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Basbussa
Master Critic Review
Basbussa
8.4
Basbussa blends modern Middle Eastern cooking with a lounge-like dining room, pairing mazze, kebabs, and raw bar plates with cocktails and late-night energy. It skews more celebratory than everyday, with DJs and a clubbier vibe layered on top of rich, sharing-friendly platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mazza Hummus with warm pita, House Kebabs with hummus and tahini, Basbussa Royal Semolina Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Middle Eastern mazze and kebabs served in a high-energy, lounge-style setting.
Who should go: Night-owls planning festive dinners with friends.
When to visit: Later evenings when the music, lighting, and crowd build.
What to order: Hummus with pita, mixed kebabs, Basbussa semolina cake.
Insider tip: Book weekend reservations early and request a table away from the speakers if you prefer conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available on weekend evenings; street parking can be tight after 7pm but possible on surrounding residential blocks with a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—most guests wear elevated outfits suitable for a lounge-forward dinner.
Noise level: Loud, especially after 8pm—conversation is possible but expect club-style music and a lively crowd.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins often pushed to late-night seating.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening-focused restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection: mazze spreads, salads, grilled vegetables, and a few mains can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but present—typically 2–3 mazze options; confirm dressings and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free items (grilled meats, salads); pita and some sauces contain gluten, so ask for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want high energy and a celebratory backdrop—less ideal for quiet conversation, but great for a fun, stylish night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights before 7pm; on weekends, walk-ins usually face long waits and are often pushed to late-night slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—it's a lounge-forward, late-night environment. Best suited for adults and older teens who can handle louder settings.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Middle Eastern dining with a party atmosphere—stronger nightlife energy and cocktails than quieter neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want a mellow, conversation-friendly dinner or need extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.