Excellent food.I have never been disappointed. Rarely do we have dessert but their poached pear over rice pudding is so special. read more

Cant wait to go there again. So good we decided to host my sisters birthday there. Great food, wonderful, warm welcoming staff.

Intimate space and delicious meal! My had the tenderloin kebab which was tasty with the jewelled rice. My chicken was a bit dry but had nice seasoning read more

So this is actually the second time that I am reviewing this restaurant. Just went back the other night after an absence of about seven months. The food, ambiance and staff is still wonderful. This time, we had Nikki as our server. She was very helpful in swaying me towards one dish on the menu. I am a creature of habit and I am a big fan of their sea bass. Salmon is something that I make frequently at home, so I don't have a tendency to order it when I go out. This time, I did and it was wonderful. It was pan seared and seasoned to perfection. Ray, owner and Chef did a stellar job as always. I had it served with their special "jeweled" rice and broccoli. Hubby had the lamb shank which was fall off the bone delicious served with eggplant., on the side. So as the creature of habit, we ordered our usual delicious egg plant and pita bread appetizer with a kale salad that was light flavorful Although I was more than sufficiently full, my husband ordered dessert. Once again, the chocolate bread putting topped off with vanilla ice cream was delicious. This time, I won't wait seven months to go back read more

Basil Cafe Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Saint James, New York

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The food at this restaurant is delicious and the service is wonderful. The owner Ari is very attentive to her customers. You can bring your own wine and no corking fee. Can't wait to go back again!!!!! read more

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This place seems to keep getting better,great pasta dish's and good service. The dining area near the Bar is tight and dark, outside seems to be the favorite seating. Been going here for over 35 years, it's a pleasant stop and consistent. read more

Always wanted to give this place a try and so glad we did. It was a beautiful warm night so we sat in the back garden area. The wait staff was very attentive. Inside isn't the biggest so probably will call ahead for a reservation if needing to sit inside. Started with a a shrimp appetizer. The mango drizzle was an amazing touch. For dinner I had 2 types of chicken skewers, the flavors it was marinated in wereexcellent. I had also ordered a great veggie medley while my wife had a pasta dish that was very flavorful. Lastly, the poached pear over rice pudding with raspberry drizzle was to die for! Pairing it with a cappuccino really ended a delightful dinner. George was our server and very knowledgeable of the menu with suggestions. Also, its BYOB so I know to bring a bottle of wine with me next time (all the regulars clearly had that part down :). Love the location right on Lake too! So convenient for those of us that live in Saint James. Will definitely be coming here regularly! read more

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Had a delicious dinner here with my sister and aunt and uncle during a weekend trip to Long Island a couple weeks ago. My aunt and uncle had been here before and enjoyed it, and my sister and I thought the fusion Persian-Italian menu sounded interesting. We made a reservation for 7 pm and were seated immediately upon entering. Unfortunately, and this is where the 1 star comes off, the interior space is very small, and very cramped, and our table was wedged between two other big tables. My sister and I, who are both petite/thin, had to wedge ourselves into the space between the table and bar, which our chairs backed up to. From that point on, there was no moving. My aunt and uncle had their backs to the space between tables where the servers walked and were constantly bumped as the servers made their way back and forth. I felt that the tables could have been arranged more thoughtfully as there seemed to be wasted space with 2-seater tables that were empty around the periphery. Despite this, we had wine, and with wine, everything is usually made better! And, the food, which is really the point of this review, was really fantastic. We started with two salads - the Citrus Spinach Salad and the Kale Salad. Both were huge! Fresh greens, perfectly balanced dressings, good textures and beautiful to look at. I could not imagine getting one of these per person as your personal dinner salad and then eating your meal, unless you have a ravenous appetite. Since we didn't know the salads would be so large, we also ordered the sauteed eggplant appetizer. It was also really tasty, a nice portion for sharing, and a great foreshadowing for the flavors yet to come with our mains. My sister and I had decided to split an entree because we wanted to have dessert, and we figured that with the salad and eggplant dip, we would be OK...and we were totally right. We got the Zereshk Polo, which came with several pieces of succulent chicken in a light saffron sauce, with the jewel rice. We shared some with our aunt and uncle who wanted to try it; otherwise we finished our portions and were very happy. I cannot remember what my aunt and uncle ordered, but they enjoyed their meals and took home left overs. We finished with a dessert which we all split - the chocolate lava cake - the same perfection I expect whenever I order this anywhere - and we then ordered baklava to take home for later. Overall a really elegant, delicious dining experience, and one that, despite the cramped seating, I would definitely repeat. read more

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We had dinner with a few friends from out of state and it was our first time. I was a bit nervous feeling responsible for the outcome. Our server Carla was delightful, knowledgeable sweet and funny. We ordered too much to list lamb, salmon, pasta as well as apps but everything was outstanding. Especially the "Jewel Topping" for the Jasmin rice. I can't believe I live one town over and haven't experienced it before. We will be back. read more

Food was good-service was terrible! We sat outside, which seemed like a good idea, but we were basically forgotten.

Excellent food and service! Family run putting their heart into this gem. Go and check it out, we'll worth it! Elegant and comfortable decor, lovely atmosphere. We took my mother-in-law and father-in-law for a birthday lunch and the food was faultless in our opinion. We shared the humus plate for the table - crisped, fresh pita triangles, hummus was airy yet flavorful on the palate. Also for the table was the eggplant appetizer which was uniquely delicious and crave-worthy. Husband and I both very much enjoyed medallions of tender pork loin, lighted dusted with flour, sautéed with perfectly crisp edges with a fig sauce. Pan sautéed fingerling potatoes were savory nether in just enough butter and there's a limitless magic going on with the broccoli and julienned carrots that elevated them superbly. My in-laws opted for the salmon and the grilled shrimp appetizer, both of which were blissfully prepared. The chocolate lava cake is timeless and a must-have. Theirs is a light chocolate cake with a dark chocolate lava that is perfectly balanced. The food here is thoughtfully prepared with deft hands and skill. read more

Basil Cafe Restaurant - a woman sitting at a table - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Saint James, New York

Great place wonderful Persian-Mediterranean dishes.... pleasant backyard with picnic tables with umbrellas... hostess was the owner-wife Ari and chef was the owner-husband Ray who had made our reservation the day prior... we had possibly the favorites on thr Persian specialities dinner menu... ...their Koresh Budemjon...Lamb shank "falling off the bone" in a tomato based saffron broth like sauce with eggplant..with basmati rice on the side... was incredible... ...and the Zereshk Polo... chicken (cooked as if skewered) in saffron sauce with basmati rice and wild Persian barberries (made sightly sweet and sour tasting called Zereshk in Persian) with pistachio and almonds was marvelously flavorful... We started with the eggplant and pita appetizer just perfect! read more

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The Good - Food is wonderful. The concerns - Customers be aware. We had dinner there last night 5-11. We have been there several times before. Its a BYOB restaurant. We decided to bring 2 wine bottles this time. A red and a white. Found out that after the first bottle there is a $10.35 corking fee PER BOTTLE. This is NOT identified anywhere on their web site. This means if you are a party of 4 or 6 and you bring 4-5 bottles of wine there will be an extra $40 or $50 line item on the final bill. In our experience last night, our waitress improperly corked the red wine and got corking material in the bottle so I had cork in my drink. I expressed my displeasure. The $10 fee was still charged. It's possible they charge this fee to assist with profitability since they don't serve alcohol. I understand that, but they should post the extra $10 fee on their web site. read more

I love taking a chance on Yelp places! We wanted a nice place to eat near Smith Haven Mall. We didn't want to Eat on a main highway road because it just seemed like a lot of chains and also we wanted to feel like we went somewhere. Basil came up in the heart of St. James village, and all we had to read was Persian-Mediterranean and we were there. Now we're masked up and still not into indoor dining since we are both just recovering from the COVID, so we were a bit wary when we saw how small and cozy the place was - once we would have once considered it quaint and romantic, we just feel different about tight small spaces right now. However, we were about to take that plunge when the waitress mentioned OUTDOOR HEATED SEATING!! OMG!! And there we were seated in a warm spot with lots of space and embarked on a romantic dinner for 2. The food? Amazing! We salivated at the specials but opted to go for the Persian Menu. Hubby had Chicken, I ordered the meat combo, and boy did we enjoy our meals. We both started with delish butternut squash soup! And after stating emphatically that I did not want dessert, multiple times, and seeing a selection of items being delivered to a nearby table- I caved. Apple blossom WITH Ice Cream! A lovely place, great service and great food! read more

Picked up a $45 to go order. When asked for one piece of pita I was told I'd have to order a side order of pita. They don't give it out?!!! Owner heard conversation and still didn't offer the pita. Food was good not amazing This was the second chance I gave this place. First time I was disappointed at the unwelcoming and snide comments made when bringing in my handicapped parents for dinner with no reservation. Won't give a third chance read more

This restaurant is sooooo delicious!! You need to come, dine and drink BYOB!!!!!!!! The food is top notch. The staff is fabulous and accommodating!! Everything about this restaurant is fantastic. A hidden gem in St. James on Lake Ave. All of the food great, some of the standout's are the crab cakes, clam chowder, hummus, ALL of the seafood! Chocolate chip bread pudding and the baklava!!! My sister had the filet mignon and potatoes, she pretty much licked her plate clean. Everyone (5 of us) loved their dishes. We will be coming back very very soon because we really can't get enough. Make sure you make a reservation days before because it can be a tough resy to get at the last minute, or you may end up with a later reservation time. It's worth the wait. read more

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Last night we had a delectable dinner at Basil. The chilien sea bass jumped from the sea in my plate. The seasoning was perfect. The rice was cooked to perfection. The cuisine is light and tasty. My husband had the beef skewers which he enjoyed and he is very difficult to please. Desert got a high mark with the baklava and the chocolate bread pudding which you should not miss. The service was perfect. The ambiance was noisy and bubbly. We will definitely return to Basil for its excellent table. read more

$69. per fixed price Valentines day dinner, rack of lamb was delicious, veggy broccoli frozen errrr, better choice would have been Fresh Sautéed Broccoli Rabe. Small comfortable place asked to wait outside for reserved table No waiting area ,BYOB 1st time I have ever encountered this is pretty cool "I guess" , pleasant wait staff, felt a lil rushed ,( I'm aware it was a holiday) desert chocolate cake, good if you like chocolate cake no choices , coffee not included ,another $4 bucks ea. on to the $69. Compliments to manager/Owner my guest had an issue with her dinner, a NEW entree was prepared and served no questions asked. regretfully 3 stars .all this being said I did save at least $90 not having a bar bill,. read more

Hidden gem in St. James. Persian/Mediterranean fare in a quaint cozy restaurant with an open kitchen. Warmly decorated and inviting. Service was excellent. BYOB, no corkage fee. The appetizers were outstanding all around- my friends had the ceasar salad, crab cakes and the eggplant. I had the kale salad which was well dressed, generous portions. We all enjoyed our entrees and service was excellent. Thinking this may be another go to place in Suffolk County. read more

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Absolutely delicious! I ordered the blacked chicken pasta and it was amazing. I love the fact that it's BYOB, will definitely be back!

Excellent food and we love eating in the outside garden. It makes you feel like you are at home in your own backyard. Service is excellent and the food dishes are excellent. I love the lamb Persian style. It was my favorite. I also like their grilled chicken with the basmatic rice and caramelízales onions. The best part is that you can bring your own wine and they will serve it for you. Excellent place. I highly recommend it. read more

Great food, great service, and wonderful cozy ambiance. Really enjoyed the experience there!

Found this little jewel of Persian food in St. James. Basil Cafe's food was freshly prepared in an open kitchen setting. I enjoyed watching the chef meticulously prepare each dish, including my own. The NE Clam Chowder came out hot and tasty, the recommended lamb shank was tender and nicely spiced. I finished the meal with an apple blossom dessert. The staff was friendly, attentive, and very helpful. The owner was friendly as well, helping the chef whenever he had the chance. They have a nice garden seating area in the back, which I'll have to make reservations for the next time I go there. read more

Terrific mix of Italian, Mediterranean and Persian foods with flavorful composition. Bread pudding desert was epic. Friendly well-paced service at this family restaurant. Nice decor, lighting (maybe too bright but accommodating) fireplace. Small, comfortable welcoming venue. Have enjoyed grilled salmon, barg, mushroom bisque and shrimp skewers read more

Basil Cafe Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Saint James, New York

Our neighbors invited us out to dinner with reservations and we were told they were fully booked tonight. Wow, they were correct - every table was full by the time we left! It was very cozy though and didn't feel crowded. The food was delicious - my husband and I scarfed down it all - our fall salad split as an appetizer, our main course (we both got the pistachio-crusted salmon with basmati rice and broccoli), and our chocolate lava cake w/ ice cream dessert. We brought our own wine without issue and the wait staff took our dishes the moment we were done with them. It had been a few years since we were there last, but we were pleasantly surprised!! read more

Basil Cafe Restaurant - A perfect night out - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Saint James, New York

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. You must remember to make a reservation and BYOB. I hope you get Marcus as your waiter! It's a small quaint spot with excellent service. You will meet the chef/owner! Nice guy! read more

I highly recommend this true gem of a restaurant in St James! Friendly owners and staff make you feel so welcomed and cater to all your dining needs! read more

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My husband and I waited at least 15 minutes to be greeted or even acknowledged once we were sat at our table. Not one waitress came to say hello, open our bottle, or even ask if we would like something else to drink. Our breaking point was watching a waitress bus a large table (this was after waiting 15 minutes for someone to come by). We walked out and no one even asked us what happened. I really wanted to give this place a shot but how could we if we weren't even properly greeted and taken care of. We went to another local restaurant with no reservations and were sat and greeted within 2 minutes. read more

Small restaurant but definitely a hidden Jem. The food is delicious. The service is great. The owner was very nice and came to talk to our table of four. We ordered the clam chowder, eggplant spread, flatbread, lamb shank, lamb chops, pasta and chicken soup. We are looking forward to coming back. read more

If I could give it more stars Basil Cafe would deserve it. Smoothly run family business with such delicious food and fresh ingredients. The flavors are unique and the portions are generous. Don't miss this place. read more

We had the opportunity to dine here a week ago. From the minute we walked in we knew we had picked the right place. We were greeted warmly by the staff and showed to our table. The service was spot on as were the recommendation provided by the server. Our apps, dinner and dessert were all well prepared and delicious. Do yourself a giant favor and make sure to stop by Basil and treat yourself to an amazing meal. read more

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The problem for me was that this place was hyped up to be excellent, and it was just good. The waitress we was very unfriendly, quite shitty actually. That aside, the food was just good, I would not go back again, but I would not say don't go try it for yourself. read more

Second time around and just as good as I remembered! 3 of our party had the ZERESHK POLO: BASMATI RICE JEWELLED WITH WILD PERSIAN BARBERRY (ZERESHK), PISTACHIO, AND ALMOND SERVED WITH CHICKEN IN SAFFRON SAUCE And all 3 loved it. I had Pan Seared Salmon done to perfection. We were able to sit outside and have a casual relaxed wonderful dinner. Our waitress Carla was very sweet and attentive. We've been here during the winter and now the end of summer. Guaranteed we will be back for more delicious Persian homemade cooking, read more

We love it! Friendly service. Great staff. We have been there a few times. Never felt rushed. Great menu selection. We especially like the byob. read more

This restaurant never gets old. Simply our favorite restaurant. Romantic friendly quiet but not too quiet. The food is exceptional and always consistent. Hardworking husband and wife team who always make you feel like you are the most important patron. This restaurant is EVERYTHING!!!!! read more

This was my first time here and I was blown away by the delicious Persian cuisine. I had the Cornish hen and jeweled rice but my family were equally impressed by the "Barb" and chicken shish Kebob with basmati rice. Charming and intimate ambiance. read more

When Friday night. Party of 5. Seated in the patio. Great atmosphere. Great service, food. Great value for the money. Owners very friendly. Highly recommend. Bring your own wine. No charge to open the wine. Will be my number one choose for fine dining. Well done. read more

Great local gem in St James. We started with the eggplant appetizer and it was quite good. Then we had the Barg and the zereshk polo. Both main courses were great. Flavors were delicious. Dessert was the only item we thought was fair. We had the baklava which was dry and not as good as we've had at other places. We like the idea of BYOB. I would come back again. read more

We came for lunch yesterday to try out the Persian dishes. I had the Zereshk Pollo, which was grilled saffron chicken with rice and an absolutely delicious Persian sauce made with onions, nuts, and berries. My husband had the pork loin with Caramelized figs. Everything was delicious including the homemade pita bread, apple blossom, and Greek salad. The place is small but tastefully decorated. The hostess/server was actually one of the owners. She was delightful and friendly. The meals are moderately priced and the portions are generous. Sadly, they do not have a liquor license at the present so it is BYOB, which we were unaware of. We definitely look forward to coming back when the weather warms up, for Basil has two outside seating areas. read more

A true hidden secret, food was amazing. Great atmosphere, wait staff very attentive.