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HomeRestaurantsPaterson, NJAl-Basha
Al-Basha
4.2
47 reviews
67% will return

Al-Basha

1076 Main Street, Paterson, NJ

$$

Halal summary

The owners are Muslim and have confirmed its halal status. All food at this restaurant is certified halal.

Fully halal
No alcohol allowed

About Al-Basha

Full Arabian breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, from stuffed squash to rack of lamb. Catering for 10 to 10,000 people. Manhattan touch with a hometown feel. Prepared meals to taste as well.

Photos

Hours

Monday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Location

1076 Main Street, Paterson, NJ

4.2
47 reviews·13% would return
5
4
3
2
1
S

Sameer Sarmast

May 22, 2016•20 reviews
4

The food is absolutely delicious! This spot has a family oriented vibe, there\'s no hookah, just great dishes and tea. My only issue here is that the service is inconsistent. The man with the English accent is awesome but some of the other waiters act like you\'re doing them a favor by being there. I usually order the hummus with the meat, muhamara, the Al-Basha Platter and their whole grilled chicken.

Would return
I

Ibn Fooduta

Apr 30, 2016•329 reviews
4

We enjoyed the fresh breads and hummus. The garlic sauce is also very delicious. But I was disappointed with the meats which were not bad but in Paterson, I expect nothing less than the best. The lamb chops were a little gamey. The kabobs could have used more flavor. The half chicken was good though. The lamb cubes and chicken cubes were ok. I think this place is over rated and for the meats, I would definitely go across the street to Abu Rass.

Would return
G

Georgina Prentice

Sep 19, 2014•78 reviews
5

Very generous as portions are huge so always have leftovers to take home.

R

Rizwan Majeed

Mar 6, 2013•5 reviews
5

Great food and great environment. The Kofta Kabob platter and stuffed falafels are to die for. Friendly service as well.

N

Nebras Dibaja

Oct 14, 2012•2 reviews
1

I went there for a shawerma meal, well, they brought me a plate of sauteed chicken bites ... not shawerma at all, the excuse: "it was too early (3:00 PM), and the shawerma was not ready"! couldn't you tell me that when I ordered? very slow processing, it took over half an hour to get the meal, I'm not going back there and I won't recommend the place to a friend or even an enemy.

Would not return
H

Halalbite Foodguide

Jul 28, 2012•27 reviews
4

Positive: The best Middle Eastern food joint in Paterson as per Zabihah.com. The shawarma hummus platter is excellent. Negative: Their specials finish very quickly. The meat quality is not great compared to other Middle Eastern restaurants. Overall: Great place to go with family and friends to enjoy a delicious Middle Eastern meal but their ambiance and food taste has dwindled. Revisit: I will only revisit for the shawarma hummus platter when in the area.

P

Philip Assad

Mar 11, 2012•1 review
5

Al Basha is the best halal restaurant in New Jersey. I have been all over the state, and in several states along the east coast from New Jersey to Southern Florida, and Al Basha ranks among the best of the best. Their dishes are cooked in traditional style. I have tried almost everything on the menu after several years of visiting Al Basha, and I have not had anything that was perfectly delicious. The food is consistent, and the service is very friendly. I and my family have been visiting Arabic restaurants around the country for over 25 years, and we have owned an Arabic restaurant for over 10 years, and I have to say that Al Basha has impressed me. I would take my closest friends and family to Al Basha for a truly authentic and delicious halal experience.

Would return
M

Madiha Abbas

Sep 16, 2011•26 reviews
5

I LOVE Al-Basha. We drive over to Paterson specifically to eat at Al-Basha. I have yet to taste a chicken shawarma as tasty and juicy as the ones at Al-Basha. Good price. Great food. Good seating. Courteous staff. They used to have free soup with entree but I don't know if they still do that or not. Regardless, I will remain a loyal client if the quality continues.

Would return
I

Imtiaz A

Aug 29, 2011•35 reviews
3

Nice looking restaurant - food is nothing to really report

Would return
Y

Yehya T

Apr 11, 2011•1 review
1

I have been to many halal restaurants in general and Lebanese in particular all around this country. I have to say that this is one the worst of all I have seen. Let me be specific: 1- The service is incredibly poor. The waiter seemed to simply ignore my wife when we wanted to order. He was asking all the questions from me! 2- I ordered a steak which was literally burnt in an unpleasant dish. My wife ordered a kofta kabob which was also burnt. 3- The time it took from ordering to having my food was more than forty five minutes. To be fair I have to say that the owner was very pleasant and polite, but other than that I do not recommend this place whatsoever.

Would not return
S

Shahid Cheema

Mar 19, 2011•9 reviews
4

One of the great restaurants in Paterson. Very good food but not the best.

K

kashi habib

Feb 8, 2011•1 review
1

i don't know about others but few day ago me and my family had dinner there. we ordered al basha platters. most of my family got very bad food poisoning. i won't go to the restaurant again.

Would not return
D

Desi Crombie

Oct 25, 2010•7 reviews
3

It's a nice place but they need to improve on few things, especially service. we go there often, on our last visit we were party of 8 and their service was pathetic...Water pitcher and glasses were never placed on the table, appetizers (Mazzah) came in after 30 minutes of ordering...It was not that busy, which could have delayed the serving.

Would return
G

G Abdulkarim

Oct 14, 2010•6 reviews
4

The place is clean, the service is good. As for the food it's nice, not the best but tasty. Their open buffet has a wide variety, which could give you a sense of Arabic/ medial-eastern food. Worth trying it if your in the area.

L

larry azarelo

Nov 23, 2009•1 review
5

This is by far the best middle eastern food I have ever had. We have eaten in the restaurant twice.My wife is the expert, and after our first meal there she insisted on going back to see if it really was that good. This is added to our list of restaurants that we frequent. The owner seats at a table as you enter and is very gracious. The staff is great and you are never rushed. After our meal we like to have a pot of mint tea and talk. Very relaxing.

M

Mohammad Mustaffa

Nov 10, 2008•1 review
5

ceep it up u r the best

R

Ramzi Khalil

Nov 2, 2008•1 review
5

I would like to state the fact that I'd like to clear up the air. First of all there is ample street parking available on either main street or the Delaware ave. At worst situation you have to park about one block away. So there shouldn't be any complaints about parking. People go eat in manhattan and don't complain about the 40 dollar a night parking then having to walk to the restaurant. This is free street parking and you will find ample street parking within a small city block. Next thing I would like to clear up is I have been eating at this restaurant almost 1-3 times a week since they have opened and not once have I ever suffered any illness or defecation from their food. It has been always fresh and consistent. I actually buy one order(which is huge) and save it for the next day and eat it and its very good. They get their meat from a local source and they have a clean kitchen. If anyone has an issue with allergies or particular food exceptions that can irritate your stomach you should ask indefinitely about how they prepare the food and what spices they use so that you may not incur any illness that you may incur from eating anywhere. If you are to complain about this restaurant register with your true information and approach the management so that they can resolve this issue you faced or else your review doesn't mean anything. Remember that to take into consideration all the food you ingested that day and three days back to correctly identify the source of the cause before you put blame where blame is not appropriate. Every restaurant has their down times where employees do not show up on time, the kitchen overwhelmed with orders and some patience is needed. You cannot judge a place by one visit. Also if you are an arrogant and obnoxious customer why would anyone want to serve you. Be pleasant and polite and you will get better service anywhere you go. If you received bad service or slow service or anything you did not like you should bring it up to management so that they can work your unsatisfactory visit and make it into a satisfactory visit. They have not been in business for this long and remain in business for this long for nothing or making sure to piss off every customer. The have been in business because they care and they make sure they are on top of things and satisfy their clients. Every restaurant in the world will always have a disgruntled customer. You cannot make everyone happy, but they do try to satisfy 99.9 % of their clients. They care about their reputation and especially with both the NON Middle-Eastern clientele and Middle Eastern clientele. If you have a problem don't leave frustrated and then comment. Do it in person and face to face otherwise it doesn't count. I'm really defensive of this place since I have been eating here since they have opened. Overall I experienced it all and I have to say they live up to my expectations 99 times out of 100 and they are allowed that 1 time to be off...the food is always fresh and when I ask them to make the food less salty or more salty or more oniony or more peppery or more well done or more raw or add this or do that.. you know what they do it. Also if you only speak English and need only an English speaking person ASK FOR IT. If you have a problem or dissatisfied please ask for the manager or the assistant manager. Call ahead of time and ask for them, they do speak 100% English. I'm sure if you know how to leave a comment you can find their number and call. They will refund your money or make you another dish and satisfy your dilemma. Any issues with the place bring it up to management not the workers. They will solve and help your issues. If you got slow service or bad service bring it up to management and find out the reason what happened. Without your input and constant feedback small things might slip by in an overall attempt to make this place the best middle eastern restaurant new jersey has to offer.

B

Bbq Fan

Jul 13, 2008•22 reviews
5

Excellent food. Friendly service. Great restaurant if you are a meat lover. Parking is a bit of a challenge.

F

Farooq Ali

Feb 20, 2008•15 reviews
5

LMAO. Every single time I went there, I saw these same two cops smoking sheesha with the owner. Good food and reasonably priced. One of my cousins is known for literally licking his plate clean when we go out to eat, however, he was unsuccessful during his attempt with the Al-Basha platter. They just give you so much meat that you won't know what to do with it. Give it a try if your in the area. Finish off with a sheesha and their classic mint tea.

A

Adnan Anwar

Oct 3, 2007•3 reviews
5

The best arab food I have ever had... I went there for Iftar buffet and every single item on the buffet was delicious. The management was very friendly and the service was awesome. Buffet was priced very reasonably as well.

A

A. Rahim Khan

Aug 2, 2007•59 reviews
4

Good food, but still doesn't beat Ali Baba in Golden, CO

F

Frankie Vito

Mar 6, 2007•2 reviews
5

Tried Them all nothing beats the flavor at Al-Basha, the atmosphere is Middle Eastern at its best. All the employes were very nice and the owner was very friendly. Also the food was great. An experience you must try.

S

Sam Bitar

Mar 2, 2007•1 review
5

If you want to experience the real Middle Eastern home cooking, the place is Al Basha resturant. The buffet is so satisfying to every taste, and prices are reasonable

M

missrabo

Jan 7, 2007•20 reviews
2

This restaurant deserves credit for its atmosphere and excellent service. the food, unfortunately, is not as great. i had the beef shawarma which made me sick; my sister had the lamb shish kebab which was slightly better but nothing special. the prices were reasonable, making the dinner bearable.

A

Alla Mustafa

Sep 22, 2005•1 review
5

I travel all the way from Albany,NY with my wife every other weekend just to have real good Middle Eastern food. The employees are nice and the setting reminds me of back home overseas.I highly recommend it for your family.

N

Neimah Mustafa

Sep 16, 2005•1 review
5

Excellent food,amazing falafel,service is prompt and efficient,fairly inexpensive and the owner is very friendly.Definitely worth a visit!

R

Rizwan Hasnie

Feb 19, 2005•73 reviews
3

We had dinner buffet. Some of the stuff was good and some was not. The owner was very hospitable. One of us got really sick after having their food so please be mindful of that.

A

Ahmad Ibrahem

Feb 8, 2005•1 review
5

ohhh A great place to pick up Middle Eastern sandwiches (hummus, baba ghannoush, shawarma) or to sit and enjoy a more substantial plate with shawarma or kebab and Middle Eastern salad and other side dishes. Good value for your money; but, minimalist cafe style seating area.A must visit if you are in Paterson for Kebabs. They serve Halal buffet durin' lunch. They seafood rice dish is excellent. The resturant is modest and the service is excellent. Definitely a good place to eat Halal food. thak God we have restaurant like Albasha to go there and eat frish and %100 halal lets go albasha

J

Jameela F

Jan 29, 2005•1 review
5

This restaurant is excellent. The owner is a really nice guy. He always makes sure we are taken care of. He is not a personal friend just someone that makes sure his customer's are well taken care of. Try the Al-Basha Medezza if you like a mix of things. Really good spicy dishes.

F

Farhan Choudhery

Nov 28, 2004•5 reviews
1

This was by far one of the worse resturants I have ever been to. I ate a gyro there Friday afternoon, and I was throwing up consently till 5am the next morning. I wouldn't recommend this resturant to anyone. Not only did I get sick, my brother was sick too.

F

Farooq Muzaffar

Nov 26, 2004•5 reviews
1

I don't understand why the reviews are so high on this restaurant. The service was very poor. We were waited on after about 20 minutes got our food after about 45 and then no one returned. I took the leftovers, which there was plently of, up to the counter to have it wrapped. And then I had to ask for the bill twice. Sad thing was that they weren't even that busy. The rice was completely undercooked. It was so undercooked that it was crunching in my mouth. The chicken and salad tasted very bitter. The kofta kebab was pretty decent. My husband and I rate restaurants and we both decided that this was one of those restaurants that you do not want to come back too.

S

Sayed Naziri

Sep 28, 2004•7 reviews
5

fattoush salad i eat at two places home and here guess what there both good go get some they make it good i eat it 3 or 4 times a wekkk okai enjoy shukran

A

Abu Ali

Jul 14, 2004•10 reviews
5

What a surprise! Having eaten at halal restaurants I did not expect much from one of only 2 halal restaurants in New jersey. So good. So Fresh. Made to order right on the spot. Portion sizes were huge. The kitchen is not hidden away in the back but right out frong and you can see how clean it is. Staff was friendly and went out of their way. Even offered to fill our kids bottles up with milk on our way out. You can't go wrong with this place. Every once in a while you'll hear the cha-ching of a cash register as souveniers are bought...but we were so focused on "hubbing" the deluctable food that it didn't bother us a bit. if you like lebanees food or middle Easter food just come to this restaurant and we meat them in manhatan too.

J

j k

Jul 13, 2004•3 reviews
5

This place is by far the best place to eat. Their portions are large and the best buy for your money. For great arabic food this is the place hands down.

S

Sheeraz Z

Jul 11, 2004•19 reviews
5

Nice atmospehere and good food. A great place to pick up Middle Eastern sandwiches (hummus, baba ghannoush, shawarma) or to sit and enjoy a more substantial plate with shawarma or kebab and Middle Eastern salad and other side dishes. Good value for your money; but, minimalist cafe style seating area.A must visit if you are in Paterson for Kebabs.

M

munin habibi

May 30, 2004•14 reviews
4

My husband took me and the children there for dinner. Service was extremely slow it took at least 35 minutes for a waiter to even come over to our table. The waitstaff almost make you feel like you don't belong in the restaurant. However, the food was delicious I had the platter which was superb. This is a family oriented restaurant.

R

Rania Gamal

Dec 28, 2003•11 reviews
5

A great place to pick up Middle Eastern food Excellent Food, Excellent hospitality, you gonna feel like home. Every thing on the menu is wonderful and specially the Basha platter.I have going there for five years, this is my favourite place, highly recommended.please go if you looking for halal food.

R

rafe husain

Dec 20, 2003•11 reviews
5

This food is delicious and inexpensive. Has a lovely ambiance to it. Service is very freindly. Great place to go with friends and familyVery good food at very reasonable prices. Service is great. Friends from out of town always insist on going there.

S

Sakina K

Nov 17, 2003•3 reviews
4

Nice atmospehere and good food.

M

mahmmoud oun

Nov 17, 2003•17 reviews
5

They serve Halal buffet durin' lunch. They seafood rice dish is excellent. The resturant is modest and the service is excellent. Definitely a good place to eat Halal food.

Y

yahya dawood

Oct 10, 2003•38 reviews
5

great food, but not enough attention by waitstaff to customers.

S

Syed Sadath

Oct 2, 2003•2 reviews
5

Meat Lover? This is the place to fulfill your hunger for Meat - Kebabs (Sheesh, Boti, Tikka, Chaps...) Shawarma, Chicken, beef, lamb and my favorite, Quail. A must vist when I have visitors from other states.

A

AZEEM SAHER

Mar 31, 2003•58 reviews
5

Excellent Food, Excellent hospitality, you gonna feel like home. Every thing on the menu is wonderful and specially the Basha platter.I have going there for five years, this is my favourite place, highly recommended.

A

AZEEM SAHER

Jan 14, 2003•58 reviews
5

Excellent Middle-East restaurant. Food and prices are Excellent

O

Omer Bajwa

Dec 12, 2002•5 reviews
5

Excellent Food, Excellent hospitality, you gonna feel like home. Every thing on the menu is wonderful and specially the Basha platter.I have going there for five years, this is my favourite place, highly recommended.

A

AZEEM SAHER

Mar 2, 2002•58 reviews
5

Very good food at very reasonable prices. Service is great. Friends from out of town always insist on going there.

K

Kaiz Khan

Mar 30, 2001•5 reviews
5

A great place to pick up Middle Eastern sandwiches (hummus, baba ghannoush, shawarma) or to sit and enjoy a more substantial plate with shawarma or kebab and Middle Eastern salad and other side dishes. Good value for your money; but, minimalist cafe style seating area.

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