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413 Lake Avenue,Saint James, NY 11780
For reservations, please call : 631-862-4444
About
About Basil Cafe Restaurant
We Speak English & Persian | Family Owned | Locally Operated
We Speak PersianFamily OwnedLocally Operated
Our Story
Basil Cafe Restaurant opened in 2017, but our story goes back further than that. We started out as a tiny cafe and had famous dishes that earned us a household name in the North Shore area. Our saffron chicken and Soltani kebabs were called "hidden gems."
Our chef, Ray Akhlaghi, purchased our present location and added lots of improvements to what was previously known as the St. James Zar Cafe. Ever since then, we've been preparing tremendous Persian-Mediterranean food to our guests who keep coming back for more.
Learn More About Present Location
Basil Cafe Restaurant celebrates the cuisine of the Mediterranean with a variety of textures, flavors, and colors in a relaxing and casual atmosphere. You can even bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal. Kid-friendly options are also available.
Owner and chef, Ray Akhlaghi, and his wife, Arezoo, who both oversee the front of the house, are originally from Iran. They brought with them the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. We give you that backyard dining feel at our place.
"Today was the second time I have been to Basil Cafe and it’s been consistently delicious. The food is flavorful, fresh and the Persian options on the menu are all great choices. The jeweled rice is incredible. The restaurant also has a really cute and secluded outdoor patio, which is perfect for the summer. The owners are wonderful and very welcoming. Overall a really charming and great restaurant; I would definitely return and recommend to others." - Na Dia
"Went to Basil Cafe with my friends today. The food was excellent and our server Steven was a pleasure. Did excellent job remembering all our menu choices - will definitely be back. My compliments to the chefs for a great meal." - Elizabeth Cromwell Warne
"Just found out about this place and I live in Saint James! What a fabulous restaurant! Had a special Lamb Shank which was delicious, and my husband had a sirloin steak. The best he ever had. The owners are a pleasure to talk to and very attentive. Will definitely be back." - Dina Catania Durando