here again though to try other things! read more

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- Very spacious restaurant with sleek, modern décor; a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows floods the space with natural light, and there's a private dining area tucked in the back - Steady flow of diners on a Monday afternoon lunch; moderate noise level - Service was efficient and attentive, but interactions felt more transactional than warm or welcoming - Food was delicious overall: the Mixed Mashawi (for two) includes filet mignon shish kebabs, kofta kebabs, chicken kebabs, and a generous mound of beef shawarma atop paper-thin shrak bread; all the meats were perfectly seasoned and cooked--tender, juicy, and full of flavor; Arabic Salad was light and fresh; rice was warm and fluffy; could have used much more yogurt sauce! - Complimentary warm pita and spicy pickled vegetables were a nice touch - Mint lemonade and sparkling mango drinks were cold and refreshing; the pistachio ice cream was excellent with bold pistachio flavor and covered with crushed pistachios--though a bit pricey at $12 - Portions were generous with enough leftovers for another meal read more

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Reviewing the take away store front! Got the chicken shawarma which wasn't too fatty, as in it wasn't drowning in sauce. It came with some toom garlic spread on the side. They have kiosks for order or you can order from the front. It took awhile for the shawarma to come out, kind of defeats the take away concept to an extent. Also thought the speciality drinks priced around the same as a shawarma isn't fair. Looks pretty clean! read more

Al-Basha - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

The food at Al-Basha was superior to most Middle Eastern food that I have had previously. We stopped in for lunch and picked a few hot appetizers and of course the Hummus. They were amazing and so much food that we brought home a large part of it and had for dinner. Their Pita is smaller that others but puffy and out of this world. I can't wait to go back again. I would like to bring friends but am pretty sure that they would want to bring wine, but it is not allowed. I understand the reason. I forgot to mention their mint lemonade is great too. It was very busy for lunch but sufficient staff on duty to take care of the customers. There were many family's with children which gave the restaurant a nice homey vibe. read more

5 Stars - The best hummus and mint lemonade in Jersey! If you are in Paterson, Al-Basha is an absolute must. We had an incredible spread, but let's talk about that Signature Mint Lemonade first. It's iconic for a reason, bright green, perfectly frozen/blended, and so refreshing that it balances out the rich meal perfectly. We ordered the Falafel Platter, and you can tell they do it the right way here. The falafel was crispy on the outside, light and green on the inside, and not oily at all. When you pair it with their Hummus (which is hands down the creamiest I've ever had, especially with the warm meat and pine nuts on top), it's perfection. The Mix Mashawi (grill platter) was also fantastic, tender lamb and chicken that actually tasted like they came off a real charcoal grill. Great portions, authentic vibes, and the service was super welcoming. I'll be craving that mint drink until I come back! read more

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I've been coming here for about 15 years--way before the renovations and even before this new location opened--and the taste is still exactly as I remember it! Every piece of meat is packed with flavor and unbelievably juicy. The restaurant looks so beautiful and modern now, and they even gave the original location the same stunning makeover. For appetizers, I got the beef shawarma with hummus--my absolute favorite! I always order one just for myself and then another for everyone else to share. Their falafel is also a must-try, perfectly crisp on the outside and so good with the tahini sauce. Love this place!! I can't get enough!!! read more

After having such a great experience the first time coming here, I was looking forward to dining in again for a second time. We came in on a Sunday evening around 7pm as walk-ins for a table of 2. The restaurant was bustling and packed! Tons of big groups, lots of noise, and a continuous flow of traffic. We waited around 15-20 minutes to be seated. For starters, we received complimentary pita bread, pickled vegetables, and a tomato & cucumber salad. The pita was fluffy and fresh and the salad was refreshing. Now for the disappointment of the night. We ordered the Mix Mashawi for 2 ($48). The dish is a combination of char grilled signature meats- chicken kebab, filet mignon, kofta kebab, and shawarma. Halfway through munching on our apps, we were told that they ran out of shawarma... which was a bummer because that was my absolute favorite meat :/ They offered to substitute it for any of the other 3 meats, so we opted for chicken. All of the meat was seasoned and cooked well. And of course I had to wash down all of that meat with a mint lemonade ($7). I can never get enough of this drink. So refreshing and tarty! read more

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The food was extraordinary. Every dish had it's own hero. The service was amazing. The staff always had a smile! read more

Al-Basha - Amazing Food!!! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

From the ambiance, to the service, and delicious cuisine, it always is an excellent experience when dining at this beautiful restaurant!

El Basha in Paterson is honestly one of those spots that surprise you. The food is always so fresh and full of flavor, like you can taste the love in every bite. I got the soup and it was so good, warm, and seasoned just right. It actually hit the spot. The people there are super chill and nice. The energy is good, the food is good, it's just a whole vibe. If you're in Paterson and want real homemade style Mediterranean food, El Basha is the place. Trust me, once you try it, you'll keep going back. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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!! read more

Al-Basha - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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This was the first time I tried Palestinian food and I am so glad I did. I ordered take-out at their Main St. location (dine-in restaurant is on Crooks Avenue). Even though I was quoted 35-40 minutes for the order, my food was ready 10 minutes after I placed the order online! The mix mashawi plate was awesome. It had shish kebab, kofta kebab, chicken kebab, and beef shawarma, and came with fragrant rice and Arabic salad (almost like a salsa with cucumbers). The meats were seasoned well and grilled to perfection. Their hummus & foul was very smooth and creamy, for both the hummus and the fava beans parts. The tatbila (green hot sauce) added a nice kick. The generous drizzle of olive oil made the dip even more rich. The pita bread was pillowy soft and fresh; I loved mopping up the hummus and olive oil with it. I am generally not the biggest baba ghanouj or falafel fan, but thought the ones here were some of the better ones I have had. The falafel was crunchy on the outside with soft onions and sumac on the inside. I ended the meal with a burma baklawa for dessert; the kataifi dough was extra crispy and it was just the right amount of sweetness. I did notice that they forgot the tahini sauce and garlic sauce that I ordered with my dishes. I am willing to let that slide this time, as I'm sure I will return for more. The portions were large, so that more than made up for two missing sauces. read more

Al-Basha - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

Absolutely delicious food! Ordered the mezzi appetizer and the for 2 mixed entree. It was two skewers for each meat with fries. When I say we ordered for two there was really enough to feed 3-4 people. So much food and everything was on point. The place looked great as well. It was a little hard to find parking but other than that food was quick considering it was packed and prices wasn't bad either. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

Al-Basha - Bread - my son loved it! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Paterson, New Jersey

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We came to this place on Saturday night around 7 and was told the wait time was around 1 to 1.5 h. Luckily we got the table within 45 min. We ordered Mix Marshwl for 2 and Mezza plus Falafel & Arayess. The unlimited fresh pita was fresh, steamy hot and yummy. read more

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Amazing service, Delicious and tasty food, atmosphere and decoration. Went to Paterson Falls and stopped here for Dinner minutes away and was full but only waited 15 minutes to be seated. The food had an amazing taste and served at fair time but quick. Ordered the Mashawi for four, Fries, and Mint and mango lemonades. Was very delicious to or taste buds as we are Puerto Ricans and Polish compared to our food. A MUST GO TO PLACE to eat and the staff were on the ball and serving nonstop. Will be back! read more

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The food is really, really, good, the ambience is really unique and comforting can't wait to go back and try more of that great food.

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. read more

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Food never disappoints! I always order the Mix Platter because I love everything and a side of hummus extra pita. The food is always fresh! I crave it at least once a week. read more

The mixed platter was Amazing!!! The lamb kebab was so tender and perfect seasoning and so tasty. Then the chicken shwarma sliced so nice and juicy. I really loved the food and ambiance here. The pita made to order with hummus and some other dipping like Baba Ganoush. I had a great experience here. read more